It can be an art to find the branches and leaves on your family tree. Sometimes the records are right there, spelled out for you in black and white. The art comes in when you have to follow the subtle clues that you may find, like an occupation that is passed down and through the family. Some occupations in my acestry were farmers, carpenters, and iron workers. An unusual name can make it easier. Other times you can’t see the trees for the forest.
Stream of Consciousness Saturday is hosted by Linda G Hill. Today’s prompt is ‘art.’
Featured image is ‘Olivenbäume’ by Vincent Van Gogh via wikimedia.org
It’s nice knowing, not just who’d in the tree, but what they did.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does fill out a part of the picture and when it keeps repeating in other family members it does help identify them. Occupation was part of identity for hundreds of years. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
In some cases, it still is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the variety of styles of artistic talent you chose for the ‘art’ prompt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was great to find those images and find that artists were interested in a subject like ironworkers, parts of working people’s lives.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All the old photos I’ve found of ancestors intrigue me. If, or more likely when, I start down the path of exploring their history, I’ll look for an unusual name. Most of the first names are not so unusual: Mary, Marie, John, and Robert are my grandparents’ first names. But I’ll snoop around some day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is hard when the names are more common because there will be more than one person with the name. But there are other ways to find them, like occupation or where they lived and their relationships, birthdates…There is so much data online now that helps. I still hit walls for sure and then I have to make myself let go and think that more may come to light in the future. It is rewarding when you find people though. Having photos is great.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I very much like Winslow Homer’s work. One of the masters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the way he shows the farmer possibly at the finish of his work in the field, surveying his work or what is he thinking about? the beauty of the land…?
LikeLike
Your words are so well written.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Cynthia. xo
LikeLike