How many generations or years can you trace your ancestors?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One branch of my family arrived in what were then the American colonies in the 1630s. Before that, they spent a couple hundred years in what became England, having hitched a ride across the channel in 1066 with the rest of William’s invaders.

I can answer your question because I’m white, and tie into a branch of a prominent family. So folks along the way thought their births/marriages/deaths were worth keeping track of. But dogs and horses have pedigrees too; having this info doesn’t make me any better or worse than someone who doesn’t.

+1

I enjoy genealogy and can get back 13-14 generations on several branches of my tree. But part of me feels uncomfortable with the whole thing. Then another part of me loves the puzzle and likes considering events in American history relative to my particular ancestors.

DP. Why, if you don't mind me asking?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Back to Genghis Khan.

If you feel comfortable sharing, how did you find out?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Back to Genghis Khan.

If you feel comfortable sharing, how did you find out?

I think they're joking.

[Anonymous]

Back to my eighth grandfather on my mother’s father’s side. Records traced to 1677 in Hertfordshire, England. I’ve also started trees for other branches of the family, but most only go back to @ 1850 or so.

[Anonymous]

I’ve got Mayflower people so others have done a lot of the work. It goes way back in England. Like 1300s. If you believe what is written down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One branch of my family arrived in what were then the American colonies in the 1630s. Before that, they spent a couple hundred years in what became England, having hitched a ride across the channel in 1066 with the rest of William’s invaders.

I can answer your question because I’m white, and tie into a branch of a prominent family. So folks along the way thought their births/marriages/deaths were worth keeping track of. But dogs and horses have pedigrees too; having this info doesn’t make me any better or worse than someone who doesn’t.

+1

I enjoy genealogy and can get back 13-14 generations on several branches of my tree. But part of me feels uncomfortable with the whole thing. Then another part of me loves the puzzle and likes considering events in American history relative to my particular ancestors.

DP. Why, if you don't mind me asking?

Because being able to do so is just another example of privilege. Plus, what do my ancestors (including plantation owners who enslaved hundreds of people to prominent intellectuals to early New England settlers) really have to do with me? What do they mean for my adopted daughter? I really am of two minds about it all.

[Anonymous]

1750s from Germany. I am proud of my Teutonic heritage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One branch of my family arrived in what were then the American colonies in the 1630s. Before that, they spent a couple hundred years in what became England, having hitched a ride across the channel in 1066 with the rest of William’s invaders.

I can answer your question because I’m white, and tie into a branch of a prominent family. So folks along the way thought their births/marriages/deaths were worth keeping track of. But dogs and horses have pedigrees too; having this info doesn’t make me any better or worse than someone who doesn’t.

+1

I enjoy genealogy and can get back 13-14 generations on several branches of my tree. But part of me feels uncomfortable with the whole thing. Then another part of me loves the puzzle and likes considering events in American history relative to my particular ancestors.

DP. Why, if you don't mind me asking?

Because being able to do so is just another example of privilege. Plus, what do my ancestors (including plantation owners who enslaved hundreds of people to prominent intellectuals to early New England settlers) really have to do with me? What do they mean for my adopted daughter? I really am of two minds about it all.

Op here. I feel the same way. I debated creating the thread.

[Anonymous]

No idea. I have zero interest.

[Anonymous]

We are descendants of Royals but we stopped looking at 1500s. Some people are really into it. But what I’ve noticed is if you had an ancestor with many children that lived there are thousands of “relatives”

[Anonymous]

Speaking of dogs and horses … they kept records that stretch back to the Magna Carta.

[Anonymous]

OP DONT be ridiculous. There are old families everywhere. Even your adopted daughter has ancestors.

[Anonymous]

Back to 1610 on my mother’s side.

[Anonymous]

Back to the 1500’s in Germany.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No idea. I have zero interest.

Why open and comment?