Researching a Spouse's Family Heritage

When I was first married, I didn't research much on my husband's ancestry. After all, both of my husband's parents had been born to prominent pioneer families of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His shortest pioneer line in the Church stretched five generations back to the days when trains brought new members across the US to Salt Lake.

For example, there is a surname organization with thousands of members for descendants of Andrew Hunter Scott (one of my husband's pioneer ancestors).

As I once told my sweetheart, his side of the family had several family organizations with thousands of members. Meanwhile, I was a family organization of "one" as I was the only one in my immediate family (parents & siblings) to join the Church. No one on my side of the family seemed interested in pursuing elusive ancestors with me.

Then our two children blessed our home and my heart was softened as the months and years passed. Here are some ideas I realized.

• My husband was so busy with priesthood responsibilities and his profession that it was probably not going to happen on his watch for a long time.
• We lived far from his parents and siblings. I wanted to appreciate and understand them better.
• I wanted to share with my children their Latter-day Saint heritage and the stories told by their ancestors. If something happened to my husband and/or his family, I needed to know that heritage so that my children could feel gratitude for their pioneer ancestors who had sacrificed so much (in some cases everything) to come to Utah.

Now in my past 22 years of marriage, I have seen great blessings come to our family. Some results I never imagined would come but they have.

I was a few steps ahead of my husband but he was supportive, patient, and willing to give me a lot of opportunities, time, and resources (financial, etc.) to further my own family history. Surely I could give him a little gift of his own heritage.

Here are a few research items that we have done over the years -- in no particular order.

• Ordered the military files for my mother-in-law's brother who died in Germany during World War II. He never had children but had been married.
• Checked for ancestors against the Mormon Overland database on the Church History website. If we had more information than the Church, we added it to their files. Corrections were also made.
• Gathered family information from the family history centers in Kirtland, Ohio and Nauvoo, Illinois. These records were wonderful and included journals, maps indicating residences, and pioneer records.
• Typed his ancestry into Personal Ancestral File (PAF) and shared it with other family members.
• Used FamilySearch.org to organize and locate other family records (original sources, compiled family histories, and missionary records).
• Ordered microfilms & fiche at the Family History Center (FHC) to locate original records to document his ancestry. (His family had a lot of information but it was not necessarily documented properly.)
• Made copies of family photographs of his ancestors to share with our children.
• Cleaned up some family information and submitted it to one of the family organizations.
• Walked through family cemeteries in Provo and Payson; recording information & taking photographs.
• Found dozens of newspaper articles from an online historical newspaper collection for Utah which enrich our family histories -- like the 2nd great-grandfather and his son charged with throwing dynamite into the Provo River when they were doing some serious fishing.

At the moment, my husband is completing his second year as a staff member at our local Family History Center. He seems to be enjoying it. While he doesn't always know what to do next, he is very willing to try. Sometime I give him assignments and he gathers the information for me. Sometimes he helps prepare my database to share with others.

If anyone had said even 10 years ago that my husband would be making such progress, I would have been surprised.

Long ago I realized that out here in Michigan our priesthood brethren are kept extremely busy in various responsibilities to keep the wards and stakes moving. We do not have the great numbers of members that some of the western stakes have. Our priesthood leaders are often so busy keeping food on the table and "perfecting the saints" or "proclaiming the gospel" that they don't have a lot of time to do genealogical research.

While I can't help all of them, I can do something to help the priesthood leader of our family. It is a gift to him and our children, as well as to his extended family. I enjoy sharing my latest family history stories and tidbits with my husband and our children. We have grown to love and appreciate our family's heritage to a greater extent.

My love for my husband's ancestors has brightened many a day and given me courage to face life's challenges. At the same time, I believe that these ancestors have somehow blessed us with love and encouragement over the years.

World War I Military Records -- Great Britain and Canada

Did your ancestor serve in World War I with a British or Canadian Regiment? If so, check out the following links to the appropriate national archives website.

