Family Photos...

Good news!!! I finally figured out a way to add family photos with an album gallery.  I'm not the tech-head I used to be, but it will work.  I still have to make some adjustments to the pic sizes, but it's getting there.  Check out the "Family Photos" tab on the menu bar.   Hope this can work for other folks pages as well.  Enjoy!

Proof Positive...

It's been quite a week for my tree.  We've actually received the information on my  grandfather's sister, the Franciscan nun.  In the archival record we received from the order, she was born Helen Patricia McCann, daughter of James McCann and Mary Peyton. 

I can't tell you how happy i was to see those two names.  I finally have the proof that i have the right family in my tree.  As I never had my grandfather's death certificate, i could never verify 100% that I had his correct parents listed....up until now that is. 

While there are still questions surrounding Sister Marian, my lengthiest mystery has now come to a close. With James and Mary confirmed as their parents, i can breathe easier, secure in the knowledge that my work has been verified.

Evidence in genealogical records can be hard to come by as we all know.  Proving each member of your tree can be a mind-numbing experience.  The reward, however, is well worth the effort.

Picture Perfect.....

It's amazing the effect a picture can have on a person.  I recently received a picture
from my cousin Joanne (who i recently met through Ancestry) of my grandfather with his
brothers and sister-in-law.  I instantly recognized the face, even though i was only a
kid when he passed. I couldn't thank Joanne enough for sending me the photo, as it was
one no one in my family had ever seen.  I am so glad i started this project years back.
It's photos like this and the new family members i've met along the way that keep
inspiring me.

Share your family photos when you can.  You never know the effect they'll have.

And then there was......Nun

Big news!!!  My cousin Bob (who i met through Ancestry) recently came across a mass card for his grandfather's sister - the Sister.  Pardon the bad pun, but this has been such a breakthrough.  According to the card, the mass was for Sister Marian Therese McCann (8/17/1891 - 2/15/1972) who was a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis.  It lists her burial at Resurrection Cemetery (trying to find out which one yet - getting more info). If the birthdate is correct, it would most likely be my grandfather's sister Eliza, who became Marian Therese when she joined the order.  Eliza (aka Lizzie) lived with my grandparents upon her arrival in the US according to the 1910 census, but I was unable to find any record of her in the next census.  I think i found my reason. 

On another note, i also got introduced to a new cousin, Joanne, who Bob suggested correspond with me regarding her own research project.  It's such a pleasure making new friends and meeting new family.  Family finds family, and we all keep trying to find more of ours.  Happy hunting!!!