Every family historian inevitably hits a brick wall at some point in their research. Often early. The paper trail eventually runs out one way or another. We know the line has to end somewhere, but we're still pretty pissed when it does. Like they couldn't take the time to paint their lineage on the cave they were living in?? C'mon, cave people. Actually, I'm pretty happy (or mostly happy) if I can get one ancestor across the ocean. But early brick walls just suck.
My maternal grandfather (who is still living, TBTG) didn't know his grandmother's name. This was the woman who had been married to his favorite grandparent, Grandpa Bert. And I couldn't find her anywhere. For years I searched every census I could get my hands on and looked for (and wrote down) every clue. (She was either born in New York or Connecticut.) I tried obtaining her son's (my great-grandfather) birth record from both his town of birth and New York state. No luck. It apparently doesn't exist. This brick wall was solid.
But then.
After years of headbanging . . . and a lot of headaches . . . a brick shifted. I came across the obituary of my great grandfather, Charles Henry Morse. Inside were the names of both of his parents. I had found her!
But then.
After years of headbanging . . . and a lot of headaches . . . a brick shifted. I came across the obituary of my great grandfather, Charles Henry Morse. Inside were the names of both of his parents. I had found her!
I still have many more bricks to pull out, but she has a name.
Agnes.
Agnes. Agnes. Agnes. Sometimes I just say it to myself when I need cheering up. (I try to do this when other people aren't around to report me to the authorities.)
Good luck to those looking for ways around, through, or above their genealogical brick walls. I hope you get to experience the joy of breaking through each one.
Agnes.
Agnes. Agnes. Agnes. Sometimes I just say it to myself when I need cheering up. (I try to do this when other people aren't around to report me to the authorities.)
Good luck to those looking for ways around, through, or above their genealogical brick walls. I hope you get to experience the joy of breaking through each one.
Agnes ______
- Birth: Unknown in New York or Connecticut
- Marriage: Unknown
- Death: Unknown
Agnes ______ was born on _____, 18__ to [UNKNOWN] and [UNKNOWN] in New York or Connecticut. She married Albert Morse on _____, 18__ in [UNKNOWN].
- Parents: [UNKNOWN], [UNKNOWN]
- Spouse: Albert Morse
- Children: Charles Henry Morse
- Siblings: [UNKNOWN]