World War I Military Personnel from British Isles -- If anyone has relatives who served in a British regiment during WWI, check out their information at the British Archives www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ as the pension and service records are online. It is a joint project between Ancestry.co.uk and the British Archives. (I was able to use my Ancestry login to access records but there is also a possibility of paying a small fee through the British Archives.)

World War I Military Personnel from Canada -- The National Archives in Canada also has online databases and other information about Canadians serving in WWI at http://www.collectionscanada.ca/whats-new/013-285-e.html.

Books to Share: "Crash Course in Family History for Latter-day Saints"

Family history is not learned by osmosis. It requires effort and perseverance on the part of anyone wanting to learn how to do it. Genealogy can also intimidate the beginning researcher who doesn't want to appear a novice to others.

Additional challenges are added if a researcher plans on submitting family history information for temple ordinances.

This is why Paul Larsen's book "Crash Course in Family History for Latter-day Saints: A Step-by-Step LDS Guidebook to Temple and Family History Work Using the New, Easy Way" is so valuable.

"Crash Course in Family History for Latter-day Saints" provides lessons for Latter-day Saints which are thorough and interesting. The guidebook helps readers research their family histories and then submit information for temple ordinances.

Imagine sitting down with a family history consultant any time you want to discuss genealogy!! Reading this book gives that same feeling of security.

"Crash Course in Family History for Latter-day Saints" includes a vast array of other resources to encourage and teach the church doctrine and the principles of family history. Many prophets and apostles are quoted on various topics which helps anyone preparing talks or displays to have inspirational material. In addition, Mr. Larsen explores dozens of websites, genealogy and technology, and organizational tools to contribute to the overall success of researchers. There is even information on organizing family associations, computer privacy issues, and lots more.

One of the best features of "Crash Course in Family History for Latter-day Saints" is its friendly tone. It is written for researchers on all levels of expertise -- from the novice to the experienced.

Check for "Crash Course in Family History for Latter-day Saints" the next time you need assistance preparing genealogical data for temple ordinances. It will be a time-saver so you may accomplish your goals in family history and temple work.

Book: "Crash Course in Family History for Latter-day Saints: A Step-by-Step LDS Guidebook to Temple and Family History Work Using the New, Easy Way"
Author: Paul Larsen
Cost: $27.95
Website:
Publisher: Fresh Mountain Air Publishing, LLC
624 South 100 West, Orem, Utah 84058
Also available through www.DeseretBook.com

Family History on the Silver Screen:"The Other Side of Heaven"

A few years ago a movie was released that told the true story of a missionary called to serve the people of Tonga for three years.

"The Other Side of Heaven" starred Christopher Gorham (later seen on the television series "Ugly Betty") and lovely Anne Hathaway (well known actress from the two "Princess Diaries" movies). It was masterfully directed by Mitch Davis. It is now available on DVD through Walt Disney Home Entertainment.

An excellent script is another part of the movie's strengths and illustrates the universality of the film. The story is based on the experiences of 19 year old John Groberg in the 1950s. (Br. Groberg had written a memoir of his mission which was published years before and is also entitled "The Other Side of Heaven".)

"The Other Side of Heaven" is a true adventure movie. Young Elder Groberg faces challenges within himself as he misses his girlfriend and family. Adjusting to a new culture also brings its challenges as he learns a great deal from the Tongan people about faith and life itself. He struggles learning the Tongan language but he also battles typhoons, tidal waves, and many other situations.

One of the most rewarding aspects of "The Other Side of Heaven" is the beautiful cinematography of the south sea islands. (Great movie to escape Midwestern winters for a couple of hours!)

The movie is rated PG because of "thematic elements and brief disturbing images". It really is not a movie for young children but is suitable for pre-teens, teens, and adults alike. "The Other Side of Heaven" may prompt discussions on faith and prayer, as well as remaining true to personal convictions and to family.

Family Tribute: Barbara June Osterhaus (1919-1997)

It is fitting that the first family tribute focus on my mother, Barbara June (nee Osterhaus) Carlson -- especially today as it would have been her birthday.

