Jeanette's Example: Would You Have Her Gumption?

EWGS member Jeanette Zeromski recently told me of her searching efforts to find a map or mention of the birthplace of her father. She spent from 9:30pm to 1:30am on the search! Would you and I have that kind of gumption and stick-to-it-ivness?

She knew from his baptism certificate that he was born in Middle River, San Joaquin County, California. It took her those four hours to find Middle River on an official listing of California places. She explained to me that she just used.... and used..... and used....and used....and used Google. She went through all the California mapping websites, then the state websites, county websites, even cities-in-San Joaquin county websites. Nearing midnight she went to the California government and history websites. Even though she had to be at work at 8:00 the next morning, she kept at it.

Finally she found an in-depth website of California history. There she found a listing of all the tiny, un-incorporated places in San Joaquin County... and bingo! There it was:  Middle River. Officially listed.

The moral of the story?  Take your pick:

• You'll only fail if you fail to keep trying.  
• With Google, nearly anything is possible.
• Success is predicated upon dedication as much as upon luck.
• "We shall never, never, NEVER give up!"  (Winston Churchill) 

Thank you, Jeanette, for sharing your story and giving us all a boost.