Whom should I profile on GeniMates today was the question I asked myself this morning before I read my RSS feeds. There I got my answer.
It just so happened that I read, A Hobbyist's Genealogy Manifesto, one of the best blog posts I've read in ages and that co-incidentally the writer had sent me a GeniMates profile during the last week.
I met Bart on Google+ a few months and since then have been following his blog with interest. I thank Bart for taking the time to submit such a fantastic profile that I know others will enjoy.
Date:
4 January 2012
Name:
Bart L Brenner
Hometown:
Born: Youngstown, Ohio grew up: Ashtabula, Ohio current residence: St. Charles,
Missouri
Are
you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist? Hobbyist
What,
if any, formal or informal studies have you undertaken that are relevant to
genealogical research? No formal studies; have started (but
not completed) NGS “American Genealogy: a Home Study Course”; webinars;
currently participating in American Records online study group.
How
long have you been chasing ancestors?
Casually 30+ years; seriously 3 years
How
did you get hooked on genealogy?
Over 30 years ago my second cousin once removed showed me his genealogy
research notebook on the Brenners. I was not interested in genealogy at the
time, but recognized the value of this information. With his permission I
copied every page. Hearing about this encounter, other family members began
sending me materials related to family history. Over the years I began
cooperating with a brother-in-law regarding my wife's family history. When I
retired (toward the end of 2007), I set my focus on genealogy. A pastime had
become a hobby had become interesting had become a passion had become an
addiction.
What
is your day job?
I am a retired Presbyterian minister. I served as pastor, minister of
education, and regional executive.
What
are your areas of Expertise in Genealogy?
I have lots of experience at beginning to do things the wrong way, learning
along the way, and then initiating processes to correct mistakes of the past
and move into the future with a better grasp of standard practices and
protocols. One special proficiency (developed from cooperating with my
technologically proficient son) has been the development of a personal research
wiki that organizes and maintains my genealogical data, information, and
evidence. This has enabled me to digitize as many records as possible,
maintaining only a very small set of hard copy
Please
outline your involvement in Genealogy Societies and Groups:
Member of National Genealogical Society, Ohio Genealogical Society, American
Records online study group, Geneabloggers
What
are the lands of your ancestors?
The majority of ancestors originally came from Germany; eventually migrating to
Ohio; most ending up in Youngstown, Mahoning & Columbiana Counties, Ohio.
What
Family Names are you Researching?
My side of the family – Brenner, Deeter, Mieding, Smith, Cole, Messerall,
Barthel (Bartle)...
My wife's side of the family – Weaver (Weber), Gregg,
Hill, Spitzer, Fitzmaurice, Lewis, Graham, Anderson
Who
is your favourite ancestor? Why?
John Brenner (1836 – 1909) is my 2g-grandfather. He is the first direct line
Brenner to immigrate to the United States (from Adelshofen, Baden, in 1854). He
was 18 years old at the time. From an obituary, I learned that upon his arrival
in the United States, he was mugged and robbed of all his possessions. This led
to his walking from New York to Philadelphia when family friends resided. He
was able to borrow enough money to continue his travels to Ohio (via Rochester,
New York). His was an indomitable and adaptive spirit. He developed a nursery
business, was a cemetery superintendant, sold marble (tombstones), and finally
served as office manager for a construction company.
What
ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why?
I would love to visit the area of Eppingen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. The
smaller villiages of Adelshofen, Sulzfeld, Ittlingen, Kurmbach, Neipperg, and
Stettin are all in the surrounding area. Some have actually been incorporated
into Eppingen. This is the area in which my 2g-grandfather, John Brenner, and
many of his ancestors lived.
What
is your favourite resource for genealogy?
Ancestry.com & FamilySearch.org
Do
you keep your genealogy files on paper? No
Do
you keep your genealogy files on a computer? Yes
What
genealogy software do you use to record your family tree?
RootsMagic 5 and TNG (The Next Generation of Genealogy Sitebuilding)
What
are your Other Hobbies, Activities, Interests?
Fly fishing, fly tying, progressive theology, teaching, reading
What
is your favourite leisure time activity apart from genealogy?
Fly fishing
What
is your favourite (non genealogy) book?
Willa Cather's “Death Comes to the Archbishop” and Howard Rugg's “Imagination”
What
is your personal philosophy in a few words ?
We are stardust, the universe's capacity for self-awareness. My personal
calling is to a) make sense of life and live fully into its values; b)
cooperate with others as they create meaning and value; and c) celebrate all
that is.
If
you have anything else to share please add it below.
As I became serious about my genealogical research, I adopted the moniker
“GeneaPopPop” because I wanted to leave a legacy for my grandchildren. I chose
the title “Stardust 'n' Roots” for my blog as a reminder to my grandchildren
that they are Stardust (“wonderfully created”) and they have solid roots and
location in this marvelous and mysterious universe.
I owe fellow Rootstech Official Blogger, Nancy, a huge apology. After receiving her submission for Genimates I promptly forgot about it and the Genimates blog giving it a big holiday. This is a super profile to relaunch Genimates, thanks, Nancy.
