Tags
colonial America, Family, Family history, founding families, founding fathers, genealogy, Scotland
Anyone doing serious genealogy will always find at least one famous or semi-famous person. How distantly related to them you are is a different story. I have my own share of famous and prominent persons in my family tree. But how do you go about researching or discussing with other genealogist without sounding like your bragging or just throwing names out there?
I’ve told very few people some of the names I’ve come across. Some are closely related while some are more distant or through a distant marriage. Some I’m proud of more than others, some I knew about it, and some were always told to me but I didn’t know how, and then some I had NO idea that I’d find them.
Are there ways to discuss these without sounding like your being egocentric about it all?
I’d love to put information here on the blog about them as I’d love to reach out to others who are related and maybe gain even more information. There are founding fathers, important families, royalty, and revolutionaries in my family and I want to know more but don’t want to be a bragger.
So, to the other genealogists, especially those that blog, how do you approach discussing these figures, without the other side effects, to help gain more information and possibly connections with others trying to piece together the same family?
Please leave suggestions in the comments as I’d love to know how you go about such situations. Or if you’ve maybe read other blogs who’ve addressed such finding, I’d love to know how they go about things! All insight and suggestions are welcomed with open arms! Thanks in advance for any comments you leave below!
*Photo: Stockphoto. Not my ancestors.
I have no clue – I’m from a line of peasants who probably stowed away on a ship coming to the US. Here we probably stole land from the natives and announced ourselves to be ladies and gentlemen.
To answer your question – proceed with sincerity and integrity and all will be illuminated.
Well honestly, I didn’t realize I was of this stock either until I dug. And there are plenty of commonfolk in my tree. I love them all. We’re mostly farmers – on both sides of my family – Scots-Irish and Rusyn. But I love your suggestion. I will definitely be figuring a way to write about some of the people I’ve found that I want to use to connect with others that are related to hopefully fill some of the gaps I have in information. I always appreciate your feedback. Thanks.
A fascinating story – whether it’s about ‘famous’ relations or not – is at its core still fascinating. To me, it’s not bragging if you’re telling great stories that mean something to you and happen to have a connection back in time to someone notable. That’s part of the fun of genealogy (I think) – uncovering those stories of long-ago times and places and people to whom you have a connection. As long as what you’re talking about is true, and your intent is pure, keep talking!
I definitely agree the stories are what genealogy is all about. Couldn’t agree more actually.
I appreciate your suggestions and encouragement. I might just get some stories up this week, in hopes of connecting to others, too. Would love to really fill in some of the gaps I have.
Thanks again!
By the way, I have strong Scottish and colonial America roots on both sides of my tree…so I’m anxious to learn more about your tree!
Oh! I’d love to hear about yours!
My family is mostly Scottish or Scots-Irish. I’m a proud lass! 
My Facebook friends have to deal with my Albaphile and Slavophile tendencies. I try to keep it under control here.
I wouldn’t think it would be arrogant or anything if you told of your famous relatives. Facts are facts, if someone doesn’t like it, tough.
If anyone did think you were arrogant for writing and telling of your famous and semi-famous relatives I would think it was only because they were jealous. Looking forward to more posts!
See, I thought similarly, too, about facts being facts. But then I started reading some articles and posts from others doing genealogy and they literally just bragged. It was annoying and then I thought about what I wanted to do and wondered if it would be bragging also. Or if there was a write the information without it seeming as such… I’ll do my best because I’m not trying to brag. I’m just curious to learn more.
I hope you stick around to read everything!