Experience

• Over 40 years experience in American family genealogy research with extensive experience in local onsite County Courthouse research, onsite cemetery research, Family History Library (FHL) use, branch National Archive library use, and all common online websites (ancestry.com, footnote.com, findagrave.com, ect.).
• Taught genealogy classes for over 15 years.
• Former director of a Family History Center.
• Family History Center Consultant.
• Beta tester for New Family Search.
• "Paden" surname message board administrator at Ancestry.com.
• Administrator of the Peden/Paden DNA group at Ancestry.com.
• 3 years hosting a personal genealogy website that is used to document every Paden/Peden family in the United States in support of the Paden/Peden family DNA project.
• Continuing education through attendance at numerous conferences, seminars, and classes provided by:
• National Genealogical Society's annual conference.
• BYU Annual Conference on Family History and Genealogy.
• BYU Annual Conference on Computerized Family History and Genealogy.
• Family History Library free daily Classes.
• BYU Family History Library free Sunday Classes.

About Me

I started researching my family history in 1968 when I came across a letter that my father wrote but never mailed.  Why he never mailed it remains a mystery, when asked, he did not remember why it was not mailed.  This letter that my father wrote was in response to a request from Norma (Paden) Locke in 1964 about our Paden family history.  I was intrigued by these letters and wanted reply to Norma, but, first I had to learn more about my family history.

Because of my personal interest and desire to learn more about my family history, I started to study and learn everything I could about genealogical research methods and sources.  I traveled across the country and visited many county courthouses, local historical society libraries, and cemeteries, as this was before personal computers and the Internet.  Since there was no Internet, I became very adapt to using the facilities and microfilm resources of the local Family History Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon).

Because I spent so much time at the Family History Center and was willing to help other patrons, I was invited to become a Family History Center Consultant.  This in turn led me to become a genealogy class teacher for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon).  As my knowledge and skills grew I was asked to train the genealogy teachers in my church Stake.  After this I became the Director of the local Family History Center.

When personal computers became available, I immediately purchased one (a TI-99/4a) in August 1981, knowing what a help it would be, even if I did have to write my own program!  When IBM came out with their Personal Computer (PC), I moved up to an IBM PC/AT and PAF 2.1 (genealogy software program) in 1988.  I am still upgrading and changing to the latest and greatest in technology!  I have also gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience over the years using and evaluating a large variety of genealogy software programs.  My wife and I were even beta testers for the New Family Search program for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In August 2006 I established a website to share my family genealogy/history with other members of my family because it was more convenient to share in this manner than trying to email or photocopy and snail mail.  Because of the ability of extended family members and other relatives to view this information I began to receive requests to add and correct information. I also had several individuals who did not have either the time or ability to share their family information with other family members and they asked that I include their information and research results on my website so that they can then point their family members to my website so it can be seen and shared.

Another use for my website is to help support the Peden/Paden DNA Project.  Because of my involvement with the Peden/Paden DNA project, I have been adding *all* Peden/Paden families in the United States to my website.  This in turn has allowed me to assist many family genealogists around the country with a multitude of unique questions.

I am married and have 4 children, 2 step-children, and 9 grandchildren.  I currently live in Orem, Utah with my loving and supporting wife of 21 years, Kathy.

(I am also an amateur radio operator, k7dep).