Genealogy # 68: Detective Work

Genealogy # 68: Detective Work

I've looked at some of the examples provided of oral history projects and listen to some of the stories. I especially liked the JSC Oral History Project, since I am interested in Space.
However, my favorite oral history project is Storycorps from NPR. I hear it on the local station KUHF , 88.7FM.

I've never pursued an oral history project, except once as a high school project, many years ago. I would have liked doing one to record some family history, but the subject I was interested in passed away. My paternal grandmother immigrated here from Hungary and I would have like to hear more of her story. I think my father would be a good subject, too, but we live states apart. Maybe I can recruit one of my brothers.

I went to the Find-a-Grave site and search for the Oakwood Cemetery in Warren, Ohio. It lists 1057 interments. I have always been curious about that cemetery, but found that there really is no easy way to sort for the oldest grave. I searched for another cemetery in Trumbull County and found the Lover's Lane Memorial Cemetery, also known as the Leavittsburg Cemetery. This one only has 13 graves.

The oldest know grave at the Lover's Lane Memorial Cemetery is Fox from 1853. There is a headstone picture with just the surname and date. The top of the stone is missing. There are also a couple of listings without dates due to the condition of the markers. It looks like someone wanted to preserve what was still there before the condition got worse. This is an interesting site, but still has it's limitations.

Genealogy #67: Genealogy Genesis

Genealogy #67: Genealogy Genesis

I have studied my geneology, but have been lucky enough to have some family members who have kept track of the records. I may eventually get into it more myself, but do appreciate what others have done.

For beginning researchers, I advise talking to family members to see what may have already been done. One side of my family updates records at the yearly family reunion. On the other side, I have an uncle who has kept track of his sibs & their kids, plus a generation or two in the past.

My future goal is to find out if those folks in Michigan with my maiden name are related or not. I have my theories, but need to finish the proof.