Dead men tell no tales, but when those left behind do—a fellow family historian reminds us—their stories often reveal more than any records. This week I read a very moving piece by a fellow family history researcher. I have enjoyed many of Paul Chiddicks’ posts on Substack. He is also a columnist for Family Tree… Continue reading Living to Tell the Tale
What if one could actually speak with a dead ancestor? I remember first “discovering” my 5th great-grandfather Michael Antoine Garoutte (1750-1829). I had known for some time that my ethnic background was almost exclusively Scots-Irish, with the exception of a maternal line traced to Germany. Discovering this direct link to France, through Michael Garoutte, came… Continue reading The Specter of My 5th Great-Grandfather
52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Week 11-A Turning Point Prompt: In storytelling, there’s the pivotal moment – something happens and nothing is the same afterward. Think of a turning point in the life of an ancestor. It could be going to college, going to war (or not), or making an unpopular choice. You could also… Continue reading When a Wound Led to a Wedding
