How to Find Your Roots: Part 2
I have been researching my family roots for more than 25 years. In the process I have learned a great deal about my great grandparents and great-great grandparents. I am still learning about my family. The family member that helped me the most was my aunt who lives in Washington, DC. She will be 95 years old in August. I first began this journey when I visited her and my cousin many years ago. While we were having breakfast one morning she began to talk about her family and growing up in the south. As she spoke about her childhood on the farm in Alabama, I realized that she was telling a history that I never heard before. So, I stopped and said, “wait a minute, I will be right back.”’'
I went into the bedroom and came back with a pen and a pad of paper. I wanted to take notes and record this very important history. This was my first step into genealogy, the search for one’s family roots. I have been on this journey ever since. Make sure that you write as much down and keep it in a safe place. If there is a family bible available read all information recorded carefully. Many elders in the family recorded family history in them such as births and deaths. You might even find some important documents relating to your family history. Obituaries are a great source of information. You can get family names. Also, check out the spelling of names. They can be key to your search.
You can also check with a genealogist in your home state. You call the local library to see where you can locate one. They can be helpful to help you with your search. Remember you must have a lot of patience when looking for your family roots. Also try your local library for resources and books on this topic. The Merriweather Library right here in Buffalo has a genealogy group that meets and shares information. You can call the library to get dates of the meeting times and dates. The Merriweather library is located at 1324 Jefferson Avenue. The phone number is (716) 883-4418. If you belong to ancestry.com you do a search and find some valuable information such as military records, you have to pay a membership fee to join ancestry. There is a free service at familysearch.org. You can also try the Mormon church. When I did my family search I went to the Mormon church. Look up its library resources. They have computers available and people to help you with your search.
AA, I have created a family book with all of the information that I have discovered to date. I have names, dates, and important places where my family lived, especially in the south. Several years ago, I interviewed a cousin who at the time was 87 years old. I found out that she was also researching our family roots. In speaking to her I found out that her son was a classical pianist who was known in Europe and traveled there to do concerts. Before I wrote this article, I decided to check with ancestry. com. I put his name in the search bar and found out that he passed away in 2003. I also searched the burial sites in Alabama and found his gravesite. I also found out that there was a major music award established in his name. I am interested to learn more about his life. I will add his story to my family booklet.
There is a page in my booklet that lists 16 educators on my mother’s side of the family. I have their names and the subjects that they taught. My cousin who was the family historian in Alabama made the following statement when I spoke to her years ago: “Our family believes strongly that educating our youth is a great investment in the future of the nation.” As an educator I have carried on this very important tradition. I have also created a CD with updated information that can be passed on to other family members.