It's a New Year and I have resolved to continue publishing Genimate profiles when people submit them to me.
I look forward to meeting Nancy in person in Salt Lake City next month and meanwhile am following her blogs and post on various social media.
Date: 21 Sept 2011
Name: Nancy Shively
Hometown: Oklahoma City but now living in Tulsa
Are you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist?
Hobbyist for now
What, if any, formal or informal studies have you undertaken that are relevant to genealogical research?
I've been fortunate that my stint as the Family Tree Firsts blogger for Family Tree University has allowed me to take several of their classes including Vital Records, Land Records and Writing Your Family History among others.
How long have you been chasing ancestors?
About a year and a half
How did you get hooked on genealogy?
I've always been interested in the family history. You didn't grow up in the house I did without a keen respect for history in general. But the discovery that my grandparents had lived in the town I had recently moved to (serendipity?) lit the spark so to speak. Then my daughter suggested that I might want to watch Who Do You Think You Are, I started poking around online and that was it. I was completely addicted.
What is your day job?
Public Librarian
What are your areas of Expertise in Genealogy?
I'm still learning so I don't really have any areas of expertise yet!
Please outline your involvement in Genealogy Societies and Groups:
I'm still working on that. My local society meets on a night that I regularly work. I've been able to make some of their sponsored workshops though.
What are the lands of your ancestors?
Mostly the U.K. and Switzerland. My husband has Canadian ancestors.
What Family Names are you Researching?
Allen, Blosser, Haworth, Easley, Armstrong, Harrison, Shively, mostly in Missouri and Tennessee. Prudhomme in Canada.
Who is your favourite ancestor? Why?
Probably my paternal grandmother. She made it through a difficult life with her common sense and sense of humor intact.
What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why?
How about an ancestral country? I would basically stow away on any plane going to the U.K. if I thought I could get away with it! I'm a pathetic anglophile. (In fact my username on Ancestry.com is Okieanglophile.) But I would also like to visit Bern, Switzerland where my paternal Blosser family is from.
What is your favourite resource for genealogy?
My dad. He is a walking goldmine of family stories. I also spend a lot of time on Ancestry, Family Search and Fold3.
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?
After a long debate I chose Reunion. It works the best with my Mac.
What are your Other Hobbies, Activities, Interests?
Since my first grandson was born a little less than 2 years ago, I am an avid Nana. I also enjoy reading, writing and knitting. I inherited a floor loom which I am determined to learn how to use. I found out later that one of my early ancestors was a weaver by trade!
I converted to Eastern Orthodox Christianity (you know...Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox...those guys. Only in English.) a few years ago and sing in our church choir. I can feel my Anabaptist, Quaker and French Hugenot ancestors revolving in their graves on that one.
What is your favourite leisure time activity apart from genealogy?
I love going to the movies and hanging out in bookstores. Kind of a busman's holiday but there it is.
What is your favourite (non genealogy) book?
anything by Jane Austen...yes I'm one of those.
What is your personal philosophy in a few words ?
I think it was Plato that said "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." I try to remember that.
Dr Bill is a busy boy. He is an active contributor to social networking sites including the new Google+ as well as a regular blogger.
I am chuffed that he made time to respond to my GeniMates questions, Thanks Bill.
Date: 9 Sep 2011
Name: Dr. Bill (William L.) Smith
Hometown
Born and raised in Coon Rapids, Iowa (prior to college); lived all over the United States; currently reside in Hollister, near Branson, MO.
Hobbyist vs. Profession Genealogist ( I do not do genealogy work for others for pay)
I have been 'chasing my ancestors' - casually since mid-1970s; seriously since 1995.
My wife and I each had 'family tree' materials passed along to us in the 1970s from others (her mother, my aunt and parents). At the time, we developed interest but 'life' got in the way - three daughters and work prevented committing time or other resources to it. By 1995, we had more control of our time and resources, and made a personal commitment to begin "filling in the gaps" and to begin to "solve the mysteries" as well as travel to sites around the U.S. where our ancestors had lived.
Since June 2009 I am officially retired as Professor Emeritus from my University. I now read, write and research where my interests take me. I have published two novels with a third and fourth well underway. Besides my (several) blogs I write on two (weekly) topics for Examiner.com: Springfield Genealogy Examiner and Ozarks Cultural Heritage Examiner. (Ozarks is the mountainous region we live in consisting in parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma).
What are the lands of my ancestors?
My maternal grandmother was born in Denmark. I just learned who her grandparents were (all four), so I completed identification of my 'round of 16!' My paternal grandfather (Smith/Schmidt/Schmitt) was born in Alsace-Lorraine (France/Germany). His wife was born in Sweden. One third-great-grandfather was born in Ireland. All the rest of my lines go back to U.K., including Wales. Several lines are very long in the USA.
What Family Names are you Researching?
