I want to wish all my readers a very happy new year. I hope 2020 brings you happiness and brings solutions to your genealogy brick walls.
2019 was a trying year for me. Ups and downs after my mom passed away, packing, moving, unpacking…and then, exhaustion. Each year will have its ups and downs, but I’m hoping for a little more stability in 2020.
2019 Genealogy Discoveries
Despite the upset, I managed to fit in some genealogy. These are just a handful of the discoveries I made in 2019.
I found my dad’s WWII draft registration card and found out that he always lied about his height. He was 5 foot 3 inches. He was never “five five and a half” like he said.
I had several DNA matches pointing to one of my great grandfather’s first cousins, Florinda, and was able to prove once and for all that she did make the trip to Hawaii.
I was surprised when I located my great uncle, John Jackson’s WWII draft registration card and found that he had a tattoo on his finger.
I learned that the ukulele was derived from a Madeiran guitar called the machete.
I found proof that my great aunt, Marie Lassalle, was really in the US Signal Corp. as a Hello Girl.
And, I tied together the Boteilho da Rocha of Maia with the Botelho Gil, Botelho Fidelis, and Botelho of Porto Formoso. I wonder how many more name forms I’ll find before I am done?
What Genealogy Discoveries Will 2020 Bring?
Just as we headed into 2020, I connected a DNA match to the Pacheco side of my tree. Today, I connected one to my Mello Castanho line. I take this as a good sign that this will be a successful genealogy year.
I wonder what new discoveries I will make this year? As records become available and as DNA unlocks possible research trails, I am sure that there will be many. Maybe I will find Harry Jackson’s family finally. One can only hope!
What discoveries did you make in 2019? What family tree discoveries do you hope to make in 2020? Tell us about it in the comments and…
Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
