I have been researching my family for about 12 years now. I was fortunate to grow up living next door to my grandparents and I guess I listened and absorbed the stories and names they talked about.

Armed with their information, I searched cemetery listings online and filled in many blanks as to dates and spouses. I found a distance cousin who was researching as well. We shared photos and found out many things about that branch of the family. We have data tracing them back to early 1700 Ireland and England. Funny thing is, I discovered that I am kin to over half the county where I grew up!!

My husband's sister spent a couple of years researching their family. She finally found the cemetery where their great grandmother was buried and with the names and dates she has been able to piece together the family tree 5 generations back.

It is fun piecing together the puzzle of where you come from.