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Archiver > APG > 2001-09 > 0999853335


From: John Pfost <>
Subject: [APG] Re: Genealogy Skeletons
Date: Fri, 07 Sep 2001 02:02:15 -0700
References: <200109070800.f87804517830@lists2.rootsweb.com>


Robert,

A few cents (sense) worth. Some of my most memorable and valued artifacts are the several autobiographical sketches of my lines from the early 19th century. They are timeless, informative, personal, and--in some cases--not necessarily pretty. They are honest and they are prized. I have spent countless hours basking in their words attempting to grasp the realities of their lives. They are all that I have!

One of the principal themes I have bannered often is that just as we today value such works of our forefathers, our descendants will find equal importance in what *we* have to say. And, yes, while some of our immediate family might find issue with the not-so-distant skeletons, the greater importance is that many distant descendants will find it invaluable. Suredly or hopefully, they will find them both the truths of their heritage, and the realities of their heritage. (I will leave it to you to sort out the differences between truths and realities.)

The bottom line is that if you produce even a 2-page history of your family, it will most likely endure for generations. It is a record of your perceptions at this time and place. At the passing of each generation--roughly every 25 years--an entire bank of immediate and irreplaceable knowledge passes on. Gone! All that will survive are various "records" and a few "personal accounts".

The records tell me when and where they were born, etc. The personal accounts tell me who they were; how they lived; what they believed; and sometimes, who they may have met at the skinny dip. Given a choice, I will always prefer the latter, even though they are terribly few.

The greater responsibility, I postulate, is in realizing that our "truths" will be equally valued far greater by our descendants than immediates, and thus constitute a responsibility on our part. Having read countless family histories, narratives, bio-sketches, etc., my conclusions are simple: 1) why didn't they convey more, 2) how truthful are their words, and 3) thank God that I got this much! I have never ever thought, "Oh, that's not good; why did they say that?"

In conclusion (whew! - eh?) remember, you are not writing for today; you are writing for forever! Tell it at it is ~ it will be valued . . . timelessly!

John Pfost
Santa Rosa, CA
(nee Wine & Redwood Country)

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