July 31, 2011

Recording Dates From Gravestones


My husband and I have trekked many graveyards locating and recording information found on tombstones. We've done it at night with flashlights. We've done it with babes in arms and we've done it at the risk of having to buy out all the "Chigger-rid" the local stores had in stock - and it's always been worth it!

Many graveyards have been canvassed and the information has been put on the internet. This is a real boon to genealogists; yet, if at all possible, it is still better if you can actually go to the cemetery yourself. When someone else copies the information from a tombstone, there is always the possibility of error. Also the way the tombstones are laid out is often a clue to family relationships. When you copy information from cemetery headstones, you should always also include a simple map or description indicating the physical placement of the graves. Another good reason to visit the cemetery yourself is that it gives you the opportunity to copy information from the tombstones close to the one you've been looking for, especially if it appears to be a family plot. This information can give you clues about family relationships which you may have been missing...

July 29, 2011

Marriage Index: Kentucky, 1851-1900

This database contains information on approximately 318,000 individuals who were married in sixty-two Kentucky counties between 1851 and 1900... Request a Free Lookup From This Database.

July 26, 2011

Marriage Index: Massachusetts, 1633-1850

This database contains an index to approximately 837,500 marriage records for individuals from Massachusetts who were married between 1633 and 1850. Records indexed may not be comprehensive for the time and region covered. 
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July 25, 2011

Family Genealogy

Family genealogy projects can take a lot of time - or at least they used to. Today however, Internet access and access to large-scale family genealogy databases give people doing family search the opportunity to build their family tree at a faster pace by sharing family tree information with thousands of other family searchers...

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Marriage Index: KY, NC, TN, and VA, 1660-1850

This database contains indexes to approximately 1,200,000 individuals from 333 counties in five states. Some Tennessee marriage records are from newspaper collections. Some Virginia records are from ecclesiastical marriage collections. Some West Virginia records date from prior to its statehood.
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July 24, 2011

Evolution of Language


I was watching an old western. The homesteaders were in their cabin. A line of Indians was quietly sitting on their horses along the ridge. I sat aghast as the older homesteader turned to his younger brother and said, Waste one of them!  The younger brother put his gun through the window and shot a bullet into the air to try and frighten the Indians away!  The older brother meant, "Waste one of the bullets!!!!" I had a good laugh when I realized that I had interpreted the word "waste" in a modern "Dirty Harry" sort of context, but that's not how the word was used back in the days of the Wild West - or even when that old western was made.

Our language has and continues to evolve and this can cause some confusion as we try to evaluate early records in our genealogy research, for example..

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July 23, 2011

Ethnicity and Religion

Acadian Genealogy
Acadian Genealogy Homepage... the FIRST (1991) and still the BEST Acadian-Cajun resource web site on the net, providing tons of historical text information as well as complete details on numerous Acadian-Cajun Family Genealogy

AfriGeneas
AfriGeneas is a site devoted to African American genealogy. It is also an African Ancestry research community featuring the AfriGeneas mail list, state specific African Ancestry mail lists, AfriGeneas message boards and AfriGeneas daily and weekly genealogy chats.

Bogardi.com
This site, also called Radix, is dedicated to genealogy research in Hungary. The site provides links for professional research services in Hungary and provides access to a few Hungarian databases as well.

Mormon Genealogy
Helps members of the Church of Jesus Christ or LDS as well as all genealogy enthusiasts to verify their knowledge with discussion groups, LDS news lists, family search and pedigrees.

The Scottish Genealogy Society 

Marriage Index: IL, IN, 1790-1850

This database contains indexes to approximately 190,238 marriage records from Illinois and Indiana. Records indexed may not be comprehensive for the time and region covered.
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July 22, 2011

Early American Handwriting- Genealogy

At first reading, an early American document can sometimes be daunting. The earlier the records, the more difficult they are to read.

E. Kay Kirkham has written two good reference books on the subject; 300 Years of Manuscript and How to Read the Handwriting of Records of Early America.


