I have been slowly researching for a number of years, but not as many personal notes as you have noted, though I did write a novel based on my dad's oral history of early days in Colorado. Originally I was going to present it as non-fiction, but there wasn't enough material, so a couple of people talked me into fictionalizing it. That was anathema to me for a long time, I thought it would be disrespectful, but I am pleased with the result. There's a bit of the early stuff I was working on HERE.

I've had several thrills when finally discovering things one of which was the name of the neighbour by great-grandad had a shoot-out with and killed. My dad couldn't remember if it was Sullivan or another Irish last name. One day I found some mortuary records from that area online. There is was, the right date, etc. "Jim Sullivan, shot dead" etc. With that clue I was able to contact the state historical society which found an extensive Rocky Mountain News article about it!

I also had a kind of odd thing happen. I was looking for info on a brother-in-law of my maternal grandma when I was led to an auction site which had his entire newish Civil War Union Officer's outfit up for bid. It was newer because he'd been a prisoner and was issued it when he returned to his unit or somesuch. I cannot remember the starting bid but it was way out of my range.

I keep forgetting to watch ebay for genealogy-related items, including family bibles.

You might find some interesting resources in This Old Thread.

I look forward to hearing more. I LOVE this subject! I've another one I will post later.:-)