Roots & Branches

     One of the best genealogy magazines available today is “Everton’s Genealogical Helper”.  I read it as a rule each month.  The articles and insights are always keeping me thinking.  Recently in the September/October 2007 issue there was the article “From the Editor” by Leland K. Meitzler.  In the regular editors’ notes, he tells of another article in the July 2007 issue of “Smithsonian” by Richard Conniff.  The article brings up the question “Should we spend the time doing genealogy or not?” and “Is it worth all the work?”   Many of us have become obsessed about our family lines, but not everyone buys into the idea that genealogy is important. 

     I found these articles to be a good reminder to anyone doing genealogy.  Basically the articles nudge us to remember, that the genealogy work we do is only as true as the hardcopy information tells us.  When doing genealogy, many people are more than happy to take someone’s word for it and this can lead you down the wrong path if you are not careful .  We might be tempted to add into a line that we have been given, but beware.  Always check your work or the work that has been given to you.

     We would all like to think that we are related to some famous person, and some people are, some are not.  For instance, my family has an oral history that we are related to the infamous Younger Brothers, the outlaws from Missouri.  Well this may be true, but I still have not been able to tie them to my blood line.  For this reason I am not adding them to my line as yet.  There will have to be much more research before this is documented and then the additions can be made. 

     On the other hand, I have however been fortunate enough to be given a packet of information from a distant relative that is a very serious genealogist.  This side of the family has not always kept the best records and I have found it hard to locate this paticular great-great grandfather.  After placing an ad, in “Everton’s Genealogical Helper” some years ago, she saw the ad and contacted me.  She has been a great help and after checking a part of the additional family lines she has shared, I now trust her work and feel confidant that these are accurate.  

     The bottom line is genealogy takes a lot of time and energy.  You have to choose for yourself if this is something you choose to be dedicated to.  Always be careful and keep good records.  For me personally it has been well worth the effort.  I can loose myself in the histories of “my people” very easily.  

 Best of Luck in your search!

Helpful tip:

Available at the Sweetwater County Library are two genealogy magazines for your use,

“Everton’s Genealogical Helper” and “Family Tree Magazines.”