Barbara was born in a farmhouse in Portage County, Wisconsin. Her parents were Frederick Marcus and Helene (nee Davidson) Osterhaus. When the doctor did not arrive at the house in time, Barbara's paternal grandmother assisted Helene with the delivery.

Family stories relate that Helene gave birth to her little daughter so close to midnight that mother and grandmother were never certain that she was born on August 5th or August 6th. They eventually decided that she was born on August 6th which was a Wednesday.

The following letter was written by my father as a tribute to my mother, Barbara June (nee Osterhaus) Carlson. They were married over 49 years and were very happy together.





Bergland, Michigan 49910
November 25, 1997

Dear Family and Friends,

This letter is written to inform our many friends that my beloved wife, Barbara Osterhaus Carlson, passed away on a Sunday afternoon, October 5, 1997, at our home on the east shore of Lake Gogebic. In tribute to Barbara, I would like to reflect with you on my more than 49 years of life with her and to ask all of you to remember your own special friendships with Barbara.

Barbara and I met in Madison, Wisconsin and were married on September 27, 1948. As I had rejoined the army, within a few weeks we were aboard the U.S. Army Transport, U.S.S. Alexander, bound for a 3½ year tour in Germany. From those early days of our marriage, Barbara dedicated her life to serving and guiding her family through all kinds of conditions and experiences. Our first daughter, Linda, was born in an ex-German Army Field Hospital. Later, our daughter, Mary, was born in a Quonset hut that served as part of the Fort Benning, Georgia hospital. With my military assignments, Barbara frequently became the sole parent for the children. Following my tour in Korea, she brought the little girls by ship to our new assignment in Okinawa. Here our son, William, was born, again in a Quonset hut. Some years later, after our second assignment in Germany, Barbara again had the sole job of parenting three young people while I served in Vietnam. She took these challenges in stride while providing inspiration for those around her.

As wife and mother, Barbara filled her family’s lives with honorable values. She taught the importance of family and friends. Birthdays and holidays were always remembered with special cards and letters. Her Christmas letters were written to each individual person until her health prevented her from doing so. Naturally, Barbara also enjoyed receiving letters in return and catching up on all the news of friends and family. While I was in Korea and Vietnam, Barbara wrote to me every day with few exceptions. For Barbara, family members simply took care of one another. We admired her as she nursed her own mother, and then my mother, through illness and old age. Her kindness and attentiveness toward elderly relatives were unfailing and notable.

Barbara, by example, taught that small tasks lead to great accomplishments. From brilliant balls of yarn came beautiful afghans and needlepoint tapestries. These gifts from her hands will be cherished for a long time to come. She taught in other ways, too. She taught lessons about nature with her stories of the animals and birds. She told about the doe and her fawn playing on the front lawn. The birds at the feeders were especially important. Barbara enjoyed identifying the birds and taught others how to identify them, too. She described how the adult eagles taught the young to fish and especially enjoyed telling of the young screaming eagle chasing its mother over the tree tops.

She was witty and smart – a good conversationalist. There was rarely a subject she could not discuss. As we listened to her, we learned so much over the years. Even when confined to home, Barbara remained active by reading the newspapers and watching the news. If there were moments to spare, she read and usually had a book in her hands or on the table nearby. She passed on to her children and grandchildren her appreciation for books and the importance of education and to excel in school. In so many ways, Barbara was the heart of the family. She shared her favorite family stories that spanned the generations. Our hearts were turned to loved ones from long ago. She connected her children with her own grandparents and other relatives. At the same time, Barbara helped us keep childhood memories alive through her stories and thoughts. She also liked adding new stories to treasure from the lives of her grandchildren. For us, Barbara helped weave the threads of family life into our daily lives.

Even when her own health failed her, Barbara’s sense of humor stayed with her. During the past four years, as she faced many health crises, Barbara remained gracious and courageous. Through her inspiring example, we hope that our own courage can better face life’s tests.

