I grew up in Dearborn, Michigan; still living in Michigan (was Durand, the railroad capitol of Shiawassee county - more than 40 yrs; now Okemos). I was born with an insatiable curiosity about my family history which was completely unslaked until one very lucky day a genealogist from the Quebec branch, or perhaps I should say Quebec root, of the family forwarded a history of our family all the way from Bartholemei the blacksmith and his new bride Marthe Quitel, one of Les Filles du Roi, in the 17th century.

Since joining FAG I've gained an interest in my local cemetery, Lovejoy, and its historical context in Shiawassee county. I believe our cemeteries are a remarkable community asset to be preserved and shared.

I have been drawn to findagrave because I value the contribution that I feel we are making to the individuals and their families in our communities. I appreciate the work of the contributors who have come before me and hope that I am similarly making a return contribution. What I post, pictures and information, is intended for the shared, personal use of contributors and guests of findagrave, ie not financial gain.