I started working on our family tree when I was pregnant with my son (about 6 years ago). Since my husband was adopted at birth and since I didn't know much of my ancestry past my grandparents, I had a lot of work to do. According to my Nana, (my mother's mother), the world started with her and I didn't need to know more beyond that! (Yes, she really told me that!).
If you have ever been on Ancestry.com or Geneaology.com, you may find, like I did, that it can get addictive. Once you start on the branch of a tree, it can be hard to stop as there never really is an end. We've found ourselves sifting through papers at Grandmother Merritt's house, hiking through cemeteries in the Blue Ridge, visiting the Lexington Historical Society....I could go on and on.....
Through Ancestry.com, I have made lots of contacts with mostly (very) distant relatives. I am big on accurate documentation, so often, my tree is accessed by others looking for information. Last week, someone contacted me to see if I needed help with a particular branch and to let me know her daughter in law is a real estate agent too. Wow! I now have a referral source in Rockbridge County, Virginia!
There are some pleasant surprises...like the flower shop my Great Grandfather Meskers started in the Bronx is still there (he immigrated here from Holland). Then, there are some not so pleasant ones...like the distant cousin who, when his wife died, married her sister!
Do I think my tree will ever become a major source for business? Absolutely not and that is not why I work on it. But, I've made some great contacts that I never expected who just happen to be potential referral sources. I've also, hopefully, created a history that my son someday will appreciate. Sure beats making cold calls or knocking on doors!
Tina in Virginia
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Tina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email: tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338.
Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia. In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County.
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It is always nice to know where you come from. Often there are pleasant surprises, like your great granddad's flower shop. It can help you to 'know' your deceased relatives better. Good luck on your continued search!!
Betina
Thank you Betina! It is always a journey!
Tina in Virginia
Tina, I am a subscriber to Ancestry.com and genealogy is a "hobby" for both my husband and me. Hmmm, you may have a connection to my husband since he has Merritt forbears. Whenever I meet someone with a name that is in my family tree, I always wonder if there is a connection.
Shirley - we may have a connection - though I haven't made any connections in Texas yet. Thanks for commenting!
Tina in Virginia
Tina - I really think the value of your hobby on ancestry.com is not from the connections you make that will benefit your real estate busienss. They are two-fold. First, connecting with those that have gone before us is valuable for obvious reasons. But the second reason is often neglected by real estate agents. You have found something to feel passionate about that has little to do with the daily expectations found in real estate. I applaud your journey!
WOW Tina, You've been busy!!! I admire you for being so pationate about this. And I wish you much success and many more surprises!!!
Yes, you are correct - I am passionate about it. My husband's ancestors were true pioneers in our country with many fighting in the civil war. They came to this country, settled into Western Virginia and stayed for generations. I'm so grateful my husband's ancestors took the time to document much of the family history.
Rebecca - Thank you for your good wishes!
Tina in Virginia
Hi Tina - I applaud you for keeping up your efforts on filling out your family tree. I haven't gotten further than my great grandparents and my parents' siblings and spouses. That wore me out right there! hahahahaha
Of course, if you go a step further than just knowing who the people are and actually get to know them (the ones who are still alive), you may very well grow your business through the branches!
~Renae
Too funny about your Nana. My Nana was the exact same way. Guess they didn't have Dr. Phill back then.
I too started working on my genealogy and was fascinated to discover what a huge interest this was for so many people. I actually found the immigrant passenger listing of both my great grandfather's who arrived at Ellis Island from County Cork Ireland. They where also involved with the surrender of Geronimo and the Spanish American War. This is fascinating stuff to learn about our lineage.
Daniel - Finding the actual immigration records is a great rush, isn't it? Through census records I was able to find out that Nana had been fibbing to EVERYONE (even DMV) about her age most of her life! What a character! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Tina in Virginia
Yes Tina, it is a rush, really puts things into perspective. Make one realize that we too are just a leaf on that tree. The older generations are a trip. My Nana was a steel trap, No info from her..and she's all I had because there where no fraternal relatives (they also magically disappeared including the one who sired me and my 6 siblings) so I only had a grandmother, mother and aunt. Not much of a root to work with. But we did locate our father. Imagine his surprise, It was a 20/20 moment for sure. Through him I was able to fill in some blanks. I even found out our name was changed to an English version because the Irish where hated.
Here's an old page I collected some links on about genealogy that your readers may find helpful.
I have been on this site too. I saw my grandfathers signature for the very first time. He was an immigrant from Norway and died when my father was 14. It is a facinating way to spend some time!
tina,just testing your blog..good ,anne
tina.my husband..ingolf norman kiland is very norwegian..we know much about his side, mother english from philadelphia..I am trying to determine if my painting being restored in california is from my great granfather's home in brooklyn.. it is fun ,almost like a detective and that is what geneology is all about..your son will enjoy it and i hope my two grandchildren will but the granddaughter is named for her great grandmother isabel..philadelphia-- and they call her izzy.. so so much for grand geneology.. ciao,, anne