Life

When it comes to family history, Life is what it's all about.

My cousin recently died in his 80s after a life well-lived. He had been fighting bone cancer for some time. His death was not unexpected, but his friendship and good humor will be missed.

My grandson's friend died at age 18, of a fall suffered in a work-related accident. This sudden end of a promising young life will have a great impact on those who knew him. A few years ago, when we had recently moved here, I did not know him, but as I was helping him with some family history research, I realized that I knew his grandparents. Recently he was working to save up money to spend two years helping other people to improve their lives. I feel a deep sense of loss, and I did not even know him well. I pray that his family and friends will be filled with faith, hope, and love, as they remember this exemplary young man, and look forward to meeting him again someday.

None of us knows how much time we have left in life, so we should put it to good use.

When it comes to family history, Life is what it's all about.

Revisiting my old research

During the past month I have been re-tracing my British ancestry, and that of my wife, focusing on using findmypast.com.  In some cases I have been able to extend a family line by a generation or two, and in other cases I have been able to find additional children of previously-identified couples.

To find siblings, my basic process has been:

1. In FamilySearch, bring up the birth or christening record in findmypast.com
2. Add it as a source if that is not already done.
3, Look for a marriage, and add it to FamilySearch if it is missing
4. Now look for siblings:

a. On the findmypast search screen, remove the given name
b, Extend the birth year by +/- 10 years (and more if needed)
c. Include variations of the surname (This can be crucial)
d. Select Parish Baptisms
e. Click Advanced Options to add the parents (if they are known)
f. Check the results for siblings of my ancestor
g. Add to FamilySearch any siblings found (i.e. children born to the same parents within 5 miles or so.)
h. Add the birth or christening record as a source.

Each new person found, opens new avenues for research.

I have not made any major break-throughs this time, but I have added a few people and a few sources, and cleared up some duplicate records.

I have found nobody new in my Irish families, but a few in my English and Scottish families. On my wife's lines I have found a few in England, Wales, and Isle of Man, but again, Ireland remains my biggest challenge. I am hopeful that we may find a relationship connecting my ancestor Jane McNeilands to the nearby Knilands family in Ireland, but it is eluding us so far.

But I am finding joy in the journey! May you do so too!