In the Beginning…
My interest in genealogy began with my Grandad, Wayne Smith. In my early twenties, I spent many hours at his house while he cared for my Grandmom, who was in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. During that time, the three of us would take little family history adventures—trips to local cemeteries, rides down winding country roads to see old birthplaces and homeplaces, and visits to the library to dig through newspaper archives.
One of my favorite outings was to Four Mile Cemetery in Van Zandt County, Texas, a resting place filled with Norwegian immigrants and their families. For us, it was more than just a cemetery—it was a place of discovery. That day also gave me one of my most treasured keepsakes: a photograph my Grandad snapped of me with my Grandmom as we were leaving the cemetery.
Another memorable trip was to the Athens, Alabama Cemetery Stroll, where an actor portrayed my ancestor, Colonel Gaines C. Smith, at his gravesite. Hearing his story brought history to life, and connecting with a cousin who showed us the Colonel’s homeplace made the experience even more meaningful.
It was also my Grandad who introduced me to Find a Grave. He spent countless hours uploading photos and memorials, adding obituaries, and linking families together—helping relatives and even strangers make connections across generations. Today, I carry on that tradition by continuing to share photos, biographies, and family links, grateful for the foundation he laid and the passion for family history he passed down to me.
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