This year however, I hit the genealogy jackpot! I discovered that some of my grandmother's cousins were in possession of a book, published in 1862 and dedicated to the history of one of our family lines. After months of pestering this poor relative whom I had never met, he agreed to meet me and let me borrow True Genealogy of the Dunnel and Dwinnell Family. As a self-proclaimed history nerd, I was positively giddy with the idea of being able to read and handle this document. We met at my home away from home, Starbucks, and flipped through pages of this amazing piece of history. I felt as if I were on my own episode of Who Do You Think You Are.
I took the book home, got my gloves out and began scanning in the 82 pages. I did a lot of my scanning late at night. I read along as I scanned and when I came across something that gave me history goose bumps I just had to send my family members an email about the latest discovery. They received many an email from me, time- stamped way past one in the morning, rambling on in a delirious, gobsmacked state about so and so who fought in this army or died in this strange way.
I was delighted to learn that the Dwinnel Family were among the first settlers of Topsfield, Massachusetts. I was ecstatic to see that my ancestors were in America far before the French and Indian War. My super great grandfather born in 1670, was noted as the town's first "physician and chirugeion." I was amazed to think about not only how long they've been in this country and their numerous accomplishments but, all of the amazing historical events that they were around for and had experienced first-hand.
Having access to this book meant that I had more information which I could use to search for even more family members. In such a search I was able to learn that two of the women in my family were hanged in the Salem Witch Trials. My direct ancestor Mary Towne Estes, and her sister, Rebecca Nurse, were both victims of the hysteria; something I wish I had known a few years earlier when I visited Salem.
Some family lines have been easier to trace than others. The family of my maternal grandfather has proven to be quite the mysterious bunch. I've been able to find such little information on them. I've struggled across the various lines over family members using middle names instead of first names as well as contradictions in records versus what relatives have told me.
I've learned a couple fundamental things this year in my quest to learn about who I come from. The first is the importance of staying organized! A good, solid spreadsheet can be your best friend. And it is so helpful in terms of keeping relationships straight, quick references and making notes. The second is to take advantage of local historical societies and libraries. If you're having trouble finding a document, reach out to one of them! I've found that they have access to a variety of information. And if they are unable to help, they may be able to put you in touch with someone they think may be of assistance.
Many thanks go to my various family members past and present, for having provided me with hints and facts about where we come from. I'm also grateful to them for their colorful, interesting lives, regardless of whether or not they were of good or poor character, for they are my family, my blood and my history!
Special thanks to Henry Gale Dunnel, MD for doing much of the work for me and leaving behind an incredible wealth of information. I wouldn't have been able to do it with out you- especially since our family spelled Dwinnel/ Dunnel about twenty different ways!
"Ohana means family. And family means no one gets left behind!" - Lilo and Stitch (That's one of my favorite quotes of all time!!!!!)
That is so cool!!!
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