This is a source of information about the individuals who make up the Keck-Snyder ancestral lines presented in narrative form.   Included in these narratives are family stories and historical events that may have affected these ancestors’ actions and attitudes. Families stories, even when discredited by probability of occurrence or facts, are important as the stories reflect what was important to the ancestor in how that person or family was to be perceived or the values the ancestor wished to perpetuate.

While factual information will be provided in the context of the narratives, we do not intend to replicate family tree structure offered by various website, such as Ancestry.com, or other genealogical sites.  Facts are facts and only scratch the surface of our ancestors’ stories. When available, resources to underlying information will be available including links to various websites.

Importantly, the narratives provide the researcher's interpretation and as such may not coincide with others.  Memories get intertwined with television shows, fictional works and physical condition of the story teller.  There is always at least two sides of the story.  There will always be a difference of opinion on why Great Auntie divorce Great Uncle.  We provide a forum for such discussions.

These narratives are based upon current research and historical efforts of earlier family members who are now deceased.  A history of their efforts is provided which emphasis the differences between how things were done in genealogical research by earlier generations and now.  We now have quicker, broader access to records.  More and more documents are scanned and put on line, at cost or not, for researchers to use.  Yet it appears that there is more duplication of effort by respective researchers as this work is not often shared.  Credit is given to those ancestors who waited for the postman to deliver letters from relatives which included genealogical information woven into letters about weather, health and latest family events or a return letter from county recorders and other government officials for faded copies of records, searched through dusty records and responded to letters with self-addressed, stamped envelopes from strangers, and otherwise shared the results openly and freely with others.  Today there are many who do the same.  We would like to give credit to all who have done so and ask those who are currently doing research to notify us if they wish to participate and be given credit.

The goal is to provide a storehouse of information for others and to preserve for future researchers documents, photos and memories that otherwise would be lost.  While the electronic media provides easy access and order to this process, studies have shown that the most reliable method of storing visual media is on paper.  No kidding.  We will accommodate this finding by publishing a semi-annual journal of the narratives available to others at cost.  Free copies of the journal will be offered to libraries, genealogical and other organizations.  All participating contributors will also receive a free copy and given credited for their respective contributions.

Living members of this family may provide information in a more discrete manner than on social media sites.  You can share with members only or the public at large.  Membership is free but will require providing some information about your connection with this family line.  Non-members will have access to some but not all the pages.  We wish to protect the privacy of others.

[sg_popup id=1]