It must run in the family, this…desire…to bring the past to life somehow. I remember going with my dad as a young child to the genealogical library and scanning through microfiche and records…it was a regular family activity. Today, my siblings and I have all maintained our interests in the historical field in one fashion or another.
The Family History pages focus on the lines of my own father and mother, as well as my husband’s father and mother, and their many branches. The union of a Whitchurch and a Metcalfe makes a fascinating family tree, presenting just a glimpse of the courage, faith, devotion, and sacrifice that must have been needed throughout the lives of their ancestors, along with their many mistakes, imperfections and human missteps. This section of the site celebrates that union by following the lines back through the ages to monument the heritage they came from.
As such, this is not a one-name project; many surnames are included in the genealogies. Prominent names included (but not limited to):
- Metcalfe Line: Green, Raw and Alderson on the paternal side; Ottley, Pocock and Wrenn on the material side
- Whitchurch Line: Maxfield, Hutchings and Durnford on the paternal side; Pettit, Clayton and Whipple on the maternal side.
Though the main focus is on the lineage of this union, it is inevitable that other genealogies, which may or may not be connected, must be studied to ensure accuracy of the line and avoid confusing family look-alikes. These “differential studies” are also included here whether or not they are related as they are of value and may be of interest to others.
I’ve heard it said that family history is a calling. If that’s true, I’ve certainly heard the call, and it has ignited my resolve to document the lives of those who came before me. Now that my father has passed away, I feel even more compelled than ever to continue the work he began. But make no mistake, this work means far more to me than mere data collection. This is a labor of love, and of life, and an education about the human spirit. It’s a never-ending work in progress, one that will hopefully last throughout the ages…
Most importantly, I’m glad you’re visiting this site. Documenting the lives of our ancestors means so much more when there is the company to share it with. Thank you for visiting.
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