Lists, Beggars, & Family History

So, how's that pedigree chart coming along?  Got some stuff filled-in?  Have some blanks?  Good.  Now you have something to work with.  And to continue the previous post's building analogy, you have started the blueprint of your family history.  You're not done, but at least you can see what needs to be done.

Speaking of which, what does need to be done?  What blanks are empty?  Now think about who in your family might have the answers.  Don't forget about some of the older members of your family.  They are excellent resources for your family history research.  In some cases, they may have actually been there.  They may even have important documents, photos, letters, etc.  You never know.  You just might find a relative who says, "Yeah.  I inherited all this stuff, and it's taking up a bunch of space.  Space I'd like to have back.  If you come and get all this crap, it's yours.  Otherwise, I'm just gonna throw it away."  Hey, crazier things have happened, folks.  And if that does occur, then go.  Now.  Don't even finish reading my blog post. This is serious stuff. Go save that crap.  [Oops. I mean family history artifacts.]

So, the next step is to make a list and check it twice.  But we're not gonna find out who's naughty or nice.  [At least, not right now.  You'll find out later that these ancestors can be full of surprises.]

This list that you're making is a list of family members who might be able to help you fill-in the blanks on your pedigree chart.  [And if you're lucky, some stories.]  So, think about it.  Meditate on it.  Sleep on it.  Then make your list.

Let me know in the comments below how many you come up with.  And, no, this isn't a competition [which is good because I'd lose].  I'm just curious.

Here.  I'll go first.

In my family, I have a whopping 2 people that I could call or visit with concerning my family history.  Not many.  I know.  But it's something to work with.  And as my mom used to say to me whenever I'd complain about not getting what I wanted, "Beggars can't be choosy, Caroline."  And you know what?  She was right [as usual].


~Caroline

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