KINNICK is the surname I've done the most with. I have a KINNICK Surname Blog. I've published, in 2003, an online 900+ page update of a 1953 KINNICK family history.
From page two of my Dr. Bill Tells Ancestor Stories blog, these are my family names, thru 3rd GGparents, plus a few:
Cannot do one - I'll hold to three, briefly:
1) James P. Preston - paternal grandmother's father - my aunt said, "We don't know much about my grandfather." NOT. She knew, but didn't want to share. He 'abandoned' his four children - in her viewpoint. My wife and I have very much enjoyed learning his story: California gold fields, Montana rancher, wealthy and poor… interesting stories.
2) John Butler - my Irish 3rd GGfather - fought in Rev War - many gaps in his history in early frontier days - at Hull's surrender of Detroit in 1803, etc.
3) William Kinnick - Sergeant Major in Revolutionary War - I'm working on a non-fiction book on him and his times.
What is your favorite resource for genealogy?
The one that has the record I'm looking for!! I use every resource I can locate.
Genealogy Files
I keep a lot of paper files, but, I primarily use Reunion software on my Mac for my family database. I've used several PC and Mac softwares over the years.
I've historically published my database on Rootsweb; I've recently begun participating on WikiTree - that will continue.
Social Networking
I use Facebook, Google+, and Twitter (for outbound only).
Other interests
Wife, three adult daughters, two sons-in-law, two grandchildren (boy 7 - girl 4) - reading and writing - photography.
I encourage others to record and share the family history information they discover; and, be sure to examine and understand the social history of the time and place your ancestors lived.
I stumbled across Rosemary's blog earlier this year and have since noticed her efforts in the Australian and British Groups on Facebook where she provides assistance to fellow genealogists.
I am grateful to this expat Aussie for sharing her profile on GeniMates.
Date: 5/9/2011
Name: Rosemary Jones
Hometown: Sydney, NSW living in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Are you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist? Hobbyist
What is your day job? Retired
What, if any, formal or informal studies have you undertaken that are relevant to genealogical research? I attend local seminars and watch any webinars that strike my fancy.
How long have you been chasing ancestors?
5 years or so.
How did you get hooked on genealogy? After my father died I found that he had sent for the index entries for his aunts and uncles in Victoria. He also had a brief note from his sister stating what she knew of their grandfather.
What are your areas of Expertise in Genealogy? I'm most familiar with English and Australian Genealogy and within those areas I'm pretty much of a generalist.
Please outline your involvement in Genealogy Societies and Groups:
I'm a member of the Tulsa Genealogical Society and participate in the Facebook Groups for English and Australian Genealogy.
What are the lands of your ancestors? England on both sides of the family, with perhaps a little Scotland and Ireland thrown into the mix.
What Family Names are you Researching?
My direct lines are Tissott, Sutherland, Bull, Brothers, Reeder and Barnard but I'll happily delve into the in-laws and shirt-tail cousins.
Who is your favourite ancestor? Why? This week it has to be Isaac Williamson, a particularly bad lot out of Aberdeen, Scotland, transported to Van Diemen's Land for Assault and Battery. I always find the bad boys of interest because they leave a lot of documentation of their doings.
What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why? This would probably be Great Ellingham in Norfolk where my grandmother Sarah Reeder and her family lived for a number of generations.
What is your favourite resource for genealogy? Ancestry, followed by FindMyPast and FamilySearch.
Do you keep your genealogy files on paper? No
Do you keep your genealogy files on a computer? Yes
What genealogy software do you use to record your family tree? Family Tree Maker 2011
Do you have your tree posted on the internet? No
What Social Networking Sites do you use for genealogy? Ancestry, Facebook, Other
I owe Miles a huge apology, although he submitted a profile in July I didn't manage to post it before my big trip. I actually came face-to-face with Miles in a Google+ Hangout last month, this exciting tool provides a great opportunity for genealogists to discuss issues face-to-face,
Thanks Miles, for sharing your profile, I have enjoyed reading it - what an interesting and varied bunch we genealogists are!
Date: 9 July, 2011 Name: Miles Meyer Hometown: Originally from Ft. Loramie, Ohio but now live in Jacksonville, Florida
Are you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist? Hobbyist What is your day job? Biologist with the US Fish & Wildlife Service How long have you been chasing ancestors? 16 Years How did you get hooked on genealogy? One day I just started when I found an assignment I did back in 3rd grade where we compiled a pedigree chart. Since then I have spent about 2-4 hours each day researching either my genealogy or that of someone else. I think I enjoy the hunt and the great stories I find no matter who's family I am researching.
What are your areas of Expertise in Genealogy? Internet & new technologies. I have been an early adopter of many of the new tech toys. I am also a beta tester for several companies so I get to try out the new bells and whistles before others. What, if any, formal or informal studies have you undertaken that are relevant to genealogical research? I am basically self taught. My profession as a scientist has provided me with the skills to do research and look for detailed information. I began learning more detailed genealogical research techniques when I was called as a Family History Consultant. After that I began learning by teaching. Please outline your involvement in Genealogy Societies and Groups. I haven't formally become a member of any genealogy groups or societies. I frequently attend meetings of the local groups as an invited guest to talk about new products that are being tested. What are the lands of your ancestors? All my ancestors come from Germany.
