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« on: Sunday 11 March 12 04:51 GMT (UK) »
How do you feel when researching the father's family of your illegitimate ancestor?
Do you get a feeling of not belonging? Does this or any similar feeling hold you back in your research? Do these negative feelings lessen the excitement, the surprise, the pride ... when discovering something unexpected about these ancestors?
If you have negative feelings, is it only when researching your direct line and only in recent ancestry e.g. great grandparent, as in my case.
My great grandparent was born in adultery and, although I consider myself broad minded, I was taken aback when I read this on the OPR record. As gg is in my direct line and recent, I do research the father's family but sometimes get the sense of not belonging. In fact, I have researched the father's lawful children in the hope of finding the origins of the father.
The feeling I have of not belonging does not come from being unsure of the father. Perhaps this feeling is heightened from not knowing the circumstances of the birth. Of course, knowing the circumstances could make the feeling worse, but I would still prefer to know.
If your illegitimate ancestor is in your recent direct line and you don't know the circumstances, would you prefer to know?
I know the negative feelings wont stop me researching the roots of the illegitimate ancestor, both direct and indirect, but will do with sensitivity. As they say, "Curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought him back."
Just wondered, if like me you harden yourself to it and carry on regardless in your research.
Liz
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