Hi, my name is George Rogers Park. I was born in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1943. Over the years I have lived in many places: South Prairie, WA; Harlingen, TX; Jackson, MS; Ruston, LA; Great Lakes, IL; Washington, DC; Norfolk, VA; Angola, LA; Baton Rouge, LA; Houston, TX; Richmond, VA; Plano, TX; Allen, TX; Morgantown, WV; Wilmington, DE; Memphis, TN; Eagan, MN; Columbia, MO; Tomball, TX; Hockley, TX.
That's ONLY the places I've lived. I've also visited many countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Canary Islands, England, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, various Caribbean Islands; St John's and so many more I can't remember them all.
I list all these places to show that I've pretty much been there, done that. I've met many people over the years. Many of them were relatives of either myself or my wife. I became interested in family history back in the early 1980's. Many times, before we took vacations, I would map out our travel route so when we passed near a relative, we stopped for a short visit and I accumulated information for my family tree. Most of those people are since deceased.
I am pleased to offer my life's work of over 45 years to those who are interested. Genealogy is a difficult undertaking in today's world. People are afraid to meet, hesitant to provide information about themselves or family. Many are secretive that only after their death does information become public.
It's rather sad. People should be proud of their heritage. I hear about the 'black sheep' in the family's past. In my 45 years of searching I failed to find them. Nearly all are hard working men and women who have struggled to carve out that niche for themselves and family. Farmers, laborers, lawyers, judges, politicians, doctors, etc. You'll find all of these in the pages of my books. Black sheep? Nary a one.
Where did you come from? My books will answer some of those questions, as well as introduce you to cousins I'm sure you've never met. Perhaps you should take the time. Look them up and say hello. Especially if they live in the same town, or near enough you might pay them a visit.
When I was young, my mother used to stop by some relatives in Delhi, LA on trips between Jackson, MS and Ruston, LA. I never knew who these people were. I do now. Too late. The two young daughters of this family have both now passed on. I only wish that I had discovered the relationship earlier. I probably would have visited them and reminisced of those days when I was about age 9 and they were in their teens.
I lived across the road from my mom's father. How I wish now I had asked him about his ancestors. So much he might have told me. In my life, I've only met 1 grandparent, and 1 great-grandparent. All the others died either before I was born, or before I became a teenager. We lived far away from them, as well as first cousins. Relatives? They are not the bad things people speak about. They are the salt of the earth and well worth your time to meet.
Me? I'm age 75, happily married for 50 years come next February. Two daughters; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. Retired and busy filling in the blanks about family I've never met. I practice at my piano daily. Someday I hope to play it better than now. I read lots of novels. Watch lots of movies. Eat too much popcorn. Love to cook, hate to wash dishes. All the typical things and old guy like me dreams of doing when they get old. I've also had a Life-Long love of Classical Music and have two bookcases full of Orchestra scores.
