In a recent column I introduced you to my Great Aunt Sonie, a world renowned china painter. Musing over the family tree, I almost became giddy remembering stories of those who came before me, and as they say the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree. Growing up, our family was continually reminded that it was our religious duty to keep track of our ancestors and present generations. My brothers and an aunt did it because they were obedient to the cause; my interest was in the stories and history.
Some of my relatives were colorful, to say the least, while others were a part of national history (US). Many of my ancestors came to the United States from foreign countries like Germany, England, Scotland, and Ireland to join the newly formed Mormon Church. One relative, it is told was an educator to Queen Victoria's children in England. My focus, however, were those in the 1800-1900 US history, primarily the era of the pioneers that moved from the east to the west. Their stories of endurance and sacrifice helped shape my thoughts and character.
One great great grandfather was a friend of Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church. While in Navuoo, Illinois it is reported in my great great grandfather's journal that he was a wealthy man because he had an entire barrel full of vinegar. Imagine that being a symbol of wealth--until you realize the medical benefit to a group or township that had to depend upon it for various things. My take away--a great great grandfather who was frugal, friendly, and caring to a community and his family.
Through written journals I found that both sides of the family started moving west at different times but in the same general migration era. Some traveled in covered wagons, some pushed or pulled handcarts. There were several pieces of sturdy glassware handed down through the family, said to have been in the handcart. But you know, when all you have is a small cart on big wheels, with all your worldly goods for your family in it, how much glassware are you really going to take? But it makes a good story, and the various pieces did come from that glass era of the old west. All in all, 70,000 people traveled 1,300 miles in a wagon, on horseback, or on foot to resettle for freedom of religion. My take away from great great grandmother--a woman sturdy and focused enough to walk over 1,300 miles to a future she hoped would be what she envisioned.
Another great grandfather served for the Union Army during the civil war. Amazing story that really got me doing research. You see, one of my daughters and I were going to join "Daughters of the Civil War" and we had to prove that we actually had ancestors on the rolls of the Union or the Confederate Army. Dear Great Grandfather did indeed receive pay; found his pay records. Also found his cemetery records in Lima, New York, (western part of the State). How could this be, he also is buried in Provo, Utah!
We know from history that many men took the place of others; some to keep family men from leaving sick children or wives, others just out of sacrifice for a friend. Whatever the reason and if my great grandfather is who he is reported to be, he was industrious, caring for both family and community, a community activist when it wasn't a title wanting to make life better for everybody. My takeaway--a name isn't important but the actions and deeds towards others are worth remembering.
My grandfather (son of the Union Soldier) worked for the Union Pacific Railroad putting down the tracks through the mid-states, all the way back to Utah. Unknown at the time, but my grandmother on the other side of the family was one of their cooks. Grandfather went from a track layer to an engineer before retiring from the railroad. My take away--it doesn't matter what the position at the beginning, keep growing and taking on responsibility while doing your very best.
My take away overall in the genealogy experience--keep journals for your future generations, scrapbook, pictures, some sort of combination that they will know the legacy and take away they will look for from you.
Weekly Challenge: Share your history in a journal, scrapbook, or other media--become a real ancestor to a future generation. You are important, your story is unique, share it and preserve it. YOU are important to me. Love to hear from you and have you join the Christian Women Take Root Group--Differences Encouraged. Feel free to leave a comment below. 
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