Thanksgiving has always been very special to me. Not just because my mom taught me to make the best pumpkin pies and home-made cranberry sauce --- but because it's a special celebration of family. Of course I'm thankful for my family - but it's three of my Great Grandfathers that came over on the Mayflower that make the day a little more thankful!
My father, Jack, who was a doctor back home in Albuquerque, had a few favorite things. Studying skin cancer and prevention, watching the Wheel of Fortune (which he went on in 1985 and won a car!) and our family genealogy!
Since the Internet wasn't around when my dad began our family research - he flew to many locations to track down records and stories from locals about our family.
We are direct descendants from three passengers on the Mayflower:
Stephen Hopkins - my 11th Great Grandfather
Thomas Rogers - my 11th Great Grandfather
Joseph Rogers - my 10th Great Grandfather (Son of Thomas)
My father was a member of the Mayflower Society - and now I'm working on the paperwork for my membership. Once Theresa turns 18 years old she can join! I'm proud to pass this history down to my daughter!
I'm hoping to plan a trip to Massachusetts to see where they lived and learn more about my family that travelled across the ocean to the New World!
While on the other side of my family, my ancestors that came from Spain, were among the first to settle the state of New Mexico. That side of my family has been a bit tricky to trace. I found one of my Great Grandfathers married an "Indian Woman" - and at that time many Native Americans weren't designated names in records. I'm hoping to find someone in New Mexico that can help me put a name to one of my Great Grandmothers and which tribe she called home!
***If any of you have tips - please let me know! I love learning genealogy tips!!!
We all have so much to be thankful for - and hopefully you'll enjoy tracing your family history as much as our family has! It's always a work in progress - but thanks to my cousin David - he's helped keep our family linage recorded!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!
Blessings,
Jacque
You can always find me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/jacqueqvc