The family tree keeps growing at an amazing pace as the research hits an all time high! After sending in my DNA, which is still awaiting completion, my research on Ancestry continues with additions of many more Irish and Scottish family links that now place my heritage in the Campbell clan and the Rhea family lineage in Northern Ireland. Those lines also extend into one region of France and Denmark as well but with very little activity outside of the Isles. Seems the Campbell ancestors escaped England after they sided with the Crown and were on the run, my ancestors headed to Northern Ireland and Londonderry, where they started a new life before eventually heading to America a few centuries later. The Rhea line also includes past Scottish blood from the Bruce family as well as some Stuart blood.
Here is a link to some Campbell history:
Clan Campbell
As of now, there are almost 800 people listed in my family tree and it grows weekly as I dig deep into the research. Once the DNA results arrive I'm sure that will grow quite a bit as there will be a link to others with the same genomes commonalities. Perhaps more cousins I don't know of yet. :-) This is very interesting to me as is genetics and neurobiology. Currently I'm devouring the books by the world's well known and top geneticist, Bryan Sykes. And while I connect with my Scottish side of the family the most, the Irish and Welsh sides are very present in this Celtic soul.
The research and ancestry has me giddy to visit the Isles again. Having been there six times now, I have barely scratched the surface of them, only getting around to a few places. I want to visit Ireland and Scotland this next trip and explore a bit. So I went in to renew my passport last week and in 6-8 weeks, should have it ready to go in case a great deal comes up. Otherwise, I shall save for such a journey and adventure to the land of my forefathers and mothers.
On the music front, my flute practicing has been horrible as well as language lessons. Mum's countless visits to the hospital as well as so many other distractions have made me lose track. So I need to get back to those as soon as possible!!
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