GENTREK Hosts

GENTREK

Mondays 8-10pm ET

Keyword: ROOTS > Chats

(only on AOL)

We grew up hearing the stories of my parents' youth and tales of their ancestors. Often the stories were told to illustrate a point or a moral. I enjoyed hearing them and would imagine how it must have been like in those times.

Later I encountered a Family History book on a table in a friend's home. I was fascinated as I turned the pages and visited the lives of their family members. Reviewing the neatly organized Pedigree Charts and Family Group Sheets, I wondered if I could create a similar record of my family.

When my mother began researching our genealogy she and I formed yet another bond. We've exchanged information ever since. Today, I do most of the research and I ply HER for the stories that she remembers. Aye, there are Family Legends, some of which are true. I've proven them. Of course, the others are interesting yarns and make good fiction.

Now, as we help others in searching their Family History, I feel triply privileged. First, because I can associate with knowledgeable researchers such as my co-hosts Darla Jo and Sue. Second, because each new person I talk to has something new for me to examine and learn. And third, it is so rewarding to share the delight of others who enjoy this avocation.

I am Darla Jo, or DJ to most. I was born and live in Missouri (MIZZOU!), although I spend many years living on the west coast. I returned to Mizzou in 1981, to help my Gramma take care of my ailing Granpa. After Granpa went to heaven, Gramma wanted to trace her "Indian Grandmother" and I decided to help her.

We began our small quest at the state archives, and expected to find what information Gramma wanted quickly. We thought we would find proof of the heritage in an afternoon and be done with that project. WELL, that was over 20 years ago, and I am still researching that HARTLEY line! I have since proven that the family legends are not accurate, but I still search for that next generation.

I became a Host in the Genealogy Forum on AOL (Keyword: ROOTS) about 3 years ago, and recently also became a host for a web-based chat on UnkHiram's site (www.bhocutt.com). I enjoy my own research, and also helping others learn more about researching their own family. I hope to see you in the chats!

I am known by most people as "Sue". I was born in WI as were my parents and siblings and then when I was 5 we moved to Florida. There weren't any jobs to be had at that time in the small town in Wisconsin where we lived and heating bills must have been costly. My father's two sisters had already moved down here so he knew we'd have a place to stay ... so at their insistence, he packed us all up, Mom, 2 brothers and me and off we went. They've been here ever since.

I chose my Host name "Sleuth" because that seems best to describe how we go about "doing" genealogy. Looking for clues, bits and pieces of "evidence", some people even get involved with the DNA side of it. <g> I haven't gone there yet. <grin>

My first encounter with genealogy was when I set out to find out why my oldest brother's middle name was VAN INGEN. No one seemed to know and I seemed to be the only one in the family who was curious and just had to find out. All Mom knew was that her father in law suggested it and said it was a family name. I guess so!! It was his mother's maiden name but it took me a while to find that out. I was so new at all of this and I was told that the name was spelled VAN INGEN so when I ran into surnames VAN ENGEN I went right past them cuz they weren't spelled right. LOL Boy have I learned a lot since then. I love genealogy!! It's a close second to my love for my family and the Forum is up there too. <grin>