We treasure her memory and hope that her fine qualities are passed to her grandchildren. Barbara especially loved her five grandchildren. She recognized each grandchild as an individual and enjoyed their distinctive personalities. She helped direct their energies and interests in positive ways. When grandchildren came to visit, Barbara planned meals to please even the youngest ones.

Barbara will forever remain in our hearts. We hope that you may take a few moments to remember Barbara. Perhaps you might have a photograph you would be willing to share with us or a story to tell us about her. It would mean so much to us if you would write us a note and share your feelings and memories about Barbara. We want to compile a memory book to commemorate her life and contributions. We extend our special appreciation to our friends and family members who have been so helpful this past year.

Sincerely yours,

Raymond Carlson and Family

Sharing Article: Swedish Family History Research

A while ago I came across a free article which was helpful in explaining Swedish genealogy. The article is entitled "Genline: Swedish Sources for Swedish Roots" (.pdf file).

While the article describes the services of Genline (a paid site and one of the top online resources for Swedish genealogy), the article also presents basic information on the topic. There are descriptions of records, addresses for other websites, and a sidebar article about Swedish Naming Conventions. Swedes were wonderful record keepers!

www.clicshop.com/stores/genlineshop/files/InternetGenealogyArticle.pdf

The article also illustrates how Genline uses the microfilms & microfiche that the LDS Church created over the years. All the hours of effort and expense by the Church in documenting the Swedish parish records is now accessible for researchers right at home.

I have used the Genline site and made great progress in finding answers to some difficult research questions. One of the best aspects of Genline is that answers to genealogical questions can be located in a more expedient manner because so many parish records are together in one place. This is particularly useful in tracing Swedish families from one parish to another.

This is a good article to print out and keep in a Swedish family history notebook.

Missionary Work for the Living and the Dead

"For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." ~ 1 Peter 4:6 (New Testament)

"After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel." ~ Joseph Smith, Jr.; "History of the Church", Vol. 2, p. 478.

“Missionary work is continuing beyond the veil among the billions who have died without hearing the gospel. Our great part in this aspect of missionary work is to perform on this earth the ordinances required for those who accept the gospel over there. … We do not know how many millions of spirits are involved…. We know that the spirit world is filled with the spirits of men who are waiting for you and me to get busy… We wonder about our progenitors – grandparents, great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents, etc. What do they think of you and me? We are their offspring. We have the responsibility to do their temple work. .. We have a grave responsibility that we cannot avoid, and may stand in jeopardy if we fail to do this important work.” ~ President Spencer W. Kimball; “The Things of Eternity – Stand We in Jeopardy?” Ensign, January 1977.

Books to Share: "Annotated Records of Baptisms for the Dead 1840-1845 ..."

The "Annotated Records of Baptism for the Dead 1840-1845; Nauvoo Hancock County, Illinois" is a seven volume set which is vital when researching ancestry of Latter-day Saint heritage.

The author, Sister Susan Easton Black (BYU professor of Church History), explained in a talk on the baptisms for the dead which were done in Nauvoo, that many individuals were baptized but no other ordinances were ever done for them. This reference work is a good place to begin.
Volume 7 is an all-name index.

Let me illustrate the series' usefulness with an example from my husband's Drollinger line. Hannah Kidd Drollinger lived in Nauvoo and was the oldest woman (age 76 years) at the creation of the Relief Society in 1842

In the book, Hannah is listed as the Proxy "Hannah Drollinger". Her maiden name of Kidd is listed as well as her parents' names. Her own mother's maiden name is also there. Hannah's birth date and place are also listed, as well as her spouse and their marriage date and place. The death date for Hannah is also added (Hannah died 04 Nov 1845 in Hancock County, Illinois). Sources are listed as (1) Nauvoo Baptismal Records of the Dead; (2) Family Search; and (3) Ancestral File.

The next ten pages for Hannah Drollinger include many names with their information and their relationship to the proxy (ie. Hannah Drollinger). Her husband is listed, along with her parents, children, grandchildren, siblings, sister and brother-in-laws, cousins, etc. Everyone has all the information that is known about them from the minimum of sources (temple records, Ancestral File, and FamilySearch).

