Ruth Mosher Family Updates (Old)

RUTH MOSHER FAMILY UPDATES
Tuesday, April 09, 2002 5:41 PM

Our goal is to have a complete list of all descendants of Ruth Mosher & John Pack, with addresses & a family group sheet for each married couple. All I had when we started was the Ancestral File with many living listed as Living which doesn’t tell me a name. I did obtain the mailing list, but I had no idea which people were on the Mosher side to even contact for help. The Family Group binder collection did help but most of the sheets were filled out before 1970, and most of the children in there were now married with new names or the older ones are dead. I still had to individually check each sheet with my PAF info with the Ancestral File to fill in the “LIVING” names just to see which families on the mailing list were MOSHERS. It took two months to merge all the records, but the record is more complete and will eventually be available for all & the Web site. Now I know which family lines have blanks and which have been highly involved with the Pack Family Association. All of this was done to see who on the mailing list was on the Mosher side and could help gather living information that we are missing. I don’t know what is being done by others or what has been done in the past to keep connected with the living descendants of John Pack. My philosophy that has developed over the last 7 years is that we are losing sight of the past in our families by not involving the younger generation. Family Associations are not just for the oldest generation to gather once a year and visit with cousins. In the smaller Grandparent organization one family Genealogist could keep track of all family members births, marriages and deaths while keeping the family close. Large Ancestral Family Organizations were designed for sharing talents & money to further genealogical research, and involve our ancestors experiences in our everyday lives. Many of today’s families know little about their pioneer heritage. As the family grows, the descendants multiply so one person can’t keep track of them easily. I haven’t solved the problem yet, I just know I can’t quit trying to find all the living descendants that have slipped through the cracks and forgotten as the family got bigger. Then when we have complete family group records on each family; we need to tell stories about the past & the present generations in the form of a newsletter or a book. When family members know more about the past then they will want to become a part of the present organization. Many missing families would like to be a part of the Pack’s but have lost contact years ago and could help contribute to the home or give funds for research. I feel that one person can’t keep track of everyone, do research, write histories and arrange for Temple Work without lots of help. Others might want to help but don’t know what to do, how to do it, or who to ask. It is our calling to teach them how, and instruct exactly what to do if we want to be a successful family. We have really come along way in pulling together and involving everyone with the home, now we need to include them learning more about the past & sharing the future.

The Utah Genealogical Association is having their annual conference May 9-11 at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City. The theme is UNTANGLING YOUR ROOTS. Their will be 118 different classes on all subjects. I am planning on going at my own cost, but would love some company of others working on the same goal. Is there anyone who might be interested in learning more, or would like to take other classes at another time? The UGA is offering a discount to UGA members & to those who pre-register early (postmarked by April 10th, which is tomorrow). One day costs $55 & 2 days as a member is $75. Pre-registration will save $10 off each person if 5 sign up together. But must be mailed tomorrow! Non member cost is equal to the yearly membership dues of $35. They have an association membership price of $45 which covers 2 members or a family membership of $45 for 2 people. Registering after April 10th will be $95 for Friday & Sat. for members. They have a Website to check out classes www.infouga.org.

This was written for your information and to have others let me know what they are doing on their side of the family. And to practice contacting others.

Margie Grider

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