Genealogist Lloyd Bockstruck at Library
By Tom Keener
After a deathbed request from my mother to place a marker on her father’s grave, I pursued genealogy. A U.S. Army veteran, my grandfather died from injuries sustained in World War One. Unfortunately, my mother did not know where he was buried. The Dallas Public Library’s Genealogy section taught me how to research death and burial records which eventually led me to his grave site. That discovery inspired me to continue to learn more about my ancestors, a quest that ultimately led me as back as the Holy Roman Empire.
Genealogy is the study of family ancestries or histories and can lead to discovering fascinating stories. For example, if your ancestor was a Hessian soldier paid by the British to fight the American colonists, you might unearth some previously unknown facts. You may discover how your family members originated from Pennsylvania, which had a large population of German-Americans at that time, and how many of these Hessians deserted the British and later fought for the Americans.
For some, genealogy helps honor ancestors, and for others, it provides a historical context to build your own story. Both proved true for me.
Genealogist Lloyd Bockstruck will discuss genealogical trends and methodologies at Allen Public Library at 1 pm, Monday, July 26, 300 N. Allen Dr. Sponsored by the Friends of the Allen Public Library’s Bach to Books Cultural Art Series and the Allen Senior Genealogy Club, this event is free and no reservations are required.
For over 30 years, Lloyd was manager of the Dallas Public Library’s genealogy section. Under his leadership, this section grew from a small collection to an impressive research library. In addition, he has authored seven monographs, including Virginia’s Colonial Soldiers (1988) and Bounty and Donation Land Grants in British Colonial America (2007). From 1993-2008, Lloyd wrote the Genealogy column for the Dallas Morning News. A graduate of Greenville College, he also has two master degrees, one in early European history and the other in library.
Richard Henry of the Allen Senior Genealogy Club declares, “Our club is very excited to have Mr. Bockstruck speak at our July meeting. He is admired for his knowledge of genealogy research and we are looking forward to his program.”
For information, call 214-509-4911.
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