Author: Jeff Westover

Baptist Cousins of Piscataway

Jeff Westover 17th Century, 18th Century, Family History , 0 Comment
Baptist Cousins of Piscataway

Today, the 9th of June, I received an email from FamilySearch.org reminding me that my 7th great grandfather, Jeremiah Drake I, would be celebrating his 312th birthday. It is not often that I cannot immediately make the connection between myself and a name on our tree. But for the life of me I couldn’t remember which line the Drakes came through. Confusing to me even more was a memory of someone telling me that we’re related to Sir Francis Drake, the famous explorer of the oceans who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth. So I had to go look, if anythingClick to continue…

The War Experience of Grandpa Carl

Jeff Westover 20th Century, Family History , 0 Comment
The War Experience of Grandpa Carl

I always try to spend a little time with my grandfather, Carl Begich, each Memorial Day. He is, to my knowledge, the only of our family to have given his life in the service of our country. Memorial Day is to honor those who paid the ultimate price. Remembering Grandpa Carl by searching anew anything I can find about him or sharing something I have not shared before on Memorial Day is my way of taking part. It would, in a perfect world, be best to visit his grave and to honor him in person. But he is buried inClick to continue…

Never Done

Jeff Westover Doing Family History, Family History, Journey of Discovery 0 Comment
Never Done

There are two seasons of the year where I see folks focusing on their family history: right around Memorial Day, when we remember those who have passed – and during the month of October, which is National Family History Month. As a Family History Consultant, it is around these times that I frequently hear two common statements: “I don’t know how to do my family history and don’t know where to start” and “My family history is done”. I have not used these pages much to instruct or advise as I thought I would. There is already so much outClick to continue…

Yes, Del Shannon is a Westover

Jeff Westover 21st Century, Family History 1 Comment
Yes, Del Shannon is a Westover

If you are of a certain age or just a fan of popular American music then you likely have heard the name Del Shannon. This was Shannon’s first big hit in 1961: Everyone knows the song. It was, after all, a #1 Billboard hit. But did you know the Del Shannon is actually a Westover? Over the course of the years since we launched this site I have been asked at least a dozen times how we might be related to Del Shannon, who was actually born as Charles Weedon Westover in 1934. I have largely dismissed the question becauseClick to continue…

True Love and Plural Marriage

Jeff Westover 19th Century, Family History 0 Comment
True Love and Plural Marriage

It is the time of year when my mind wanders to the beautiful cemeteries of Cache Valley. In the years I have lived here I have learned to love these sacred places and the memories of those who rest in peace here. I logged on to Family Search this week not expecting to learn of another family member buried nearby. My feed on Family Search showcased newly uploaded photos of one Anna Clark Hale, who rests now in the cemetery in Preston, Idaho – just about 20 miles north of where I now reside. But is she really family? Well,Click to continue…