Each New Year, many people make resolutions of habits they wish to change or goals they hope to accomplish. Among my resolutions, I always include some genealogy tasks I’d like to complete. In the past organizing my information has often been on my list; last year, I finally organized and filed many of my paper files, so finding documents should be easier. With the start of 2022, I have begun compiling my list of objectives for the new year. Here are a few of the genealogy items I would like to accomplish during this coming year.
1. Find the parents of my 2nd great grandmother Rebecca Thomas (ca 1806-ca 1885) who was the mother of Margaret McGarvey. DNA matches reveal a relationship to the family of Thomas Thomas Sr. (1715-1795), but it is uncertain how. Last year while reviewing information I had for Rebecca, I noticed it suggested her as a possible granddaughter of Thomas Thomas Jr. (1753-1832), but it is not clear if one of his sons could be Rebecca’s father. A Samuel Thomas lived in Lycoming County where Rebecca lived, which makes him a likely candidate, but I have no documents on Samuel to determine if this theory has any validity. Since most Lycoming County records are not online, I would like to take a research trip to the area to explore any possible evidence of her parentage. I hope that in 2022 that will be possible.
2. Locate documentation to prove the parentage of my 4th great grandfather James Blackstone (ca 1785-1840). It has been asserted James was the son of Joseph Blackiston and Mary Stevens, of Delaware/Maryland, but no documentation has been found to prove this. This has been a challenge for many genealogists, and no one has yet found that conclusive piece of evidence. I visited both state libraries searching for some proof, but, like other researchers, I had no luck finding any connection. DNA results indicate there is a relationship to various members of the Blackiston clan. In the absence of a paper trail, perhaps DNA results could help prove James’ lineage to Joseph and Mary Stevens Blackiston.
3. Attend Roots Tech 2022 virtual sessions in March. Last year I attended some sessions during the actual conference but watched most of the Roots Tech 2021 recorded sessions afterward. Some were very informative, especially those on DNA and how to use it for research. It piqued my interest, but I know there is much more to learn about DNA and how it could be used in solving genealogy brick walls. This might aid me in discovering or proving parentage of some ancestors, like Rebecca and James mentioned above. This might also assist me in determining the validity of the suggested potential ancestors on ancestry.com.
4. Organize and archive photographs. Over the past 15 years, I have only used a digital camera to take photos, but rarely did I have any of those printed. Although arranged on my computer by date, I’m not entirely aware of what photos I have. I also have digital copies of photographs from my aunts that I scanned, but many of the older pictures have unidentified people; I would like to be able to identify any relatives in these scanned photos and organize those. In addition, I have boxes of family photos and negatives, some from around the 1920s, but again these are not in any order. There have been times when I am looking for a photograph, and although I am certain I have it, I have not been able to locate it. My goal is to organize pictures for easy access when needed and to make photo books of family lines and events, like family gatherings.
5. Connect/reconnect with relatives working on mutual family lines. Over 20 years ago, I became acquainted with several distant cousins on both sides of my tree. We would correspond throughout the year, updating each other on relevant research we found. Distant cousins, like Carmen and Blanche, were invaluable in providing knowledge of my paternal lines that only a family member could know. With the information and clues they shared I was better prepared on my genealogy trips, and I did not have to repeat research they had already done. I reported to them any discoveries I had made and several times during my Lycoming County visits I had the privilege to visit Blanche. I hope to reestablish relationships with cousins I have not been as connected with over the past few years, as well as establish some new friendships with fellow family researchers.
Although I have other genealogy goals I would like to achieve, the five above are the ones at the top of my list. The first two are the most challenging, but maybe I will be fortunate and become acquainted with a distant cousin who can provide some insight into my line. Or perhaps the Roots Tech sessions will provide me with some skills to solve those questions with DNA. The other three will take time and effort on my part, but it is well worth it. Connections, like the personal ones with other researchers, is what makes genealogy worthwhile, especially when shared information assists others in solving a family puzzle. I hope I am most successful in reaching my fifth goal. May 2022 be a rewarding year!
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