You know how I am always harping at you to do your own Life Story—or even the Life Story of a loved one? Well, I am getting more convicted than you, trust me!
One of my fun hobbies is genealogy – when I have the time! (hear a “guffaw” in the background?)
But a year ago I made a commitment to go to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City to research more on my family. I have made other trips in the past – one led by my instructor after I passed her series of classes successfully. Great fun!
This year’s commitment was cemented by making a reservation at our timeshare which is only a few blocks away from the Library. And as I am thinking through my work plan, and looking through the pile of info from previous trips which still are not “in place”, I am realizing I don’t want to just find more “facts” and extend the family tree. I want more “real life” stuff.
I want to flesh out, fill in and bring to a robust Life Story photobook the “stick figures” I shared with you in a previous blog. It was “From Stick Figures to Robust Life Stories” HERE.
There was only one photo of which I was aware (the one I used in the blog) and the only story I knew of them was one my mother shared as we viewed that picture in her album – a funny side story. But I shared with you factual information that I later pieced together during research about my great-great-grandfather – one of the “stick figures” in the story.
It was in a County History compilation of stories at the Family History Library that I discovered an article about these ancestors that had 3 photos – all closer up than my stick-figure picture in my mother’s album. It shared details that began to paint a picture of the man whom I only saw as a stick figure with a full white beard in his 80’s.
Records revealed his enlistment in the U.S. Army at age 19 – his older brother served the 5 years with him. Exciting. I read collateral info about Ft. Leavenworth and the Indian campaigns in which they were engaged – on horseback, since they were with the 1st Cavalry. OK – put that on the list for the Library – find out more about those 5 years!! And any personal narratives that might sketch out the life they probably lived.
How did he get discharged in Kansas in 1860 then somehow travel down to the Red River area of Texas and BOOM! meet and marry Rebecca Elizabeth in September, 1861?? More to search out. I am smoking hot on that trail, believe me!
But then, what in the world possessed him in February, 1862, to join the Texas Cavalry, Confederate Army??? Married only 6 months and…what’s the deal? OK, first child was born the end of September, 1862 (good old Census records) – you do the math! No visits home because the next child on the census sheet was born in December, 1865. Is that a way to start a marriage?
Well, it lasted until her death in 1921 – 14 children in all – so I guess they had quite the family. Of course, you know the times – only 10 of them made it to adulthood.
And what about the last year of the Civil War which he spent as a prisoner at Pleasant Hill from April 1864 to April 1865. More about this please – put that on the list! Am hoping to find some diaries or letters describing that experience from others in his situation.
So much transpired after he returned home to Texas – as I sketched out in the blog. Confederate soldiers were not well-treated and were targets for the carpetbaggers. How did my soldier ancestor, father and husband, disenfranchised and not allowed a say in local government fare during this time? I would love some stories here, please!!
So skip to his 1925 obituary I shared with you in the previous blog….
“He was a charter member of the Bethel Baptist Church and served them for many years as a minister. A farmer by occupation, he found time to preach the Gospel, and in the pioneer days of this section went from place to place, preaching to the people. He was loved and honored by all who knew him and was a useful man to his community.”
Humbling, intriguing. I want to ‘connect the dots’ of his life and fill in the between years as they raised their children and made their home in that little corner of Texas.
As Deuteronomy 6:20 guides us, when your son asks about the meaning of things that have happened in the past, recite the history for him. It is helpful, and encouraging, to know what has been our past – those that have gone before us. We can be inspired, enriched and encouraged – just as the Lord was doing for the Israelites.
So why am I bringing this topic up now? Sure, you are welcome to make the trip to Salt Lake City and the Family History Library – or any of the other big libraries with genealogical resources. And there is a ton online – plus wonderful genealogical societies that teach and encourage.
But what I have recently discovered, especially as I prepare for this trip, is that I can be assured what I do find (photos, stories, facts, documents) and the Life Story I piece together from it, will be preserved for my lifetime plus 100 years. Yes, that is FOREVER’s guarantee.
Not only will I be putting the facts and evidence I find, plus the clues and stories that result, directly into my FOREVER library and albums (like folders for organizing) so they are safe. But I will also be putting together the pieces of the puzzle of my great-great-grandparents and recognizing where the holes or “brick walls”, as they call them, show up.
Why is that important? Because I have recently learned more about the service offered by FOREVER that has been “hiding in the wings”. I just never knew of it or considered it until a recent webinar.
Here’s what I saw that grabbed me: FOREVER Family Research can find the records and tell the stories of the generations that came before you. Their list?
- Locate ancestors, records, and stories
- Explore your family history in your personal FOREVER Family Tree
- Share your legacy with friends and family
- Preserve the rediscovered documents and stories in your permanent FOREVER account
I found out they will set up an initial project meeting and do research for you as you outline and request. They don’t repeat what you already have but they can work with you to clearly outline the goals and fill in the holes and tear down those brick walls.
Knowing my time and talent are fairly limited, I was thrilled to learn all of this. Plus the testimonials were truly encouraging. I will be identifying my “holes” and “brick walls” in my upcoming trip. Then I will be ready to have a good conversation with FOREVER’s genealogists about filling in the blanks.
WHEW! That truly is a pressure reliever for me. And maybe it is for you, too! Don’t stay stuck in your research efforts, or keep putting it off as I have done – thinking I have plenty of time to do this later. Oh yeah?
Decide whose Life Story in your ancestor line you want to search out and preserve in a robust photobook story album – and let’s get going. I am here to encourage you – and share my ups and downs as educational tips to help you “fill out those stick figures”!
P. S. You can check out the research services HERE – fill in the free account info (or sign in if you already have an account) and then go to the Products tab, select Family Research and read the FAQs.
