Yesterday I went for a drive around a local small town and was not very successful so I stopped into the public library. While trying to see if they had any info for the cemetery I was looking for, conversations struck up and we were talking about all kinds of things having to do with family and history.
Somewhere in the conversation about the cemetery I was looking for, the very kind and sweet woman told me that this particular cemetery was said to be a Black cemetery. We talked about how some cemeteries are on private land and forgotten, and how often times the cemeteries for the owners of the lands and the cemeteries of those that worked on the land were seperated because of color. This made me remember my trip to Perry County last month. I was told that the old Cone (or Coon) Cemetery was a Black cemetery and that I'd not have any relatives in there. After hiking up to the cemetery with my wonderful cousins and guides, and photographing each stone I came across for prosterity, I finally found at the head of the cemetery overlooking what was once a large bluff to the river below, the property owners - side by side. They were indeed residing in the same cemetery as those who worked "for" them and were at one time likely their slaves who were then freed and continued to work on the farm for the owners. Recounting this story of my discovery to the lovely lady, I could feel a sense of pride as I heard the story for the first time out of my own mouth, and I watched her face (who watched my face) as I saw the smile she gave me, and the joy in her heart showed as she said how special that they must have been. At that moment, I connected with the past in a way that I had never done before. The past, with the present. While I never did find the cemetery I was looking for, I found something much more meaningful, and I truly enjoyed my Adventures in Genealogy!
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Viking Ship Captain to Crew: "Remember men - before you pillage or plunder please visit the local church and copy down the BMD's. If you are not sure of a name then ask a member of the staff. There is nothing worse than shoddy transcriptions!"
In April when the 1940 Census was released, it was super exciting. After some of the indexing was finished people were then complaining about errors. I think it probably happens in every year. We're just never satisfied. Not fast enough, too complicated, not enough time, too hard, not correct... it just never ends, the extent of our complaints. I've thought about today's topic - Thankfulness - extensively. It's very difficult to be thankful for many things because we're in a hurry, or we're expecting more perfection from someone or something. I myself find how impatient I have become while driving. I'm less tolerable of imperfection as I get older. But today, I want to send a special thanks to those people in my little genealogy world that inspire me often. So to you Genealogy Addicts out there - You know who you are - Thank you for the wealth of fun, funny and amazing conversations and topics we discuss on a daily basis. Without you, I'd be - well, quiet. We all know how well THAT would go over! I hope you enjoy your Adventures in Genealogy as much as I have enjoyed meeting and chatting with such wonderful people. Thanks for your support! M~ Thanks to you... Sometimes we forget all the little things people do for us. It's often said that it's the little things that matter, and I truly believe that is 100% accurate.
Here is a small shout out to relatives still unknown. Somewhere out there are some cousins I've never met. Distant relatives who are searching the same family lines waiting for that connection. As I reflect back on the last 6 months of research I realize how many there must actually be out there. Some of them possibly right here in my back yard if only I could figure out the link that brings us together. So today is like one of those "Here's to you" beer commercials... Here is to you - yet unknown distant fourth cousin two times removed!! I hope to see you soon if and when my adventures in genealogy lead me to you!! |
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AuthorMichele is an obsessed mother of 4 residing in North Alabama. Hobbies include long walks in the woods, on the beach and in strange cemeteries and libraries. Genealogy friends need only apply. Categories
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