RootsWeb is funded and supported by
Ancestry.com and our loyal RootsWeb community.
Learn more.
About Us | Contact Us | Copyright | Report Inappropriate Material
Corporate Information | Privacy | Terms and Conditions | CCPA Notice at Collection
LOVE makes a family!
So do the roots that bind us all together!
I have always been fascinated with history; mine, yours and everyone's. About 11 years ago I was really fortunate to receive two suitcases full of letters, photos, diaries, documents (such as; social security card, driver's license). These are from my grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles. I have a gold mine that has VERY SLOWLY, helped me find out more information about my family. I am still organising, cataloguing, sorting and reading through these suitcases. While being a great genealogy tool, it is also an incredible pandora's box. I am reliving the past through their eyes and it can sometimes be overwhelming. Many times, while reading, I want to write back, and then I remember that these people are no longer with us. It is truly amazing how these pieces of paper keep them alive!
I used to want to jump ahead and do research to find out more about my family, with the few tidbits I knew. However, I never got far as my information was so limited. Now, 11 years later, I am finally getting answers.
It is so true that the first place to look is in your own backyard. Talk to family members, look through drawers, go to your local cemetery etc. I used to be very shy and I was worried people would reject me when I tried to contact them about my family. I was wrong! I have been in contact with two of my great Aunts for 6 years now, because I picked up the phone and took a chance. As with all family, I have met members whom I have nothing in common with, but they still welcomed me with open arms.
Digging and searching for my roots has been extremely rewarding, and as I go along, I keep picking up family members who are just as excited as I am. The journey is much more pleasant with company!
I am just learning how to put up a Family History website, so keep visiting! Things will get better!
Here are some of my favorite websites:
A great tool to help you dig for your roots! (https://sites.rootsweb.com)
Another great place to look for your family! (http://www.familysearch.org)
Fayette Co.Iowa Site (http://www.angelfire.com/ia/fayette2/fayetteindex.htm)