I've always had an interest in my family's history. Like most people I did not ask enough questions earlier in life. In about 1989 two of my late father's first cousins passed away. When the first one went, I knew I should get started, but kept putting it off. A few months later, I was putting in a new kitchen floor. I made a template, out of some old newspapers, to make sure I had the right fit for the flooring. As I was centering the template I saw, staring up at me, the picture and obituary of another of my father's first cousins. A chill went up my spine and that is how I got my start.

A family story was also an impetus for me getting started. Another first cousin of my father's was born around 1894. When she finished high school, her parents sent her on a trip "out east". This was around 1913 or so.  When she came home, she told her parents about the wonderful young man that she met. It turns out that he was her half-brother! I've since solved the mystery of that relationship. My experience in that and other personal searches has taught me many ins and outs of the genealogy research process.

Another benefit of doing family research is medical history. Learning about what other generations went through might help in early detection and prevention of many illnesses.