What Family Names are you Researching? I always enjoy this question since I don't have that many common names. Some of the names I am researching include: Westerheide, Garman, Mescher, Bielefeld, Aufderhaar, Wierwille, Gaier, Stueve, Mescher, Wesner, Bornhorst, Leugers, Schweiterman, Sacksteder, Roetgerman, and Meyer along with others.
Who is your favourite ancestor? Why? My favorite ancestor is my great grandfather Raymond Bernard Westerheide. Mainly becuase he was a booze runner during Prohibition in the US. There are some great stories from his life. Additionally, my favorite ancestor on my wife's family line is either Corydon Reeder or Willie Mae Harris. Corydon is interesting because he travelled from Ohio to Oregon, got married in Indiana and Iowa and then in Oregon, then moved to Wyoming during the 1800s. He must have had an interesting life. Willie Mae Harris is interesting because she had been married 4 times before she died at the age of 45.
What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why? Many of my wife's ancestors come from St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands. I think that would be an interesting place to visit with all of its history.
What is your favourite resource for genealogy? My favorite resource currently is the FamilySearch.org website. The amount of information that is being added to this site each month is impressive. I know it is not as large or as user friendly as Ancestry.com but I always direct people to it if they are starting since it is free and there is a wide variety of information there. Do you keep your genealogy files on paper? No Do you keep your genealogy files on a computer? Yes
What genealogy software do you use to record your family tree? I currently use Ancestral Quest. My wife uses Legacy. But I also have Roots Magic, PAF, My Heritage Family Tree, Family Insight, Family Tree Maker, and several other programs installed so I can test them and speak about them. Do you have your tree posted on the internet? Yes If Yes What is the URL? It is posted in so many places that I have forgotten most of them. just google me and you will find some of them.
What Social Networking Sites do you use for genealogy? Ancestry, Facebook, GenealogyWise, LinkedIn, MyHeritage Do you have a blog? Yes
What are your blogs' URLs? http://milesgenealogy.blogspot.com/http://ourancestories.blogspot.com/
What are your Other Hobbies, Activities, Interests? I enjoy doing things with the Boy Scouts. I teach several BSA merit badge classes including Genealogy, Environmental Science, Fish & Wildlife Management, Plant Science, Bird Study, Soil & Water Conservation, and many others. I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking (no hills here in Florida), camping, canoeing. I also am a part time professor and enjoy teaching people about their environment.
What is your favourite lesiure time activity apart from genealogy? I like to take nature walks.
What is your favourite (non genealogy) book? Orson Scott Card's "Ender" Series
What is your personal philosophy in a few words ? "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." - Dr. Seuss, The Lorax
If you have anything else to share please add it below: I try to take every chance I can to continue learning.
As I have a number of Scottish ancestors who emigrated to Australia "The Scottish Emigration Blog" (http://www.scottishemigration.blogspot.com/) is on my list of RSS feeds. Keen to find out more about the person behind this blog I approached Amanda for a Genimates profile.
Thanks, Amanda, for sharing your story with us.
Date 29 June 2011 Name Amanda E. Epperson Hometown: South Pasadena Current City: Cleveland, Ohio (more or less)
Are you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist?
Neither, I am a professional historian who is fascinated by family history
What is your day job?
I teach history at a community college
How long have you been chasing ancestors? As an historian, I’ve been chasing people from the past for about 15 years. For my own family, on and off for many more years.
How did you get hooked on genealogy?
Both of my grandmothers were interested in their family histories. My one grandmother had a very neatly printed out family tree that a cousin had done, but she didn’t actively do any research. My other grandmother and her sister did research their families and drag me to overgrown cemeteries. I think part of their interest came from the fact that their parents had been orphaned, so they did not have really know where their family came from.
What, if any, formal or informal studies have you undertaken that are relevant to genealogical research?
I have a PhD in history with a specialization in immigration – I have always been fascinated by how people move about and take their culture with them. I have also attended several genealogy conferences and workshops.
What are your areas of Expertise in Genealogy?
Ohio and Scotland
Please outline your involvement in Genealogy Societies and Groups.
I belong to the Ohio Genealogical Society and the Great Lakes Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists. My APG chapter meets most months to discuss articles from the National Genealogy Society Quarterly (NGSQ).
What are the lands of your ancestors?
My dad’s family has been in the United States for a really long time. We haven’t traced them back to Europe yet, but we presume that most branches are from the British Isles. On my mother’s side are more recent immigrants from Scotland, Norway and Sweden.
What Family Names are you Researching?
The four main ones are: Eldridge, Epperson, Hood, and Nordstrom.
Who is your favourite ancestor? Why?I try not to play favorites.
