Table of Contents
The Revolutionary War
Family Myths
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You have arrived at my web site, and
I extend to you a warm welcome! It's likely that your "surfing"
has brought you to this site because you are one of the thousands
of us whose lineage shares the name "Fife" somewhere
along the way. Perhaps you want to know more that will help to
fill some genealogical gaps - - or, yours may be "ego surfing"
just to see the name "Fife" referenced.
My Lineage will be interesting to some, but others of you may
not identify or immediately connect with the names. All of you
may of course explore other of my links. I do not pretend to
offer any research services, but you can e-mail
me if you spot errors or omissions in my writing.
Genealogy is more than building one's family tree. Naturally,
there is an admirable sense of identity when filling the blanks
with names of ancestors. I believe it's equally rewarding, however,
when a sense of compassion is developed through understanding
the lives and times of our ancestors. That's why much of my focus
has been to go beyond "who" they were to consider answers
to questions beginning with "Why" and "How".
It's fulfilling to understand why and how a family followed Nemacolin's
Path in the 1760s through Virginia to the forks of the Ohio to
pioneer what is today Pittsburgh's South Hills. Or to more closely
identify with their son who served on the Continental Line at
the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, and encamped at Valley
Forge during that bitterly cold winter of 1777-1778.
Genealogy has its frustrating "dead ends". And there
are lingering family myths built upon faulty past research and
incorrect assumptions. They can be overcome through extensive
historical study, in-depth investigation, and networking with
others who help to fill the gaps. There are no short cuts.
In 1988, I authored an extensive "Fife Family Ancestry".
This web site contains excerpts from that written document which
has been updated and refined, a process which continues even
today.
I am indeed grateful for the on-going assistance of others whose
credibility I respect. I am particularly indebted to David M.
Riker whose in-depth research has provided factual information
concerning the military service of Fife
Men In The Revolutionary War. You are invited to link to
Evidence Versus Family Myths,
an interesting section that David has contributed and in which
he outlines his methodology.
My decision to author a web site is a responsibility I've assumed.
I do not take it lightly. Information is involved - - and the
words must be honest and sure.
We are today all that our ancestors have. They deserve our best
effort. That's why this site will be regularly up-dated to reflect
well researched and documented input.
Bob Fife
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