UPPER-CANADA-L Archives

From: <>
Subject: My Ruth Shannon Boyd Search
Date: Sat, 17 Apr 1999 21:35:27 EDT

Hello all,
I usually don't jump into another's problems, but I have a positive
experience to share, rather than another rambling hissy-fit because someone
declined to share whatever information they had with Mr. Kendall, of
Vancouver, B.C. All of those messages that have been posted to the Canadian
boards chiding and railing upon the users of these boards are wholly
inappropriate and without cause. Most of them are "anonymous," so those
writing them must have realized they were out of line.
In response to Mr. Kendall's diatribe, I must say that his
expectations must far outweigh reality in the genealogical arena.
About two weeks ago, I was trying to find information that might lead
me to any living relatives of two of my very distant great-great-great aunts.
All I had were two names: "Ruth (Shannon) Boyd," and "Margaret (Shannon)
Ivall, who were last known to be in the Grenville, Christeville and/or
Arundel, Canada areas. I posted the inquiries and in less than two hours I
received a very exciting reply from Mrs. Shirley Stapleton from Georgetown,
Ontario, Canada. She is married to Ruth's great grandson. She also gave me
Ruth's complete name which will make a big difference in the amount of effort
I'll need to expend to research my roots there. Mrs. Stapleton could have
just as easily ignored my posting, bu she didn't, and for that I am eternally
grateful.
No amount of money could have made that any less terrific. I knew
that I would have to send more e-mails, write letters and search through web
sites and government archives to complete the story of her life. I'm looking
forward to sharing the information I have with relatives who are interested.
Mr. Kendall's complaint of information not being computer accessible
is slightly reasonable, but to cast such a negative tone upon researchers
(most of whom are amateurs and UNPAID!) was rude and inconsiderate.
Mr. Kendall, your anger and frustration were misplaced. Few, if any
of us, have any control over the capabilities of the Internet. We enjoy
helping others who share the passion for history and family heritage, but not
everything can or should be shared with others who are only Internet
acquaintances.
Please, sir, if in the future you should feel the need to vent your
anger, another venue is more appropriate.
Sincerely,
Kevin O'Brien
Laguna Hills, CA USA

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