Monday, August 29, 2011

Kathleen Fanning

We move back downunder for our next GeniMates profile.

Kathleen also completed her profile about the time I was setting off overseas so I apologise to Kathleen for sitting on it for quite a while.

I have been following Kathleen's blog for some time now and really enjoy her well-researched and thoughtful posts.

It is an honour to be able to publish Kathleen's profile.

Date July 2011
Name Kathleen Fanning
Hometown NSW Australia
Are you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist? Hobbyist
What is your day job? Teacher

How long have you been chasing ancestors? About four years

How did you get hooked on genealogy?
My father used to tell us about his family when I was growing up and I gradually got more and more interested in my ancestry. I was lucky in that I knew exactly where in Ireland the Fannings came from. A second cousin of mine had also done a family tree and her family still live in the original homestead in Bulla Victoria. They held a family reunion there and had lots of original documents and photos. This kindled my interest. Although thinking about it ,probably the main factor has been the internet. It is now so easy and quick to trace a family history compared with a few years ago. This is especially true with Victorian ancestry.

What, if any, formal or informal studies have you undertaken that are relevant to genealogical research?
I have taught myself using internet resources and some books.

What are your areas of Expertise in Genealogy?
I have specialized in Ireland and particularly North Tipperary around Thurles where my ancestors came from.

What are the lands of your ancestors?
On my father's side they all came from Ireland: Co Tipperary, Co Limerick, Co Galway, Co Down.
On my mother's side they came from England, Scotland and Ireland.

What Family Names are you Researching?
Fannin, Fanning, Sheehan, Hayes, Darmody, Skeehan, Gormley, Collins, Gribben, Dell, McSweeney, Cook, Collier, Knighton, Ledwidge, Ryan, Canavan, Mackey, Glass and more.

Who is your favourite ancestor? Why?
One ancestor I am fascinated by is my ggrandmother on my mother's side. Growing up I was told both my ggrandparents had died during the Spanish Flu Epidemic. I had always imagined these very old fairly dowdy people in sensible coats. Then I discovered a photo of my ggrandmother, Annie McSweeney, and she was a stunner ! Nothing like I had imagined. I discovered she had an interesting and wild life having two husbands and having a child to the second while still married to the first. I wish I knew more about her.

What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why?
I would like to visit Thurles Co Tipperary as this is where my Fanning ancestors were born and lived and I would also like to visit Cobh which is where they left for the colonies in 1841. I am planning a trip to Ireland in 2012.

What is your favourite resource for genealogy?
Apart from the internet I use two books a lot: A New Genealogical Atlas of Ireland by Brian Mitchell and the Index to the Townlands, and Towns, Parishes and Baronies of Ireland 1851. For starting out in Irish ancestry research I recommend John Grenham's Tracing Your Irish Ancestors.

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?
Family Tree Maker 2011

Do you have your tree posted on the internet? Yes

What Social Networking Sites do you use for genealogy?
Ancestry, Twitter, Google+

Do you have a blog? Yes
What are your blogs' URLs? www.fanningfamilyhistory.com/

What are your Other Hobbies, Activities, Interests?
Bush regeneration, gardening, kayaking, yoga, reading, photography

What is your favourite lesiure time activity apart from genealogy?
Reading

What is your favourite (non genealogy) book?
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

If you have anything else to share please add it below:

I have two trees on Rootsweb World Connect:

My maternal side, Knighton Family Tree
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/wcus?db=knighton_torpey

and my father's ancestry, Fannings From Tipperary
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/wcus?db=fanning-tipp

I also have these trees on Ancestry.com

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Miles Meyer

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.

GeniMates News.

I've had a wonderful five week break visiting Europe and the US. I had intended sourcing and publishing some GeniMate profiles while I was away but visiting and learning about new places just got in the way.

While dining with an American couple one night on board ship I mentioned that I was obsessed by genealogy. The wife of the couple said that she wanted to get started but that it would be difficult because of her Japanese Heritage. I mentioned that I had a contact that might just be able to give her some assistance so I found Valerie Elkins' details from her GeniMates Profile, sought out the lady and passed them on. The lady was most grateful - I do hope she contacts Valerie.

On my return from overseas I was thriled to hear that my proposal to present on an International Panel with three of my GeniMates, Amy Coffin (USA), Audrey Collins (UK) and Joan Miller (Canada) at the Rootstech 2012 conference was accepted. I look forward to collaborating with these ladies on the presentation.

Early  in my trip I spent 2 1/2 days researching at The National Archives in Kew. I was so thrilled that  Family History Specialist, Audrey Collins, took time out of her busy day to have lunch with me and to seek me out for a second lunch  date. I enjoyed being able to share my enthusiasm about the finds I had made with the chirpy and friendly, Audrey. Having a friend in such a big institution enhances the experience of the visit.

Monday, July 11, 2011

More Interviews

Not long after The First Post on this blog in February, the people over at My Heritage launched into a similar series of interviews with people from the world of genealogy. Great minds think alike!

