Roots

In addition to considering myself an "experienced amateur photographer", I also consider myself an "experienced amateur genealogist". I started back about 7 years ago researching family medical history, and I was bitten by the genealogy bug! During my research I've learned a lot about my ancestors, as well as history in general. It's been fascinating! This gentleman is my great, great grandfather, John Dyer. He fought in the Civil War. This photo was taken sometime before he died in 1917, thanks to the good fortune of having had a professional photographer in the family at the turn of the century. John was what genealogists refer to as a "roadblock"- I had many clues, but given his common name, I hadn't uncovered conclusive evidence of when or where he died. Finally last spring I happened upon the information I was looking for- a copy of the death certificate from the veteran's hospital where he died. It brought many pieces of information and possible leads together with one simple document. Now I can look at his picture with a sense of accomplishment...and knowledge.