Well my Grandmother randomly took a trip to the lock box that my Grandfather had opened before he passed away, and came across some interesting information. Apparently I wasn't the only one who was interested in our family history.
He was the quintessential family man. He loved our family and being around us as much as possible. He was the life of the party and always wanted to make sure everyone was having a good time. One of our favorite memories of him is after church, he would stand at the back as people would be leaving and bless each of them by saying, "No rentus, evictus." We knew how much he loved us, but I think it was even more apparent after his death when we found what he had saved. My Dad's first newspaper clipping from coaching. Coins from around the world for my brother and I. Small things that we had no idea he cared about.
He also cared about his family history. My Grandfather had saved many things from both sides of the family, but what I found the most interesting was what he had about his Grandfather, my Great Great Grandfather, Newton Foringer. I knew he had died relatively young, and had found his death certificate, but I couldn't really understand his cause of death. My Grandfather had saved a copy of Newton's obituary. This is no regular obituary. This obituary is probably the longest thing I have ever seen. It highlights in detail not only how he became ill, but the kind of person he was and who was at the funeral.
"Deceased was one of the most highly respected and esteemed citizens of this community, public spirited and always strived to stand with those he believed were good and upright. He was a man of sterling moral character, fair in his dealings, and ever ready to lend a helping hand to all."
My Great Great Grandfather was also a Town Councilman, director of the church choir and a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge (whatever that is). I couldn't be more proud of a man I have never met.
My Grandfather also saved other things, like:
Although it didn't bring me much closer to finding new ancestors, it definitely brought me closer to them.
How far back can you trace your ancestors?