I Took the Plunge!

After using Ancestry.com for research for several years, I decided to upload my family trees. I had been hesitant in the past due to privacy concerns, etc. I know there are safeguards in place to hide information on living people, but I was hesitant just the same. But, I decided to export my tree, doing one for reach grandparent and back and using the grandparent as the starting person; only ancestors, no descendants. This way there’s less of a problem with privacy as I did not use any living people. I decided to divide my trees rather than upload one large one so I can track them better. And I can name them with the primary surnames for that line. For me, it makes looking at connections easier.

Well, now I wonder why I waited so long! I have connected with cousins I haven’t been in contact with for years and have met some new ones I didn’t know I had. I’ve found information I didn’t have that would have taken many hours researching in various databases by individual.

I kept seeing the commercials for ancestry and the references to the little leaf. I didn’t know what they were talking about. Well, DUH! That’s because I didn’t have a tree in there. Once you upload your tree, ancestry does a search and finds documents and sources that may go along with the people in the tree. Many are census records, but there are matches to items in all their other databases as well. Also, it shows you other people who have the same person in their tree so you can connect with them or just follow when they have uploaded something new.

One great feature is the ability to attach photos and documents from other people’s trees to your own. I found some stories and pictures I didn’t have so added them. My mother checks ancestry now and then and she saw a picture I had added and asked me, “Where did you get a picture of Grandma Jenny’s headstone?!” It was wonderful to share that, and other finds with her.

So, I encourage anyone who has not uploaded a tree to ancestry, to do so and see what treasures you may find.

Happy Hunting!

Advent Calendar-December 6-Santa Claus

I remember writing letters to Santa, leaving milk and cookies and even carrots for the reindeer. But one particular memory that has stayed with me is about believing in Santa Claus. Santa was a big deal at our house, with 5 children and 10 years between the oldest and youngest we kept the tradition going on for quite some time. I do remember believing in Santa long after my friends and peers did. One day at school several of us were talking about Santa during recess. I very matter-of-factly stated that there had to be a Santa because how could parents afford all that stuff!

Sorting Saturday

I inherited a box of papers and notes that a great-aunt had when she was writing many of her books. I haven't yet opened it or gone through any of it because I want to have plenty of time when I do. Since I am getting caught up on other things this long week end, I hope to get into it later today.

Thriller Thursday

Today's blog prompt suggest thrilling stories from the past but I have one for today.
While doing some searching last night, I located a family tree on ancestry.com with familiar names. In looking at it more closely, I found that the submitter had the same great-grandfather as me! How exciting!!! Now, to try to get in touch with him; I check his profile and see that he hasn't logged in for over 6 months...bummer, I hope he gets my message.
Well, good news! He got the message and replied first thing this morning. And his profile lists him as living only abou 1 & 1/2 hours drive from one of my sisters! I am so excited and hope that we can share information.
I love meeting new relatives I did not know that I have.

Woodhead/Hollingworth Connection

For sometime now, I have been trying to find a connection between the surnames WOODHEAD and HOLLINGWORTH.
This started because of a list of birthdays my great-grandfather wrote up in a "Birthday Book" in the 1850's. His surname was Hollingworth. Scattered in among the Hollingworths and some other names I am familiar with, there are several with the surname Woodhead. I have not found any family members who know where that name fits in.
I have been searching on ancestry on and off for a few years but have really stepped up my search the past few days. I have found several records connecting all the Woodheads I have names for, but none connecting them to the Hollingworth family.
In the early 1800's, the many of the Hollingworths came to America but, apparently, the Woodheads stayed in England.
I will continue my search but am hoping this blog will help me get in touch with someone who knows of the Woodhead family.

Society Saturday

Today we at CHAT had a very nice meeting. We had a tour of the Jefferson County (WV) museum and our request to use their meeting room on a regular basis was approved. We talked about what topics to address in upcoming meetings and hope to join in the tour of Washington homes next Fall. We will be putting up fliers around town about our group and hope to get more members.
All in all, a good day.

Tombstone Tuesday

Much of my father's side of the family is from upstate New York; Monroe County, Hilton, specifically. I was there this past weekend and while visiting my father's grave and planting flowers there, I took pictures of others I had not connected to the family before. Now I just need to find the correct people in my database and connect the pictures to them. In the meantime, RIP Dad, I miss you.