I had the opportunity of taking a course from Mr. Kirkham many years ago and he began by saying "beware of the terminal loops and flourishes". In our family history research we often see-particularly in the first letter of a word-curly cues (these can be mistaken for "e" "a" or "o", etc.) I find it interesting that early Americans took such effort to add flourishes because a lot of the other problems we find are caused by the person trying to take short cuts as much as possible (remember the early pens were quills and had to be repeatedly dipped into ink.) The following are things we should be aware of as you attempt to read early records...


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Marriage Index: Selected Counties of AR, CA, IA, LA, MN, MO, OR, TX, 1728-1850

This database contains indexes to approximately 108,000 selected marriage recordsfrom 227 counties in eight western states. Records indexed may not be comprehensive for the time and region covered.

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July 21, 2011

Marriage Index: GA, 1754-1850

This database contains indexes to approximately 84,624 marriage records from 76 Georgia counties. The earliest records are for Effingham (1754), though most counties have records beginning in the 1800s. Counties not included are: Appling, Baker, Bryan, Burke, Clinch, Cobb, Dade, Gordon, Gwinnett, Heard, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, McIntosh, Twiggs, Walker, and Ware. Records indexed may not be comprehensive for the time and region covered.

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July 20, 2011

Conflicting Genealogy Data


Resolving Conflicting Date of Birth date data and others...

"I have three different birth dates for my grandfather. He told me when he was born; I have a delayed birth certificate
; and a baptismal record for him. Each has a different birth year-now what?"

Conflicting sources are a continual problem when doing genealogy research
. How do you know which one is accurate? Sometimes an error is so blatant that you can immediately determine which is the more accurate document. But often it is not that cut and dried. When we do find conflicting information, we should evaluate the sources by using a scientific approach...

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Marriage Index: AZ, CA, ID, NV, 1850-1951

This database contains indexes to approximately 146,000 marriage records from selected counties in Arizona, California, Idaho, and Nevada. Records indexed may not be comprehensive for the time and region covered...

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Cemetery Monument

The carved cemetery monument, more commonly referred to as a headstone, is a useful resource for anyone trying to trace their ancestry.  Especially in older graveyards, the cemetery monument can give a great deal of information about the person buried there.  Newer cemeteries often have limits on the size, shape, and style of the cemetery monument.

The inscription on the cemetery monument is a great place to look for data.  Epitaphs often recorded the name, date of birth, date of death, and marital status of the deceased.  There is often a Bible verse, or a few lines about the person's life or character. Sometimes the inscription on a cemetery monument lists family relationships that might not otherwise have been clear... Read More

July 19, 2011

Automated Genealogy

Computers can make every phase of genealogy simpler, faster, and more fun. With a computer and an Internet connection, you can do the kind of research that used to demand weeks of sifting through records, not to mention thousands of dollars in travel costs. Your computer can help you organize your findings, create a family tree, and then share your family history with your relatives.

Although automated genealogy research can't replace talking with knowledgeable relatives, it can streamline the process of doing library research. Computerized databases make rare family histories or marriage records available 24 hours a day from the comfort of your home. Moreover, searching electronic documents is easy--just a few clicks on the keyboard and you've found your family name... Read More

Marriage Index: Maryland, 1655-1850

This database contains an alphabetical listing of approximately 258,000 individuals who were married in Maryland between 1655 and 1850. Calvert county is not included since the courthouse burned in 1882 and most records were destroyed. In addition Garrett, Howard, and Wicomico counties are not included since they were formed after 1850. Records indexed may not be comprehensive for the time and region covered....

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July 18, 2011

Ancestor Research

Doing ancestor research together is a great way to involve all the members of your family in a shared hobby. Ancestor research draws on the family knowledge and stories of the older generation, while younger family members can contribute useful computer and Internet skills to the ancestor research project.

Doing ancestor research together is a great way to schedule family time. Here are some ways that ancestor research can bring your family together.

Ancestor research starts at home. Even small children can ask Grandma and Grandpa for stories about their families, though they may need your help recording data. "What was it like when you were my age?" can elicit some memorable answers.

