Genealogy and History Fan

 From the time I was nine or ten I have loved to read historical novels.   By the time I was thirteen, I had read Gone With The Wind four times.  To this day, nearly fifty years later, one of my favorite pastimes is to read a historical novel.

It’s no wonder that I was drawn, in my teens, to begin genealogical research. My fascination with the lives of former generations has had me on a life-long pursuit.

I have discovered in my research that some of the adventures of my ancestors read like a novel. Everyone loves a good romantic story. My fifth great grandfather, Anthony Lindsay, was a messenger for General George Washington. During one of his relay trips he stayed at the home of a wealthy landholder. This man had a daughter named Rachel who caught Anthony’s eye and heart. Three years later he to returned to their home and made Rachel Dorsey his bride.

For a family drama consider the conflict and dilemma of brothers during the Civil War. My second great grandfather, Calvin Wineinger, and his brother James lived in Indiana and were Union soldiers. Another brother Levi lived in Arkansas. Calvin and James’ military troop was sent to Arkansas to fight. Levi found out his brothers were coming so he hid in a cave because he couldn’t fight against his brothers.

Some might prefer a murder mystery. In the 1850’s my third great uncle, Moore Woodmansee, a prominent merchant in southern Indiana was traveling to Cincinnati with a large amount of cash. Along the way he checked into a leading hotel to spend the night. He was seen retiring to his room in the evening. By morning he had disappeared without a trace. He was never seen or heard of again.

What stories are waiting for you to discover in your family history?