Heart attacks and strokes can appear in some families. Larger families can provide more data to support your medical histories, but even if your family is small it still is important keep track of your medical history.

Family members sometimes will request a medical history from a genealogical researcher just as often as they would request other information about the family.

I have received requests for medical information about my husband's maternal side of the family.

A member of the family had been diagnosed with a type of eye disease and they were trying to determine from which side of the family that person inherited this disease.

When you are interviewing members of your family, remember to include the medical history.

Request death certificates, when available. We know many times on a death certificate the cause of death is not necessarily the contributing factor, but that usually is included.

When possible include the date the disease was diagnosed. Then we can see how early the onset of symptoms may be in others, if at all.

For those who think the study of genealogy is a waste of time, remind them researching our medical history is not.

Chapman Family Association meeting

The Chapman Family Association's sixth annual convention will take place June 2-4 in San Jose, Calif. All members of the Chapman family and those who are researching that line are invited to attend.

The program will include presentations on the Chapman families in the United States and genealogical research tips. Genealogical materials will be offered and there will be lots of time for researching. Sight-seeing tours of the area will be arranged for attendees upon request.

For hotel reservations, contact The DoubleTree Hotel-San Jose, at 2050 Gateway Place in San Jose, Calif., by phone at (800) 2220-TREE.

The Web site is www.doubletreesanjose.com. Mention the Chapman Family Association to receive the special CFA convention rate of $89 per night, plus tax and fees.

The rate will be available for three days before and three days after the meeting for those who want extra time for research, tours and fun.

To receive a convention registration form, contact M. D. Chapman Morgan, P.O. Box 2325, Orcutt, CA 93457-2325, or e-mail Chapmanmorgan@verizon.net.