Walt Mills underwent extensive genealogy training at the renowned Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, during his tenure from 2006 to 2013. His association with Family Search began during its early development phase. For a significant period of four years, he contributed his expertise as a trainer in the Training Zone. Though he had aspirations of exploring genealogy research in England, circumstances led him to focus on conducting thorough research in the southern states, unearthing approximately 19,000 names along collateral lines.

CONNECTING SOURCES: OTHERWISE MYTHOLOGY



DIANE KLEPPLER

Antoinette “Tonee” Davis is an Urban Connections Coordinator for the USDA Forest Service currently managing the Detroit program. Tonee is a graduate of the 2+2 program with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and the University of Florida graduating with a BS in Agricultural Sciences and a BS in Forest Resource Conservation. Tonee completed a MS in Project Management in 2012 from Walden University. 

Tonee has been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 1998. During this time she has served as Ward Music Leader, Primary President, Cub Master and several other roles serving primary, Young Women, and Relief Society. As a convert to the Church, she was introduced to the genealogical resources of the church in 2005 when she was involved in the planning of a Trek. Since then, she has put in numerous hours researching her family’s history.  During her research she has discovered different resources that help connect African- Americans and Blacks to their history. 

FINDING CORRECT ANCESTORS



CARL SHEPERD

Carl's journey in genealogy began shortly after his baptism in February 1963. Motivated by his patriarchal blessing, which emphasized the responsibility he had as the only member of the church in his family, he delved into the world of family history. His passion for the subject led him to publish his first booklet in 1969, titled "The Shepherd Clan."

Throughout the years, Carl has actively contributed to the field of genealogy. He took on the role of Ward Family History leader in several different locations: Biloxi, Mississippi; Woodruff, Arizona; Owensboro, Kentucky; and currently in Ocala, Florida.

In March 2021, he achieved a significant milestone by publishing his family's history in a book entitled "The 'Lost' Shepherds: From Holderness, Yorkshire, England, to New Holderness, New Hampshire."

Carl's dedication to preserving his family's heritage doesn't end there. He is currently hard at work on another book, focusing on his mother's Pickering lineage. The forthcoming book, "From Medieval Knights to English Commoners," will encompass an impressive 25 generations, offering a captivating journey through the history of English nobility and commoners from the 11th to the 14th centuries.

Carl's commitment to genealogy is an inspiring example of how exploring one's roots can unveil a wealth of history and heritage, enriching not only his life but the lives of future generations.

FINDING ITALIAN RELATIVES


LORRAINE SANDEEN

Family Search Director, Ocala Fl

SEEKING GENEALOGICAL ORGANIZATION



IONA HARRIS

Long before I was born in Kansas, my father's parents had passed away in Kentucky. Growing up in SE Kansas, his only sister was our close neighbor, and he had one uncle residing in Oklahoma. Consequently, I knew very little about my father's side of the family. However, everything changed in the late 50s when I met one of his cousins, who convinced him to revisit Kentucky. It was during this trip that I was introduced to a vast network of relatives in Calloway County, Kentucky.

As the years passed and I found myself in the mid-70s, living next door to my Oregon neighbor, an exciting opportunity arose. She invited me to visit the "New, State of the Art" Family Search Center in Salem, Oregon. That visit left me captivated and eager to delve deeper into my family history. Unfortunately, with the responsibilities of raising two small children, managing a home, and running a business, I couldn't find the time for this new passion.

However, life eventually led me to Ocala, where I entered a phase of complete retirement. With a spare room devoted entirely to my research, I finally had the opportunity to explore my past in earnest. This marked the beginning of my determined journey into uncovering the rich tapestry of my family's history.

CONNECTING SOURCES: OTHERWISE MYTHOLOGY



DIANE KLEPPLER

Antoinette “Tonee” Davis is an Urban Connections Coordinator for the USDA Forest Service currently managing the Detroit program. Tonee is a graduate of the 2+2 program with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and the University of Florida graduating with a BS in Agricultural Sciences and a BS in Forest Resource Conservation. Tonee completed a MS in Project Management in 2012 from Walden University. 

