| I enjoyed the Legacy newsletter article from June 25, 2010 called “Genealogy Scream and Happy Dance”. I am sure you have seen, heard or done the Genealogy Scream, which comes from either joy or frustration. I hope you have all participated in a happy dance or two. If you haven’t, then you are either very new to family history or you are far too reserved!
I have been fortunate to have had many wonderful experiences that culminated in a happy dance, loving laughter, and grateful tears while researching my family. For me, one of these marvelous moments came from the pages of a county history. The following story is about my second great grandparents. “. . . Not the least romantic of the earlier scenes of pioneer life was what befell St. Amand. In one of his journeys to Detroit for provisions (for be it known what little money a man brought here was soon used up in that way), on his return, when on the Saginaw turnpike, near Springfield, he found a carriage broken down; a gentleman and lady were there,–father and daughter; the lady appeared to be in distress, the gentleman taking things easy as was his wont. But the chivalric feelings of St. Amand could not be restrained, especially as he gazed on the young form and saw the youth and beauty, with the intelligence and sparkling eye of a damsel in distress, and quick as thought he was upon his feet, rendering such assistance as was required to repair damages and see the travelers on their way to Pontiac. St. Amand could at that time speak but a few words of English, but a look of gratitude and admiration beamed in tender eyes, and St. Amand felt the dart of love piercing his heart, as moving his hand he bade the damsel adieu, and exclaimed, ‘au revoir.’ It was indeed with them ‘au revoir,’ for the attachment formed on that then romantic and forest road soon culminated, and Augustus St. Amand became the husband of Caroline Le Roy.”
I was so tickled that I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry so I did a bit of both. Yes, some people stared; others smiled knowingly. I wanted to jump up and read it aloud to everyone in the vicinity but I restrained myself. THIS is what family history should be about. I hope that we will all allow ourselves to take joy in the moment of discovery and do a happy dance or genealogy scream, no matter WHERE we may be. ~Cina Johnson~ |
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