Beginning Genealogy for my family

My genealogy quest, began in about 1996 or 1997. I wanted to find more about my Father's family and to prove that my Father-in-law was truly Irish. My Father-in-law, Charles Harvey Neel was always proud of his Irish heritage, however, I don't really know how much he actually knew. I knew little of my Father's family; I knew they were of German descent, I knew my paternal Grandmother's name and vaguely knew her Mother's name. I knew my Grandmother, Martha Sophia Jenks was born in Nebraska. I knew a 'family' story about my Dad's father. That was it.

Now back in that time, home computers were just in their adolescent years. Some people had them, a lot did not. Here in Kansas we had to use a 'dial up' system to access the internet. If you 'clicked' on something you had to sit back and wait for it to load. Some of our friends had email, most did not. But I did not let that stop me.

I did not let a slow computer or dial up deter me. I began searching anyway. I posted messages on any genealogy site I could find, with the names I was researching. I purchased Family Tree Maker Software and worked backwards. First I entered all the information I did know. Questions, I began asking of relatives. Where was Grandma born, when were Aunt and Uncle married, how old was Grandpa when he died, when did Grandma's family immigrate from Ireland and so forth. Then Garry & I took a local class from the Genealogy Society.

And so it began. Now you know why we tromp around graveyards and yes that can be fun and educational. You now know why we spend time in Courthouses pouring over old records, visiting Libraries, ordering Death Certificates, combing through roll after roll of microfilm. But we think it is fun.

Last, this is a hobby my husband of 39 years and I can and do, together. Hey the family that researches together, stays together.

Next....more on the beginnings....