Love My Ancestors

Genealogy

My search for my ancestors really started as a kid sitting at my grandmother's kitchen table. I'd ask her questions and some she either would not answer or could not answer. But one story always stuck with me. It was a story of a woman, Ruby Campbell, a cousin of her 1st husband, my grandfather, William Scott Martin. As the story went, Ruby, was a very smart woman and became a lawyer when women were not lawyers. I was never really sure about the nature of that story, but time has a way of uncovering the truth. Ruby, it turns out, did attend the Kansas City School of Law. She was homeschooled and her mother didn't believe in marriage! One of Ruby's classmates, Harry Truman, never graduated law school but we all know the rest of his story. He became President Harry Truman.

Search Angel

I am a search angel, helping solve other people's mysteries. Together with a handful of other excellent researchers, we founded a small Facebook Group DNA SEARCH ANGELS - Adoptions & DNA Surprises . This group is dedicated to helping others find the rest of their story. We help misaligned people, people searching for their biological parents and those who have been adopted. This is a US based research group and if you want help. Visit us on F/B and complete the questions. We will assign a researcher to help you. This is based on DNA and you must have taken a DNA test for us to help.

This Site

This site began as a place to store my research information. I have hunted and documented my family's roots for more than 30 years. I have 2 big giant brick walls to break down and that lead me to take a DNA test. The first wall is related to Jefferson Davis Cook (1860-1916). DNA is helping me break down that brick wall. Then there is the matter of William Edward Martin (b. 1832 and d. ca 1907). Oh grandpa, what secrets are you hiding from us?

The hosting service for this site has moved over the years due to sales and acquisitions. I am in the process of recreating my website. There is a GREAT deal of content to share.

Quilting

Do you share any hobbies with your ancestors? I certainly do! One of my grandfather's was a photographer who had a "side business" and took lots of great photos. While my photography skills are limited, other members of my family love taking photos. But I quilt! My great great grandmother, Alta, was a quilter. Her daughter, Grace, was a seamstress and made both hats and wedding dresses.

Toastmasters

Oddly, many don't believe that I was ever shy. But shy was way of life until I finally decided I needed to speak up for myself. From the early days as a new member of this organization through the years, I have served in many capacities including, International Director and Regional Advisor. It is a great way to build your confidence and speaking skills.

Updates

I have a great deal of content to share and will be updating this site as I have time to get the job done.

Links: Cook Surname Research

Please provide a link and credit to these pages if you use the information. The information presented is the result of the efforts of many researchers over many years including DNA results used with permission as appropriate for genealogy purposes. Pat Ray Hannan, author and owner.