I started working on our family tree when I was pregnant with my son (about 6 years ago). Since my husband was adopted at birth and since I didn't know much of my ancestry past my grandparents, I had a lot of work to do. According to my Nana, (my mother's mother), the world started with her and I didn't need to know more beyond that! (Yes, she really told me that!).
If you have ever been on Ancestry.com or Geneaology.com, you may find, like I did, that it can get addictive. Once you start on the branch of a tree, it can be hard to stop as there never really is an end. We've found ourselves sifting through papers at Grandmother Merritt's house, hiking through cemeteries in the Blue Ridge, visiting the Lexington Historical Society....I could go on and on.....
Through Ancestry.com, I have made lots of contacts with mostly (very) distant relatives. I am big on accurate documentation, so often, my tree is accessed by others looking for information. Last week, someone contacted me to see if I needed help with a particular branch and to let me know her daughter in law is a real estate agent too. Wow! I now have a referral source in Rockbridge County, Virginia!
There are some pleasant surprises...like the flower shop my Great Grandfather Meskers started in the Bronx is still there (he immigrated here from Holland). Then, there are some not so pleasant ones...like the distant cousin who, when his wife died, married her sister!
Do I think my tree will ever become a major source for business? Absolutely not and that is not why I work on it. But, I've made some great contacts that I never expected who just happen to be potential referral sources. I've also, hopefully, created a history that my son someday will appreciate. Sure beats making cold calls or knocking on doors!
Tina in Virginia
Comments(12)