Some individuals listed in the books have additional sources (Nauvoo tax lists, 1842 Nauvoo federal census, or the Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register).

While the set of books seems expensive, it is a recommended purchase for Family History Centers. For those of us living thousands of miles from the Family History Library or Brigham Young University, we still need to be sure that ALL of the temple ordinances are done for these family members. Finding their baptismal dates at Nauvoo is a good beginning and leads to further result.

Title:"Annotated Records of Baptisms for the Dead 1840-1845; Nauvoo Hancock County, Illinois"; Seven Volumes; AuthorsSusan Easton Black and Harvey Bischoff Black Cost: $150.00
Publisher: Center for Family History and Genealogy, Brigham Young University, 1031 JFSB, Provo, Utah 84602-4482

Temples and Baptisms for the Dead

Sometimes the distance between the living and the spirits who have already passed on is very close. At times, events occur which emphasize the importance of efforts to redeem the dead.

Brother J. Hatten Carpenter served as the recorder in the Manti Temple (located in Manti, Utah) in the early 1900s. Another man (whom Br. Carpenter referred to as 'Brother C') related the following experience to Br. Carpenter.

One day as this 'Brother C' was watching baptisms for the dead being performed in the font of the Manti Temple, he saw the spirits of deceased people waiting their turns. "as the Recorder called out the name of a person to be baptized ..., the [brother] noticed a pleasant smile come over the face of the spirit whose name had been called, and he would leave the group of fellow spirits and pass over to the side of the Recorder. There he would watch his own baptism performed by a proxy, and then with a joyful countenance would pass away [to] make room for the next favored personage who was to enjoy the same privilege."

As time passed, the brother noticed sad expressions on the faces of some spirits. He then noticed that the baptisms for the dead were completed for that day's temple session. The spirits with the sad countenances had not yet received their baptismal ordinances and were disappointed in having to wait until another time.

While these occurrences do not happen for all of us, sharing such experiences with others helps build faith in family history and temple work.

(adapted from the Primary 5 manual, Lesson 34; initially published in The Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, 11 Jul 1920, p. 119.)

The Apostle Paul testifies of the Resurrection

Many scriptures have opened my eyes to eternal truths. One such scripture is from the writings of the Apostle Paul in his first epistle to the Christian converts of Corinth and deals with the doctrines of the resurrection.

Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" (1 Corinthians 15:29).

In fact, this verse is included in the inspiring section concerning the resurrection of the dead (see verses 20-34). The Apostle Paul has just testified in an earlier verse -- "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:22).

As the Apostle Paul bore witness of the resurrection for all people, he stressed that the early Christians were performing baptisms for the dead.

This doctrine was familiar to the Christians of Corinth. After the resurrection of the Savior, early Christians performed baptisms for the dead until Christ's church fell into apostasy and the proper priesthood authority was taken from the earth.

When the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth in this last dispensation, the doctrine of salvation for the dead and the ordinance of baptizing proxies in behalf of the dead were again revealed and restored as part of the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

While living in Nauvoo, Illinois and surrounding areas, early members of the restored Church performed these vicarious baptisms for the dead -- particularly for their own ancestors. The Prophet Joseph Smith emphasized the importance of baptisms for the dead when he declared:

"The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 179-180).

Today, baptisms for the dead are only performed in the temples built and dedicated by the Church. This is one of the primary reasons that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wants to build and dedicate temples throughout the world.

Temples stand as witnesses for the resurrection of all Heavenly Father's children, as well as the eternal nature of the human soul.

Start Climbing Your Family Tree at www.FamilySearch.org

When you want to climb a family tree, there is one place to begin -- www.FamilySearch.org. This website is sponsored and managed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is available for FREE to anyone who wants to use it. One does not have to be a Latter-day Saint to reap the benefits of this wonderful website.

