Probians learn about a new 'bug'
By Bill & Margaret Cunning

There is a 'bug' going around that is often catching and the only cure is to "know it all" and so, one never really recovers.

Our December speaker, genealogical researcher Ruth Burkholder, opened her presentation by saying that "the results of this workshop may be hazardous to your health, your spare time, your wallet and your family. The 'bug' is called: tracing your family roots.

If you are infected by this bug, Burkholder laid out some simple guidelines on how to endure the search for information, and the validation of this information, as leads blow hot and cold. Where to start is the question? Burkholder suggests you start with yourself and write down all information you know about your family, then talk with relatives, friends and neighbours and write that down as well. Always document everything you find and where and when you found it.

Next, you should locate any family documents, Bibles, etc. and check cemetery records. The hunt for sources doesn't stop there as one needs to visit libraries, museums and archives. Read books and the census, and obtain birth, marriage and death certificates and don't forget church and parish records. After you gather this information create family group sheets, pedigree charts and a large wall chart. By now the bug will have really taken hold.

At this stage of the search you will find that many discrepancies start to appear. For example, family names are changed for a variety of reasons. The names may be anglicized, women may keep their maiden name, and in Scandinavia sons won't have constant surnames. Same sex unions, however, do not cause problems in this area. When the ashes of the deceased are scattered, cemetery records may not be kept. Burkholder suggests that the telephone is not useful in the search and it is better to write a letter as it gives the person contacted time to think and remember things long forgotten.

Burkholder recommended some resources which could prove useful. One resource is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, an excellent resource which is now on the Internet. Brother's Keeper is a computer software program as is Family Tree Maker, and genealogy.net which has a lot of European information is useful. Burkholder warns, however, that records are not always correct, and adds a warning to be careful on the Internet as people can call themselves anything they like on this forum. Other sources of interest are Ontario Genealogy Society, magazines, journals, church magazines and Rotary Club material.

If you have caught this 'bug' and are stuck, Ruth Burkholder's company will do the research for you or assist you to do your own research. The company is called RMB Genealogical Services and the address is available from the Probus club secretary at 905-857- 3849. Ruth concluded the presentation by saying that "some people pay a lot of money to have their genealogy looked up and then have to pay a larger amount to have it 'hushed' up." Our special thanks to Ruth for a wonderful presentation.

The Probus Club meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Caledon Seniors' Centre, Rotary Place at 9:45 a.m. They invite all retirees to come spend a winter morning with us and feel warmed by the smiles of new friends.