The Beginning of String of Pearls
My name is Margaret Linford. I grew up in a small town in Southwest Virginia–Marion. My husband, Blair, and I now make our home in this same small town. We have three daughters: Amelia, Lauren and Claire. As long as I can remember, I have been mesmerized by the stories of my ancestors. I am the President of the Smyth County Genealogical Society, in Marion, Virginia, and also serve on the board of our local historical society. Since February 2012, I have written a bi-weekly column, “String of Pearls,” for the Smyth County News & Messenger. The column began as a way to offer genealogy advice, but has evolved into something much more interesting. Although the stories shared are from Smyth County, the lessons taught are universal. I hope that, within them, you might find some inspiration to assist you, as you seek to tell your own family stories.
