Contents
Origins
This family history home page project had its origins in a Rook
family reunion, the first such gathering in decades, and, perhaps, generations,
held 1 June 1996 at the Floyd Rook place in Bothell, Washington. The reunion
drew the descendents of Francis Marion Rook (1881 - 1935): Floyd and brother
Lyle, the surviving sons of Marion and Delphi; the four surviving cousins
of the next generation, Earl’s son Francis, Wayne’s two daughters Faye and
Gladys, and Floyd’s son Paul; and five of the xx second cousins of the succeding
generation, Earl’s grandchildren Earl Jay, Judd, and Mark; and Floyd’s grandchildren
Christina and Raymond.
Purpose
The purpose of this web project is to integrate family history and genealogy,
and, specifically, that of our family, into the broader context of culture,
history, and place. This project has several objectives, verging on the
overly ambitious:
- Cultural - We are the heirs of cultures ancient and rich,
with histories that span the millenia, from the northern and western
fringe of Europe and eastern woodlands of America. Our inheritance is
of Stonehenge, Uffington, and Cerne Abbas; Saga, Edda, and Triad; Thor,
Cerunos, and Brigdit. It is handed down from druid, viking, and carl,
peasant, carpenter, and farmer, from beyond the Arctic Circle, to the
Schwartzwald, and the gorse choked moors of wild Caledonia, to the eastern
woodlands, the tall grass prairies, and the sand hills. We can draw
upon a culture of greater richness and meaning than that of modern day
America. These pages are a celebration of the ancient inheritance that
resonates in the depth of centuries.
- Educational - For the younger generations this project tries
to address that perennial question: "Where do I come from?" As you will
see, it is not a simple answer but is a fascinating one. Over the past
three centuries our family has lived, in its own small way, the story
of America, from colonial settlement and the Revolutionary War, through
the opening of the continental interior and the Civil War, the turning
of the virgin prairie and the growth of small town America, to the dispersions
of the latter 20th Century.
It is hoped that this bit of history at the personal level will help
to illuminate the broader sweep of national history. The colonial charter
to William Penn opened up a new life and land to our ancestors from
continental Europe. The opening of the Old Northwest Territory allowed
the Browns, Kipps, Rooks, and so many others to move to new lands on
the frontier. The Louisiana purchase brought us Nebraska, South Dakota,
and Wyoming. And, lest we forget, the western expansion of Europeans
nearly destroyed the Native Americans.
- Genealogical - While the primary genealogical purpose of this
project is to assemble, in relatively accessable and understandable
form, the essentials of our family history, for the use of the family,
it is also recognized that this material may be of use and benefit to
other researchers. And, yes, part of the motivation behind the home
page project is to go trolling for Rooks on the Internet. The new technology
provides opportunities to connect with distant relations which were
not previously available. We hope to take full advantage of them.
- Spiritual - In a broad sense, connection helps to bring meaning
to life. These pages are about connections, with families, yes, but
also with more distant ancestors, with our history, and with our homelands.
Standards
- This is a family oriented resource and, as such, will not knowingly
provide links to sites with what is, in our minds, inappropriate content.
That being said, neither will we gloss over historical realities. Real
life, for our ancestors as for ourselves, was not necessarily polite,
tasteful, or politically correct.
- This project has a specific focus on the history of our extended
family. It is not intended to compete with, duplicate, or supplant other
web pages focused on specific families, locales, or the practice of
genealogy in general. It is not intended as a general resource, though
it is hoped that it will prove useful to others with more general interests.
It will delve into detail only on locations where the family resided,
and during those time periods in which they lived. Thus, the culture
and history of 19th and 20th Century England and France will be largely
ignored as the family had, by that time, already established itself
in North America.
- Not all information is appropriate for the Internet. We will limit
the information published about living persons to their name, degree
of relationship to others (ie, daughter of, father of, etc), and email
address/URL unless specifically requested otherwise. We will try to
serve as a clearinghouse for sharing other information among family
members off-line.
- This is not intended to be just another collection of links to other
web sites. It is intended to present information and factual content
not otherwise available on the web as well as original essays, commentary,
and analysis.
- This is a non-commercial, not-for-profit resource and, as such, will
not waste precious band width with advertising (though we won’t rule
out wasting band width with silly graphics from time to time).
Participating in this Project
This is an open project and the participation and contributions of other
interested persons are welcomed and even encouraged.
- Contribute an URL. Let us
know of a link you think would enhance one of our pages. We are especially
interested in other Rook family pages and pages on the other surnames
in our extended family. A proven family tie is not necessary.
- Link us to your page. Please
feel free to add a link to this site on your page if you think it appropriate.
We'd like to hear about it if you do!
- Contribute stories, old photos,
or other information about the people and places featured here. Come
on, cousins, let's not hold back!
- Correct our mistakes. (Not that
we make that many, of course
 )
- Offer suggestions, comments, constructive
criticism.
Acknowledgements
- The author of these pages would like to gratefully acknowledge the
contributions of server space and technical assistance generously provided
by Valley Internet Company,
an Internet service provider in Yamhill County, Oregon.
Links to Related Pages
- The Rook Family's Home Page Index
- The Rook Family's Home Page Contents,
all the pages in alphabetical order
- The Kipp Home Page
- The Nelson Home
Page
- The Rook Home Page
- The West Home Page
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©
Copyright 1996-2003 by Earl J.S. Rook
All rights reserved
Last updated on
14 March, 2004
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