CONDOR TALES

The Genealogy and History Pages

One of the fun things we do is trace our family roots, not just to get the names on a chart, but to find out what we can about individuals and communities and the world they were a part of. But what does it matter; or, to put it as a friend once asked me, what good is history? What's done is done, right?

We've all heard the saying that those who don't learn from history are destined to repeat it. It's true: there are things to be learned from history, things that might prompt us to do things differently [or perhaps the same] the next time around. Looking back on events is a lot easier than trying to sort out the issues of today. Getting to know an ancestor or two well enough to look at events through their eyes may give us an entirely different perspective on past events - in essence, giving us some personal stake in truly understanding an issue, an event, or a belief. What was it like to be a non-Puritan in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, or a Loyalist during the American Revolution? Had you lived in England or Northern Ireland around 1760, would you have taken advantage of the expulsion of the Acadians from Nova Scotia to get the quality farmland that they had developed and were suddenly displaced from? Why was your great-great- grandfather on the side of the South [or the North] during the American Civil War? You might be surprised, and you might find something quite different than what you read in your high school history book.

Beyond the practical, I derive a great deal of pleasure from "finding out things." On these pages, I hope to share some of that pleasure - and you may find something practical, too. If you see something that looks interesting, and you want more information, please e-mail me.

Just a word about the quality of data on this site. Almost everything is a "work in progress;" I don't write anything that is clearly incorrect, and I try to give good references for all my "facts," but remember to note when I report that I am speculating or when I say I am reporting what is "probably" true. I've also presented a lot of unanalyzed information, hoping that it will be of use to some other genealogists, or that it will prompt someone to write me with some better information. I update the pages as I get new or better info, but sometimes it takes me awhile.

Also, a word about "copyright" and "ethics" - When I put information on these pages, I expect that it will be used and enjoyed. Feel free to use the data for your genealogy or history studies; to make hard copies of individual webpages for libraries or other research facilities; and to link my pages to other appropriate sites. Having said that, please remember that I make my living researching, writing, and publishing, and what you see here is the result of my hard work. If you take things from these pages, please (1) take only what you really need, (2) let me know that you have linked or copied pages, and (3) be sure that you give me credit for what you have used.

CONDOR TALES

The Genealogy and History Pages

CONTENTS

ESSAYS

MARITIME CANADA

THE OVERLAND TRAIL PAGES

MISCELLANEOUS FAMILIES

CRANE - HARRIS GENEALOGY

WILLIAM WATERS AND RACHEL COX: ANCESTORS, FAMILY AND DESCENDANTS