Carol Young Genealogy
Family History Researcher
“What are the chances? Part I
This will be the first in a series of my genealogical research stories.
As I previously disclosed in an earlier post, I have been involved in Genealogy for almost two decades. This story is the one that seems to touch closest to my heart. It occurred almost fifteen years ago and it still can bring me to tears.
The world of Genealogy is immense and I am still in awe with it’s camaraderie. Generally, they are a group of people who truly want to help others locate their ancestry. And within a short period of time, you begin to develop relationships with complete strangers who eventually become friends. One grows to feel as though you have known each other forever.
When I began, Ancestry had no hints or shaking leaves. It was a lot of searching through records, one by one trying to find that specific family member. I remember message boards for surnames, places or general information where I wrote a post looking for information on my great grandfather. He had come from Ireland in the late 1800’s and relatives had given me a town’s name where they thought he had lived. Each night, I would look and hope for an answer but none ever came.
One evening, a post from an Irish man looking for his long lost uncle caught my eye. Apparently, his father’s favorite uncle had left Ireland in the 1900’s but they lost contact once he arrived in the United States. His father had been searching over thirty years for his uncle and he had recently passed away. Now, the son was taking up this quest as a promise made to his dying father. He was told that the uncle’s destination was New Jersey and he might have been in law enforcement. The post seemed to call me, “You’re from New Jersey! Why not help this guy?”
With much of my own Ancestry completed, I decided to volunteer my services to this Irish man, Brendan and attempt to locate any records in the United States. What I soon discovered was his father had accrued an arsenal of information but he had hit a brick wall. Pleasantries were over quickly and soon we were down to business. A dynamic duo emailing with new sources and records on a daily basis.
Finally late one evening, I began to really look at the passenger list of the uncle’s immigration to the United States. Lo and behold, there in almost illegible writing was the destination, a town in New Jersey. So excited to discover that the town was right next to where I had grown up and lived my entire life. And in the next column it listed the name of who you were going to live with, there so faintly was the name of my great grandfather’s sister married name. Shocked, is how I felt next because in extremely small writing was their relationship, half sister. What are the chances?
The story doesn’t end there!
Lives Long Lost Feedback
I have known I was adopted since birth but never had a curiosity about my birth family.
When the state of New Jersey unsealed birth certificates I was 68 years old and realized it was about time I looked at my birth certificate. I got the certificate and it contained pertinent birth information including my birth mother’s name and her address at the time of my birth. I contacted Sharon who I knew worked on genealogy . What I had hoped at the time was that just maybe I would find out the type of life my birth mother had lived. I had been put on a path by this woman that gave me a full, happy and loving life (not without its peaks and valleys). I was hoping she had a good life.
Within a short period of time, Sharon was able to find a member of the family my birth mother had worked for at the time of my birth. She was able and more than willing to tell me what a lovely person she was and the type of life she had led. I was thrilled beyond belief that after 68 years and no knowledge of my history, Sharon was able to put this information in my lap.
Then came another turn! Through Sharon’s efforts she was able to find birth family members, starting with a 3rd cousin and then eventually turning up 12 first cousins! When a scheduled trip to Ireland was mentioned these family members (all of whom reside in Ireland) requested that we meet. At age 69 I walked into a room and was surrounded by family who I resembled. I cannot say how this experience has colored my world. I never in my wildest dreams envisioned find out the information I now have. I haven’t even begun to pursue the information that Sharon has uncovered about my birth father.
Her work and passion for this field is amazing. She is willing to take you on a path where you feel comfortable. It is never too late to pursue your history!
T. in New Jersey
Family History Feedback
I have always been interested in my family’s history and ancestry, but never knew much about it. Sharon said that she could and would help me with this. I gave her my parent’s phone number and after a few conversations, she was off like a race car. She absolutely stunned us all! The information which she accumulated fills two binders.
My Mother’s ancestry she traced back to 1648 and was able to determine that the family came to America on the second ship after the Mayflower. I had known only through word of mouth that we had ancestors who were part of the American Revolution, and with her help, I was able to become a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.My Father’s history she was able to trace back to the 1500’s in Italy along with baptismal records and documentation of marriages and deaths. Unbeliev-ably amazing, what she has uncovered.
I will always be in her debt for doing this for me and my family. I can not thank her enough.
Don’t hesitate to contact her.
Charlie P. in New Jersey
What’s the Scoop? Feedback
This gift was the hit of my mother’s 90th birthday party. Everyone wanted to check out the binder which remained open the entire evening. Friends and family took pictures of every single page. It was so much fun to see birth and engagement announcements of the family, especially since no one had ever seen them before. Additionally, there were several surprise newspaper articles, OMG! Word got out to those who were unable to attend the party, so we had it copied for them to enjoy.
A really great gift idea!
M. in Pennsylvania
Who Am I? Feedback
Was hoping to discover more about my African American heritage.
Our Family Binder had accompanied my parents to the family reunion this year. Everyone was astounded with all of its’ documentation as well as what was discovered.
Utterly speechless with the presentation & final project, I felt as though I was a participant on the PBS program, “Finding Your Roots.”
I Highly Recommend!
R. in New York
Carol Young Genealogy 