Genealogy by Jessica Lefler
"Let's find your Family Tree among the Forests of History."
About Me
I've always been interested in my family history, but I officially began doing my own family research in 1995, when I went to my grandfather's funeral and realized that I only knew a small handful of people in attendance. I also realized that I must have been related to many, many more.
I began by getting information from my great-uncle George, who also attended a small reunion following the funeral. He shared all of the information that he could, and some of the cousins who were there shared their information with me as well. My great-uncle put me in touch with one of his nieces who had several other bits of information regarding our family. Then the ball started rolling. I typed up the information I had and saved it to a disc. Then, I started utilizing the Genealogy chatroom on AOL. There was a lot of advice to be had there, and I began contacting people online who shared my last name. I finally got a copy of a really good family tree-making program. (I use Family Tree Maker.) Eventually, I purchased subscriptions to Ancestry.com, Fold3.com, and Newspapers.com. I use these and other resources to 5research and create a record of family history. You'd be surprised what you can find on Google!
Aside from genealogy, I also enjoy nature photography, singing, and writing. (See the poem below, written under my pen name, Jessie Valentine.) I live in northern Minnesota with my husband and my youngest son, along with our cats Daisy, Tuscany, & Dino.
Honouring the Ancestors
By Jessie Valentine
When I look in the mirror,
I see myself,
But I also see the spirits and the faces of my ancestors.
I honour the ancestors
For each breath of life they gave to me – each in their own way.
I see my children playing in the sun.
I am reminded of how, years and even centuries before,
Our ancestors worked long, hard hours under this very same sun.
I honour the ancestors
For all the work they have done to make this Earth thrive and grow.
Under the light by which I write,
I recall stories of how ancestors wrote by candle flame and lantern light.
I imagine the wonder of the flickering light and think,
How amazing that you took the time to write, even in such a dim glow.
I honour the ancestors
For their contributions to our family’s story,
And for inspiring me to add to it.
When I sing my songs,
I recall family stories of musical gatherings,
Many instruments celebrating joy,
Honouring love and family togetherness,
Honouring their own ancestors.
I picture these instruments ringing out their own unique sound,
With Great-Grandpa’s fiddle taking the lead.
I honour the ancestors
For the blood in my veins that makes me wish I could join them in celebration,
And which inspires me to sing.
I reflect on who I am,
Knowing that each of my ancestors is a part of me,
And I, a part of them.
In each thing I create,
In each bit of energy I spend-
In some way, it honours the ancestors.
And so I say today,
For all that the ancestors have given me,
For all they have inspired in me,
“I honour you, and I am thankful for your existence.
For without each one of you, I would not be here today.”
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© 2022, Jessica A. Lefler