Archive for the ‘history’ Category

Family Genealogy Package

Posted: July 27, 2011 in birth certificate, death certificates, descendants, family treasures, George Parks, history, Homestead, military service records
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Yesterday, I received my genealogy package in the mail from my Aunt Evelyn! I was so excited to open it, that it was like opening a birthday gift except there wasn’t any frilly bows or paper to unwrap. In this package came two thick stacks of family history, stapled together, one for Lucia Cornett, (my grandmother’s side of the family) and another packet of information for Walter Cornett’s side of the family, (my grandfather). 


One packet was labeled, “The Family of Stuart Marvin Cornett and Gincy Malinda Long Cornett” which contains names, birth and death dates, marriages and the children’s information, etc and there was even a few photos included in each of the documents, a couple of newspaper articles, one which was a 50th wedding anniversary article, another article titled, “Three Couples From Cornett Family Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversaries” (Gazette, Galax, VA, Monday, December 9, 1991) How exciting to have three different couples, all in the Cornett family to celebrate such a momentous occasion at one time! The other packet was labeled as “The Descendants of David and Feby (Phoebe) Sutherland Cornett.


The package also included a death certificate for Walter and a birth certificate for Lucia, two different Honorable Discharge papers for Walter’s WW II military service, a press release regarding his service in the Army Air Forces and a story titled, “Roberts Cove” which was written by Pat Miles Burris and Anna J. Woods and included a photocopy of the George Parks homestead which is posted below.

George Parks Homestead
(Notice that there are three front doors)





In the above photo, the back side reads: George Parks and Vinnie Testerment- 
Izora’s Mom & Dad- (Walter’s grandparents on mother’s side)
Date Unknown
‘
The Homestead Photo has writing also- “Old George Parks Homestead”
Date Unknown




Virginia Historical Society and Other Sources

Posted: June 15, 2011 in colonial times, Confederate, exhibits, Genealogical Societies, historical society, history, lectures, maps, newspapers, online, Virginia
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Virginia Historical Society IMG_2719

Virginia Historical Society IMG_2719 (Photo credit: OZinOH)

Today, I am researching different sources that have to do with the history of the state of Virginia; that is where  the majority of my family originated from, initially. There is a Virginia Genealogical Society which will aid in any search that may have to do with the states history and articles in which to read. I have yet to navigate through the entire site; I figure it would be a great starting point to further any current research I am doing. Membership prices can be found on this website for those who may be interested in joining. You can access publications also with your membership. But since navigating through some of the page tabs, I’m not very impressed by what the site has to offer, in terms of research. I think I can get better information through the Virginia Historical Society, but to each his own. 


Membership Prices- VGS




The Virginia Historical Society has an impressive amount of links throughout each page, that will lead the average genealogist, like myself to some of the great wonders of Virginia history. The historical society of Virginia has some really great exhibitions both on site and off. What really intrigues me about this, is the fact that I can view one of these types of exhibitions online! It’s definitely too far to travel, at least for me. Some of the exhibitions that are offered are definitely of interest to me, some of which include these topics: Jamestown, Colonial Times, the Civil Rights Movement, and several others. 


Online Exhibits


This site includes many research articles which include books, Confederate imprints, photographs, newspapers, family and personal papers, genealogical materials, and maps. But that’s just the start. Take a look around and see what you find; you may be surprised! On the event page, if you are familiar with the site and have been here but may have missed a lecture that you were hoping to be part of- don’t worry, you can hear the lectures online too. This site is really a gem! I love the fact that you can view things like this online, it’s a great feature for those who cannot be there in person. If you just love history, this is the site for you. If you are researching family ties, I would definitely at least have a look around. There are membership fees for individuals and families alike, but I think it would be worth the money you put in, for all the features that the historical society offers you. Be sure to check out the virtual tour on the home page!


Virginia Historical Society

A Family History- More Than Just Names and Dates

Posted: June 13, 2011 in addiction, family tree branches, famine and war, Genealogy, history, Uncategorized, Where do I come from
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Rizinus-Blatt

Rizinus-Blatt (Photo credit: flöschen)

So you have been searching your ancestry and getting your family tree in order. You have names. You have dates. So you might be thinking, these are just a bunch of names, birth dates, and that’s about the gist of it. Well, think again. 

When I was younger, I used to think of genealogy as a pretty boring topic and it kind of ran neck and neck with ancient history. Blah blah…boring! But now that I’ve grown up, had children of my own, I want to know who my family was and where they came from. Now, I have become so thoroughly involved in the research behind it, that it’s become more personal to me. Not just a pet project, but something much more. It’s almost like an addiction; I just can’t get enough! As the title of this blog states, it’s definitely more than just names and dates! They were real people living real lives.

By focusing on just one person on the branch of my tree, it’s almost as if I am trying to know that person on a more personal level. I am trying to learn who this person really was, not just by name but by their lifestyles too. What were they like? Would I like them even if they weren’t a member of my family? What did they do for a living and how did they survive in times of famine and war?

Before the Internet even came into everyone’s homes, it was much harder to do research on our ancestors. Today, in this digital age, we are able to send information all over the world in just minutes. There are literally hundreds of web sites on genealogy to help us in our searches. Some require membership fees, yet others do not. We don’t have to leave our homes to request copies of birth certificates or look at census records, as we can do this online through our computers. Even though the internet is a great resource tool to use, we can still use the older methods of actually talking to our elders, other family members to get this information. We don’t have to rely on just the internet and a few key phrases to get the results we are looking for, but it does help. 

Another idea for you to consider, would be to obtain a copy of an ancestors birth certificate. All you need is the name of said person, their parents name and the date of birth; it shouldn’t be an act of Congress to get this information. Just contact the counties Vital Records and Statistics office. Also, you could join a genealogical society in the state where your family has originated from. This may help you and keep your headaches to a minimum!