Hi everyone!
It's time to meet another one of our wonderful WikiTreers! This week's member is Eileen Robinson.
Eileen became a Wiki Genealogist in March of this year. She is active in our US Black Heritage Project and leads the Bellamy Name Study.
What are some of the surnames you are researching?
Bellamy, Bloom, Adams, Bell
What are some of the locations you are researching?
South and North Carolina, Georgia and Texas
When and how did you get interested in genealogy and family history?
My father’s maternal side had hosted family reunions in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina when I was younger. It became more meaningful when I took a DNA test through Ancestry in 2016. I was able to create my family tree to the best of my ability.
Who's your favorite ancestor and why?
My great-grandmother, Edith Bloom, was amazing; she was raised by a single mother (2nd great grandmother, Harriett Bellamy) and was heavily involved in the Baptist Church. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and managed the church’s finances. I’ve met her a few times and she was very wise. One thing I noticed was her mixed heritage background. She didn’t mention a lot about her father.
Tell us about a brick wall you were able to break down or one you hope to bust through.
As mentioned during the Source-a-thon Live Cast, I did find another ancestor through Family Search: my 2nd great grandmother, Isabel Bloom. I found a death certificate of my great grandfather, Willie Bloom with his mother’s name listed. I want to find Edith Bloom’s father and that would hopefully give me more connections!
If you could pick one person in history to be related to, who would it be and why?
My father mentioned to me (when I was a teenager) that we are distantly related to Walt Bellamy (1939-2013). Whether this is true or not, it would be nice to be related to an NBA legend. It might explain why everyone on my father’s side is tall!
What are some of your interests outside of genealogy?
I am a nursing assistant studying to be a registered nurse; healthcare is a great interest to me especially during the pandemic. I enjoy learning about the sciences and bioethics. I’m also involved in my Catholic parish and like my great-grandmother…I sing in the choir. I love to travel to faraway places, cooking and baking. I also like to hang out with my in-laws especially with my nieces and nephews. I’m a history buff so I love reading biographies and watching documentaries.
(interview continues in comments)
