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Subject: Re: [MDALLEGA] COUSINS, WHICH COUSIN
Date: Mon, 2 Oct 2006 04:49:25 EDT
Pat..
I think it's all in there. It may just be the way the paragraphs are set
up, but all the relations are there. Maybe if it were stated this way:
1. The "rank" relationship between cousins without the number of "steps
removed"---as in first, second, third--is the number of generations back that
the cousins share the relationship. If our parents were siblings, we're first
cousins; if our grandparents were sibs, we're seconds; if it were the
gr-grandparents, we're third cousins.
2. The "steps removed" would cover the number of generations coming
forward, from that last equal degree of separation, that are needed to touch one of
those cousins' descendants. If our parents were sibs, then you and I are
first cousins once removed to each other's children (if we both have kids,
they're seconds to each other). If our grandparents were sibs, then we're second
cousins once removed to each other's children. If it's gr-grandparents that
were sibs, then I'm your child's third cousin once removed.
I got immersed in this every summer coming up to Bedford Co. to see one of
my dad's closest second cousins, Glee May, in Everett. Dad and Glee had
grandfathers (Baltzer and John F. Snyder) that were brothers, making me her second
cousin once removed. And THIS was one of the easy ones that I had to learn!
Family reunions brought favorite relations living nearby out of the
woodwork. I suspect that most listers here had the same experience. Between all of
the impromptu baseball games and picnic table suppers, I can remember so
much of the talk of "Now, tell me again just HOW we're related?" Dad and Glee
would always pipe up with exactly what degree of cousin--complete with steps
removed if needed--that this or that person was. After about the 5th meeting
or so with that person, it would finally start to make sense!
David in Richmond, VA
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