Meet our Members: John Tyner

Question

Hi everyone!

It's time to get to know another one of our wonderful WikiTreers. This week's member is John Tyner.

John became a Wiki Genealogist in May of this year. He's one of our newer members but has jumped in with great enthusiasm particularly in helping with the WikiTree Challenge. He also volunteers with the Ireland Project and as a Connector. 

What are some of the surnames you are researching?

Hutton, Donaldson, Williams, Jones

What are some of the locations you are researching?

England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Sweden

When and how did you get interested in family history?

I started researching my family history in 2004, the year after my maternal great aunt died. She had written her memoirs and they were published just before she turned 90. I started reading it and that got me hooked!

Who's your favorite ancestor and why?

It's difficult to pick just one! I like my 2nd great grandfather Alexander Robertson (1833-1918). He was a solicitor and a member of clan Donnechaidh in Scotland. Also my great grandfather William Cecil Williams (1865-1942). He was professor of music and church organist for many years at St. Marys in Tenby, Wales. He has a plaque erected there in his honour. His niece by marriage was famous contralto singer Hanna Maria parry nee Jones.

Tell us about a brick wall you hope to bust through.

One brick wall I have is my 4th great grandfather Henry Donaldson born abt 1761 in Alloa, Scotland. He is a retired miller in 1841 Scotland census and I don’t know when or where he died or his parents' names, so would love to break through that line!

If you could pick one person in history to be related to, who would it be and why?

I would love to be related to King Robert the Bruce! There are family stories that I am descended from him but no proof yet!

What are some of your interests outside of genealogy?

I love birdwatching and just wildlife in general. I love seeing moths and Dragonflies and other insects and identifying them! I am also interested in sports, specifically Football (soccer for you Americans!). I support Manchester United of the English premier League!

(interview continues in comments below)

Comments

How long have you been on WikiTree and what do you spend the most time doing?

I have been on WikiTree since May 2021. I spend most of the time trying to connect unconnected profiles, and participating in the WikiTree Challenge.

What brought you to WikiTree?

I found WikiTree through Family History Fanatics' Devon Noel Lee's WikiTree challenge. I had also heard about it through Greg Clarke and Chris Ferraiolo being fellow members of the familyhistoryfanatics community!

What is your favorite thing about WikiTree?

I like the aspect of connecting to each other and finding how many degrees we are from others, and also finding new friends who are like minded. WikiTree is a lovely encouraging and friendly community.

If you could improve one thing about WikiTree, what would it be?

I'm struggling to think of something that can be improved, but one thing that does come to mind is, if an ancestor or family relative is entered by someone else, then a notification would be nice!

What is an example of how WikiTree has helped you with your genealogy?

WikiTree has helped me to evaluate records, and not add things to people so quickly without enough evidence.

Any tips for someone just starting out on WikiTree?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, read the rules on accuracy. There are a lot of people that are willing to help. Use Discord and/or the WikiTree Facebook group if you wish, but you can always private message Mentors and Greeters for help.

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By the way, i made a mistake in one of my answers! Hannah maria Parry was william's sister in law, not niece!

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Congratulations on being member of the week John. Great job on the interview.

Answer 1

Congratulations for being nominated as Member of the week, John.

I hope you eventually find a provable connection to the famous Robert the Bruce.

Comments

Thanks Dieter!

Answer 2

Congratulations, John.  Nice to meet you!

Comments

Thanks kathy!

Answer 3

Congrats on being member of the week this week, buddy! Keep up the good work! Great interview!

Answer 4

Great bio John.  And I agree with your suggestions of asking for help, using Discord, and Making sure the evidence backs up the source.  Proof, proof, proof!!