B is for Bait (Cousin, that is)

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.