Genealogy Chat

I have received an email asking about one of the branches I am researching. I'm almost sure it's genuine because of the information given, it's just the wording makes me a little suspicious! lol. Is there a program perhaps that could be used to create this email? I'm going to print it below so would you mind taking the time to read it and give me your opinions. I'm taking some names out though for obvious reasons! Thanks. Jeanette x

Hello Jeanette ********, Periodically I've been checking all the Yorkshire genealogy sites I can uncover. Yesterday, for the first time, I discovered 'The Free UKGEN-BMD Project'; what caught my immediate attention was your name in connection with your role as 'East Yorkshire County Coordinator'. What a stroke of fortune to see both linked together in this web site. '********' is the name I have been attempting to locate in pre-twentieth century Yorkshire, England. Specifically, my great grandfather was from the town or parish of Folkton, southwest of Scarborough. According to my records, he was born circa 1825. Family lore has it that he immigrated to Canada about 1850 - 1860, where he lived and married in the Toronto area before moving to the U.S. Because I have inherited letters of correspondence from members of his family, I know that there were numerous individuals still living in Folkton after his arrival in North America. Finally, the obvious question that I need to ask: do you have any knowledge about the ******** family I have cited here? If not, my thanks to you for taking the time to read this genealogical e-mail. Best regards,

Well, it does sound sort of stilted, as if English isn't this persons first language, or maybe they have got someone else to translate, with a fat dictionary, and write the message!! I wouldn't worry too much though - it's up to you what info you give this person...... Could you ask some more questions first - do they know the names of the people why wrote the letters? (Do they tie in with what you know?) etc. If his/her g-grandfather was born in 1825 this person is probably not going to be young (or they have left off the number of greats). I don't know if this makes a difference- just an observation really. I would just ask some more questions and see what happens. I take it the surname is unusual or there wouldn't have been any point in writing to you? Sarah

Morning Sarah! I hadn't noticed the amounts of 'greats'. Well spotted! I do know from contact I have with another rellie in the US that they seem to have a quaint way of wording some things. So maybe this, put together with the fact that the gentleman could be of the older generation, may explain the wording. Although he doesn't mention the name of his great Grandfather I am pretty sure I know who he is talking about. It's not my direct line but I don have some information. The surname isn't too unusual but it does seem to be perculiar to this area and Hertfordshire, although there doesn't seem to be a link between the two areas - yet! lol

The wording doesn't make me suspicious or suggest a translation to me; more that the sender is more used to writing well constructed letters than the more informal emails which tend to be the norm nowadays. By all means proceed cautiously and ask for more information but my guess is that this person will turn out to be genuine , but probably of an older generation. Good luck Judith

That's a good point Judith - we are a slovenly lot in our message writing these days lol - I bet if this message had come by snail mail, Jeanette wouldn't have been concerned as it would have felt more ''normal''!! Sarah

I think Judith has probably hit the nail on the head there! We are all used to sending and receiving more casual sounding emails these days. And Sarah, you're quite right. If I had received it throught the post I probably wouldn't have given it a second thought! lol I have had quite a few of those 'dodgy' emails recently so I think my natural reaction is to be suspicious. I'll get back to the gentleman straight away with the info I have.

Hope it works out for you and that you both benefit from the contact - Lets hope he wants to share those old letters too! Sarah

Thanks Sarah I have emailed him. I wonder if those letters will hold a clue to my brick wall? I'm quite excited now! lol

I have heard back from the gentleman and I may get the opportunity to meet him. He and his wife are visiting Great Britain and East Yorkshire in a few weeks. Isn't that brilliant! lol

That's great Jeanette :-) or (at the risk of giving my age away) should I write: Dear Jeanette, I was heartened to hear the good news of your exchange of corrspondence with the gentleman in America. Yours sincerely Judith

lol Judith! Great stuff Jeanette - make sure you have a scanner available when he comes to see you! Sarah

LOL Judith! Nicely put! Sarah Scanner, digital camera, laptop, several huge files full of bits of paper, assorted pens and pencils, a reem of blank note paper - anything else! lol

Good luck Jeanette, please let us know what happens. Maggy

Sure will Maggy! xx