IONA HARRIS

Which Way Did They Go?

Long before I was born in Kansas, my father's parents had passed away in Kentucky. Growing up in SE Kansas, his only sister was our close neighbor, and he had one uncle residing in Oklahoma. Consequently, I knew very little about my father's side of the family. However, everything changed in the late 50s when I met one of his cousins, who convinced him to revisit Kentucky. It was during this trip that I was introduced to a vast network of relatives in Calloway County, Kentucky.

As the years passed and I found myself in the mid-70s, living next door to my Oregon neighbor, an exciting opportunity arose. She invited me to visit the "New, State of the Art" Family Search Center in Salem, Oregon. That visit left me captivated and eager to delve deeper into my family history. Unfortunately, with the responsibilities of raising two small children, managing a home, and running a business, I couldn't find the time for this new passion.

However, life eventually led me to Ocala, where I entered a phase of complete retirement. With a spare room devoted entirely to my research, I finally had the opportunity to explore my past in earnest. This marked the beginning of my determined journey into uncovering the rich tapestry of my family's history.

HEATHER WEBB

Publish Your Family History

Heather is a Library Division Manager for the4 Marion County Public Library System, and has been working in the library for 5 years. She has a deep passion for helping people and sharing the wonders of the public library. Heather is an avid reader and storyteller who loves connecting people through library programs, services and resources. She believes that everyone has a story to tell and is here to help them do that.



Bill Canavan

DNA

Bill started doing family history after attending a family reunion in the early 1990’s. 

He spent his summers as a youth in coal mining region of eastern Pennsylvania little realizing that he was in fact related to many of the folks in town. Bill successfully completed the Boston University Center for Professional Education course on Genealogical Principles in 2017. He is a member of several Genealogy societies and currently serves as a co-chair of the Genetic Discoveries Special Interest Group of the Villages Genealogical Society. Bill has attended many webinars on DNA and how to leverage for Family History.  

LORRAINE SANDEEN

Finding Records Catalog

My love of Family History is rooted in my Italian heritage. For Italians, family is everything!! I am a second generation American; all of my grandparents came from Italy, so right off the bat, I'm across "the pond". When I first began my genealogical journey, records from Italy were more difficult to acquire and, since I didn't speak Italian, very difficult to translate. Of course, 50 years ago, we did not have computers to help us with our searching; this is true of all genealogical research, not just Italian. In those 50 years, technology has come a long way. Not only do we have access to records from around the world (from many genealogical websites), we have the means to translate these records. Through the generous efforts of thousands of volunteers, these records are being indexed and the computers are, actually, helping us to search out our ancestors; my sincere thanks to any and all who have donated their time and talents to this cause. Even though we have millions of indexed records, we have access to billions of records that have not yet been indexed. In the years since we have had FamilySearch.org, I've used many of these records to find the ancestors sitting on the branches of my family tree. And, each time I find a new ancestor - or other family relation (cousins, aunts, uncles, etc) - it is a cause to celebrate and my heart fills with the joy of finding family. And with this joy comes the realization that I need to help others find this joy. Thus, my time spent in the Family Search Center helping others to learn how to find their families is a joy for me. After all, I'm Italian and family is everything!!

CARL SHEPERD

Do You Know Who You Are?

Carl's journey in genealogy began shortly after his baptism in February 1963. Motivated by his patriarchal blessing, which emphasized the responsibility he had as the only member of the church in his family, he delved into the world of family history. His passion for the subject led him to publish his first booklet in 1969, titled "The Shepherd Clan."

Throughout the years, Carl has actively contributed to the field of genealogy. He took on the role of Ward Family History leader in several different locations: Biloxi, Mississippi; Woodruff, Arizona; Owensboro, Kentucky; and currently in Ocala, Florida.

In March 2021, he achieved a significant milestone by publishing his family's history in a book entitled "The 'Lost' Shepherds: From Holderness, Yorkshire, England, to New Holderness, New Hampshire."

Carl's dedication to preserving his family's heritage doesn't end there. He is currently hard at work on another book, focusing on his mother's Pickering lineage. The forthcoming book, "From Medieval Knights to English Commoners," will encompass an impressive 25 generations, offering a captivating journey through the history of English nobility and commoners from the 11th to the 14th centuries.

Carl's commitment to genealogy is an inspiring example of how exploring one's roots can unveil a wealth of history and heritage, enriching not only his life but the lives of future generations.

IONA HARRIS

Organizational Skills

Long before I was born in Kansas, my father's parents had passed away in Kentucky. Growing up in SE Kansas, his only sister was our close neighbor, and he had one uncle residing in Oklahoma. Consequently, I knew very little about my father's side of the family. However, everything changed in the late 50s when I met one of his cousins, who convinced him to revisit Kentucky. It was during this trip that I was introduced to a vast network of relatives in Calloway County, Kentucky.

