A Journey Well Traveled: Reflections from My West Virginia Genealogy Trip
Sometimes a trip gives you exactly what you set out to find. Other times, it gives you something you didn’t even know you needed. My recent adventure through the hills and hollows of West Virginia turned out to be both.
I came home with several land records that opened up new doors in my family research, but even more than that, I came home with a quieter heart, a refreshed spirit, and the sense that I had walked a little closer with those who came before me.
The Records I Found
One of the highlights of the trip was the courthouse visit. Tucked away in those heavy, worn books, I located several land records for my Massie/Massey family as well as my Watts family. Seeing their names written on old deeds and probate entries was more than just a breakthrough in research: it was tangible evidence of their existence, their choices, and the soil they walked upon and chose to make their home. Where they raised their families.
These discoveries confirmed locations I had only speculated about before, and they gave me a clearer picture of how my ancestors put down roots in West Virginia. Each page I turned felt like another piece of the puzzle clicking into place.
The staff at the courthouse could not have been more helpful. They guided me to the right volumes, suggested additional records, and quickly made copies of the pages I needed. By the time I finished my last book, they had already gathered everything neatly into a folder for me. I left deeply impressed and eager to return. Oh and I don’t want to forget to mention that this courthouse’s record room is open later one night a week to allow researchers time after business hours to visit. Amazing!!!
I left feeling like I had a clear picture of the area they lived, some of their interactions with both neighbors and many times other family members and a sense of just how intertwined people in a small community were and continue to be.
Soul Searching in the Hills
Still, the records were only part of the story. The true treasure of this trip revealed itself not in the courthouse, but in the quiet spaces in between. Driving those winding backroads, sitting alone on the porch, and breathing in the misty mountain mornings gave me time to reflect in a way that everyday life rarely allows.
There’s something about slowing down, letting the road guide you, and opening your heart to the silence that invites clarity. I was able to take the time to come to some tough realizations about myself and about where I stand with others. There were some tears, some anger, some heartbreak and regrets, but mostly there was acceptance. Acceptance of the person I am, and the realization that it is okay to be different and to go against the grain.
This trip reminded me that genealogy is not only about gathering facts: it’s about discovering where I come from and ultimately discovering myself. It’s about understanding and accepting what matters, what doesn’t, and what I need to let go of.
The Balance of Research and Renewal
In my pre-trip post, I talked about setting intentions, preparing thoroughly, and leaving room for the unexpected. I’m glad I did all of that. The structure kept me grounded, while the open spaces in my schedule left room for serendipity: those unplanned, soul-filling moments.
Yes, I brought home valuable pieces of genealogical evidence. I also brought home peace of mind, acceptance for who I am, and the reminder that every trip is as much about the traveler as it is about the destination.
Looking Ahead
These new land records have already sparked ideas for my next phase of research, and I can’t wait to dig deeper into what they reveal. But I’m also carrying forward the personal lessons: that making time for reflection is just as important as making time for research.
Because in the end, these journeys aren’t only about finding the past. They’re about finding ourselves. In following their footsteps, I not only uncovered pieces of their lives, but also uncovered parts of my own story that I hadn’t fully understood.
Your Turn
Have you ever taken a research trip that gave you more than records and documents? A trip that offered healing, reflection, or inspiration? I’d love to hear your story. Send me an email at branchesandbackroads@gmail.com
Until next time, may your roads lead you not only to discovery but also to peace.