I started on a journey several years ago to map out our family tree. One thing I knew was it would not be able to go far back in time. Three of my four grandparents came through Ellis Island from Hungary. The one grandmother that did not, is from Hungarian parents that had. In Hungary the information about families is registered in churches and not open to the public. They just do not have public records like we do. One of the things I did, was have a DNA test that can tell you what types of nationality you are. Guess what, I am almost full blooded, Hungarian, 91%. 6% is British and 3% is unknown.
| This is my Mother's parents, Rose and Nicholas Bagley. I have found information about when Nicholas came through Ellis Island. I am having a harder time locating information about my grandmother.It seems there may have been information but it has been lost. There is only one of my mother's brothers still alive. They have helped with a few things that were found in his baby book. I probably am not doing it correctly, but have this huge tree with about 265 names on it. It gets interesting when a death and remarriage, or divorce and remarriage happens. I had been married before, so there is another group of names that gets added. I am not going very far back on any of that. I just place what information I know or have a record of. There are enough complications as it is. It has been an interesting journey so far. I have actually found and contacted a second cousin on my Mom's side. It is exciting to come in contact with a new relative. My Mother had 8 brothers and sisters, and Dad had 2 sisters. I wish I had started this a long time ago, before they had all passed away. With the 1940 census now being published, it has been able to provide a little more information. |
| We think this may be a picture of Grandpop Bagley when he cam through Ellis Island. One cousin does not understand why I am doing this. I do want to know about my ancestry. Our son has never gotten the opportunity to meet any of this family. They are all from the East Coast. Until two years ago, I had not been out there since 1964 when I graduated from high school. Once I was out of school and on my own, I did not have any money to travel, so could not attend any family gatherings. I did keep in contact with most of them. My Mom was a great one to keep in contact, she always knew what was going on. One thing I have found out, my love of needlework comes from my Grandmother Bagley. She did embroidery and crochet. I have several pieces of her handwork that I treasure. Have a great day. Mary |