CNN Reporter, Katherine Dorsett, recently wrote a wonderful article about the genealogical successes of a Gainsville, Georgia man whose father was murdered in 1953.
John William Harris had long ago put the lack of knowledge about his fathers mudrer behind him. But after watching the PBS special "African American Lives", John found himself inspired and began researching his family tree.
Check out African American Lives at PBS
John's inspiration took him to the internet and into U.S. census records using a variety of online websites. When he began, he found it difficult to focus on his career or even eat and sleep. Gee.. does that sound familiar to any of us?
"I was so engaged about learning information about my history and spent many hours researching it online. My wife joked that I spent more time on the computer than I did with her or at my job," Harris said with a chuckle.
For John, his first big discovery was an unknown uncle, Ebbie Harris, listed in a 1920 census record. Harris learned his father's brother had died as a schoolboy. He also said he discovered at least 50 relatives he didn't know about while using census reports from 1900 to 1930 on Gainesville, Georgia. Harris found himself amused by many of the details he discovered.
John married his high school sweetheart, Mary Alice, 45 years ago. They have three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren."I'm happy that our family tree is captured for them and more will be forthcoming," said Harris. "I hope they will take advantage and continue the efforts."
Read the entire article at CNN
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