Hi everyone!
It's time to get to know another one of our wonderful WikiTreers. This week's member is Karen Stewart.
Karen joined WikiTree way back in 2010 and was a very early signer of the Honor Code, in 2012. She's a member of our US Black Heritage Project and also enjoys participating in several of our ongoing challenges.
What are some of the surnames you are researching?
Rohrbough, Cutright, Martin, Morgan, Goff, Riddle.
What are some of the locations you are researching?
Both sides of my family tree have deep roots in what is now West Virginia. Some of the counties of interest include Upshur, Ritchie, Harrison and Gilmer counties.
When and how did you get interested in genealogy and family history?
I’m lucky enough to have a great Genealogy section at my local public library. In the mid-90’s I discovered a book written about my Rohrbough family and my growing interest took off from there.
Who's your favorite ancestor and why?
I enjoyed learning more about my maternal 3rd great-grandfather. David Morgan. He was born in 1806. He married his second wife in his 70’s and fathered a child. That child lived until 1967.
Tell us about a brick wall you hope to bust through.
I would love to have proof for the parents of Caroline Simmons Riddle, wife of George Washington Riddle.
What are some of your interests outside of genealogy?
Reading mystery novels, knitting, quilting and many other crafts.
How long have you been on WikiTree and what do you spend the most time doing?
I signed up in December, 2010, did a little off and on and then took a very long break. Retirement gave me more time to get to know WikiTree and renew my interest. Right now, I’m working on adding new profiles for the US Black Heritage Connecting Challenge, doing the weekly Data Doctors Challenges, sourcing with the Sourcerers and occasionally helping with the weekly Challenge profiles. I started a Rohrbough One Name Study but have not finalized plans for that project.
What is your favorite thing about WikiTree?
I like the feeling of helping get profiles added to the tree in case a future descendant comes looking for them on WikiTree.
If you could improve one thing about WikiTree, what would it be?
I sometimes feel frustrated when looking up terms in the Help area.
What is an example of how WikiTree has helped you with your genealogy?
I have learned so much about good practices in sourcing from WikiTree. Knowing that I can find an answer to just about any question on G2G is good, too.
Any tips for someone just starting out on WikiTree?
Look at some of the featured profiles to see what has been done in the past. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Don’t be shy about asking for help.
