I
always loved listening to family stories. After I became interested
in genealogy research I realized how important these stories
were to me. Not only did they give me clues to go by but also
insight into customs of the past.
One
of our "old people" loved to tell how our ancestors were "doctors
and lawyers." He told grand stories and to him they had done everything
including dern near discovering the state of Texas and starting
every town along the way. Of course this was not true but if you
listened closely, there were many truths in those tales. Our family
had come to Texas by "wagon train" and had stopped in many places
along the way. These small outposts did go on to become major
cities. And while they may not have been "doctors and lawyers"
in the same sense as we know it, they were good at solving disputes
and one was a "herb doctor."
My
father-in-law spoke of a great Aunt "HE-Lois." I was certain
this was wrong. Surely it must have been "Heloise." Well, at
the next family reunion I was very anxious to talk to the older
sisters. They were several years older than my father-in-law
and probably remembered her better. I was really surprised by
the answer. Yes, they assured me, she was indeed called "HE-Lois."
Then
they went on to tell of another Aunt called "Tuna Bell." One
family member remembers that it was her brothers who named her.
Perhaps the meaning was akin to "tune a bell." No
one knows for sure but it may be another clue to family origins.
I
have heard family stories of "plantation owners" who turned out
to own a farm. But it gave me a clue to look to the country, not
the city. And that ancestor of mine did have a lot of property
and many children to help him run it. Also, there was a story
of an ancestor who "sold things" and he turned out to be a well
established city grocer.
So,
get those tape recorders out, go visit the "old folks" and do
not be surprised by what you may hear!
