I’ve never been interested in genealogy as dates. My interest is bringing the dead back to life by letting them shine as people one more time. These people were fascinating to me because they were right in the center of history.
Henry’s brother John brought the Dutch Reform Church together as it was about to schism. Henry’s brother Gilbert, according to The What Ifs of History, might have been responsible for the adoption of the US Constitution when he voted for NY’s acceptance of it. And his cousins were the signers and the forefathers. Henry, himself, marched to invade Canada in 1775, after Bunker Hill.
I love genealogy’s little stories. Watts Sherman acting as constable and climbing down the chimney to take back a stolen silk dress. The future wife of the originator of the anti-slavery society being taken in for years by Alexander Hamilton after her mother’s death, and being driven to dancing lessons by the lady across the street, Martha Washington. These stories turn these people real for me.
The stories... Your writing certainly captivated me! I often think of the people who came before me and wonder about their lives. Wish I knew stories of my ancestors and that I could share them as vividly as you.
That’s when my mind wandered and I found myself thinking about the family genealogy books in my possession. Unfortunately, many of them are dry recitations of who was born when, married on what date and to whom, the names of their children, and date of death.
I agree with your observation that the stories children recall are the ones told by grandparents of their parents.
Our middle child earned his B.A., majoring in English with a minor in Creative Writing - he most enjoys poetry. I will definitely be sharing your book with him! In fact, I am adding it to the Christmas gift list. Yes! I have already begun...