McManus Heritage
Phil McManus: my genealogical journey
Phil recalls beginning his family research in 1982 and sharing his work with the McManus community.
By Phil McManus
My genealogical journey began in 1982 with a simple suggestion from my stepmother, Mary, to build a family tree. My goal was modest: just cover a few generations. When I hit a wall at three generations, most people told me that was about as far as most folks get and suggested I be content with my efforts.
Instead, I decided to try a different approach. I started writing small biographies for each person, carefully documenting sources and references. As this grew into a project managed across databases and word processors, it helped me track down details—sometimes down to daily events—and spot missing or incorrect information. Over time, I realized I was learning to go back to original source materials, gather the evidence, and evaluate it for myself.
What started as a modest project often grew into a passion. I spent countless hours in university libraries, archives, courthouses, bookstores, and digital repositories. Because of my wife’s consulting business, we were able to spend extra time conducting in-person research in locations across the United States.
This research brought many unexpected blessings along the way. I met my wife while volunteering at a genealogical society, traveled across the U.S. and Europe, and learned to decipher faded handwriting and archaic spelling. In Ireland, I had the privilege of listening to an elderly McManus recite seven generations of his family tree from memory—an oral history that matched the records we later found. On another occasion, the research and DNA testing helped connect a cousin adopted at birth back to our family. Beyond paper records, I also developed a deep appreciation for artifacts—photographs, patents, sound recordings, and everyday objects—that reflect the unique footprints people leave behind.
Much of this work was used to compile books for my own family and create resources for the McManus Clan Association, where I used and combined databases to help others with their own searches. After the association wound down in 2001, I turned these same research skills toward other branches of my family.
It brings me great satisfaction to pass this data along to the community. I hope it serves as a helpful resource and a solid foundation for others to build upon and expand.
Enjoy!
Phil McManus