New Book Reveals Family History

According to author Betty O'Grady Matiskella, like a tree, a family finds strength in its roots. A family history is a legacy. She works to uncover the deep roots of her O'Grady family and record them with great care and fidelity in her remarkable publication, Descendants of Patrick O'Grady and Mary Steele 1757-2005.

In 1982, she gave in to her restless curiosity about her ancestors and embarked on that genealogical journey with disarming enthusiasm. The scope of her goal is to find the many descendants of her progenitors, Patrick O'Grady and Mary Steele, who came to Canada from Ireland in 1825. So far, she has identified 1,050-plus direct descendants. She faced many stumbling blocks along the way of this 25-year journey to solve the puzzle, but each has turned into stepping stones that open another door to discovery.

This book is a synopsis of many years of research in an effort to add a human face and personality to the data culled from various sources of vital records. As the family tree unfurls, it reveals the vivid contrasts between its many branches. It exposes the hardships and devastating effects of alcoholism that followed several branches, as well as the prestige and prosperity that were perpetuated in others. However, each individual is equally important to the color and texture of the fine tapestry created by the O'Grady family history.

Descendants of Patrick O'Grady and Mary Steele 1757-2005 is a wonderful book that preserves and passes on the legacy of Patrick O'Grady and Mary Steele to the future generations of this fascinating family. It is Matiskella's hope that this work will serve as a cornerstone to future research.

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About the Author
Betty O'Grady Matiskella is a retired librarian who took advantage of this training to chronicle her family's rich history. She traveled extensively to interview many people who offered guidance and encouragement as well as pictures and hidden tidbits of family lore. Her travels culminated in a trip to Ireland to stand on the very spot where her progenitors were married. It is her hope that this work will be the cornerstone to future research. Matiskella lives with her husband in Lakewood, New Jersey.

Descendants of Patrick O'Grady and Mary Steele 1757-2005 * by Betty O'Grady Matiskella
Publication Date: March 7, 2013
Trade Paperback; $23.99; 538 pages; 978-1-4797-6266-8
Trade Hardback; $34.99; 538 pages; 978-1-4797-6267-5
Ebook; $3.99; 978-1-4797-6268-2

Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7479. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7876.

For more information on self-publishing or marketing with Xlibris, visit http://www.Xlibris.com. To receive a free publishing guide, please call (888) 795-4274.

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