Thursday, December 3, 2015

Pieces Are Slowly Falling Into Place

The Stitt line has kept me up many a nights trying to figure out better research techniques and combing through information to see if I have overlooked anything. I can finally say that the pieces are slowly coming together. I am excited at all the possibilities of getting know more about this line and connecting and building long lasting relationships with family. Grandma Pebaleader, I spoke with one of your great granddaughter and granddaughter this morning. Hopefully we all will be able to meet the first of the upcoming year. Through all of this I can't wait to be able to stitch together my genetic quilt with all of its uniqueness.

Saturday, November 28, 2015

What is She Trying to Tell Me?

Have you ever just conducted a random search that yielded some information? This is exactly what I did  about 20 minutes ago. Although the information gave me a piece of the puzzle, it also gave me more questions. On top of that I now must revisit some information that I recently confirmed. I know that my grandma Pebaleader Kellum is trying to tell me something, but I don't quite know what it is. I must turn to my research gurus to ensure that I am looking at all perspectives without any blinders. The one thing I know for sure, is that my grandmother is guiding me to my grandfather, Robert Willie Stitt Sr. At this time, I must be still and wait for my grandmother Pebaleader.

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Thankful

As I give thanks to the Most High for all the blessing bestowed on me and my family, I must express my happiness at finding out more about the lives of many of my ancestors. I have gained much more than I anticipated. This journey of discovery began as my way of dealing with my father's death, a way to get to know more about my father which in turn I would learn more about myself. This goal has definitely been achieved. However, in addition I have connected and established a relationship with many family members.  From the moment my Aunt Anna introduced me to cousin Cheryl and her mother, I did not imagine how this journey would have developed. It is such a blessing to be able to have a better understanding of the man my father was, as well as an understanding of who my ancestors were. I came from a pretty patch worked legacy that is intricately woven. This legacy is one I am very proud of and become even more proud the more I learn about my ancestors. With the help of the ancestors I was able to navigate through the grieving process. It is so true how the ancestors reach beyond their final resting place to help guide us.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Pebaleader Kellum Stitt Mystery Solved

To my surprise I received additional information on Grandma Peb that directed me to her death information. Her unique name was intriguing to me from the moment I first heard it. It was that feeling that Grandma's name as well as Grandpa Alpha Omega that influenced my yearning to learn more about my ancestors. Today I was able to find my great grandmother. I am so excited to speak to my cousin who will be able to tell me more about my grandmother in order to get a more well rounded picture of her life so that her story may be passed down authentically. It is amazing how the ancestors have a way of reaching beyond their final resting place to guide us right to them.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Thinking of Junie

I woke up this morning thinking of my father, affectionately referred to as Junie. It's been almost 3 years since his death. Today is one of those does I really wish that I could pick up the phone, which was customary, and talk to him. I know you are looking down smiling upon us. There is not a day that I don't celebrate your life and try to govern myself in a manner in which you would be proud. I am glad that we were able to strengthen our relationship and be able to enjoy one another. Today is just one of those days that I am missing my daddy. Sending bundles of love up to Heaven. See ya later love you bye, your Annie Oakley

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

More Answers Comes More Questions

Now that the ancestors are being so gracious to allow the door of discovery to open with answers, I have more questions. The one question that is drawing me more to my Grandma Pebaleader is why she would change her name? Why would she want to rid herself of such a unique interesting name that has is supposedly connected to a Native American history. There is definitely much more to you Grandma Peb. You seem to be just as interesting as your unique name.

Monday, October 12, 2015

One Step Closer to Grandma Pebaleader

Today I received communication from my grandmother Pebaleader's great granddaughter. Together we should be able to trace the steps of Pebaleader Kellum. Hopefully my grandmother is looking upon us with pride that we are slowing coming together as a family should. I know my father Junie would have a smile on his face to know that I have made such great progress in my quest of learning about my family and reconnecting with them as well. This is a truly a labor of love that I share this success with many who have helped me put the pieces together. Grandma Peb, your name intrigued me from the moment I heard it. I was determined to get to know you and trace your steps. I am well on my way to doing just that.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Pebaleader Kellum Found

No words can express the joy I feel today. I found my cousin who was able to give me additional information on my great grandmother Pebaleader Kellum. I conducted a google search and found an address for my cousin. I wrote her a letter introducing myself and informing her of my search for family. The letter was mailed last Friday and I received a response 3 days later. She was just as eager to speak to me and share information. The icing on the cake is that she remembered my father. What an icing on the cake. It was as if I was receiving a hug from daddy!

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Ancestors Smiling Down

This summer has been full of genealogy gems that has pushed my research forward. On top of all of the new information I have obtained, I had the pleasure to meet other family members and begin to establish a relationship with them. I am sure that Aunt Willie Mae was looking at the family gathering in MD smiling because she was part of the glue that once held the family together. This is only the beginning.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Virtual Family Reunion

It is such a blessing to be able to utilize the Internet to bring the family together. Never did I imagine that from one hint from Ancestry could open the door to getting acquainted with my family. I have heard so many wonderful stories about Aunt Willie Mae Cotton and I think what we are doing would bring a smile on her face. Just thinking about how many family members I have met over a short amount of time brings me chills. Though I still am apprehensive about using the Internet, I am convinced that the Internet can move brick walls within one's genealogy research. Can't wait to spend time with my family in the coming weeks!

Saturday, May 2, 2015

A Family Reunion via the Internet

I have known for quite some time that I have some half siblings, but was unsuccessful in locating them. An unexpected unsolicited response referencing my siblings' family was made on a Facebook post I made. To my surprise I was able to confirm that this was their family. I know that it is nothing but God and the ancestors that is orchestrating things, because I got nowhere when I was actively looking for them.

This morning something told me to check my other message folder on Facebook. There I found another message of a young man asking if we were related. I am not sure if there is a family connection, but am hopeful that I will be able to make some headway on the branch of my tree that has been most difficult. These two incidents have knocked down my guard about using social media and the Internet frequently. I am really ready to embrace all that world wide web has to offer in my quest to reconnect, connect, and stay connected to my family. What a beautiful surprise and place the Internet can be.

Monday, April 27, 2015

Connecting The Dots

Taking a step back to review the information I have been able to collect allowed me to be able to look at things from a different perspective. During this time we made another family connection with Aunt Willie Mae Gregory Cotton's great great granddaughter. I am excited to be able meet up and share information while we tighten the family bond. It is so true what they say about allowing the ancestor guide your path.