Ties That Bind

The farther back an Ontario family tree reaches, the smaller the province begins to feel. A surname that appears in one township record shows up again in a church register miles away. A witness at a baptism later turns out to have purchased land beside another family being researched. A cluster of names appears together in a petition, then again in a marriage register, then again on an early map. At first, these repeated names can look like coincidence. After enough research,

A family story can disappear in one generation. A surname changes spelling. A birth record goes missing. A grandparent’s memory fades before anyone thinks to ask the next question. That is the quiet race many researchers face, and it explains why Canadian genealogists are working hard across archives, graveyards, libraries, kitchen tables, and online databases to rebuild the lives of people who came before. Genealogy in Canada carries a special kind of difficulty. The country

Most people inherit more than eye color, family recipes, or a last name. They also inherit stories, habits, silences, values, migrations, faith traditions, languages, losses, and choices that shaped the people who came before them. Ancestry gives those pieces a place to land. It helps explain why certain customs feel familiar, why a name matters, why a holiday carries emotion, or why a family moved from one state, country, or community to another. Knowing your roots does not

Tracing your family history can reveal surprising links to places you never expected. For many Americans, one of those unexpected connections is Canada. Over the past year, I have helped numerous Americans uncover their Canadian roots, often leading to eligibility for Canadian citizenship by descent. This journey is not just about finding names on a list; it’s about piecing together a family story that spans generations and borders. Understanding how to research Canadian ance

Understanding our family history can help us better understand ourselves and our mental health. I recently had the privilege of interviewing my friend and client Clifton Fuller. With decades of experience helping people navigate mental health challenges, and a deep … Continue reading →

Hello again. I know it’s been a while and I have exciting news. I finally made it back to the UK and got to meet Gordon Macdonald, 9th of Boisdale and his 2 sons. I am using the title “9th … Continue reading →

How can I explain what a terrible 3 years this has been for me? Starting in 2020. I mean….everyone, had bad years since then right? Well mine included back surgery, complications, a hole in my right retina which surgery could … Continue reading →

It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted here. It’s been a journey for me in so many ways. I’m still actively researching and I’m now the genealogist for Clan Donald of Canada. I’m attending their AGM in 2 weeks … Continue reading →

*This is my first attempt at writing a short story (or a beginning chapter) on one of our ancestors. Please be kind! With the mist barely risen from the sea, and the sound of the waves hitting the pebbles … Continue reading →