Preserving family histories

The past president of the Union County Genealogical Society, Rev. John Gray, shared with current members of the society tips about how to write a family history during the group’s October meeting.
Gray shared a descriptive and meaningful quote about being a genealogist, “They disturb the dead and irritate the living.” An expert at helping others uncover their roots, As examples, Gray passed around three different family histories that had been done. The first book he shared was a booklet of family genealogy. You can produce this kind yourself by having copies made and spiral bound at Kinko’s or Staples. The Lakin Family History he shared was printed by a publisher and softbound. The third type was one he had sent to Allen County Library in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Persons who create histories, need to provide documentation with stories. Family stories and personal items make it more interesting. Writers need to tell how they were motivated, where their travels took them and what they found. Gray likes to use the appendix section for photos, copies of documents, charts, maps and miscellaneous information.
Consider the format when creating a historical family document. Gray suggested several options including electronic form, book form and a paper copy, stressing, “You should always keep a paper copy, because who knows 20 years from now, your CD disc may not be the current form of electronic information,” said Gray.
Family histories are a matter of record. Gray gave suggestions for doing an oral history. The first oral recording, done with no success, was at a family reunion with a group of people and a tape recorder. He found that working one-on-one produces much better results. “You need to have a purpose, considerations of how and where the information will be used, what equipment you will need and will the informant give you permission to use the material,” said Gray, who found that open-ended questions work the best because it gives individuals room to continue a natural conversation. In doing the oral histories, the mental and physical health of the person being interviewed must be considered. Writing the family history from the material collected and summarizing parts of the interview are the final steps.
Gray is in the process of finishing up his two-year term as President of the Franklin County Genealogical Society.
Gray, who was interviewed by the Parks Service at Lake Seneca, New York during his 20 years in the Air Force and prior to entering the ministry. He used his own interview experience as an example.
On the subject of preserving the area’s family lineage history, the society participates in local genealogy-related activities. Marie Bouic, recording secretary, asked for volunteers to help the Veteran’s Remembrance Committee organize newspaper clippings and memorabilia they have collected during the process of erecting the memorial.
For Veteran’s Day, Sunday, November 11, a service was held at 3 p.m., at the newly-erected Veterans Memorial in front of the courthouse. It was announced at the October meeting that Rev. Groat would bring a message, “Life From the Stone.”
Genealogical Society meetings are held the second Saturday of the month. George Johnson will discuss antique Christmas decorations at the November 17 meeting. All members are encouraged to bring an old Christmas ornament to share.
The deadline for Pioneer applications was changed to December 31 to give the committee more time to review the applications before the May Banquet.
The Union County Genealogical Society met in the lower level of the Marysville Public Library on Oct. 20, 2007.