Have been doing research for around 35 years+
I tell people who want to do this, you have to know history, geography and sociology
Have researched over 12 5th great grandfathers in the Revolutionary.
Had some in King Phillips.
Traced hundreds of my lines back beyond the Middle Ages in England, etc.
SoCal, so true.
I feel so blessed to be able to jump in a car and walk cemeteries nearby here in NE or find an old family home etc.
I believe it is history in its purest form.
I love all the characters - rich or poor, famous or not.