Tonee has been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 1998. During this time she has served as Ward Music Leader, Primary President, Cub Master and several other roles serving primary, Young Women, and Relief Society. As a convert to the Church, she was introduced to the genealogical resources of the church in 2005 when she was involved in the planning of a Trek. Since then, she has put in numerous hours researching her family’s history.  During her research she has discovered different resources that help connect African- Americans and Blacks to their history. 

FINDING CORRECT ANCESTORS



CARL SHEPERD

Carl's journey in genealogy began shortly after his baptism in February 1963. Motivated by his patriarchal blessing, which emphasized the responsibility he had as the only member of the church in his family, he delved into the world of family history. His passion for the subject led him to publish his first booklet in 1969, titled "The Shepherd Clan."

Throughout the years, Carl has actively contributed to the field of genealogy. He took on the role of Ward Family History leader in several different locations: Biloxi, Mississippi; Woodruff, Arizona; Owensboro, Kentucky; and currently in Ocala, Florida.

In March 2021, he achieved a significant milestone by publishing his family's history in a book entitled "The 'Lost' Shepherds: From Holderness, Yorkshire, England, to New Holderness, New Hampshire."

Carl's dedication to preserving his family's heritage doesn't end there. He is currently hard at work on another book, focusing on his mother's Pickering lineage. The forthcoming book, "From Medieval Knights to English Commoners," will encompass an impressive 25 generations, offering a captivating journey through the history of English nobility and commoners from the 11th to the 14th centuries.

Carl's commitment to genealogy is an inspiring example of how exploring one's roots can unveil a wealth of history and heritage, enriching not only his life but the lives of future generations.

Sixty years ago, my journey into recording and researching my family history began. It all started with two remarkable women, a great aunt on my Mom's side and another on my Dad's side, who shared some valuable written history with me. Back then, my spouse and I were newly married, and as we didn't have children yet, we eagerly explored Western New York's graveyards, town halls, churches, and even made our way to the Surrogates Courthouse in Buffalo. As teachers, we were fortunate to have weekends and long vacations, which we dedicated to this passionate pursuit. At the Surrogates Courthouse, we delved into the vast census books and probate records, though in hindsight, we should have worn gloves, a practice that was perhaps unfamiliar at the time.

During my genealogical journey, I also conducted research in New Jersey, where they were more cautious, providing gloves to handle historical documents and restricting access to certain areas, unlike the Buffalo courthouse. A significant event in my pursuit of knowledge was attending an FGS (Federation of Genealogical Society) event in Boston, Massachusetts, alongside my best friend, where we had the privilege of learning from marvelous specialists who presented organized and insightful sessions. Another memorable experience was traveling with a friend to Allen County, Illinois, for a similar event, further enriching my understanding of genealogy.

The love for research has become an integral part of my life, and I find myself dedicating numerous hours each week to investigating both for others and my own lineage. One intriguing discovery was through DNA testing, which revealed a surprising connection to indigenous ancestry for both me and one of my daughters. This unexpected link may be attributed to the more than 200 years my maternal family spent in the wild lands of Western Erie County, New York.

Overall, my journey through the past has been an exciting and rewarding one, filled with fascinating discoveries and heartfelt connections to my family's history. I eagerly anticipate continuing this exploration, deepening my understanding of the past and preserving the legacy for generations to come.

SEEKING TIPS & TRICKS



PAULA LOE

I have been passionately pursuing genealogy for over three decades, dedicating 30 years of my life to connecting numerous families. My journey utilizing DNA started back in 2015, when DNA technology was still in its early stages, and despite the challenges, I successfully reunited adoptees to their birth parents. Over the years, I have witnessed remarkable advancements in DNA technology, making the process much more accessible and efficient today.

Outside of my genealogical pursuits, I am a devoted wife and mother. I am happily married and blessed with five children and five wonderful grandchildren, who bring immense joy and fulfillment to my life.

Currently, I am furthering my expertise in genealogy by pursuing my second certificate in the field at BYU-I. This educational journey has allowed me to deepen my knowledge and refine my skills, contributing to my ability to assist others in their genealogical endeavors.

As a dedicated family history consultant, I actively serve at the Ocala FamilySearch center, providing valuable guidance and support to those seeking to discover their ancestral roots. Additionally, I proudly hold the position of Vice-President in the Marion County Genealogical Society, where I actively contribute to the preservation and celebration of our shared heritage.

