My research on my family actually started with my father in the 1950's. My father was an only child and his father died when he was only 9. Since he never knew much about his father's family he started researching the family - Hawes. That was long before the internet and computer and thus caused a lot of letter writing and such to gain records. I guess I caught the "bug" from him.

Since my retirement I have spent many hours searching for records, visiting other states and cemeteries in looking for family records and graves. As I have visited cemeteries, I always take as many pictures as I can and add them to Find A Grave, even if the people are not related to me.

Find a Grave had been a great help to me and by adding what I can, I hope to help others with their research. If I have added a memorial that is a relative, I will be more than happy to transfer it to you, unless it is a relative of mine. You should request the transfer using the edit button as this save a lot of time. I feel that no matter how distant the relationship may be, I would rather have a family member maintain the memorial. I have come across too many people who just want to "collect" memorials and will not transfer a memorial to someone who is actually related.

If at any time there are any questions concerning a memorial I have added, or if I can help you in any way, please let me know by using my email address. I try to respond to updates, corrections and such, within a few days.

A special thanks to all who have helped me and all the members of Find A Grave.