Genealogy Continued

P.S. By the way, it was St. Paul, not Timothy, who wrote, “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies” (First Epistle to Timothy, 1:4).

In your excellent article “Genealogy” you quote a piece of invaluable advice for would-be family historians: “There is no point in digging up an ancestor if you are not going to make him live.” May I add two suggestions? First, save the letters! These exchanges between parents and children, spouses, other relatives, and friends not only tell what happened but give an invaluable picture of the writers’ character, personality, and opinions. Also their comments often serve to give a needed light touch to a too-staid text. Second, talk to the old folks! How often have I cursed myself for not asking questions, now that those who had the answers are passed beyond recall.