One of the highlights of my involvement in genealogy has been facilitating events and gatherings that foster a sense of community among fellow enthusiasts. I find immense pleasure in bringing people together to celebrate our collective history and heritage.

I am truly passionate about genealogy, and I hope my dedication and expertise in the field shine through as you explore the fascinating world of family history. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I sincerely hope you find joy and inspiration in the discoveries we make together!

CONNECTING SOURCES: OTHERWISE MYTHOLOGY



DIANE KLEPPLER

My grandma played a crucial role in cultivating my passion for family history and genealogy from a young age, even before I reached my teenage years. Long before computers and the internet became commonplace, she taught me the art of researching our ancestors. Thanks to her guidance, I have become the go-to person in our Ward, serving as a consultant for family history matters ever since this calling began.

While I wouldn't call myself an expert, I have developed a strong understanding of where to find information and who to reach out to when I encounter something unfamiliar. My dedication to this cause led me to volunteer as an indexing service missionary in 2016, where I spent two years contributing to various projects.

Presently, I am in my second year as a service missionary, continuing to make a difference in the family history realm. During my mission, I have actively participated in projects such as indexing the 1950 census, Wisconsin SSN Indexing, Records of Members of 1836-1970, Numidents, and Strategic Duplicates. Additionally, I had the privilege of teaching about merging duplicates at last year's conference, marking the first time this topic was covered.

I feel truly blessed to be part of this meaningful work, where I can contribute in any capacity to the gathering of our ancestors and help facilitate their sacred ordinances in temples. By doing so, we strive to bring families together for eternity—a cause that fills my heart with immense gratitude and joy.

FINDING BRITISH RELATIVES



CARL SHEPERD

Carl's journey in genealogy began shortly after his baptism in February 1963. Motivated by his patriarchal blessing, which emphasized the responsibility he had as the only member of the church in his family, he delved into the world of family history. His passion for the subject led him to publish his first booklet in 1969, titled "The Shepherd Clan."

Throughout the years, Carl has actively contributed to the field of genealogy. He took on the role of Ward Family History leader in several different locations: Biloxi, Mississippi; Woodruff, Arizona; Owensboro, Kentucky; and currently in Ocala, Florida.

In March 2021, he achieved a significant milestone by publishing his family's history in a book entitled "The 'Lost' Shepherds: From Holderness, Yorkshire, England, to New Holderness, New Hampshire."

Carl's dedication to preserving his family's heritage doesn't end there. He is currently hard at work on another book, focusing on his mother's Pickering lineage. The forthcoming book, "From Medieval Knights to English Commoners," will encompass an impressive 25 generations, offering a captivating journey through the history of English nobility and commoners from the 11th to the 14th centuries.

Carl's commitment to genealogy is an inspiring example of how exploring one's roots can unveil a wealth of history and heritage, enriching not only his life but the lives of future generations.

Walt Mills underwent extensive genealogy training at the renowned Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, during his tenure from 2006 to 2013. His association with Family Search began during its early development phase. For a significant period of four years, he contributed his expertise as a trainer in the Training Zone. Though he had aspirations of exploring genealogy research in England, circumstances led him to focus on conducting thorough research in the southern states, unearthing approximately 19,000 names along collateral lines.

SEEKING GENEALOGICAL ORGANIZATION



IONA HARRIS

Long before I was born in Kansas, my father's parents had passed away in Kentucky. Growing up in SE Kansas, his only sister was our close neighbor, and he had one uncle residing in Oklahoma. Consequently, I knew very little about my father's side of the family. However, everything changed in the late 50s when I met one of his cousins, who convinced him to revisit Kentucky. It was during this trip that I was introduced to a vast network of relatives in Calloway County, Kentucky.

As the years passed and I found myself in the mid-70s, living next door to my Oregon neighbor, an exciting opportunity arose. She invited me to visit the "New, State of the Art" Family Search Center in Salem, Oregon. That visit left me captivated and eager to delve deeper into my family history. Unfortunately, with the responsibilities of raising two small children, managing a home, and running a business, I couldn't find the time for this new passion.

