Pauleen Cass

Our first Australian Genimates Profile is Pauleen Cass. I have been following Pauleen's blog "Family History across the Seas"  since not long after it was born in December 2009.

Pauleen is an active blogger who writes a variety of interesting posts about her family research and local history. Pauleen is presently contributing some thoughtful posts to Amy Coffin's "52 weeks of Personal Genealogy & History."

When I was away at Rootstech it was great to see Pauleen joining in the conversation with posts from Australia.

I thank Pauleen for responding to my plea to submit a profile to GeniMates.



Date 21 February 2011
 
Name Pauleen Cass (aka Cassmob)

Hometown Brisbane, Queensland but living in Darwin

Are you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist? Hobbyist

What, if any, formal or informal studies have you undertaken that are relevant to genealogical research?
Seminars, conferences and courses (informal). Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in Local History (online from Oxford University Continuing Education, UK)

How long have you been chasing ancestors?

Since 1986

How did you get hooked on genealogy?

I wanted to know where my maiden name of Kunkel originated from and once I started I was completely hooked.

What is your day job? Now retired (I think).
Previously worked in university administration.

What are your areas of Expertise in Genealogy?

I have an interest in East Clare Irish migration to Australia 1848-1870 and migration to Australia from Dorfprozelten in Bavaria, Germany.

Please outline your involvement in Genealogy Societies and Groups

I was a member of GSQ for about 20 years and now GSNT as well as T&DDFHS, and have contributed to different genie activities over the years. 

What are the lands of your ancestors?

Bavaria (Germany), Scotland (lots), Ireland (lots), England.

What Family Names are you Researching?

Melvin, Kunkel, O’Brien, Partridge, Furlong, Gavin/Gavan, McSherry/Sherry/McSharry, McCorkindale/McCorquodale, Gilhespy and Sim (and a number of Dorfprozelten Germans: Zöller, Diflo, Krebs, Kuhn, Nebauer, Kaüflein, Kirchgessner, Hock, Hennig, Wörner, Bils, Neubeck, Dümig.)

 

Who is your favourite ancestor? Why?

George Kunkel. Because he made me work so hard to find out more about him and his life, which is why I wrote the story of his and Mary O’Brien’s family, Grassroots Queenslanders: the Kunkel family.

What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why?

I’ve been very lucky – I’ve visited every ancestral place that I’ve been able to identify but I feel most at home on Loch Fyne in Argyll or in County Clare.

 

What is your favourite resource for genealogy?

Clare County Library (Irish) or Toowoomba Cemetery search (local)

Do you keep your genealogy files on paper? Yes

Do you keep your genealogy files on a computer? Yes

What genealogy software do you use to record your family tree?

 I actually don’t like genealogy software –it feels too confining. I have mostly used Relatively Yours for its flexibility regarding family relationships however I now also have The Master Genealogist (TMG). Mostly I prefer to write it up in narrative form.

Do you have your tree posted on the internet? Yes (not on open access)

If Yes What is the URL?
Genes Reunited (tree)

What Social Networking Sites do you use for genealogy?

Ancestry, Facebook, Genes Reunited, Twitter

Do you have a blog?

Yes

What are your blogs' URLs?

www.cassmob.wordpress.com

What are your Other Hobbies, Activities, Interests?

Family, Travel, Photography and Reading.
What is your favourite lesiure time activity apart from genealogy?
Family

What is your favourite (non genealogy) book?
The Voyage of their life: Diane Armstrong.

What is your personal philosophy in a few words ?

To be “true” to the story, to include all family members not just the famous, and to respect each story.

If you have anything else to share please add it below
It’s important for family historians to decide who they want to include as family eg adopted in/out; marriage partners; women (I kid you not, I have one tree which excludes anything about women after their birth!).