What I Might Find

People sometimes wonder, rather fancifully, if there is a horse thief in their past.  Or perhaps a famous person to whom they might be related.  All of these things are possible, of course.

The more prosaic things in life are equally fascinating, though.  In the example at the head of this page is something I found while researching a family whose roots ultimately led back to England.  This is an admissions record for the Royal Hospital Chelsea.  It shows that the man I was looking for had been admitted to the hospital on 5 March 1792, at the age of 40, after having served in the 29th Regiment of Foot of His Majesty’s army for some twenty years.  It notes that he was from Prestbury, in Cheshire (a priceless piece of information).  It also notes the reason he was admitted to the hospital: because he was “Worn out”.

What might I find, delving into your family’s history?  I cannot predict, but I can say that it will be fascinating, regardless of your ancestor’s station in life, or how they came to be in America.