Genealogy:Is it worth it? (America)

Feathers in Hair · #1 09-20-2005, 10:46 AM

For about a year now, I've been doing some digging into my ancestry. It's not one of those "I'm worthwhile because my great-great-something invented roast beef' approaches (at least it isn't for me), but I've been wondering if it's a good way of passing my time.

I'm primarily interested in researching my matrilineal line, since that's how one's Scottish clan is determined.

Does anyone else do genealogical research? I see it as a fun hobby that might turn dangerously addictive.

Jaymes · #2 09-20-2005, 11:07 AM

If you enjoy it, it's a good way for you to pass your time.

I've never been able to get into genealogical research, but I imagine I might at some point in the future. Right now I'm just focused on other things.

Terrywoodenpic · #3 09-20-2005, 11:14 AM

Fortunately my family tree was done for us and was published in the reference book" leading Irish famlilies".it takes it back in full detail to the 1700's.
we know quite a lot before that, but they don't publish any earlier, the book would be too big. It is certainly interesting. A major branch moved to America and is still there. Other branches are all over the world.
No one has done the early female line Though the central registry office in England File by the mother, not the father.
One thing though, a full tree shows the good and the bad, so you can't get too prideful.

Terry
_________________________
Amen! Truly I say to you: Gather in my name. I am with you.

michel · #4 09-20-2005, 11:15 AM

I'd have loved to do so, but with a 'stop' sign at my Grandparents in Belgium, and my Grandmother in England (Grandad was the son of a white Russian refugee), I can't get very far. It makes me sad that I can't - I think it is probably nice to get to your roots.

jonny · #5 09-20-2005, 11:34 AM

I haven't done a lot of genealogy, but I love doing family history. Last year I put a book together with over 500 pages of biographies and auto-biographies of my direct ancestors. It was a lot of work, but I love it and my family loves it also. Next step is putting together a website to share the information. If you haven't written your life history or started on it, I recommend it. Your ancestors will appreciate it.

I've tried a little geneology, but the names and dates aren't as interesting to me as the stories.

Feathers in Hair · #6 09-20-2005, 11:44 AM

That's fascinating, Jonny! I wish I had the commitment to do the biographies. Sadly, my living relatives aren't that talkative, hehehee.

Since your research was so intensive, this might not be enough of a website to express your information in, but I use www.genealogy.com as a 'starting point' for making my website.

kreeden · #7 09-20-2005, 01:26 PM

My father did the family tree , back for about 300 years or so . It is interesting , but personally I see no real value in it . So I'm related to a bunch of outlaws who lifed 300 years ago ? I'm also related to a bunch of outlaws who are alive today .

Bright-ness' Shadow · #8 09-20-2005, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FeathersinHair

For about a year now, I've been doing some digging into my ancestry. It's not one of those "I'm worthwhile because my great-great-something invented roast beef' approaches (at least it isn't for me), but I've been wondering if it's a good way of passing my time.

I'm primarily interested in researching my matrilineal line, since that's how one's Scottish clan is determined.

Does anyone else do genealogical research? I see it as a fun hobby that might turn dangerously addictive.

My family database has about 3600 names and goes back at the longest for 32 generations. The direct maternal line is from Cornwall about 13 generations. I loved doing it and even went so far as to travel and visit the variouis city clerks to get primary documentation for about 8 generations of many lines.

But I've hit a wall!