The Writings of the Working World

Most of us don't consider our relatives as being important to anyone other than ourselves and our relations. But every family tree has those members that have made good in some field or another. Many of our ancestors had importance to individuals other than the direct family. Records exist of professional associations, professional journals, and even governmental files that can provide information and records on our families.

There are two types of items that can provide valuable insight into their daily lives. The first are those things people used in every day life that may be safely preserved someplace. In the 17 and 1800's, many people kept a journal of their daily activities. It served as a reminder and a source of entertainment in the evenings. Nothing can make a relative come alive like a diary or a stack of letters. But, unless you inherited them, or your aunt has them safely tucked away in a box, how would you find them?

The second type of item are those documents associated with your ancestors in their everyday jobs. Ledgers and journals from offices and businesses often include little bits and pieces of their personal life. And many businesses advertised in local newspapers, phone directories and other opportunities. Old college and high school yearbooks might have pages sponsored by the local businesses.

One of the keys is to know the locations that your ancestors lived in during their lifetimes. Historical societies in local communities can be of great help! They often have collected the contributions of letters, documents, newspapers and other items into the local museum. The museum may be very low key, not having a web site, not being catalogued with national databases and may be known only to a small number of local patrons that are supporting it, knowing that there are people like us that are hoping to find it!

Most communities and their associated chambers of commerce mention the local historical museums and repositories. Schools and colleges will be listed also. Visit their web sites to get a start. Not only do they have vbolunteers, many will gladly provide photocopies and basic research in exchange for simple donations. Recently one such organization provided a photocopy of a relative's obituary (125 years ago!) to me in exchange for $1 donation. Such a deal! Don't forget the unwritten rule of genealogists, which I will write!

Give more than you receive. Even something as simple as transcribing a will or obituary and posting on the approriate web site could help someone out!

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