I started researching my family history in 1979. At first my goal was to fill in the family tree chart in my children’s baby books. But I didn’t stop there and became immersed in researching my family.
In 1990 I started working in a library with a small genealogy collection. Because genealogy was my hobby I became the go-to-person for patron’s genealogy questions. For 10 years I helped patrons with their genealogy research and along the way I also learned from the patrons as well. During this time I continued my education in Library Science and pursued a certificate in Basic American Genealogy from the National Genealogical Society. I continued my own research and traced some of my lines back to 1757 England, 1750 Germany, and another line back to 1800 Belgium.
I worked at another library for 12 years where I conducted classes. In February 2012 I retired from the library and now spend my time helping others with their research and will conduct classes for groups or individuals. I will also conduct one-on-one consultations and help you organize your genealogy research. I volunteered in the Lake County Genealogical Society Research Room for about a year. After being retired for a year-and-a-half, I missed the patrons, and working in general and went to work part-time in another library doing reference. I conduct classes at this library from time to time. See my upcoming classes on the side bar. Spend some time with me, read the stories of my family, and maybe you will get the bug to research your own. It’s catching so watch out!
Family Tales from Gail 
Very nice to meet you. I see Pierre Lagace is reading you too, isn’t he just wonderful?
It’s great to find your site Gail. Thank you for your visit to mine. Isn’t genealogy so fun?
Very Interesting! Thanks for sharing!
My great-great grandfather was George McKay Thomas who married Isabella Fraser whom you mentioned in a post. Her father was Hugh Fraser and Mother was an M. Fraser, so I think we are talking about the same Isabella Fraser. I have information about Isabella but no info about her sister. I don’t think she ever lived with Isabella and her husband, according to census records. I have been looking for Isabella’s gravesite and record of death but can’t find anything. If I find any info you need, I will forward it.
Linda
I found an Isabella Thomas on the 1861 Canadian census married to an Edward Thomas and Alexena Fraser is living with them. I don’t know if it is the same Isabella that is married to George McKay Thomas. Here is citation for the 1861 census where I found Alexena living with Isabella.Census Record for Isabella Thomas Library and Archives Canada; Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Census Returns For 1861; Roll: C-1031. Ancestry.com and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1861 Census of Canada [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2009.
I have an 1861 Census record for Nelson Township that has an Isabella Thomas who was 31 years old married to Edward Thomas (who was George McKay Thomas’ uncle). There is an Alexena Fraser living with them. In a Scotland 1851 Census record your Isabella Fraser (age 20) lived as a “land servant” with Hugh Fraser, M.Fraser and family which includes his daughter Isabella (age 16) who later married George McKay Thomas when they all emigrated to Canada West. Perhaps Alexena came to Canada with her sister Isabella Fraser who married Edward Thomas. They lived in Nelson Township on Guelph Line in a house that was built for him which is still there. I will research more info and get back to you with it. Does this clear things up for you?
Thanks for the information and I appreciate your help. Alexena was born in Nassagaweya in 1847. So Alexena did not come with them. I’m beginning to think we have two different families here with simular names. Anyway it’s going to take further research, if it can ever be sorted out. If I find anything out, I will let you know. Thanks again!
I think you are on the right track with Alexena living with Isabella and Edward Thomas. I think it is actually my g-g- grandfather’s brother Edward. They both married an Isabella, apparently. You have me very interested in solving this so you might hear from me again.
this is interesting, your page on Alexana. Her possible relatives you are referring
are my great great grandparents.
Which relatives? David Fraser or Hugh Fraser? Did you ever hear about Alexena from anyone?
Are you living in the Burlington, Ontario, Canada area, Jan?
Pingback: Almost 2018 Happy New Year! | Family Tales from Gail