Mining the 1880 Census Mother Lode: Insanity and Idiocy
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| Thomas MacEntee |
Let
me introduce you to a man known in the industry as “The Genealogy Guy.” Thomas
MacEntee’s passion for genealogy runs deep. He is the founder of GeneaBloggers, High-Definition Genealogy
me introduce you to a man known in the industry as “The Genealogy Guy.” Thomas
MacEntee’s passion for genealogy runs deep. He is the founder of GeneaBloggers, High-Definition Genealogy
Thomas
is well known in theindustry as a blogger, educator, author, social
media connector, online community builder and speaker. He is based in Chicago,
Illinois.
is well known in theindustry as a blogger, educator, author, social
media connector, online community builder and speaker. He is based in Chicago,
Illinois.
Q&A With Thomas MacEntee
Genealogists.com: How many years have you
been involved in genealogy?
been involved in genealogy?
Thomas MacEntee: As a hobbyist, for over 20
years and as a professional, for 6 years.
years and as a professional, for 6 years.
Genealogists.com: How did you first become involved?
Thomas:
My great-grandparents who helped raise me
first introduced me to family history through stories and through a written
genealogy done in 1916.
My great-grandparents who helped raise me
first introduced me to family history through stories and through a written
genealogy done in 1916.
Genealogists.com: What do you love about
family history?
family history?
Thomas:
I love the stories and learning how my
ancestors lived.
I love the stories and learning how my
ancestors lived.
Genealogists.com: What’s your favorite
part of the search process?
part of the search process?
Thomas:
My favorite part is evaluating evidence –
taking three or more different data points related to a fact such as a
birth date and determining which ones fit the puzzle.
My favorite part is evaluating evidence –
taking three or more different data points related to a fact such as a
birth date and determining which ones fit the puzzle.
Genealogists.com: What is your least
favorite part of the genealogy process?
favorite part of the genealogy process?
Thomas:
My least favorite part is having to sift
through erroneous information, especially from online trees and other platforms where the information is so easy
to spread.
My least favorite part is having to sift
through erroneous information, especially from online trees and other platforms where the information is so easy
to spread.
Genealogists.com: What do you believe is
the most difficult part of family history research?
the most difficult part of family history research?
Thomas:
Being disciplined – taking your time,
tracking information, maintaining good records and not allowing yourself to
be distracted by “bright and shiny objects.”
Being disciplined – taking your time,
tracking information, maintaining good records and not allowing yourself to
be distracted by “bright and shiny objects.”
Genealogists.com: How has genealogy
changed your life?
changed your life?
Thomas:
After a major career change and life
interruption in 2008, I decided to pursue the genealogy field as a
professional. I now own my own business and have become obsessed with building
entrepreneurial skills and teaching them
to others.
After a major career change and life
interruption in 2008, I decided to pursue the genealogy field as a
professional. I now own my own business and have become obsessed with building
entrepreneurial skills and teaching them
to others.
Genealogists.com: If you could sit and
chat with one ancestor who would it be?
chat with one ancestor who would it be?
Thomas:
It would be my 9th great-grandfather
Johannes Putman who arrived in New York in 1661 and was killed during the
Schenectady Massacre.
It would be my 9th great-grandfather
Johannes Putman who arrived in New York in 1661 and was killed during the
Schenectady Massacre.
You
can find Thomas MacEntee at:
can find Thomas MacEntee at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Geneabloggers
Twitter: https://twitter.com/geneabloggers
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/geneabloggers/
Join me next week for an
interview with Mary Tedesco of Genealogy Roadshow!
interview with Mary Tedesco of Genealogy Roadshow!
~ Joy
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by Joy Neighbors © 2015, Genealogists.com, All rights reserved
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Thank You Joy! Thomas is our Bright and Shiny Object in the Genealogy Community! Awesome!
I have Johannes Putman as an ancestor also! It's my ocusin connection to Thomas.
Great read! Thanks +Thomas MacEntee for your many contributions to Genealogy Research!