I love stories of courage and human interest whether we’re related by blood or human experience.

I started my family history and genealogy research by interviewing my older relatives and then searched Worldconnect on Rootsweb for other people who were researching common ancestors.  In 2001 there were 324 people on my Family Tree which I uploaded to Worldconnect on Rootsweb.  In the past 9 years, about half a dozen 3rd or 4th cousins have found me through my family tree online.  They have become dear friends.

This past Summer, I had a little more time on my hands and pulled out my genealogy project again.  Currently there are 786 people on my family tree.  I set up FaceBook Groups for introducing cousins, generating interest among the younger generation and allowing all cousins to upload photos and documents, have discussions and share stories.  Right now there are approximately 75 cousins who have joined at least one of the 4 cousins groups.  Ancestral homes have been located in Ireland and Wales.  Old photos passed down one line of the family have been shared with 50+ other cousins.  There have been many surprises and many people who have gone out of their way to help build our tree. 

Special thanks to the following people who have gone out of their way to help in researching my family tree:

Doug Magers, Historian, Newcastle, IN

Debbie Hodson, Nottingham, England

Michael Rutherford, Historian, Perry County, IN

Helen and Ros, Machynlleth Library, Wales

Alice O’Sullivan owner of River Valley Farmhouse Inn, Minish, Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland

Marie Daly, Library Director, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, MA