Scottsdale, Arizona
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ROBERT M. WILBANKS IV Scottsdale, Arizona |
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I originally obtained this domain name back in the early 1990s primarily to promote my genealogy business and provide genealogy related information. However, these last few years, as I obtained the skills to do my own web design, I've begun to realize the possibilities that there is so much more that I can do with this site. So here I go -- Let's see what I can do.
Probably my greatest passion is genealogy; researching family history.
Having already been a long time history buff, I discovered genealogy at the age of 12 with the advent of the great television mini-series Roots in 1977. I hit the ground running and never gave up. I can say without a doubt that Alex Haley was the greatest influence in my life.
I have now been doing genealogy for over 35 years. With my extensive knowledge and skills, turning my passion into a profession was just the natural direction for me to go. I do research for clients, consulting, teach and lecture. I have written and published a number of materials, and I have organized, lead or been on the boards of several genealogical and heritage organizations and publications.
My most notable specialty is American Military records and research, especially the Civil War. Other specialties include General American research, Research in the Old South, and research in Colonial America, most notably Colonial Virginia. Other areas of research experience include Great Britain, Ireland, Canada and Germany.
While I have been a professional genealogist for over 25 years, I launched my new genealogy business with a website in the Fall of 2009. Please be sure to visit my business website with services, sales, writings, links, news of classes and lectures, and much more. I also have a Facebook page that you can link to directly from the Business website; be sure to Like my page.
ANCESTRAL PRIDE: PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGY SERVICESA brand new website about Irish Genealogy. As someone who has always been deeply interested in the Irish history and culture, I created this website to help you learn how to best search for your Irish connection. I had written a regular column called Researching Your Irish Roots for the Desert Shamrock, a bi-monthly Phoenix area Irish newspaper, back in the late 1990s. Using those writings as a foundation for this webpage, here I will continue to share my knowledge of Irish genealogy with old and new writings, references to some of the best book and journal publications on Irish-American and Irish research, and references and web-links to resources in the United States and Ireland.
IRISH GENEALOGYI have traced my ancestry far and wide, doing extensive research, collecting a wealth of information, and providing new insight and conclusions on a number of my family lines. The following link will take you to a page of links to my many various personal genealogy web pages with extensive research, materials, research, information, links, and more.
ROBERT'S PERSONAL GENEALOGYMilam was my great-grandmother's family name. The summer after I graduated High School I travelled and researched extensively in Alabama and South Carolina. That fall, I organized my research and ended up writing a book on the Milam family history. The result was extensive correspondence with many other Milam researchers. I collected so much material I began to publish a Milam family newsletter in 1988. This in turn instigated more correspondence and research that greatly added to my collection of materials. I eventually became the most knowledgeable family historian of the Milam family in America. I launched a Milam family website in the early 1990s. In June of 2012 I completely revamped it, and intend to add extensive information, materials, and resources. A book on the Milam family is a future goal.
MILAM FAMILY HISTORYNaturally, I had to research my own family name of Wilbanks. The research became extensive, detailed and thorough. The result was extensive correspondence with many other Wilbanks and Willbanks researchers. I collected so much material I began to publish a Wil(l)banks family newsletter in 1989. This in turn instigated more correspondence and research that greatly added to my collection of materials. I eventually became the most knowledgeable family historian of the Wil(l)banks family in America. I launched a Wil(l)banks family website in the early 1990s. In March of 2013 I completely revamped it, and intend to add extensive information, materials, and resources. A book on the Wil(l)banks family is a future goal.
WILBANKS / WILLBANKS FAMILY HISTORYHistory is my other love. Actually, it probably was my original love until I discovered genealogy. I should have, and would have, become a history professor. I would have been great. But my life didn't go in that direction. Maybe someday I will have the chance to chase that dream again. But for now, I am happy to settle for being a mere history buff.
I love the natural beauty that surrounds us. From the power of the ocean to a serene stream through the forest, from the tremendous geologic formations to a deer with her fawn in the woods, from a light rain to a powerful thunderstorm. I also have a great appreciation for the nature of space and the universe.
I love to travel. From visiting the natural beauty of the land to historic places, from distinct towns and cultural events to libraries or museums.
Having grown up and lived in the Phoenix area, and Arizona nearly all of my life, I am frequently asked for suggestions of things to do and places to see. This page is for family and friends who ask me about what to do and see in Arizona.
This is also for those of you who come and tell me that Arizona is boring, and there is nothing to do or see.
ROBERT'S GUIDE TO VISITING ARIZONA
