Tann Family History
Honoring our Ancestors
Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez: Uncovering the Legacy of the Tann Family Through Genealogy
Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez has spent over 40 years as the dedicated Tann Family Historian, tirelessly working to preserve and document the stories and legacy of her family. Her journey into genealogy has not only provided rich insights into her ancestors' lives but also created a bridge for current and future generations to connect with their heritage. Here’s a deep dive into Guadalupe’s remarkable journey, her discoveries, and her role in preserving the Tann family's legacy.
Lifelong Journey: The Roots of Guadalupe's Genealogy Passion
Guadalupe’s fascination with her family’s history began as a young girl, listening to family stories around the dinner table. Her father often shared memories of his parents, John and Emily Tann Vanderhorst, who were from Dorchester County, South Carolina. These stories were more than just anecdotes—they were a source of inspiration and pride, sparking a deep desire in Guadalupe to understand her roots.
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Early Inspiration: Guadalupe recalls a story where her grandfather, John Vanderhorst, walked miles to help a neighbor in need, despite his own hardships. "He wasn’t rich in material wealth," her father would say, "but he was rich in spirit." This tale and others like it instilled in her a lifelong commitment to uncover and understand her family's legacy.
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Gaps in the Stories: Over time, Guadalupe realized that the family tales she loved were missing pieces and often lacked historical documentation. This realization marked the beginning of her passionate journey into genealogy, a quest that would eventually become her life’s work.
Uncovering the Past: Guadalupe’s Research Journey
Guadalupe's early research began in local courthouses, libraries, and cemeteries throughout South Carolina, where her grandparents had lived. Her first discovery—an old record with her grandparents’ names—was a thrilling moment that made her feel as though she was connecting with her ancestors across time.
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The Challenge of Lost Records: Researching Indigenous and family histories can be challenging due to missing or destroyed records. Despite facing many dead ends, Guadalupe's perseverance led her to uncover numerous valuable documents, such as birth and death certificates, land deeds, and military records.
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A Proud Discovery: One of Guadalupe’s proudest moments was finding her grandfather John’s World War I military service records. Learning of his service during such a pivotal time gave her an immense sense of pride and a deeper connection to her family’s contributions to history.
The Role of Family Historian: Preserving the Tann Legacy
As the Tann Family Historian, Guadalupe has taken on the responsibility of preserving her family’s legacy. Her extensive research ensures that her grandparents, John and Emily Tann Vanderhorst, are remembered for their resilience, kindness, and dedication to their community.
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Reuniting Family Members: Through her research, Guadalupe has reconnected distant relatives, allowing them to rediscover their shared heritage and gain a sense of belonging. She notes, "Seeing the look on people’s faces when they learn something new about their family is priceless. It’s like finding pieces of themselves they didn’t know they were missing.
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Family Reunions and Emotional Discoveries: During a family reunion, Guadalupe presented her findings, including a detailed family tree and stories about their ancestors. Family members laughed, cried, and shared in the emotional experience of reconnecting with their heritage. For Guadalupe, this moment was a powerful reminder of why she undertook this journey.
Inspiring Future Generations
Guadalupe believes it is essential to pass down the knowledge and passion for family history to the next generation. By sharing stories with her grandchildren, she hopes to inspire them to carry on the family legacy and understand the importance of knowing their roots.
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A Living History: Guadalupe often reminds her grandchildren, "History isn’t just something in the past. It’s alive in us. We are living history, and it’s our responsibility to keep it alive."
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Encouraging Young Family Historians: She hopes her grandchildren and other young family members will take up the role of family historian, continuing the work she has dedicated her life to and preserving the Tann family stories for years to come.
Guadalupe as a Resource for Aspiring Genealogists
Beyond her own family, Guadalupe has become a valuable resource for those beginning their genealogy journey. Her advice and guidance have helped countless individuals discover their own family histories, especially within communities where records are limited or difficult to access.
Genealogy Tips from Guadalupe
If you're inspired to begin your family history journey, here are some of Guadalupe’s expert tips:
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Start Small and Local: Visit local courthouses, libraries, and cemeteries where your family might have lived. Old records and gravestones often hold critical information that can serve as starting points.
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Be Persistent: Research can be challenging, especially when records are missing or fragmented. Guadalupe advises patience and determination, as even the smallest clues can lead to significant discoveries.
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Document Every Discovery: Keep meticulous records of your findings. Organizing birth certificates, death certificates, land deeds, and photos can help you build a comprehensive family tree.
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Use Storytelling to Connect: Genealogy isn’t just about finding names and dates; it’s about discovering the lives and stories of those who came before us. Guadalupe emphasizes the importance of understanding the character and spirit of ancestors, not just their dates and places.
Reflecting on a Legacy of Love and Dedication
Looking back on her 40-year journey, Guadalupe feels a profound sense of fulfillment. Her dedication has not only created a treasure trove of family history for the Tann descendants but also a legacy of love and perseverance. Her work as the Tann Family Historian reminds us of the importance of preserving our heritage and the impact it can have on future generations.
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A Labor of Love: "This work has been a labor of love," she reflects. "I’ve learned so much about my family, but I’ve also learned a lot about myself. It’s been an incredible journey of discovery, and I’m grateful for every step of it."
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Inspiring Others: Guadalupe’s journey shows that preserving family history can bring immense pride and unity to a family. Her work stands as an inspiration to those who seek to understand their roots and a testament to the value of perseverance in uncovering one’s heritage.
Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez’s dedication to uncovering her family's past has cemented her role as the Tann Family Historian, ensuring that the legacy of John and Emily Tann Vanderhorst will live on for generations to come. Through her meticulous research and love for her family’s history, she has united relatives, shared invaluable stories, and left a lasting impression on those around her. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of knowing where we come from and the strength that comes from understanding our roots.
ORAL HISTORY
Throughout the years, Joan and I often spoke on the phone, And when I relocated to New York City and another cousin, Floree McCullough became like "Mother hens" guide me with suggestions on how to navigate life in New York City.
Joan was amazing at my ability to "brush off" experiences and get back up and continue to achieve my goals. She said, " how do you do that?" And for me, it is an innate quality that comes naturally to me.
In 2008, I attended New York College of Health Professions to study Acupuncture, and all throughout my studies, Joan always interested in what I was learning and how I was doing in school. In May 2013, I graduated with my Masters of Science in Acupuncture, and Joan died in June 2013.
As a Licensed Acupuncturist, I combine my indigenous healing method with Tradtional Chinese Medicine. And in honor of my Tann family my practice is called, "Kicotan Acupuncture"
Emily (Tann) Vanderhorst
First Row Left: Mary (Vanderhorst) Smith, Verdel (Vanderhorst) Redding, Emily (Tann) Vanderhorst, John H. Vanderhorst, Pearl (Vanderhorst) Glenn,
Top Row Left: Blondell (Vanderhorst) Smalls, Clarence Vanderhorst, Ruth (Vanderhorst) Carter, twins- Robert Vanderhorst, and Edward Vanderhorst (My father)
John Henry Vanderhorst Jr.
Harold Garland Vanderhorst
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriuez, at drguadalupevrodriguez@gmail.com