What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why?I would like to visit Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
What is your favourite resource for genealogy?The internet. Do you keep your genealogy files on paper? Yes (but I’m trying to move to an all/mostly digital system) Do you keep your genealogy files on a computer? Yes
What genealogy software do you use to record your family tree?I’ve used Family Tree Maker since the first or second DOS version. But I’ve recently gotten Legacy to do some work for a client. It is not as pretty as Family Tree Maker, but I really like its interface for citations.
Do you have your tree posted on the internet? No
What Social Networking Sites do you use for genealogy?I don’t use social networking for genealogy, but I do use several of the sites listed for other purpose.
The tradition of Genimates' equator hopping continues as we move back to the northern hemisphere with this latest profile from Kentucky, USA.
I can't remember when I started following Linda's blog "Documenting the details" or following her on Twitter but I know that I have been very impressed with her recent reports on the NGS2011 Conference in her blog.
Genimates' readers will appreciate reading your profile, thanks Linda.
Date 21 May 2011
Name Linda McCauley Hometown Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, USA
Are you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist? Hobbyist
What is your day job? I'm retired
How long have you been chasing ancestors? 10 years
How did you get hooked on genealogy? In 2001, I picked up a couple of things that my grandmother had written - a fill-in-the-blanks family tree book and a handwritten life story. I looked at them right after she died in 1978 but hadn't thought much about them for years.
For whatever reason, I took a second look in 2001 and decided I should look for some software to use in sorting out what she had written about her family and my grandfather's family. I was hooked by the time I got her information entered. What, if any, formal or informal studies have you undertaken that are relevant to genealogical research? All of my studies have been informal - workshops, genealogy conferences and webinars. I recently enrolled in the National Genealogical Society's American Genealogy Home Study Course.
What are your areas of Expertise in Genealogy? I don't really have an area of expertise but much of my research has been in Kentucky so I'm probably most familiar with Kentucky records. Please outline your involvement in Genealogy Societies and Groups. I'm a member of the Kentucky Genealogical Society, Kentucky Historical Society, National Genealogical Society and a few small local societies.
What are the lands of your ancestors? I have yet to identify an immigrant who arrived in America after the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) so I haven't proven the homeland for very many of my lines. The ones I know are England, Ireland and France (by way of England).
What Family Names are you Researching? Lanier, Bennett, Jackson, Gamble, Hankins, Petty, Goodloe, Thomas, Hopkins, Howard, Morris, Taylor, Ramsey and Owens
Who is your favourite ancestor? Why? The answer to that question might vary from time to time depending on which family I've been working on lately.
Today I'd say my favorite ancestor was my great-grandmother, Nancy Jane Bennett. She had to be a very strong and determined woman to have endured all of the hardships that came her way. In addition to living much of her life in extreme poverty, she lost at least two (maybe four) children in infancy, four other children died as young adults and another one disappeared and was never seen by her again.
What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why? Rouen, France. Rouen is the earliest ancestral location I've identified. My Lanier ancestors lived there in the 1500s.
What is your favourite resource for genealogy? The resources I use the most would have to be Ancestry.com and FamilySearch but my favorite is still any courthouse with old records. There is just something special about touching the actual records your ancestors created.
Do you keep your genealogy files on paper? No Do you keep your genealogy files on a computer? Yes
What genealogy software do you use to record your family tree? Legacy Family Tree
Do you have your tree posted on the internet? Yes If Yes What is the URL? www.lfmccauley.com
What Social Networking Sites do you use for genealogy? Ancestry, Facebook, Twitter
What are your Other Hobbies, Activities, Interests? Photography, Travel and (watching) University of Kentucky Basketball & Football
What is your favourite lesiure time activity apart from genealogy? Reading
What is your favourite (non genealogy) book? My favorite book is often the one I just finished. My favorite genre is mysteries.
What is your personal philosophy in a few words ? Life is too short not to do the things you enjoy most.
If you have anything else to share please add it below. I answered "no" to the question about having my genealogy on paper but the answer is really somewhere between yes and no.
Of course, I have records and some information on paper but I'm not anywhere close to having everything that is in my Legacy database on paper. I am in the process of printing it all out since paper is still the best way to ensure that someone years from now will have access to my research.
In response to my invitation to submit a profile to GeniMates Valerie replied " I am always thrilled when someone takes an interest in a rather small niche of genealogical research."
Valerie, I am sure that readers of the blog will be most interested in your 'niche' as I was when I stumbled across it last week. Your blog is unique and a wonderful resource.
Thank you for sharing your profile with us.
Date 22 April 2011
Name Valerie Elkins
Hometown Grantsville UT, USA
Are you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist? Professional
What is your day job? Genealogist
How long have you been chasing ancestors? Since I was 12
How did you get hooked on genealogy? My mother was doing some genealogy research and I became fascinated by the names on my family tree and use to imagine their stories. I wrote letters to distant relations asking for information. I still have those letters!
What, if any, formal or informal studies have you undertaken that are relevant to genealogical research? I have been doing genealogy for over 20 years. I was a volunteer research consultant for the Family History Library where I assisted Japanese patrons. I am member of Progen Study group and am working toward BCG Certification. I currently teach other Family History Consultants research skills and train them in how to assist people getting started in genealogy research.
