Capturing Character in Print

In the area of Massachusetts where I grew up, many of the old tombstones told the entire story of the person beneath the sod. Obituaries have since replaced the chisled bio and have their own history. Some older ones reference the "old country" or lost relatives on the frontier, hoping to pass the sad news (eventually) when other papers pick up the text. These days, there are online tribute sites (e.g., Legacy.com) where people can post their condolences and photos.

I've heard several relatives of mine bemoan the cost of an obituary. But most people write one anyway. I've read versions that range from "Just the Facts" to "TMI." Perhaps the point is to communicate what is easy to say about the departed. If we couldn't talk about them nicely (let alone to their face), we might spare as many words as possible - hoping to send them off quietly. On the other hand, sometimes it is hard to express just how much someone means to those that are left behind.

Last week I found a great example of how families can work together to capture the unique character and special memories of their loved ones who have passed away. The obituary, described as the 'Best Obituary Ever', may not win any Pulitzer Prizes - but it speaks volumes for the descendants of the person it describes. Many of us would love to find such gems in our searches for relatives!

We should strive to find a way to document the lives of those we research, leaving a trail of clues for those who follow us. As you develop your family history, remember to "flesh out" each person as though they just departed. You can find details all over the web and assemble them into the story they only dreamed someone would tell. Happy hunting!

Preservation Projects

On the way to work each morning, I often find interesting genealogy tidbits in the morning paper. This week, I read about a woman who spearheaded development of a Civil War Honor Roll for a local cemetery. Her efforts are a great example of how one person can make a difference for the rest of the genealogists out there - one transcription project at a time.