Director, Kenneth Cox

 

How did you become interested in genealogy?

The house I grew up in had been in the family for over 100 yrs. I had often mentioned to my wife that when I retired, I was going to do some research into my family’s roots. About a month before I officially notified my employer of my intention to submit my formal notification to retire, a package arrived in the mail. It was from a distant cousin whom I had never met and contained a letter asking if the house was still in the family and included a great deal of family research that she had already completed. After meeting with my new cousin, I was hooked.

What is your most exciting or interesting genealogical discovery?

When you start researching your family history you have to be prepared for a few surprises. My wife’s family can trace its roots back to 17th century New France, so it was no surprise to discover that one of her ancestors had fought with the Lower Canada militia at the battle of Chateauguay during the War of 1812. But it was discovering that her grandfather had deserted the army during WW1; headed west with her grandmother leaving his first wife; having a child and then returned and reenlisted giving his place of birth as Cork Ireland. He was actually born in Frontenac County near Kingston, Ontario but this new information provided a segue into my wife’s Irish ancestors. No one in the family knew anything about this interesting bit of information, especially since her father and grandfather were deceased.

What brought you to GANS?

I joined GANS when I first moved to Nova Scotia simply because of my interest in genealogy. A year or two after moving to Halifax I received an email from the president of GANS asking if I’d be interested in becoming a director of the association. I went to discuss my involvement and said I wasn’t sure how I could help but was willing to try and here I am.

What is your position/responsibility at GANS?

My official capacity is director/sponge! As a newly minted Nova Scotian formally from central Canada, I see myself as trying to absorb as much information as I can about genealogy in my new province. So, the learning curve for me is quite steep. I attend meetings and try to keep up with the functioning of the association and sometimes lift and tote objects at the yearly dinner. I guess generally try to stay out of the way; just listen and learn as much as I can.

What is your professional background?

I have my Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in History and Political Science from York University and a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education from the University of Toronto. Before retirement I was a school principal with the Toronto District School Board. I also have a certificate in Conflict Resolution/Mediation from the University of Toronto.

What are your interests outside of genealogy?

My grandchildren, travel, cottage, gardening, Canadian history are five of my interests, but I also belong to the Maritime Military Collectors and the Canadian Society of Military Collectors. I primarily collect World War 2 Canadian militaria. I also have an interest in researching military genealogy and this has led me to produce research guides helping family historians to discover and document their own family’s military involvement. Fortunately, these guides are published by Global Genealogy/Heritage Press.