Why and when did you start on family history? (General)

by reporter, Monday, January 12, 2009, 21:44 (5897 days ago) @ admin

I'm a category 4 - too tired and fatigued to work, but still mentally young and physically active. Early retirement gave me the chance and time to find out more about my parents - all I knew of Dad was that he was born in Cinderford at the end of the 19th century and he moved to Yorkshire. He was very quiet about his history, and, as a child, I was not really aware of family connections, such as his first marriage, even though I had 3 half-sisters. Guess as a child such matters aren't important. Suddenly finding, about 4 years ago, that there was so much data available acted like a switch and turned me on! On my mother's side, I had been aware of, but never understood, a whole bunch of uncles and aunts. All I knew about Mum was that her mother's nickname was Katie (King) and she was of Irish descent.

From these small clues (thank goodness Dad was born pre-1901 census!)I've been able to build quite a detailed history - but the missing bits are what drives me on to spend so many hours searching.

A common theme with family researchers seems to be "following the death of....." and I greatly regret not having found out, and understood more before my parents died. I'm determined that my daughters will have more to go on!
Bob Jenkins