Photo Friday - Clarence & Margaret Inez Ansley (ca1948)

My dad, Clarence Ansley & his sister, Margaret Inez

Uncommon Surnames... Boomershine

Alonidious (1878-1958) Boomershine & his son, Ira Boomershine (1902-1979)

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I've heard people complain about having uncommon surnames to research. Me, personally - I rather like having an uncommon surname - like Boomershine to research!

It appears to me, that people have a tendancy to remember you easier if your surname isn't all that common. Frequently in the mail people send me things relating to the surname.

It seems that people associate me with the surname, good or bad... the mail brings obituaries, books and all sorts of things. One lady, who I still get clippings from - rescued a box of photographs - said she was at an estate sale and the lady mentioned she had this box of photo's that she needed a home for. They were Boomershine family photo's. Family feud. Hard feelings. That sort of thing. She thought of me, took the photo's and mailed them to me. Bread box size box! The great photo you see above of Lon & Ira Boomershine was found, labeled with names in that box!

I believe over 85% percent of the box of photo's were identified and labeled by the original owner. I scanned them, contacted the line they belonged to & returned the photo's to the family.

When I first began researching the surname I encountered a lady who had been researching for many years longer than myself. When she was just weeks from dying she called saying that she was sending her materials to me. She didn't think her family would keep her work, no one seemed interested. A few days later it all appeared on my doorstep. Don't ask, she asked that she remain nameless.

I'm not quite sure what it is that brings this on, but I am thankful & humbled that they trust me enough with all these things to send them. I am at times overwhelmed by the trust.

Researching an uncommon surname - Its a very good thing!

Happy Researching!

Karen