Well, I will begin with how my interests in genealogy started... Years ago, my grandmother, "Mema", sparked my interest in family history research. She did this by taking me to Rolling Fork Baptist Church & Cemetery, Nolin Baptist Church & Cemetery and many other places. As we travelled the stories were told, places pointed out as we passed and she would say "That's where an Indian attack occurred." or "This is the ole' Indian wall." We visited many courthouse record rooms and old churches and grave yards together. I learned at a young age the excited feeling of finding a record or locating a grave marker all the while becoming more and more fascinated with the past. Our get-a-way trips were almost always associated with the past...for example, some of the places we visited were Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace & Boyhood Home, Shakertown, and Boonesborough. Mema was a wonderful story teller and it was an effort of love for her to scratch the build up off a grave marker so she could read the epitaphs. Yes, we even made soap from scratch one day! Ha! The only thing I remember is lots of boiling water. She passed away in 1991 in Louisville. This website is dedicated to her. She seems to be with me when I'm alone in a grave yard. I feel her smiling beside me when I'm carrying a big courthouse book to lay down on a countertop and browse through. I just wish I had tape recorded so many of our conversations. Lessons learned.Obviously, this interest in genealogy has stayed with me through the years. I continue to work on my own family history today. I search in the new way with computers and research that is today easily at our fingertips and I also research in the old way - driving to different counties, visiting old cemeteries, county courthouses, etc.., I enjoy genealogy! It does not matter if it is a hot summer day and sweat drops are getting in my eyes at a cemetery, nor sitting at a microfiche machine for several hours, paperwork piling up in stacks on the floor...nah...I always enjoy genealogy!For about five years I have also assisted others in learning about their family roots. This has opened up new doors all together. I've learned from others, I've made new friends, we've shared information, etc.., When you know what it's like to know the information is there and you just want to get your hands on a copy & the thrill of getting that information there's a true satisfaction in giving this joy to others.I say that everything in life makes circles. Sometimes someone needs my help. Fine! Happy to oblige! Sometimes I'm on the requesting end ~ asking for someone to help me obtain a picture, a document, etc.., Thanks to those who have helped me! Let me state that here! One big Thank You!!!My own roots stem from several counties and places - including Hart, Larue, Washington, Nelson, Jefferson, Shelby, Henry, Taylor, and more. Here is some additional information about me:born in Louisville, Kentucky
resident of Oldham County, Kentucky
self taught family researcher
parent of two male (married) grown children
3 grand children
parent of a U. S. Marine
animal lover and pet owner
Genealogical Contributions:
Volunteer for Random Acts of Genealogical KindnessTranscribe cemeteries & donate informationKentucky Gen Web ContributorOldham County Families (family tree)
creator and author
Oldham County Marriages (books)
creator and author
My family surnames include: Elliott, Redman, Druen, Curry, Roberts, Corum, Fox, McGowen, Nelson and many others. I have only one fuss about genealogy ~ when others take the research notes of others and post the notes on the internet as if they were their own. My notes from my family tree have been copied repeatedly. It is not polite to claim the work of others as our own. It also creates false statements...such as if "He was my grandfother" gets copied...guess what? Not your grandfather. Give credit where credit is due!I'd like to thank the creators of the wonderful graphics I've used on my site. They so suit my interests! With Rhio Gillis's graphics I can express I am a genealogy nut! Bless you Rhio for making genealogy graphics! With Paula Vaughan's art I feel at home. The church in the picture above is very similar to the small, country church I was married in several years back. I am fascinated with the same subjects Paula paints...old barns, farmhouses, small country churches, etc.., Thank you Paula and Rhio!May all find as much pleasure in genealogy interests as I do. Best wishes in breaking through your brick walls!If you would like to help me keep this site going please feel free to make a donation. This site is not supported by a free host (such as Rootsweb). I may receive some criticism because I do not give information always for free. Some believe genealogy information should always be given freely. I agree with this but not 100%. I contribute free information often. As stated, I support KyGenWeb. I also do research as a RAOGK volunteer. I also share my family tree with others freely. However, sometimes, obtaining information is not free and sharing it is not free. Thus, I do ask for your support to help cover expenses...such as keeping this website available, copy fees, parking fees, travel costs, etc..,Like others we are having a difficult time with the state of the economy. The transmission has gone out of our main vehicle. Thus my travelling for research is 'out the window' for now. Yet, these difficult times only strengthen our beliefs in what is important and what really matters...at Christmas and always..family, our faith and the blessings of being able to be together. May you all have a Happy Holiday Season and be able to be with the ones dearest to you.
