The Chiddicks Observer Edition 41
We’re back once more to explore the rich tapestry of stories from our past, stories that are historical, family-focused, and deeply personal, connecting us to the lives and experiences of those who came before us. In this edition, we’ll journey through letters that reveal intimate family histories, tales of unexpected turns that shaped generations, and even some curious or macabre moments that remind us just how fascinating the human story can be. Along the way, we’ll share emotional reflections, thought-provoking questions, and practical tips to support your own quest to uncover the past. So settle in, allow yourself to be transported across time and place, and enjoy the stories that weave together history, family, and the extraordinary moments that make life unforgettable.
Our first post this week comes from Kirsi Dahl . I’ve shared several of her pieces with you in the past, and I absolutely love her writing. Beyond that, Kirsi brings such innovative and creative ideas to family history, offering truly unique ways to deepen our connection to those who came before us.
In this series, she features letters written to her daughter by relatives when she was not yet two years old. Through these letters, family members share stories of their ancestors, some of whom her children never had the chance to meet. It is a true treasure of family history, told in the voices of grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
This is the first of those letters here………….
I’ve always been obsessed with finding the final resting places of as many of my ancestors as possible, it’s a real passion of mine. There is something deeply meaningful about standing where they were laid to rest and feeling that tangible connection to the past. More recently, my curiosity has expanded to include unusual and graves from around the world, stories that reveal just how personal and imaginative remembrance can be. I’ve been sharing some of these discoveries with you here, and after one such post, Ted Anthony reached out to share a wonderfully enchanting story about the final resting place of one of his ancestors.
AI is here to stay. Ignore it at your peril, instead embrace it and use it wisely, and trust me, it can be a very useful friend. When approached thoughtfully, AI has the potential to enhance the way we research, write, and preserve our family histories.
In this post, our resident AI expert Denyse Allen explores where the AI journey might take us in 2026, offering insight into what lies ahead and how we might prepare for it.
I am always amazed by how creative Robin Stewart is with her writing challenges, and the current Genealogy Matters Storyteller Tuesday Challenge is no exception. The first week’s prompt is “A Turning Point,” and among the many wonderful entries I read, one story stood out in particular.
JenealogyScrapbook piece about her 2× great-grandparents, Thomas Edward Caddy and Eleanor Ryan, is a perfect fit for the prompt. It beautifully illustrates how a single, unexpected turn can change the course of a life and, in turn, shape generations to come. Just as in our own lives today, those unforeseen moments can lead us in completely different directions.
I love this question from Family History Hound Notebook : Why do people do genealogy? It’s one I’ve asked myself many times over the years. In all honesty, for me the answer is multi-layered, there’s no single response that quite fits. My reasons have shifted and evolved over time, shaped by new discoveries, changing perspectives, and a deeper understanding of what family history really means to me. What about you?
Another truly absorbing story from Lori Olson White . Lori has woven the social and political history of the time so beautifully into Azubah’s story, bringing the wider world vividly to life. Through it, we gain a deeper understanding of how the United States was evolving at the end of the war, and what those changes would have meant for ordinary people back home as they navigated a rapidly shifting world.
Not all stories are straightforward and not all choice are easy……..
Once again Ollie - ifOnlyi... is faced with a crisis and pivotal moment in his life, which way does he turn? There’s only one way to find out………
Wow—what a truly absorbing tale from Lex Knowlton ! I’m just catching up with this, and the image of all those spectators staring at the poor woman’s head in a jar is both chilling and macabre. The story is so vividly told, it’s impossible not to feel the tension and curiosity building. I can’t wait to see how the trial unfolds!
After Lex’s truly graphic story, I thought we should finish with a smile from Kate Dalby. If you’ve ever been camping, I’m sure you’ll relate to this story! It’s a delightful reminder that sometimes the most memorable family adventures come with a few unexpected twists and plenty of laughs along the way.
As we close this edition, I’m reminded that every story, whether tender, thrilling, or even a little macabre, carries the power to connect us, inspire us, and illuminate the paths our ancestors walked. The past is never truly gone; it lives on in the letters we read, the graves we visit, the questions we ask, and the tales we tell. I hope these stories spark curiosity, reflection, and maybe even a few smiles, and that they encourage us all to continue exploring, questioning, and celebrating the extraordinary legacy of our families. Here’s to more discoveries, more stories, and more connections in the weeks and months ahead.
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Another great collection, @Paul, and thanks for sharing Azubah’s story!
Thank you, for including 1994 letter series! I’m glad it is resonating with you and others!