What are your areas of Expertise in Genealogy?
I help people of Japanese ancestry who live outside of Japan find their ancestors and find their heritage back in Japan. There are no online records to search for records. The Japanese are very privacy conscious and do not allow it. In order to obtain the records you have to speak and write Japanese and prove your lineage first to obtain the right to access them. Then once you receive the records you have to be able to read Japanese characters that are no longer in use today. I know many 3rd, 4th, 4th generation Japanese, who no longer speak the language and are hindered in their efforts to find the ancestors they long to connect with. I love being able to help them do that.
Please outline your involvement in Genealogy Societies and Groups. I am a member of the UGA (Utah Genealogical Association) where I serve on the Publicity Committee. A member of the FGS (Federation of Genealogical Societies) and serve on the Marketing and Publicity Committee. Also member of the following:
APG Association of Professional Genealogists
NGS National Genealogical Society
ISFHWE International Society of Family History Writers and Editors
GSG Genealogical Speakers Guild
What are the lands of your ancestors? My ancestors were among the earliest to arrive in America. Before that they came from England, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Norway.
What Family Names are you Researching? Mossman (some came to Australia I am told), Rohrer/Rorer, Halvorsen, Elkins,Beck, Cole, Brown, Greenwade, Alfrey.
Who is your favourite ancestor? Why? That is a tough question, as they all begin to grow on you once you know their story. But, I would have to say my great, great, great grandmother Clara Rohrer Mossman. She was half American Indian and half American mixture of French, Swiss, English and Scottish. I grew up being told she was an Indian Princess. Disappointed when I learned there was no such thing, but the truth is far more fascinating.She left at age 16 to go the the Hawaiian Territory as an Episcopalian missionary. She taught Hawaiian children to read and sing. She married an Englishman and left a wonderful legacy.
What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why? I would love to go to Edinburgh Scotland. The Mossman home is there and later was home to the Reformer John Knox. The home is a museum and has the family motto still carved on the walls. I would like to see that.
What is your favourite resource for genealogy? I love Ancestry.com to help most people find something when they are first getting started. But, my favorite resource is the source I find something I am looking for in it! Automatically hits my favorite list!
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 still my PAF sometimes (because of the Japanese version) and Roots Magic.
What are your Other Hobbies, Activities, Interests? I love to combine my love of family history in other areas like scrapbooking, home decor and even cooking. I love to read historical fiction and am writing a novel and a book on how to do Japanese Genealogy.
What is your favourite lesiure time activity apart from genealogy? I love to discover the skills, the food of my ancestors. I am learning to cook their foods, I am studying their language and try to find new ways to immerse my heritage into my family life.
What is your favourite (non genealogy) book? Anything by Jane Austen
What is your personal philosophy in a few words ? This says it better than I could and what I aspire to: "I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."
— Marjorie Pay Hinckley
If you have anything else to share please add it below.
I believe there is a healing power in searching for our ancestors. Knowing who we are, where we came from and what our ancestors overcame is vital to better understanding ourselves. I had the privilege to reunite a mother and daughter, 50 years after the mother had to give her up to be adopted in the US. Helping the daughter reconnect with her mother and heritage in Japan completely changed her life. I saw the healing first hand and have experienced it in my own life as I discover not just the names, but the stories. By remembering our ancestors, honoring their stories - we stand on their shoulders and become more, we become stronger, and if we learn from them we become wiser.
Irene first came to my notice when I was using Google to find out who had done presentations on Google for Genealogists. I found a presentation from Irene and was impressed so decided that I should find out more about this lady.
With a history that includes a person with 18 wives and a shark attack (plus Australian connections) Irene certainly has a great story to tell. Thank you for your compelling profile, Irene.
DateApril 5, 2011 Name Irene Winterburn (JireneGen) HometownYuma, Arizona (living in Phoenix, Arizona)
Are you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist?In-between; more of a Genealogy Detective
What, if any, formal or informal studies have you undertaken that are relevant to genealogical research?
My Bachelor's degree is in Paralegal Studies, so I have always been a "dirt digger" by trade. My education and training has definitely helped advance my genealogy research. I'm also a big believer in education, so I really enjoy taking genealogy classes, attending seminars and conferences. Hopefully someday I'll work on getting that accreditation, but for now I'm happy being a "Genealogy Detective."
What is your day job?Trial Consultant, Paralegal Supervisor, as well as a Litigation Support Paralegal
How long have you been chasing ancestors?Since 1989I come from a genealogy-loving family, so I've been 'hooked" on genealogy since my youth.
How did you get hooked on genealogy?I loved hearing the stories of my ancestors, and it has been fun finding more facts about them. I am grateful for the work my Mom and her family did researching our family, and for instilling in me why family is important.
