MINT HILL, NC – Family Origin Stories is a labor of love for genealogist Marie Sproul. During the COVID pandemic, Ms. Sproul got her certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University and is a proud member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. Ms. Sproul uses her skills in research and history to help families trace their lineage, discover the identity of family members from old photos, and celebrate their unique history. She launched her business, Family Origin Stories, in 2021 and has thrived ever since.
“Everybody has an interesting story to tell,” Ms. Sproul remarked. Her interest in genealogy stemmed from researching her own family twenty years ago. Her father had told her he knew very little about his ancestry. Curious, Marie began researching documents, following leads, and putting the puzzle pieces together, resulting in the discovery of part of her family history. Soon, friends and family members began asking her for help determining their family history, and the idea grew from there.
With genealogy, there are always exciting surprises. Ms. Sproul discovered that her great-great-grandfather, William Perry McCall, was a bit of a famous character in the Shenandoah Valley. William “Old Perry McCall” was a pacifist hiding out in the forest caves during the Civil War. To pass the time, he created an epic moonshine recipe beloved by the residents of the valley. Mr. McCall was famous not only for his moonshine but also his gregarious character, and his passing was mourned by many.
Ms. Sproul uses her theater background and her love for storytelling to help organize her results for each family. “Genealogy and being a director have a lot in common. Both involve extensive research, preparation, and history,” Sproul remarked. She is sure to consider paramount historical events and the social norms widely observed within a particular society or culture to help bring the facts she uncovers to life for her clients.
Of course, timelines to complete genealogical research vary greatly. Family Origin Stories currently offers three packages: Family Lore (10 hours of research), The Ancestor Package (15 hours of research), and The Immigrant Ancestor Package (20 hours of research). Each package includes detailed findings, all documents, and recommendations for further research. Family Origin Stories is also offering photo restoration and family trees.
Ms. Sproul would like to thank the community of Mint Hill for their fantastic support and let all residents interested in family history know that she is eager to be a trusted resource! For more information about Family Origin Stories, please visit their website at familyoriginstories.com or call (410) 598-0572 for a prompt response. Marie Sproul can be reached via email as well at marie@familyoriginstories.com, and you can follow Family Origin Stories on Facebook (Family Origin Stories), Instagram (@familyoriginstories), and LinkedIn (Marie Byrd Sproul).