Over the next few weeks, I hope to explore many features available on www.FamilySearch.org. Unfortunately I won't be able to do it justice with my small effort on "Life is a Homeward Journey" because the website contains so many great aspects.

Several times I have learned "one more tip" about using www.FamilySearch.org. It is a place to ponder and search for information about our ancestors. No matter what a researcher's experience level there is always another lesson to learn there. In addition, new items are posted regularly.

FamilySearch.org also opens up the door to millions of other sources through the online family history catalog. While I plan to post some information about the online catalog at the end of the month, let me say now that the online catalog displays records which can be ordered at local Family History Centers for a modest fee.

If a researcher will be able to visit the main Family History Library in Salt Lake City, the online catalog can provide a wealth of information beforehand. Planning ahead can avoid disappointments and bring a lot of success in a short amount of time.

The online catalog is also a link to a family history collection at the Harold B. Lee Library of Brigham Young University. More family histories are coming online regularly at BYU but many researchers don't even know the opportunity exists to read these works over the internet.

Another point worth mentioning now is that the staff members at www.FamilySearch.org are very willing to help researchers. There is a "hotline number" for FamilySearch which is open to anyone -- 866-406-1830. An email form is also available if the researcher would prefer writing out their questions for a staff member's response. (Emails are a good choice for more complicated questions because the email can be easily forwarded to an expert in that category in the Family History Library.)

The adventure of climbing a family tree is far better with a friend's guidance and kindness. Using www.FamilySearch.org is such a friend to any and all researchers.

Family History Depends on Love

Here are two quotes by President Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, concerning family history and temple work.

"Let love become the lodestar of our lives. ... The holy priesthood is among us; its powers extend beyond the veil of death. In the sacred houses which we call temples, there is opportunity to do for others that which they cannot do for themselves. As surely as Christ offered Himself a vicarious sacrifice for all mankind, so we can engage in vicarious service in behalf of some of mankind, thus affording them the opportunity to move forward on the road of immortality and eternal life. Great is this work of love which goes on in these holy houses.

~President Gordon B. Hinckley ("Let Love Be the Lodestar of Your Life," Ensign, May 1989).

"Going hand in hand with this increased temple activity is an increase in our family history work. The computer in its various ramifications is accelerating the work, and people are taking advantage of the new techniques being offered to them. How can one escape the conclusion that the Lord is in all of this? As computer facilities improve, the number of temples grows to accommodate the accelerated family history work."

~President Gordon B. Hinckley ("Welcome to Conference," Ensign, Nov. 1999).

Did Your Ancestors Serve a Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

When tracing ancestors who have served missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, information about specific missionaries (including some genealogical information) may be located in the "Missionary Record Index, 1830-1971".

This collection includes 24 different microfilms and may be ordered from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City to use in a local Family History Center (FHC).

Contained on each microfilm is an alphabetical card index listing full-time missionaries set apart up to 1971. The card index also serves as an index to the missionary registers available in the Historical Department – Archive Search Room.

Each card shows the name, birth date and place, parents’ names, home ward and stake, dates set apart, name of the person who set the missionary apart, the actual mission, a reference to missionary records and sometimes the date released.

The FHL Film numbers begin with 1913079 and continue through 1913102.

These microfilms can be accessed through the Family History Library Catalog on the internet site at www.FamilySearch.org.

Our family used these indices to verify and/or correct information about ancestors who have served missions. For instance, Nils JOHNSON (my husband's great-grandfather) served as a missionary in the Scandinavian Mission from 1882-1884 but we didn't know that he had also served two other missions in Utah and California.

After finding Nils JOHNSON in the Missionary Record Index, we used other databases to locate him returning home from his mission in 1884. The Mormon Immigration Index documents Nils JOHNSON sailing home from Scandinavia with many other missionaries on the ship "Arizona". The ship made a stop in the port of Liverpool, England before continuing on to New York City.

In the future, we plan to search the historical records of the Scandinavian Mission to locate further information about Nils JOHNSON's missionary experiences.

By researching our missionary ancestors we are not only learning about their lives but able to acknowledge their sacrifice and dedication to the gospel.

