Until recently I had not heard the term "Cousin Bait". I think I get so into the research that I forget other people are out there doing the same thing. I am a fan of "The Armchair Genealogist" and have learned so much from Lynn and her guests. I may have heard "Cousin Bait" there although I can't remember.
**UPDATE: Tony Proctor of Parallax View asked me this morning if I knew the originator of the term "Cousin Bait". Of course, I didn't but did a cursory search without success. However, he did find what appears to be the original post in Greta's Genealogy Blog on December 31, 2010. I am glad he found it and I appreciate the time he took to provide me with that information. I also like to give credit where credit is due. Thanks, Tony!**
***Update to the update: Tony is a much better researcher than I and found a much earlier use on Judith (Merryman) Holland's page dated June 24, 2005.***
The point is to put the names out there and hope that someone is also looking for the same person.
I have spent the last two years completely absorbed in finding out everything I could about my dad's family. the Rhea's. I was even fortunate enough to make a trip to Tennessee to see where my grandfather grew up. I did the Family History Writing Challenge in February, putting all my stories together about my great grandmother, Martha Jane McCollum. I haven't even started on my grandmother's side. This is going to take forever.
While I did that, I joined the 52 ancestors in 52 weeks. I know my Texas family on my mother's side but now I find, not as well as I should. It is going to be a stretch to do 52 weeks and the A to Z Challenge with the same family.
However, it has netted me two new cousins so far and that's terrific. This cousin bait thing works and I'm looking for names on the other blogs to see if someone can reel me in too.
I love finding ancestors with unusual names. Bait qualifies. I found one named Rush, then discovered it was a common name in England in the 18th century. Lots of my kin lived in Tenn. Maybe we're related!
ReplyDeleteTo tell the truth, I think I am probably related to myself since my dad's family is from there as well as my mom's. It is possible that you and I are related if your Tennessee family is from the eastern portion of Tennessee.
DeleteOh, that would be a kick, wouldn't it Lee? A very small world, indeed.
ReplyDeleteOne of the reasons I enjoy visiting your blog so much, is because your writing style is so friendly and inviting, Ann. I think it's really neat you're studying and learning so much about your family. You've got a good thing going here, and I can't wait to find out more :)
MJ, A to Z Challenge Co-Host
Writing Tips
Effectively Human
Lots of Crochet Stitches
Thanks for sharing your information and the Genealogy Events that you have and are currently participating in. I've followed the 52 Weeks postings and can see how one could come up with opportunities for finding Cousins. I too have hooked up with Lynn at the Armchair Genealogist....learned so much from her website.
ReplyDeleteGuess I'll throw my 'Bait' into the Tennessee Cousin Ring. Yep, got lots of ancestors on all sides from there. We might not be kissin cousins, but probably 'Redneck Cousins'....LOL!
Sue at CollectInTexas Gal
Sue, there are plenty of kissin' cousins in my Tennessee family including my great grandparents. It appears Tennessee was a hot spot.
DeleteAnn, Your blog got me thinking about my ancestors. Will come back to read more!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't realised the term cousin bait was so recent, it seems to be everywhere these days. What I like about blogging is that you share the information in advance but I think readers who are cousins need to respond to say hello. My blog has attracted several distant cousins.
ReplyDeletebest wishes
Anne
I've started 2 groups on facebook to lure in some cousins. I'm linking to some Vining and some Joy/Kennedy cousins this way. It's great for posting a photo and getting some identification of who's in that vintage picture. I also use it to link to my blogs & family pages so they can come see them.
ReplyDeleteMy cousin just setup a family page on Facebook. I hadn't given it a thought so we will see how it does.
DeleteAnn,
ReplyDeleteI want you to know that your blog post is listed in today's Fab Finds post at http://janasgenealogyandfamilyhistory.blogspot.com/2014/04/follow-friday-fab-finds-for-april-4-2014.html
Have a wonderful weekend!
I also wondered whether I would be able to fill 52 blog posts about ancestors during 2014, but it's turning out to be a good way for me to research and summarize what I know about some neglected ancestors. Good luck with your cousin bait!
ReplyDeleteAnn,
ReplyDeleteI am not positive; but I believe Randy Seaver in his "Geneamusings" blog is the originator of the term "Cousin Bait". I live in San Diego and first heard the term from Randy in one of his presentations several years ago and I know other bloggers give him credit for the term.
I will check it out and if it's correct will update the updated note. I may not get to it in April with the challenge but when it's over, will go back and see what I can find. Thanks for the information.
Delete