Let's get any pretense out of the way, ok? We can't have that. . . For starters, let me introduce you . . .

Beijing, China - 2007

    I have the pleasure of knowing Ping, for quite some time, now. And we believe the journey in each of our lives taking us to this point in time has been long overdue. I am truly blessed to have her in my life. She is kind, beautiful - and certainly the sweetest woman you could ever know. :)

    Suffice to say, it's been very busy. With everything having changed so much around me, I have come to see the world quite differently. I am learning patience and understanding. These qualities are as important in daily life as much as seeking out dead people. For those wondering about these changes here with recent family research, let me apologize for what would appear to be a lackadaisical or self-absorbed site host. I have a lot on my plate, these days, with much contact and information being passed on individual levels. It has been quite a pleasure helping new acquaintance learn this "genealogy stuff!"

    Acquiring facts and records has reached a whole new plane. "Putting flesh on the bones," as they say, is not just a hobby - it's a state of mind. We are, after all, the legacy. And we certainly need to consider passing this legacy to our children.

    There are many new contacts and associations, as well as participation in activities with the Naugatuck Valley Genealogy Club, Derby Historical Society, and Oxford Historical Society. I also do volunteer work at the Family History Center. When I first received word on this staff position, I was quite elated! It's like giving a 10 year old the keys to a candy store! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints continues to be the largest and best overall source for genealogy. For so long, I have wanted to participate there. And no, you do not have to be a member to use their resources.

    I have great anticipation that you would consider taking advantage (in having someone so close to your history) share these resources.

Trees

    In response to many requests I will be re-posting James' Tree. It will be updated and contain information through all generations previous to our own. If you need more in the meantime, I am sure to have something more than a date or two for many of the folks. Please don't hesitate to email me.

    As there are others participating in research, I will not be including Australia, Canada, or Ireland. They too, have worked very hard on their branches, so I find it unfair to simply take their work and post it here. I leave it to their schedules for posting of their info at their sites..

    If you would like I can provide their contact info upon request. Click here to contact me.

So What else is New…???

I did cartwheels when I found this! The year was 1866. . .

    The appears to be the earliest known vital record for McOrmond Clan, here in the U.S., and has only recently been acquired. Henry McOrmond was married to Maria Bailey on 2 February 1866. The transcript for the Register's Docket can be found by clicking here. Yes, there is an official sealed copy and I'll be happy to pass a copy along. Please make the Subject line in the email refer to it.

    It's taken a while to regroup after the "Great Crash of '06" Fortunately, I do back up, so all was not lost. However, there were many images that did not write correctly to the CD backups. Returning to cemeteries (in particular) to re-photograph took a lot of time. I enjoyed it, immensely. It afforded me the opportunity to not only reclaim valuable information, but also to learn more. After all, this is what it's all about, isn't it? There's great pleasure in knowing about our roots.

    Among the stops I enjoyed revisiting was the house where the folks lived nearly 150 years ago. The owner was very kind to let me take a lot of pictures, as well as give me a quick inside tour of the place. We have all been to a museum or two and paid sums of money to walk through, right? Well, imagine how it felt being in the place of our forefathers absolutely free!

    The house changed hands years ago. However, the original fireplace - imported from Scotland - was a wonder! Overall, it was a wonderful opportunity to stand in the place of my ancestors!

Walnut Street		Front room		Fireplace		Detail

    So, for the very first time since beginning all of this, there is semblance of being organized! Imagine: Tens of thousands of records systematically stored. The days of paper piles in boxes is now a thing of the past. Sure, there will always be archives, but the "library" is now quite organized and accessible. It took quite some time. . .

Other areas. . .

    I've also dabbled a wee bit with collateral lines, including the Hubbell Clans. One of the many wonderful things about being "home" is that everywhere I choose to do research, I find something for Hubbell Genealogy. Their history is rich and extensive. No small wonder - considering they've been here for nearly 400 years!

   A short time ago, I decided the weather was nice enough for a stroll. So, I pulled up a couple of old addy's from the database and started looking around for where the great-grandfolks lived, back in the day. First stop was the house on Seymour Ave. Well, that is now gone by way of progress and Route 8. Next up was around the corner on Olivia Street where I found the residence of the Hubbell's, years ago. To this day, neighbors know it as the "Hubbell House," I was fortunate to have met the tenants residing there.

   After an exchange of a few tales of days gone by, I was asked if I wanted to "look at something." I walked to the back of the house - and there lying in the backyard woodpile - - well, the picture below says it all. * Gasp! * - the sign for the ORIGINAL"Hubbell's Show Store" - ca., 1896. The store (or the house) has not been the family for many year now. However it remains Connecticut's oldest and finest! The sign was given to me after sitting for years in the woodpile. A wonderful gift from the lady who lives in the house where John William Wells & George Hubbell lived 100 years ago. Quite a prize!

The Hubbell House		Hubbell Shoe Store Sign

Media. . .

   Progress on the DVD is moving along, slow but sure. Now, if you would like to be included - or - have a contribution, please let me know. This little project is coming to a head!

Wrapping it all up. . .

    Well, I guess, that's, that. For old news, click here - for anything else, click here.

    Enjoy your holiday, as there is so much joy to be found with family. Take a moment and maybe a few cents to call someone and tell them you're thinking of them. Or even better, that you love them! Spend quality time with clan and enjoy our family!

Stay well!
Blessings from above and blue skies yours!

...the 'cuz