However, life eventually led me to Ocala, where I entered a phase of complete retirement. With a spare room devoted entirely to my research, I finally had the opportunity to explore my past in earnest. This marked the beginning of my determined journey into uncovering the rich tapestry of my family's history.

CONNECTING SOURCES: OTHERWISE MYTHOLOGY



DIANE KLEPPLER

My grandma played a crucial role in cultivating my passion for family history and genealogy from a young age, even before I reached my teenage years. Long before computers and the internet became commonplace, she taught me the art of researching our ancestors. Thanks to her guidance, I have become the go-to person in our Ward, serving as a consultant for family history matters ever since this calling began.

While I wouldn't call myself an expert, I have developed a strong understanding of where to find information and who to reach out to when I encounter something unfamiliar. My dedication to this cause led me to volunteer as an indexing service missionary in 2016, where I spent two years contributing to various projects.

Presently, I am in my second year as a service missionary, continuing to make a difference in the family history realm. During my mission, I have actively participated in projects such as indexing the 1950 census, Wisconsin SSN Indexing, Records of Members of 1836-1970, Numidents, and Strategic Duplicates. Additionally, I had the privilege of teaching about merging duplicates at last year's conference, marking the first time this topic was covered.

I feel truly blessed to be part of this meaningful work, where I can contribute in any capacity to the gathering of our ancestors and help facilitate their sacred ordinances in temples. By doing so, we strive to bring families together for eternity—a cause that fills my heart with immense gratitude and joy.

FINDING BRITISH RELATIVES



CARL SHEPERD

Carl's journey in genealogy began shortly after his baptism in February 1963. Motivated by his patriarchal blessing, which emphasized the responsibility he had as the only member of the church in his family, he delved into the world of family history. His passion for the subject led him to publish his first booklet in 1969, titled "The Shepherd Clan."

Throughout the years, Carl has actively contributed to the field of genealogy. He took on the role of Ward Family History leader in several different locations: Biloxi, Mississippi; Woodruff, Arizona; Owensboro, Kentucky; and currently in Ocala, Florida.

In March 2021, he achieved a significant milestone by publishing his family's history in a book entitled "The 'Lost' Shepherds: From Holderness, Yorkshire, England, to New Holderness, New Hampshire."

Carl's dedication to preserving his family's heritage doesn't end there. He is currently hard at work on another book, focusing on his mother's Pickering lineage. The forthcoming book, "From Medieval Knights to English Commoners," will encompass an impressive 25 generations, offering a captivating journey through the history of English nobility and commoners from the 11th to the 14th centuries.

Carl's commitment to genealogy is an inspiring example of how exploring one's roots can unveil a wealth of history and heritage, enriching not only his life but the lives of future generations.

FINDING ITALIAN RELATIVES


LORRAINE SANDEEN

Family Search Director, Ocala Fl

CONNECTING THROUGH DNA



PAULA LOE

I have been passionately pursuing genealogy for over three decades, dedicating 30 years of my life to connecting numerous families. My journey utilizing DNA started back in 2015, when DNA technology was still in its early stages, and despite the challenges, I successfully reunited adoptees to their birth parents. Over the years, I have witnessed remarkable advancements in DNA technology, making the process much more accessible and efficient today.

Outside of my genealogical pursuits, I am a devoted wife and mother. I am happily married and blessed with five children and five wonderful grandchildren, who bring immense joy and fulfillment to my life.

Currently, I am furthering my expertise in genealogy by pursuing my second certificate in the field at BYU-I. This educational journey has allowed me to deepen my knowledge and refine my skills, contributing to my ability to assist others in their genealogical endeavors.

As a dedicated family history consultant, I actively serve at the Ocala FamilySearch center, providing valuable guidance and support to those seeking to discover their ancestral roots. Additionally, I proudly hold the position of Vice-President in the Marion County Genealogical Society, where I actively contribute to the preservation and celebration of our shared heritage.

One of the highlights of my involvement in genealogy has been facilitating events and gatherings that foster a sense of community among fellow enthusiasts. I find immense pleasure in bringing people together to celebrate our collective history and heritage.

I am truly passionate about genealogy, and I hope my dedication and expertise in the field shine through as you explore the fascinating world of family history. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I sincerely hope you find joy and inspiration in the discoveries we make together!