What are your areas of Expertise in Genealogy?Mostly England research, thanks to my British hubby. Most of my ancestors have been in America for many generations, so it has been fun researching his English heritage. I have also been verifying and sourcing my own family lines. We do have one line that comes through Australia (via Wales), so I love my Aussie ancesty!
Please outline your involvement in Genealogy Societies and GroupsI've been volunteering as a Family History Consultant for over 6 years at the Phoenix Family History Library (fka Ashland Family History Library). Since July of 2010, I am the Editor of the "News Leaf," a monthly newsletter of the Phoenix Family History Library. And, just last month I was asked to be the Phoenix Stake Indexing Director, so my plate is full. Now, if only I can find more hours in the day.....
What are the lands of your ancestors?"Me and my peeps" hail from Arizona - in fact - 5 generations. I'm from good ol' pioneer stock via Utah, Georgia, Arkansas, Connecticut, Massachusetts and other various New England states. Across the pond: England, Ireland and Wales, as well as Denmark and Australia. A couple of our lines connect to royalty, which is also fun to discover.
What Family Names are you Researching?Morris, Ellsworth, Butler, Adams, Hancock, Gordge, Lee, Blackhurst, McCleve, McFerren, Halladay, Dewitt, Thetford, Lind and Neilsen. My hubby's side: Winterburn, Gash, Few, Duffett, Etches, Eastgate, Oxley, Singleton, Hallam, Swinton, Miles, Miller, Clarke, Tyler, Bullen and Tharby. (There are others, but there is only so much room here!)
Who is your favourite ancestor? Why?The Gordges of Adelaide, Australia. Anne Gordge came to America with her Mom and brother, and at age 18 married 36 yr polygamist John D. Lee, becoming his 18th (and last) wife. She had three kids, but took youngest child and left Lee, leaving my great-grandmother and her brother to be raised by another wife. Her history after leaving Lee has always been a mystery, and one "biography" by a non-family member is highly suspect as it was written when she was in an insane asylum/rest home. Her father Samuel Gordge is also a mystery, but we have found some new facts discrediting the family story of his "drowning on Christmas day" story (he actually looted his ship and was later found dead on the shores of Australia with a fatal shark bite.)
What ancestral city or town would you like to visit?Adelaide Australia, any parts of Wales and Ireland, and still yet-to-be discovered parts of England. Oh, and even my beloved United States. Too bad I have to work for a living, otherwise, I'd be traveling the earth following my ancestors' footsteps.
What is your favourite resource for genealogy?Mostly the big sites like FamilySearch, Ancestry, and FindMyPast, etc. I also love the links at these sites: BPB Publications (great links to US public records), ProGenealogists and Price & Associates. Oh, and Google!
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?Mostly RootsMagic, but I also like to keep online trees at GenesReunitedUK and Ancestry.com.
What are your Other Hobbies, Activities, Interests?Who has time, especially when your a genealogist?! I am a techno geek as well, but also dabble in watercolors. My activities usually involve the things that interest me most: genealogy, computing, law and art. I do love to travel with my hubby, though. (Now to find a way to make the work week 2 days, and the weekends 5 days!)
What is your favourite lesiure time activity apart from genealogy?Seeing the joy in my dogs when I (finally!) take them to the doggy park! Simple but fun.
What is your favourite (non genealogy) book?Lots of books, but my recent favorite is "The Help."
What is your personal philosophy in a few words ?I Yam What I Yam. (Don't take yourself too seriously.)
If you have anything else to share please add it below.I am loving all of the genealogy records being added to the internet. Bring it on!
One of the disappointments of my recent genealogy jaunt to the US was that I didn't get to meet the host of Saturday Night Genealogy Fun, Randy Seaver.
Date7 April 2001
What Family Names are you Researching?Great-great-grandparents surnames are: Seaver, Smith, Hildreth, Newton, Richman, Rich, White, Oatley, Carringer, Spangler, Lamphier/Smith, Vaux, Auble, Knapp, Kemp, Sovereen.
Who is your favourite ancestor? Why? Devier James Lamphier Smith (1839-1894). He was born in New York, adopted by the Smith family before the family moved to Wisconsin in 1843, married there in 1861, moved to Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska, worked as a livery man, speculator, farmer, snake oil salesman and rancher, and had the foresight to write in a family Bible and extensive family letters. He had five children, but two died young. He is my favorite because he overcame hardships in his life and is the most interesting ancestor I have! What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why? Dodge County, Wisconsin so that I can search for information about the ancestry of Devier James Lamphier Smith in historical records there. The house that he grew up in, built by his adoptive father, still stands in Old World Wisconsin, a historical house collection.
What is your favourite resource for genealogy?LDS Family History Library microfilms that contain original records from states, counties and towns.
My favorite online resource is Ancestry.com, but FamilySearch.org is a close second! Nothing else comes close. Do you keep your genealogy files on paper?Yes
Do you keep your genealogy files on a computer?Yes Do you have your tree posted on the internet?Yes
What genealogy software do you use to record your family tree?Currently it's RootsMagic 4. I also have and use Family Tree Maker 16, Family Tree Maker 2011, Legacy Family Tree 7, Family Tree Builder 5, and several other programs collected over the years.
