This week’s topic is “I Can Identify”. This made me think about my maternal grandmother’s parents. I’ve mentioned before how I knew little of her family, outside of their names and where she was born. I would pick up the research and put it back down again. Ironically, I live in the city where she was born and where she spent the early years of her life.  Still, I found nothing.

I left a full-time job in the corporate world over two years ago, and threw myself in genealogical education. As part of that journey, I enrolled in a study group program called ProGen. The goal of the group is to improve genealogical skills for aspiring and professional genealogists, as well as provide support. One of the best aspects of the program is it involves peer-based review. I decided to work on this branch of the family for several of my monthly assignments. After reading one of them about this family line, one of my fellow genealogists did some research, and found a clue. This clue was the obituary of my great-grandfather’s half-brother. He had moved from Canada to Wisconsin.  This led me to other records. I was able to tie them all together to prove his identity, his father, and grandfather.

Confirming the identity did lead to finding some sad, and difficult information about his life. Despite that, I’m grateful to know who his name, and where he came from. I’ve gained perspective on my grandmother. I feel I understand her better. And I’m grateful to be part of that family.