As the years passed and I found myself in the mid-70s, living next door to my Oregon neighbor, an exciting opportunity arose. She invited me to visit the "New, State of the Art" Family Search Center in Salem, Oregon. That visit left me captivated and eager to delve deeper into my family history. Unfortunately, with the responsibilities of raising two small children, managing a home, and running a business, I couldn't find the time for this new passion.

However, life eventually led me to Ocala, where I entered a phase of complete retirement. With a spare room devoted entirely to my research, I finally had the opportunity to explore my past in earnest. This marked the beginning of my determined journey into uncovering the rich tapestry of my family's history.

JOSEPH HALL

Publish Your Family History

Joseph Hall is a passionate librarian at the Marion County Public Library, where he gets to use and share his love of both storytelling and his enthusiasm for genealogy. He captivates audiences of all ages with engaging narratives while helping individuals uncover their family histories. Believing that stories connect us all, Joseph empowers patrons to explore their roots and share their unique tales, fostering a deep sense of community and belonging.

Bill Canavan

DNA

Bill started doing family history after attending a family reunion in the early 1990’s. 

He spent his summers as a youth in coal mining region of eastern Pennsylvania little realizing that he was in fact related to many of the folks in town. Bill successfully completed the Boston University Center for Professional Education course on Genealogical Principles in 2017. He is a member of several Genealogy societies and currently serves as a co-chair of the Genetic Discoveries Special Interest Group of the Villages Genealogical Society. Bill has attended many webinars on DNA and how to leverage for Family History.  

LYDIA BRIDGES

Merging

My grandma played a crucial role in cultivating my passion for family history and genealogy from a young age, even before I reached my teenage years. Long before computers and the internet became commonplace, she taught me the art of researching our ancestors. Thanks to her guidance, I have become the go-to person in our Ward, serving as a consultant for family history matters ever since this calling began.

While I wouldn't call myself an expert, I have developed a strong understanding of where to find information and who to reach out to when I encounter something unfamiliar. My dedication to this cause led me to volunteer as an indexing service missionary in 2016, where I spent two years contributing to various projects.

Presently, I am in my second year as a service missionary, continuing to make a difference in the family history realm. During my mission, I have actively participated in projects such as indexing the 1950 census, Wisconsin SSN Indexing, Records of Members of 1836-1970, Numidents, and Strategic Duplicates. Additionally, I had the privilege of teaching about merging duplicates at last year's conference, marking the first time this topic was covered.

I feel truly blessed to be part of this meaningful work, where I can contribute in any capacity to the gathering of our ancestors and help facilitate their sacred ordinances in temples. By doing so, we strive to bring families together for eternity—a cause that fills my heart with immense gratitude and joy.

CARL SHELPERD

Genealogy Without Sources

Is Mythology!

Carl's journey in genealogy began shortly after his baptism in February 1963. Motivated by his patriarchal blessing, which emphasized the responsibility he had as the only member of the church in his family, he delved into the world of family history. His passion for the subject led him to publish his first booklet in 1969, titled "The Shepherd Clan."

Throughout the years, Carl has actively contributed to the field of genealogy. He took on the role of Ward Family History leader in several different locations: Biloxi, Mississippi; Woodruff, Arizona; Owensboro, Kentucky; and currently in Ocala, Florida.

In March 2021, he achieved a significant milestone by publishing his family's history in a book entitled "The 'Lost' Shepherds: From Holderness, Yorkshire, England, to New Holderness, New Hampshire."

Carl's dedication to preserving his family's heritage doesn't end there. He is currently hard at work on another book, focusing on his mother's Pickering lineage. The forthcoming book, "From Medieval Knights to English Commoners," will encompass an impressive 25 generations, offering a captivating journey through the history of English nobility and commoners from the 11th to the 14th centuries.

Carl's commitment to genealogy is an inspiring example of how exploring one's roots can unveil a wealth of history and heritage, enriching not only his life but the lives of future generations.

RICHARD PLESSER

Finding your German Ancestors

Rich's life journey began in the bustling city of New York, where he spent his formative years. However, during his college days, an exciting chapter unfolded when his family decided to move to the vibrant Tampa Bay Area. Following his graduation, Rich ventured into the corporate world, joining Verizon as an accountant, which opened up new opportunities and caused him to relocate frequently.

As fate would have it, it was in the state of Texas, around the year 2000, that Rich felt the urge to pursue a long-standing interest. Delving into his family history, he discovered a remarkable heritage: his Great-Great Grandparents on his father's side had bravely immigrated from Germany in 1855, while on his mother's side, his Grandfather made the journey in 1905, and his grandmother followed suit in 1910, all hailing from the same German roots. Thus, Rich proudly identified himself as full-blooded German, cherishing his ancestral ties.

After a dedicated and successful career spanning 31 years with Verizon, Rich reached a milestone in 2011 – retirement. Choosing to settle down in the serene town of Ocala, he saw this as the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into his family's history and work on unraveling the branches of his family tree.

