“One good anecdote is worth a volume of biography.” — William Ellery Channing
(It has a nice ring to it, although I’m not sure I completely agree with it. A short, amusing story about a specific incident doesn’t usually tell you everything about a person’s life. This was a fun solve though. Be well and do good, friends.) — YUR
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Unclerave's Wordy Weblog 
I grew up learning about my ancestors through anecdotal memories of my grandparents, the parents. Though not Native American myself, there was a very chance happening to my grandfather’s ancestors where the family survivors of a deadly massacre were captured and for 15 to 20 years lived as Natives.
Thus my grandfather learned his family history through oral history and not written until someone did write about it.
This trait, of telling anecdotes and snippets of history in the backdrop of my family settling here 100 years ago on April 20.
I plan to go stand in the cobblestoned train station where the first anecdote originated.
I think a biography is so concentrated on one persona life we miss his or her context. We will see.
I am piecing together my own writings about the family who, but for the mercy of one Native.Chief, would have been completely. wiped from history.
Just adding my agreement with William.
I agree with your valuing of oral histories of – multiple and various – anecdotes, Nancy. My issue with the quote was Channing said “one good anecdote”. You’ve got a very cool story though. I hope you are able to get all your family history documented. I think it would be a fascinating read. — YUR
Nancy.
Get background notes in an interesting order. not just fact after fact…..Being new to this, once you start going (if possible don’t take long breaks! *)
Of course, there’s a lot more to it…..>>>just a few hints^^**
Best to ya☆
PS I was born a 2 min. car ride from where
Toni Morrison lived and went to school
….talent didn’t rub off, darn!!