As I have previously mentioned in other threads, I am also interested in genealogy and got the bug in 2009 when I came across an advertisement on the internet for Genes Reunited. I decided to try and find out details about my maternal side as my late mum grew up in a children’s home and knew nothing about her family, apart from the names of her parents.
I now have about 370 family members/ ancestors in my family tree at present dating back to 1744 and I only ever add a member when I have properly sourced information as evidence. The software I use is Family Tree Maker 2009 and I also have a tree set up in Ancestry.co.uk which is supported by over 70 photographs and a good number of birth, marriage and death certificates.
I didn’t know my grandparents but one of my most prized possessions is a photograph of my great grandparents and I have also tracked down their grave and been to visit. My other special find is a copy of my 2 x great grandfather’s Will, which was proven in 1889. It’s 5 pages long and gives a great insight into other family members and valued possessions; he was a wealthy wholesale cheesemonger.
Besides tracing my ancestors, I have also traced some living relatives and I have met 2 of my mum’s cousins and five of my second cousins, all of whom have an interest in genealogy. My tree is also now extended to Philippines , where I have four nephews.
It’s such a shame that my mum isn’t here to share what I have discovered, she would have been totally bowled over and absolutely delighted! There again, she's probably met them all on the other side by now ..........
