Donald Arthur Doliber

Donald Arthur Doliber

Retired High School Principal

Active Genealogist in Essex County Massachusetts

Last Wednesday Jack and I attended the November meeting of the Manassas chapter of NARFE (National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees) and were delighted to hear Donald Arthur Doliber speak to our group about genealogy research in a speech he entitled "Airing the Family Laundry". By the way Donald is the twin brother of David Doliber who is the secretary for our local chapter of NARFE. And here they both are in the photo above. They look like twins except that David now sports a beard while Donald is clean shaven.

Donald kept all of us very entertained while speaking of some of the interesting characters he had found in the Doliber family tree: pirates, prostitutes and someone with an inherited psychiatric disorder. Donald told us that doing family genealogy is fun but be prepared for some shocking discoveries. But whatever you do don't try to hide the facts whatever they may be. Your descendants will appreciate it if you tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Donald's talk made me think of a blog I sometimes visit: Brush Strokes From The Heart.
Well wouldn't you know it that this past Thursday I discovered something on Brush Strokes From the Heart that fit right in with what Donald Doliber was saying to us on Wednesday. He said there are three main documents for family records: birth records, marriage records and death records. Of these three the most accurate record is the marriage record. The most inaccurate record is usually the birth record for many times it is created and filed long after the person is born.

If you now go to Brush Strokes From the Heart you will learn that the blog writer's husband, Don, has just recently learned that he has been celebrating the wrong birthday. For 71 years he celebrated his birthday on December 14. Just recently he learned that his birthday is actually November 14.

I don't know what I would think if I discovered my birthday was not really my birthday. Strange. And that would throw you astrology buffs a curve ball too!

Click here to go to Brush Strokes From the Heart: http://brushstrokesfromtheheart/. blogspot.com

Then look for the blogpost for Thursday November 19. Enjoy. Wanda is quite a good writer and painter. Most of all she has wonderful Christian outlook on life that see her thru good times and bad.