Family

I have a hard time coming up with posts for this blog. I try to think of things that will help or inspire others in their searches. When I stop working on my own Family History, which is what I have done for several months now, I have NO ideas. Today I have one though...probably because I have been working on my family history this past week.
Family.
This time of year we spend lots of time with family. I probably could have posted a blog about asking your family during the holiday gatherings for information about family members that are no longer with us. I have learned that is easier said that done. One time we were able to get my grandpa to talk about WWII. The one and only time. When it comes to my husband's family it is much harder. Those I want to gain information from don't care about Family History and therefore don't want to talk about it because they think it bores others. I have learned though that sometimes I can get them to just tell stories about family members and that gives probably more insight than anything.
BUT that isn't what I am posting about today. I am posting about how there is a connection with people when you find family. I sent a letter to my great aunt a few months ago. She called and we talked for about an hour. She gave me information that no one else would ever be able to provide me with. It was completely priceless. Since then we have exchanged very touching Christmas cards.
This week I was contacted by a completely random stranger, who is also a relative. Suddenly I want to email and share information. That connection knowing that you are family...even if so distant as to be 5th cousins, adds such a warm feeling to my heart. I want to get to know these people whom I reach out to or they reach out to me. We have a connection! One of you might have a personal history of an ancestor that is very interesting and valuable to both of you. It might have helped create who you are.
I know that is how it should be with everyone since in the end we are all children of our Heavenly Father but being able to track where our blood matches up is a powerful thing.
I recommend going out and connecting or reconnecting with your family members.

Census Records

Census records hold a wealth of information. Sometimes it can be very difficult to read and decipher the handwriting, but it can provide a wealth of information if time and patience are taken.
This week I want to mention Peter Knight. For months and probably even a bit more than a year it looked like this ancestor's name was Jeter. Someone had transcribed a census record to read Jeter and because I had not found any other records to counter this, I kept looking for a Jeter.
All along, I felt that this name was wrong and kept coming back to the source over and over again. Then one day it dawned on me! He name was PETER not Jeter. The front part of the P had worn off in the last 168 years on the census. As soon as I realized this, I was able to find more records, including his marriage date to his wife Mary.
I decided that more needed to be done in relation to Peter and Mary and not just follow the genetic line through their son, Edward. I needed more information on Matilda, their daughter.
As fate would have it, I was able to find a cousin, from the line of another brother, who was willing to help me find information on her. Because of this cousin in less than 10 days I was able to find Matilda's husband's name and two of her children.
I know that sharing information and admitting that help is needed can produce great results. I am constantly learning about different ways to find ancestors which creates wonderful bonds with others.
Past Times is more than just those who lived in the past, it is about creating friendships with those who are related to us, and possibility very distantly, but always helping forge those links.