“ I ’ m proud to think that all of ( my ancestors ) efforts at survival are the reason I am able to be here and to have the opportunities I have today .”
Tristan Hampton , genealogy enthusiast
“ If you have those names to start with , you can learn a lot ,” she said . “ The more names and dates , the better .”
Rowell did her original research back when it typically required multiple trips to a public library or historical archive . Through the years , she has slowly filled out her family tree on both sides nicely , even finding pictures of distant relatives on both sides . Today , she can trace branches of her family all the way back to the 1500s .
“ Some people might not find my family that interesting , but because it is my history , it means a lot to me ,” she said . “ I understand who I am now and I ’ ve been able to share that with my children .”
Rowell is one of millions of people nationwide who have chosen to learn more about themselves and their backgrounds through the study of ancestry and genealogy . The hobby has become increasingly popular the past few years , thanks to the Internet , which makes it possible for many people to do the bulk of their research online .
Genealogy and “ cellular memories ”
Thirty-three-year-old Tristan Hampton said she is thankful for the insights genealogy has given her into who she is . Census records showed her that her family were primarily slaves – and then later sharecroppers .
According to the Census records , most of her family members were unable to read and write . Hampton said this information feels very important to her , as someone who adores both reading and writing .
“ If you think about all the things that my family members were denied , it makes sense that I would enjoy reading and writing so much ,” she said . “ I think there was a longing for education and for knowledge – deep down in my cellular memory . I think it ’ s still there and I think it ’ s something that drives me . I understand that more , the more research I am able to do . It motivates me to make the most of my opportunities .”
Hampton said her research has allowed her to be proud of her ancestors ’ resilience .
“ They did what they needed to do and they survived as best they could in very , very difficult times ,” she said . “ I ’ m proud of them and I ’ m proud to think that all of their efforts at survival are the reason I am able to be here and to have the opportunities I have today .”
We ARE family
Kathy Sansing of the Martin community started researching because her mother had a large family , and a number of aunts and uncles were far-flung . As she did more research , she learned that she is connected to many of the people who live around her .
“ I joke at church that we are all related – are all family – one way or another ,” she said . Sansing said her research also has been helpful for her son , who was able to connect with several second and third cousins while at Mississippi State University .
“ They were in school together there , were cousins and didn ’ t know it ,” she said . “ That ’ s been interesting for them .”
One of the things she enjoys most about researching ancestry is going to graveyards to see where family members are buried . She said the resource www . findagrave . com can be a helpful tool for people searching for more information on deceased family members .
“ The Internet has really helped people to learn more about their families ,” Sansing said . “ It ’ s pretty remarkable .”
Beauty from tragedy
Rowell said when she does research for others and manages to find close relatives , she gives searchers the information she has . Then , she provides them with a template for a letter or other communication , seeking to reach out and make contact .
“ I never contact a family member for someone I ’ m helping ,” Rowell said . “ I just don ’ t think that ’ s my place .”
“ I joke at church that we are all related – are all family – one way or another .”
Kathy Sansing , genealogy enthusiast www . meridianstar . com
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