I just finished filling out the 2010 Census and I can't help but feel a bit teary-eyed while doing it. Stop rolling your eyes at me. The Census holds a special place in my heart. Not because I have a fondness for filling out government forms but because of the wealth of information it holds.
I've always been interested in family history and let me tell you my family has some interesting history. Since I was in the sixth grade and found out that we were distantly related to the poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, genealogy has always piqued my interest.
When I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints eleven years ago (can't believe it's been that long), I came to understand the full importance of knowing where you came from.
"Genealogies, family stories, historical accounts, and traditions … form a bridge between past and future and bind generations together in ways that no other keepsake can." --Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander, “Bridges and Eternal Keepsakes,” Ensign, May 1999, pg. 83.
I don't get a chance to dig into my genealogy work very often since I'm often focused on the current generation I'm trying to wrangle but I've learned a lot about my progenitors. I have answered some questions only to find new and more difficult questions need to be answered. I have discovered names of people generations ago that I never knew existed and because of the choices they made, I am part of their family.
Words cannot express the feeling I received when I stood in front of a microfiche reader with my mom and mother-in-law and saw my grandfather's name, Winfred Skidmore, listed with his parents and siblings. His name was spelled Winifred and he was listed as female. Okay, so they aren't always perfectly accurate but they did their best.
It is a lengthy process that would be near impossible if not for the previous Census's being completed.
So now you know why I get a bit choked up filling out the Census. It's not just a Census to me. It's a link to the past.
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Oh, Jenna...what a great thought! I am making a serious effort to start digging into our genealogy information. It's been on my mind a lot lately, and it's so cool to hear you writing about it too. Thanks, Jenna.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Jenna! The work we do really is important. I hope life for you is a little brighter today. Missed you at church!
ReplyDeleteJenna, I had similar thoughts as we were filling out our census form. There is something about genealogy and learning about our forefathers (and mothers!) that tugs at my very heartstrings. It sounds like your children have a wonderful heritage. Did Brad ever tell you that Patrick Henry is his 7th great grandfather? We are descended thru his first son, John. I've done a little digging and came up with some interesting little tidbits of family history. John had a difficult life in many ways. He fell in love with and courted the woman who became Patrick's 2nd wife. (Patrick may have been unaware of his interest) He eventually went off to the Revolutionary War and, after a heavy battle in which many of his childhood friends were killed, ended up with a severe case of what we would call battle fatigue. He was found wandering the streets, unaware of who he was. George Washington, in a very compassionate gesture, personally arranged (and paid for) someone to take him home to make sure he got there safely. He bounced back and married later in life, sadly, only living a short while after his only child John was born. This John left Virginia and went west to Iowa. As far as I can tell, neither he nor his children got involved with the Civil War. But, the rest of the family was right in the middle of it. Although Patrick never freed his slaves, his sister became a strong opponent to slavery and freed all hers upon inheriting them. Sad to say, cousin ended up fighting cousin in the Civil War. Anyway, fascinating stuff!
ReplyDeleteLove to read your blog! I'm a fan. ((hugs))
Hey Jenna, I didn't know you had a blog...why am I always the last to know! LOL...you are a good little writer and thanks for sharing how fun! My blog stinks didn't keep up with it...thanks for sharing the story Marnie about Patrick Henry I didn't know it...or didn't remember it. I too enjoyed filling out my census, all the same feelings you all had. I have been helping a few people in our ward get ready for a new member batism date in a couple of weeks so they can take their own family names. Those census are so important to linking yourself to them. I was able to find some great stuff. I got a months subscription to Ancestry.com, just couldn't help myself, but shhh don't tell on me! So if you have something you want me to look up just shoot me an e-mail and I will give it my best shot.
ReplyDeleteDid I mention Jenna I LOVE your blog...great job!