I began my ancestral search in 1972 and after retiring have spent an inordinate amount of time tracing my surname by subscribing to online sites, visiting distant relatives and walking cemeteries. I have met many helpful and encouraging people along the way. I enjoy the history surrounding these gravesites and the stories told by my aging kin. I tried hard to link my family before my dad passed but did not succeed until year 2010, 2 years after his death. I had a great deal of help from genealogical societies in Illinois counties and their family files and I am deeply grateful.

I began my ancestral search in 1972 and after retiring have spent an inordinate amount of time tracing my surname by subscribing to online sites, visiting distant relatives and walking cemeteries. I have met many helpful and encouraging people along the way. I enjoy the history surrounding these gravesites and the stories told by my aging kin. I tried hard to link my family before my dad passed but did not succeed until year 2010, 2 years after his death. I had a great deal of help from genealogical societies in Illinois counties and their family files and I am deeply grateful.