What Social Networking Sites do you use for genealogy? Ancestry, Facebook, Geni, MyHeritage , Twitter, WeRelate, Other
What are your Other Hobbies, Activities, Interests?Family History, Genealogy, Genealogy, Family History, Genealogy, in that order.
Grandchildren - Linda and I have two daughters, one has two boys 7 and 5, the other two girls 6 and 3. We have great fun telling stories, playing indoor and outdoor games, and being with them.
Spectator sports - I'm a big San Diego Padres (baseball) fan - we go to about 20 games a year. I'm also a big San Diego Chargers fan (American football) but we don't go to the games.
Travel and Vacations now revolve around genealogy research and conferences. We'll go to Illinois in September for the Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference, and take two weeks to visit ancestral homes in four states. We like cruises and land tours too - we visited Sydney, Cairns, Christchurch, Queenstown, Auckland and Fiji in 2010.
I read historical novels and mystery novels for pleasure, often while watching TV. I don't watch much TV besides baseball games, news, genealogy shows like WDYTYA? and the occasional PBS show.
What is your favourite lesiure time activity apart from genealogy?Watching baseball games and reading
What is your favourite (non genealogy) book?Sarum by Edward Rutherfurd
When I announced on my blog and Twitter that I was going to the Rootstech Conference in Salt Lake City a number of kind North Americans offered me advice and friendship. Amongst these was Amy Coffin, a genealogist from Houston, Texas.
After getting myself lost I arrived late and flustered to the pre-conference media dinner in Salt Lake City; I was pleased to see Amy's familiar face across the room so I made a beeline for her. At the dinner I had a fabulous evening with Amy and Joan Miller who took me under their wings and from that time I did not feel at all lonely or lost at the huge conference.
I am honoured that Amy has taken the time to submit her profile to GeniMates.
Date30 March 2011 NameAmy Coffin Hometown Houston, Texas
Are you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist?Professional
What, if any, formal or informal studies have you undertaken that are relevant to genealogical research? I have a Master of Library and Information Science degree. I took as many classes as I could about research (especially online searching), databases, archives and records management.
I also completed Pro Gen 3, the third class of the ProGen study group (http://progenstudy.org). This process provided many lessons on maintaining a research business.
What is your day job?Genealogist
How did you get hooked on genealogy? I have ancestors who were original enrollees in the Chickasaw Nation. It was my grandparents' wish our family also apply to become Citizens in the present day. While looking at the paperwork, I noticed that my great-grandfather was born in Arkansas. I never knew we had any roots in Arkansas. That was enough to get me looking, and I haven't stopped since that day!
What are your areas of Expertise in Genealogy? U.S.-based genealogical research. I have direct access to and experience with most of the repositories in SE Texas and SW Louisiana.
The skills I learned in library school transfer well into genealogy. I can gather and evaluate information quickly and also determine what's missing from the picture. I enjoy using different search strategies and search engines to find information, even that which isn't online.
I also love to write about family history and do so extensively for clients and my own family.
Please outline your involvement in Genealogy Societies and Groups Acadia Parish Genealogical and Historical Society (Louisiana)
Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP)
Association of Professional Genealogists
California Genealogical Society
Southern California Genealogical Society
Texas State Genealogical Society
What are the lands of your ancestors? United States (AR, CA, LA, MN, NC, OK, TN, TX, WI), France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg
What Family Names are you Researching? LENERTZ (this name is also present in Australia. Though I haven't found a connection, I would love to talk with Aussies who have Lenertz in their tree). MENOU, BOURGAUX, COLBERT (Chickasaw), BAERECKE, BOURLAND, WILLIAMSON (AR, TN), JOST (Austria).
Who is your favourite ancestor? Why? I can't pick just one! I love them all for different reasons. However, the ancestor who was shot for stealing the neighbor's wife AND horse makes the best story.
What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why? I would like to visit my great-grandmother's hometown of Inzenhof, Austria. I've been told the JOST name is still there.
What is your favourite resource for genealogy?Everyone seems to say "the Internet" but I am going to say other people are my favorite resource. I just use the Internet to get to them! Really though, there is nothing better than talking face-to-face with other genealogists, learning from them, meeting new cousins and sharing photos and facts. People are the best resource in my book.
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?Roots Magic
Do you have your tree posted on the internet?No
What Social Networking Sites do you use for genealogy? Ancestry, Facebook, Geni, LinkedIn, Twitter
What are your Other Hobbies, Activities, Interests?Family, travel, bar trivia, writing, attending sporting events and occasionally stopping to smell the roses.
What is your favourite lesiure time activity apart from genealogy? People do stuff other than genealogy?
What is your personal philosophy in a few words ?If family history is boring, then you're doing it wrong.
If you have anything else to share please add it below You've got a genealogy friend in Texas!
Whom should I profile on GeniMates today was the question I asked myself this morning before I read my RSS feeds. There I got my answer.