Assistance Needed with FamilySearch Indexing

Your assistance is welcomed as a volunteer to index some of the world's primary genealogical records. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wants to help families locate the records for their families and has begun indexing a lot of vital records and census records.

If you are interested in volunteering your assistance with these indexing projects, check out the information and requirements at http://www.familysearchindexing.org/en/index.jsp.

FamilySearch Indexing is inviting ANYONE who wants to volunteer to do so. Volunteers are not required to be members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Projects are available for all experience levels. Some projects are labeled "easy" for volunteers who want to try indexing but are not yet ready to decipher census records' handwriting. Each project has links to information on how to transcribe and/or read the documents.

The software for the indexing process is installed over the internet for free. There are no other costs involved. Volunteers may work online or offline after the document is downloaded. Online training sessions and examples are included too. After finishing the online training session, a volunteer may print out a certificate to keep.

Projects are downloaded in small groups (ie., a page for a census, several pages for vital records). Volunteers have a week from the time of the project being downloaded to complete the work. If the page looks too difficult, volunteers may return them and request another one to index.

An easy indexing project currently being completed involves marriage records for counties of West Virginia. The indexer copies down the names of the groom and the bride and the year of the marriage. The name of the county is also added. In a few minutes, the indexer can complete the batch of approximately 20 couples and send the batch back to FamilySearch Indexing.

This past week I have enjoyed indexing several different types of records. The marriage index for West Virginia didn't take very long but the 1900 U.S. Federal Census pages took quite a bit more effort. Of course, it depended on whether or not the enumerator's handwriting for the census was easy to read. Sometimes it was a real struggle to determine what the enumerator was recording. Usually census pages have 50 lines on them but the page may or may not be completely full.

Some of the 1900 U.S. Federal Census projects available now are from the states of Alabama, Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, and Ohio. There are also some vital records to index -- marriage records from West Virginia and death records from the province of Ontario in Canada.

I figure volunteering to help with the indexing projects is one way to give back to FamilySearch. After all of the opportunities that the Church has given me to research and learn about my ancestry, a few minutes here and there is a way to return the favor to a small degree.

PAF Tips: Personal Ancestral File (PAF) Software Available for FREE

FamilySearch™ Personal Ancestral File (PAF) software is a tool to help you record, manage, and share your family history information. With this program, you can create and store family information about thousands of people in one or more database files.

Although PAF software may be downloaded for FREE at www.FamilySearch.org, do not assume that the price means the software is lacking the aspects of the expensive genealogical programs. PAF is an excellent product and includes enormous possibilities for both the novice and the more experienced researchers.

A few of the highlights of PAF software are:

1. Each Person’s Information Typed Only Once (uses the same data for both child and parent positions);
2. Individual and Marriage screens (Templates) may be customized;
3. Customized Events (add census, mission, residences, engagements, graduations and many more events – including events created by the submitter);
4. Multimedia Possibilities (add images of photos & documents; even make slide shows);
5. Link Individuals to Families, and Link Families Together with other Families;
6. Print Pedigrees, Family Groups, Reports, and Lists;
7. Focus capabilities to locate individuals or and/marriages with common data OR needing temple ordinances.
8. Prepare family members’ information to be processed in TempleReady.
9. Share information with other researchers in a GEDCOM file.

There are also two great resources for PAF users under the Help tab on the toolbar.
· User’s Guide (uses Adobe Reader format) which may be printed.
· Seven lessons in a self-tutorial format when your Internet browser is open. Connects with the following FamilySearch website: http://www.familysearch.org/eng/paf/lessons/paf5.html

PAF was developed and produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the early 1980s. Several versions of PAF are available. Details may be found at the Church's family history website at www.FamilySearch.org.

Demonstrations of PAF software may be seen at a local Family History Center.

A Great Longing of the Human Heart

History has fascinated me since I was a young girl in elementary school. I suppose this was a natural part of life for an American military family.