CHERYL BROWN

Source Linker

Cheryl is married with two children and three grandchildren. After14 years as an elementary classroom teacher and 18 years as an elementary librarian, Cheryl has now retired. She volunteers at the local Family History Center in Jacksonville, Florida and teaches small groups how to research using Family Search. Presently she is serving as the registrar of the Fort San Nicholas chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

JANE BENTON

Tips & Tricks

Jane is a passionate, amateur genealogist with 25 plus years of experience researching family histories and uncovering ancestral roots. With a deep interest in connecting the past to the present. Jane has conducted extensive research in then United States and Great Britain. Whether through DNA analysis or traditional research methods, she enjoys sharing the fascinating stories and insights that genealogy offers. She is excited to help others on their journey to discover their heritage.

CONNIE BORNEMANN

Research with Portal

 I first began my family history journey in 1973. I started with a family bible, a doily from my grandmother, and a few pictures without names on the back. I now have 8 bins of books, bibles, documents, and keepsakes. My journey has taken me to cemeteries, courthouses, college reference libraries, and state archives throughout the Southeast. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and my calling for the last 35 years has been in family history. I love helping people find their ancestors. I am also a member of the UDC, DAR, Colonial Dames 17th Century, and Jamestowne Society. Family history is not only a calling for me but a passion and preserving our history is so very important for our posterity. 

CARL SHEPERD

Genealogy Without Sources

Is Mythology!

Carl's journey in genealogy began shortly after his baptism in February 1963. Motivated by his patriarchal blessing, which emphasized the responsibility he had as the only member of the church in his family, he delved into the world of family history. His passion for the subject led him to publish his first booklet in 1969, titled "The Shepherd Clan."

Throughout the years, Carl has actively contributed to the field of genealogy. He took on the role of Ward Family History leader in several different locations: Biloxi, Mississippi; Woodruff, Arizona; Owensboro, Kentucky; and currently in Ocala, Florida.

In March 2021, he achieved a significant milestone by publishing his family's history in a book entitled "The 'Lost' Shepherds: From Holderness, Yorkshire, England, to New Holderness, New Hampshire."

Carl's dedication to preserving his family's heritage doesn't end there. He is currently hard at work on another book, focusing on his mother's Pickering lineage. The forthcoming book, "From Medieval Knights to English Commoners," will encompass an impressive 25 generations, offering a captivating journey through the history of English nobility and commoners from the 11th to the 14th centuries.

Carl's commitment to genealogy is an inspiring example of how exploring one's roots can unveil a wealth of history and heritage, enriching not only his life but the lives of future generations.

RICHARD PLESSER

Finding Your German Ancestors

Rich's life journey began in the bustling city of New York, where he spent his formative years. However, during his college days, an exciting chapter unfolded when his family decided to move to the vibrant Tampa Bay Area. Following his graduation, Rich ventured into the corporate world, joining Verizon as an accountant, which opened up new opportunities and caused him to relocate frequently.

As fate would have it, it was in the state of Texas, around the year 2000, that Rich felt the urge to pursue a long-standing interest. Delving into his family history, he discovered a remarkable heritage: his Great-Great Grandparents on his father's side had bravely immigrated from Germany in 1855, while on his mother's side, his Grandfather made the journey in 1905, and his grandmother followed suit in 1910, all hailing from the same German roots. Thus, Rich proudly identified himself as full-blooded German, cherishing his ancestral ties.

After a dedicated and successful career spanning 31 years with Verizon, Rich reached a milestone in 2011 – retirement. Choosing to settle down in the serene town of Ocala, he saw this as the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into his family's history and work on unraveling the branches of his family tree.

CHERYL BROWN

Source Linker

Cheryl is married with two children and three grandchildren. After14 years as an elementary classroom teacher and 18 years as an elementary librarian, Cheryl has now retired. She volunteers at the local Family History Center in Jacksonville, Florida and teaches small groups how to research using Family Search. Presently she is serving as the registrar of the Fort San Nicholas chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Connie Borneman

&

Iona Harris

Avid genealogists ready to share some interesting facts with you!

LYDIA BRIDGES

Merging

My grandma played a crucial role in cultivating my passion for family history and genealogy from a young age, even before I reached my teenage years. Long before computers and the internet became commonplace, she taught me the art of researching our ancestors. Thanks to her guidance, I have become the go-to person in our Ward, serving as a consultant for family history matters ever since this calling began.

While I wouldn't call myself an expert, I have developed a strong understanding of where to find information and who to reach out to when I encounter something unfamiliar. My dedication to this cause led me to volunteer as an indexing service missionary in 2016, where I spent two years contributing to various projects.

Presently, I am in my second year as a service missionary, continuing to make a difference in the family history realm. During my mission, I have actively participated in projects such as indexing the 1950 census, Wisconsin SSN Indexing, Records of Members of 1836-1970, Numidents, and Strategic Duplicates. Additionally, I had the privilege of teaching about merging duplicates at last year's conference, marking the first time this topic was covered.

I feel truly blessed to be part of this meaningful work, where I can contribute in any capacity to the gathering of our ancestors and help facilitate their sacred ordinances in temples. By doing so, we strive to bring families together for eternity—a cause that fills my heart with immense gratitude and joy.