Linda Gossett Cochran was born at the Bartow County Hospital located on Leake Street. She resided with her parents, Johnny Ray and Clara Mae Hufstetler Gossett, siblings, Jerry Ray, Zona Stella, Ricky Lee, and grandparents, JW Gossett and Alice Cabe Gossett on 424 South Tennessee Street, Cartersville. Those were the days when the telephone number was 1242J and there was a party line to listen in on!
Linda’s genealogy curiosity sprung into action when her Papa (Grandfather Gossett born in 1877) told her the stories of the Great Depression, WWI & WWII, the sinking of the Titanic, and his Grandfather’s stories (Great-Great Grandfather Washington Gossett) of the War of 1812. How his Father Washington Marcus Lafayette Gossett had been named for the Marquis Lafayette a hero of the War of 1812. She could not learn enough about her family and continuously asked questions. Her Mama (Grandmother Alice Gossett born in 1890 with Cherokee Native American heritage) said that “Linda would give her a headache every day after school asking her genealogy questions about the family.” Linda did not know these were her first foot steps into her passion…genealogy.
EVHS Beginner’s Genealogy Workshops
Linda joined EVHS in 1996 and has been teaching these workshops since 2000. The workshops offer you the opportunity to learn how to research your family history. You receive a folder with materials that will assist you on organizing your family’s journey. Topics covered include:
- How to interview your family members and properly record data
- How to search the census records
- Website links for your continuing search
- The six “R’s” of Genealogy
- What is Soundexing?
- Research Check List
If you are interested in joining a workshop, call the EVHS office Monday thru Friday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at 770-606-8862 to discuss the current schedule. Workshops are always on designated Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and reservations are required. The cost is $20 per person per workshop. However, Linda will continue to work with you if you have any questions, or need guidance, without any charge. Instead of calling just drop in and discover what the EVHS office has to offer and have a fun conversation with Linda about her workshops!
