Who Are You Researching?

[AndrewMartin]

Who are you researching?

Over the years that i have been researching (since 1996) i have been researching my entire family tree as my ancestors have rarely left Cambridgeshire during the last 400 years. This has meant that data is quite easy to collect but sometimes confusing to piece it all together when surnames cross over.

I've noticed that some people only research one side of the family at a time.

[bekahsgran]

Hi
I started out 5 years ago on my maternal line just out of curiosity, but I have since discovered, like a lot of fellow researchers, that it is so addictive that I go off in all directions at the drop of a hat, and can never resist just taking a peek at that extra new line, and off I go again in that direction, so I can't ever imagine anyone, with a real interest only doing one line. It couldn't be!!!!!!!!!!!!! if you find a new name you JUST HAVE to follow it, don't you?
OR AM I JUST A SAD ADDICTED GENEALOGIST?

[AndrewMartin]

You're a sad addicted genealogist....... like me - AND IM PROUD!! 

[bekahsgran]

Hi
I don't know whether to take that as a compliment or otherwise...........
To be honest, I am seriously addicted, so addicted that if my own research is going slowly, I will trawl the help requests to see if anyone needs help in my area, just so I can keep on hunting.................
Sad isn't it?
Anne

[AndrewMartin]

Anne, it was certainly wasnt derogatory

To me, researching my family tree has been both enlightening and interesting. Ive loved listening to the stories of elderly relatives, the rumours, "scandal", the suspicions, the happy times and the sad times. I was fortunate to know my Great Grandmother for 26 years until her death this summer at 104. She belonged to a large family (mainly of daughters) and most of these children are still alive today.. the youngest being in her mid 80s.

Their recollections, stories and also things like photograph collections have been of tremendous interest to me as i try to piece together what is in effect a "who's who" of my family.

I've had a lot of satisfaction out of solving puzzles left by rumours and bad handwriting and putting those together with visiting their home villages, finding their graves, finding photos of them.. it amasses to a great sense of achievement for me.

I feel a bit anorak-ish doing this hobby.. but it makes me happy and it is actually creating something that will be passed on to future generations.

I love it!

Andrew.

[bekahsgran]

Hi Andrew
I can certainly relate to all you say, and I used to feel 'anorakish' about it to, but now I don't care, I get accused of boring the pants off everyone with my constant chatter, but it is the only way to learn anything.
There is one thing, though, that we can be sure of, our hobby will never run out, because there is no 'exact' end, so we can carry on hunting til doomsday.
Don't you just feel elated when you discover one new name,because that means you have at least 2 more to start 'hunting' for?
Okay, I know, lets just be SAD ADDICTS TOGETHER!
I'm proud to be one, and very happy to meet another, happy hunting!
Anne

[GRACELAND]

   Started with just looking for information on my father ,but it soon took hold of me now i ,m doing a part of my tree and helping others !!!   

[bekahsgran]

Ditto Graceland,
 I wonder how many others have to admit to doing exactly that?
Anne

[AndrewMartin]

I just have to say that over on the Somerset boards, having posted a message at about lunchtime today, i had a reply after about 3hrs of posting the message that gave me a load of information (ive checked it!) that i had been trying to find out for about 6yrs!

A big brick wall has just been smashed through with 3hrs work and the help of a friendly soul on this site.

You can probably guess i am quite excited now.