by yoker brian » Tue Jul 06, 2010 9:37 pm
I started researching my family tree in May 2009- starting with myself, siblings and my parents, my research now covers some 768 people, stretching back to the late 1780's no mean feat considering my parent's surnames of Kelly (from the Calton) and Paterson (Coatbridge) both common surnames in these areas for many years.
I took it up after being made redundant, and to give myself something to keep the brain working and to break the monotony of looking for a new job, it can be an expensive hobby, but a rewarding one too.
For instance I uncovered an aunt that my father never knew he had or indeed met, (having been killed in a house fire aged 10), including newspaper reports from the time. Another cousin killed in an accident at Yorkhill Quay, and only just last Friday, I have been able to part answer a family mystery over the twice married old Aunt, and who really was the father of her illegitimate son, and also an apparent suicide by someone arriving at the gates of HM Prison Duke Street in the back of the prison van.
There are some great resources out there, all you need is a bit of patience, and a willingness to learn. I would say that anyone thinking of doing this should also have an open mind, and not to judge people or events from the past - their actions made you what you are today, and most likely the same "shocking" stories (illegitimacy, divorce, drunkness, unemployment, applying for benefits etc) from a bygone time still happen today and indeed are the accepted norm.
Sadly my research will have to be halted for a while as I start my new job on Monday, but it's a hobby that can be picked up at anytime.
Milk Sucks, Got Beer?