Parting With Geneaolgy Books

As I've accumulated books about family history research, compiling family history, and writing family stories, I haven't purchased duplicates, but realize I have some I probably won't use, or which I've gone beyond.

It's always difficult for a book lover to part with books, but these, plus the many others my family and I own (6 children and adults) have begun to overwhelm the house and a storage area.

Craig's List

So we've begun listing those we can part with on Craig's List. We also make them available at our yard sales in summer, but that's sort of impractical during winter in NH. It's gratifying when people contact us about our books and are thrilled to find some they're looking for or with which to expand their knowledge and enjoyment.

So I culled out some of my family history and genealogy books....probably will find more as I investigate all nooks and crannies of our abode.

Uncle Buffalo Bill Blog

Buffalo Bill Mathewson

I've developed a blog for the research and writing I'm doing about another ancestor, William "Buffalo Bill" Mathewson, who was my grandmother, Ella Banks Place's uncle. No, he wasn't Buffalo Bill Cody, although the two played prominent roles in the West and did meet.

I've written about Uncle Buffalo Bill, given talks about him, and now am developing a children's book about his life. He played an important role on the Santa Fe Trail, in Indian peace talks, developing trading posts, and founding Wichita, Kansas.

Although I haven't compiled too much online about Uncle William (Buffalo Bill) yet, I plan to do so as I finish my book.

Following Sister's Lead

Since chatting with my sister last night, I've been thinking about our discussion concerning ancestors and began looking around the Internet using her clues. I haven't found anything yet, but it's filled me with enthusiasm.

I'll also have to search through some of the family records I do have. My sister gave me new insight into the people in those. She still lives in the area where we grew up and where many of our ancestors lived. As she browses through libraries and chats with researchers, perhaps she'll come up with more information.

What causes you to become enthusiastic about your family history research again after a dry spell?

A Chat with my Sister about Family History

Tonight, as I was chatting with my sister who lives in another state (we often call one another on Christmas night), we began reminiscing and delving into family history. We realized that we remembered some things the same. With others, she remembered some facts and incidents while I recalled others.

So I'm planning to dig through my genealogy files and gather information for her and elaborate upon mine by adding her recollections.

When you have an opportunity, get together with your family members and see what you can recall about your childhood activities and stories of your ancestors. Then meld together your memories.