If you wish to meet  the people that My Heritage have interviewed hop over and take a look at their interview series. These include: Ann Major, Anne Bradshaw, and Kay Francis.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Carol Cacciapuoti

I spotted Carol over on the British Isles Genealogy Group on Facebook where she does an amazing amount of work assisting the members of that group.

I am thrilled to be able to profile another Canadian genealogist. Thanks, Carol for your entry.

Date  30 June 2011
Name  Carol Cacciapuoti
Hometown  Bolton Ontario Canada

Are you a Hobbyist or Professional Genealogist?  Hobbyist

What is your day job?  Homemaker

How long have you been chasing ancestors?  12 Years

How did you get hooked on genealogy?  I always had the interest since I was a child, but never delved into genealogy until 1986, when a cousin wrote a book, and another cousin did a huge family tree. That is when I started asking older relatives for information.

What, if any, formal or informal studies have you undertaken that are relevant to genealogical research?My first computer was purchased in 1999 and after my daughter showed me the basics, I was off and running, in a search for my Irish and English ancestors. I had no studies at all, just prayers to God to guide me in my search. I met a super nice lady, who worked on my family, in Ontario, and she helped me with information and documents from the archives, she has since passed on and is missed very much.

What are your areas of Expertise in Genealogy? 
I do very well in England and Ireland, and in Canada, especially Ontario, all by computer.

Please outline your involvement in Genealogy Societies and Groups.I am not involved in any groups as I have no time, with doing the Bookkeeping for a small family business. I belong to Facebook groups and help when I can.

What are the lands of your ancestors? Paternal- Leicestershire, England and Manitoba
Maternal- Ireland, Scotland, Huron County, Ontario and Manitoba

What Family Names are you Researching?  Paternal: Cleaver, Ward, Fitchett,

Maternal: Graham, Henry/ Henery, Marks, Wiggett, Robinson ( have a contact)

There are extended Family names, but I haven't expanded on them as yet.

Who is your favourite ancestor? Why?My favourite ancestor is my Paternal Great Grandfather, James Cleaver, who helped me, (after a prayer to him) to start my search for the Cleavers in The Midlands, England, as I had thought we were Irish and could find nothing in Ireland.

What ancestral city or town would you like to visit? Why?Paternal: Hinckley, Leicestershire, England, where the Cleavers originated from 1700s to mid 1850's then to Leicester, Leicestershire, and Birmigham, Warwickshire, where my Grandfather was born.

Maternal: Cavan County, Ireland where my Henry Family lived, from approximately 1825 to 1838, and Enniskillen ,Fermanaugh, Ireland, where my Grt Grt Grt Grandfather died, in 1858.

What is your favourite resource for genealogy? My favourite resource is Family Search.org and also Ancestry.ca, with Genes Reunited very good also.

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?Presently I am using Ancestry.ca, but I do have an old Family Tree maker partially done, on my old computer.

Do you have your tree posted on the internet?  No

What Social Networking Sites do you use for genealogy?Ancestry, Facebook, Genes Reunited, Other

Do you have a blog?  No

What are your Other Hobbies, Activities, Interests?
Family events, Reading, Art, Cooking, Baking, small business operation, am Intuitive, and am interested in Pyschic Phenomena.


What is your favourite lesiure time activity apart from genealogy?Computer and cooking for a big family

What is your favourite (non genealogy) book? Jean Auel Prehistoric series

What is your personal philosophy in a few words ?Pray often, thank God for each sunrise, do what makes you happy, respect the elders in your family, keep your family united, and look at each day as a new experience

If you have anything else to share please add it below.I am not a professional, blessed with a good husband, Mom of five daughters and a son, Grandmother of eight Grandchildren, and Great Grandmother to two little girls.
I am blessed with our family, friends, good health per se, and strong "pioneer" genes that keep me optimistic and always wanting to learn more.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Amanda Epperson

Amanda E Epperson
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.

Do you have a blog? Several
What are your blogs' URLs? 
The Scottish Emigration Blog: http://www.scottishemigration.blogspot.com/
& The Historian’s Family: http://www.historiansfamily.blogspot.com/

What are your Other Hobbies, Activities, Interests? Reading, knitting, trying to stay out of trouble.

What is your favourite (non genealogy) book? 
Pride & Prejudice

What is your personal philosophy in a few words ?Don’t Worry; Be Happy.  (yes, you do hear Bobby McFerrin in your head)

Monday, June 27, 2011

Congratulations, GeniMate, John Patten

In John's blog, The Patten Project, he reported on his latest career move.

"I'm taking my interest in history and genealogy into a professional capacity, having this week given notice at my current job, moving on to a position at Museum Victoria, where I will be helping to bring Victoria's Aboriginal history to a wider audience."

Congratulations, John, with your passion and commitment to indigenous history and genealogy you are a perfect appointee for the position.