Genealogy Introduction
What is Genealogy?
Genealogy is the science of researching who your ancestors were (lineage) and
developing your own family history. When beginning your research, you should begin with your
parents, and ask as many questions as possible. Start documenting this
information. Write down names, birth and death dates, as well as locations,
relationship to you, medical facts, military information, occupation, obtain
photos, and keep good records. Noting sources for this information is very
important. Sources testify to the validity of your record collection.
 Family History
is Taking Steps Back
Since genealogy involves working backwards. Obtain maternal
(mother) and paternal (father) information. Who were their mother and
father...your Grandparents? Who were their mother and father...your Great
Grandparents? Family history branches outward also. Who were their
brothers and sisters? Who were their children? Once you start, you will become
as addicted as I am and proudly say so.
Digital
 Family History
Once you have this information on paper, you can begin to use
computer software to keep a digital record. There are many family history
software packages available. The one we use and have been very satisfied with is
Family Tree Maker. If you want to take a look at who they are and what they are
offering, you can visit them at:
www.familytreemaker.com
Our Genealogical
Roots-Countries of Origin
(Note:
To turn off all animation click on your browser's Stop button.)
The family history information that we have collected spans 6 countries (France, England,
Ireland,
Germany, Poland and the United
States) and dates back to the early
1700's! That is 4 centuries!! On
my husband's family side, his paternal 3rd Great Grandfather, my daughter knows
who her 13th Great Grandmother was. Her name was Bridget and she was
born in the 15th century (1498) in England. This family research was compiled by another
researcher who also wanted to trace her family tree. Both of our family's genealogy is available on the World Wide Web.
The American Revolutionary War
 My daughter's 5th
Great Grandfather, John Trude, an officer, fought in the Battle of
Brandywine on September 9, 1777, under Marquis de Lafayette. He was a Major General, in the
American Revolutionary War, who served with George Washington. More
information on this battle can be found at the
Brandywine History web site.
The Trude Family Genealogy Home Page
is a site that is hosted by Tom Trude (a distant cousin of my daughter). At this
site you will find the Trude lineage. Most importantly, we were able to publish
a genealogy family book in 1999. This book was compiled by the enormous efforts
of Grace DeTrude, and covers many generations, including family stories,
history, and old and new photos of family members. It took many years of family
research. I started continuing the research in 1992, and am happy to have
been a contributor of the John D. Trude research that was done and
included here. It also has a dedication to the memory of my husband and others
who have made contributions and who have now passed on.
My genealogy is not yet on the web. My biggest concern here
involves its presentation and how to display this information so that others
will not exploit it to their own advantage. My wish is that it would be
open to others in helping them perform their family research. But I have
currently recorded the Trude lineage on CD, as well as my own family information
which dates back to 1817 to include Europe and the U.S.
 Warning:
Family research is time consuming, frustrating at
times, and is hard work. Research is not for the timid. You need to be diligent
and it requires a good deal of perseverance. It can take years to collect
your family history and you will need to realize that you will never be done.
It is a continual process throughout your lifetime. But your time and effort is
rewarded with the knowledge that you will know how you came to be, and who your
beloved ancestors were. It will enable you to find out who you are and come to
an understanding that you are not alone, and that we are all linked to the past,
present,
and the future, as well as each other. Now you can move on to the
Genealogical Resources
page, or choose another page.
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