by Jim Bradley

Created on: May 14, 2008

I used to think that studying the family tree, (or genealogy to give it it's proper name), was some weird hobby that only older people did, as they sat poring over dusty tomes in little known libraries across the world, desperately trying to find that tenuous link to some royal lineage. Then my aunt gave us a copy of some research she had done on my mothers side of the family and, before I knew it, I was hooked!

Genealogy is living history. It is about people you know, or knew, not about obscure people from history books who were renowned for their fame or infamy. It is fascinating to look back at where, and who, you have come from and to wonder about what those people were like and what their experience of life was.

We managed to get back to around 1816 with our family tree which is quite amazing really when you consider it. Looking back further highlighted the fact that our family are a mix of Scottish and Irish blood; The Scottish side being landowners in Argyll - and also being a band of cattle rustlers and thieves to boot! The Irish side were more obscure and there are fewer records to give much insight into them. The fact that there was a 'great fire' in the building where the Irish records were stored, resulting in the loss of lots of information, didn't help.

When you look back at those old photos of people whom you barely or never knew and then not only out a face to them but start building a character, a lifestyle, a marriage around them, those old photos begin to take on a new significance and the image of those long dead and departed family members appear to take one new life.

To make things easier, there is a lot of software for genealogical research, some of it free too. I began and stayed with one particular free software package which has stood the test of time. I have always meant to upgrade to the full package but never yet got around to it. (If anyone is interested, email me for details of it: Don't want to plug it here). You can put in all the data for your family lines along with photos, and in-depth information on each person and their links to others. It's amazing how the family tree grows when you start and you suddenly realize just how many people you are related to in one way or another. Also makes you glad we don't send birthday cards to everyone! lol

The information that comes up from this kind of research is interesting to say the least. There are job titles and descriptions which no longer exist in these modern technological days, weaver, dyer, journeyman, in-service housekeeper, etc. They are all there and it's interesting to see who did what.

One thing that was revealed to me was that, on the paternal side, there have been quite a few deaths from respiratory diseases. Of course, it didn't help that the dangers of smoking were less well understood and publicized then but it is interesting to note that it seemed to be the male side which was more susceptible, as I know some of the females smoked too.

Having gone as far as I think I can, all that remains is for me to collate all the information and add in a few comments etc., about we, the present day people. Why do it at all? Well, it just may be that some member of the family in years to come will decide they would like to know more and so at least have the work will have been done for them. Besides, I've had fun doing it, despite my early impressions of what "family history" was all about.

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