I have been working on my family tree for about 2 years. Nothing could surprise me more than the people whom I’ve discovered that are my ancestors. It’s been a fun adventure, and I am sure that many more years of research are to come.
My ancestors have fought in many wars: The Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, The American Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, and even the Cold War. In addition, I found that my ascendants were Huguenots and suffered severe persecution at the hands of the Catholic majority. They fled from France and settled in Switzerland, eventually emigrating to America.
In the process of my research, I discovered hundreds of documents, including census reports, photos, military draft cards, love letters, birth, death, and marriage certificates, books, stories, and so much more.
The portrait on the left is William Hainey Briggs 1818-1902, who is my 3rd great grandfather. William, and his wife Jane Isabella Wilson, had 12 children and lived in Shirleysburg, PA. If not for the research that I performed, I would have never been able to visualize what this gentleman looked like.
What I hope to accomplish with this blog is to provide a visual outlet for my family to follow the progress in my research and the building of our family tree. This blog is a companion to my main Genealogical Musings website, which features our family tree, histories, documents, photos, and other relevant information. I will offer tips on research, genealogy websites, background info on cities, towns, and countries where my ancestors once lived, and many other interesting tidbits. My hope is to have a descendant take over the task of expanding our tree and compiling documentation when the day comes that I am unable to continue this important work. The Keeper of the Tree, so to speak.
If you have anything to offer, please use the contact form by clicking the “Contact” link in the menu at the top of the page. Your input would be greatly appreciated!
