Family Stories

Family stories, everybody loves to read or hear about them. As I do my family research, and those of you who are genealogists, whether by profession or hobbiest, we come across some unique stories. Sometimes they are not written down in story format, but we learn things about our family or those we are researching.

Essie Mae Hester

May 10, 2009 is Mother’s Day. As I was reflecting on this special day, I started thinking about my maternal ancestors that lost their little ones at infancy—and some even their own lives.

The Search for the Strother Mystery

Charles Strother Smith was my great grandfather. For many years the Smith Family researchers pondered on his middle name, Strother. We assumed it was a mother or grandmother’s maiden name, but research proved that theory incorrect.

Bolivar Lee Shook, “Cabin on the Hill”

My 2nd great grand-uncle, Noah Washington Shook, had a son, Bolivar Lee Shook. He wrote the song, “Cabin on the Hill”, recorded by Flatt and Scruggs.