My most important 'friend[s]' who helped me love genealogy and be fascinated by everyone's story, were my Dad, my Aunt [his sister], and her son, my cousin. I grew up very inquisitive about everything! I was always asking my maternal grandmother about her family, and got a few stories, very few; but I also heard from her a few from my grandfather's side [he was already deceased].

Oh! Now, how I wished I had listened better. Older cousins on my maternal sides, have compiled good genealogy records, and I certainly do appreciate the help they offer. Both of my parents are now gone, so I can no longer ask them questions. When we would go to Tell City, Indiana, USA, and visit my grandmother and aunts and uncles, and cousins, we would frequently go out to 'the country' where I would be shown old homesteads where my great grandparents had lived and worked. I would be told stories about their works, educations, jobs, and so much more. Sometimes we even toured some of the old abandoned sites. Once I found some postcards from the 1940's.

Genealogy and my family. I actually thought everyone knew their family histories. My 15th great grandfather fought during the Revolutionary War. I have found his pension number, and some items about him. In 1976, my Dad and I went to Tobinsport, Indiana, for a Memorial to be set by the Daughters of the American Revolution. I saw it, and I saw the headstone that was also placed. Even have pictures. You know what is funny? I have searched the DAR and had help, and he is not listed in their records!