We were living in southern Germany during the height of the cold war. My father was an officer in an armored cavalry regiment. Dad enjoyed learning about history and famous people but primarily from the Second World War era. Apparently I caught that same interest of history and people because they have been part of my life's work ever since childhood.

Later we returned to the United States, toured Washington, D.C., and settled in western Michigan. Our family finally had time to become acquainted again with our grandparents and other relatives. I was just entering the early years of adolescence.

Years later I read this quote from Ardis Whitman which sums up my feelings at the time.

"To know where I come from is one of the greatest longings of the human heart. More than genealogical data, we seek in the lives of those who went before us the meaning of our lives."

As a teenager I enjoyed listening to the stories of my grandparents and other relatives but had no idea that the average person could actually trace their own family's genealogy. My paternal grandmother had two pieces of paper with family information about her grandparents and an uncle. I dutifully copied the papers so I could have a copy too.

An enlightenment of sorts came in my life when I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was a young adult and had just graduated from a midwestern university. The year after my baptism, our Sunday School offered a course on genealogy and I was asked to participate.

At the time I lacked the faith that I would have much success in tracing my ancestry. Three of my four grandparents were dead. I had some elderly relatives but didn't really know them. My pedigree chart looked rather sparse -- only names and some dates for the grandparents and only one name of a great-grandfather. My family tree appeared more like a whithered shrub than anything else.

Within a few years, I decided to pursue a graduate degree in an historical aspect of the fine arts. I was accepted as a student at Brigham Young University and moved to Provo, Utah. Researching in libraries was something I truly enjoyed.

Being a graduate student in Utah enabled me to spend what little free time I had researching my own ancestry at the BYU library. Occasional visits to the Family History Library (then known as the Genealogy Library) in Salt Lake City also led to some successful experiences.

From this small beginning, I was able to begin the quest of a lifetime. The journey has been well worth the required time and efforts.

Besides climbing my own family's tree, I have helped dozens of other people climb their family trees too. In the Church, I have served as a staff member of three different LDS Family History Centers. Later I served a few times as a family history consultant in two wards and also at the stake level*. I have assisted members while teaching classes and workshops. It has been a tremendous learning process over the years.

Although I have worked a long time with family history and temple work at the local level, I have also served in other Church callings as well -- sometimes concurrently. At times it was a real balancing act to keep researching when other responsibilities (my own immdediate family, work, etc.) demanded equal emphasis. Real life sometimes got in the way of genealogy.

Almost 30 years later, pursuing elusive ancestors has blessed my life with love and appreciation for my heritage. Yet I have gained far more than just ancestors' data to perch on the branches of my family tree. My life has been enriched with the discovery of relatives (both living and dead) as well as making new friendships with dozens of researchers who have similar interests.

Other areas of life have been influenced by family history efforts too. Perhaps in the weeks and months ahead, some of these areas will be explored in 'The Homeward Journey'.

What Ardis Whitman wrote years ago is indeed true. Researching family history not only answers the longings of a human heart but gives understanding and purpose to our lives.

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*The congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are referred to as wards; several wards comprise a stake.

Reason for the Journey

The title "Life is a Homeward Journey" comes from a quote by President Boyd K. Packer who wrote:

'Life is a homeward journey for all of us, back to the presence of God...' (see Ensign, May 1987)

The journey home has many facets but our families and testimonies of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are what truly matters.

There will certainly be many postings on family history and temple work (from a LDS perspective) because I have spent so many years pursuing elusive ancestors. Family history research (whether my husband's heritage or my own) has led me to wonderful experiences throughout the years. My heart has been turned to many people on both sides of the veil.

Some postings will concern missionary work. This seems appropriate as our son is serving as an LDS missionary in Eastern Europe. It has been a life-changing event for our entire family. We have all learned a great deal together regarding missionary work.

Other aspects of life add sparkle to our days and depth to our character. They enrich our lives and so I expect some of them will be included here.

It is not apparent where creating this blog "Life is a Homeward Journey" will take me but I think it will be another way for me to share a part of my heart with others.