I first became interested in genealogical research in the mid 1960's - when the Polk County (Florida) Historical Library occupied two small rooms on the top floor of the courthouse in Bartow.

One interesting fact I discovered there: a branch of my mother's family had been in Florida since the time of the 1830 census! In native Floridian vernacular, we really had "sand in our shoes." Finding facts like this helped push me further into research - and further - and further - until it became not only a hobby, but almost an obsession!

I graduated over the years from a raw beginner - I didn't even think about what names I wanted to research on my first visit to a genealogical library! - to teaching in two university continuing education departments.

Since the advent of the internet, and the posting of so much raw data, research has become much easier - but, there are still "brick walls" to overcome. Sometimes the data you need is simply not available. Here is where Find A Grave really helps! I've found several incidents of data posted by family members that I couldn't find anywhere else.

Thanks, Find A Grave - and Find A Grave contributors!

I first became interested in genealogical research in the mid 1960's - when the Polk County (Florida) Historical Library occupied two small rooms on the top floor of the courthouse in Bartow.

One interesting fact I discovered there: a branch of my mother's family had been in Florida since the time of the 1830 census! In native Floridian vernacular, we really had "sand in our shoes." Finding facts like this helped push me further into research - and further - and further - until it became not only a hobby, but almost an obsession!

I graduated over the years from a raw beginner - I didn't even think about what names I wanted to research on my first visit to a genealogical library! - to teaching in two university continuing education departments.

Since the advent of the internet, and the posting of so much raw data, research has become much easier - but, there are still "brick walls" to overcome. Sometimes the data you need is simply not available. Here is where Find A Grave really helps! I've found several incidents of data posted by family members that I couldn't find anywhere else.

Thanks, Find A Grave - and Find A Grave contributors!