2015 has arrived and it’s time to take on challenges for the New Year. In this journey of mine, you’re invited to join in and share as you wish. Please take me up on this as the sharing of ideas gives purpose to the business of discovery.

And for this year, it’s time to review NC records possibly linking to our Thomas family in Alabama.  We need to get the back home! Most importantly will be a close look given to the lives of Joseph, Micajah and Andrew Thomas whose records span Edgecombe and Wake Counties and on through Chatham and Moore Counties. And who was Jacob Thomas who appeared with my Benjamin in 1779 Anson County NC?

I’d also like to complete some unfinished business. The above is an image of hand drawn land plats that have been in storage for the last ten years. They represent most of the Anson County grants issued in the area of Olive Branch between Richardson Creek and Rocky River. This is where my Thomas ancestors walked and lived. More than knowing where they lived, I hope to gain a better sense of the neighborhood and how it drove us to where we are today.

I’ll continue to look at Cabarrus and Stanly Counties and of family ties to Wilkes and Stokes Counties NC. It’s also time to kayak the rivers to study old fords and mill seats. I’d love to locate the “Old Conrad Place along the Yadkin River” where, according to a Moravian minister’s diary, Elizabeth Love Shore is buried. I want to take lots of pictures and video. I want to see what my ancestors saw.  It’s easier to share if we can touch it or at least see it.

And, as always, there’s unexpected doors to be opened. Though sometimes offering a mere glimpse or temporary detour, opening doors is what this is all about.