Make visits to local libraries, museums, and archives family adventures to pursue your ancestor research. Take family members of all ages to visit a local history museum, so older relatives can explain the common objects of yesteryear to younger folk.

When you know a little more about your family tree, plan vacations around ancestor research. Compile a list of houses, cemeteries, and places of historical interest connected with your family history. A trip to Ellis Island has much more meaning and interest when you know the names and stories of some of your family members.

Whether you're an old hand at ancestor research or you're just starting out, OneGreatFamily.com offers the chance to add entire branches to your family tree. You may find a lost ancestor or an entire forest of new connections. Share the fruits of your ancestor research with others who are working on the same family lines... Read More

July 17, 2011

Marriage Index: Iowa, 1851-1900

Approximately 157,000 individuals who were married between 1851 and 1900 in select Iowa counties.

Marriage indexes can save you research time by telling you that a particular marriage record containing your ancestor's name exists. With the information provided, you may be able to find a newspaper announcement, which may provide more details about the bride, groom, and their families.


 Listings Include:

- Full names of both spouses.
- Date of the marriage.
- Township in which the marriage was recorded.
- Location of the Family History Library microfilm, microfiche, or book referencing the marriage.
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July 16, 2011

Why Southern Research Is Different, Part 2

Last week I began a discussion of Southern U.S. research and why some of the resources are unique or different. I provided some historical background of British colonization, the American Revolution, and the U.S. Civil War. I also included discussions of the Georgia Land Lotteries, Southern states' military records, Oaths of Allegiance, and Reconstruction Records. While NARA may hold some of these records, others are held only at the respective states' archives.

This week I'll discuss Confederate soldiers' homes, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Sons of the Confederacy, and the Confederate Veteran magazine as other resources for the post-Civil War era.

Confederate Soldiers' Homes
Confederate veterans who suffered injuries or from diseases as a result of their military service may originally have received treatment on the battlefield or in field hospitals. Further treatment may have been provided at regular military or civilian hospitals, and I have seen books and indexes in libraries concerning these facilities. One such book is “Florida Old Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Home” published in 1929. Other books concern themselves with the doctors and surgeons who treated the Confederate sick and wounded military personnel, both in the South and in Union prisoner-of-war camps... Read More

July 15, 2011

The Southern Cross of Honor

Over the last several months, on genealogical mailing lists to which I subscribe, I've seen discussions about "The Southern Cross of Honor." Questions have arisen about its origin, when it was awarded, and what the meaning of the inscription on it means. I'd like to discuss the background of this medal. . ." this week...

The United Daughters of the Confederacy
Following the U.S. Civil War, many women in the South worked hard to rehabilitate the country and the economy, and most of all to help its Confederate veterans. For three decades following the war, these local women's groups did their utmost to recognize the sacrifices made by their soldiers. Among their other efforts for veterans and their families, they raised money to erect monuments, set tombstones in cemeteries, and to maintain graves. Two of the local organizations came into existence as early as 1890, the Daughters of the Confederacy in Missouri, and the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Confederate Soldiers Home in Tennessee.

On 10 September 1894, the United Daughters of the Confederacy was...

July 14, 2011

Vital Records: Massachusetts, 1600s-1800s

The depth and quality of information contained in Massachusetts vital records is more significant than any other state. Although Massachusetts did not develop a centralized system of collecting vital information until 1844, they did require that towns collect vital records (births and deaths) very early on. Though sometimes incomplete and varying in accuracy, the importance of this data set cannot be over-emphasized... Request a Free Lookup From This Database.

July 13, 2011

Indiana Deaths, 1882-1920

Trace your turn-of-the-century ancestors with information on approximately 886,000 individuals whose deaths were recorded in Indiana. Originally compiled by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), this collection covers 67 of Indiana's 92 counties... Request a Free Lookup From This Database.

July 11, 2011

Rhode Island Vital Records, 1500s-1800s

Referencing approximately 550,000 individuals, this database includes pages of 20 volumes of the Rhode Island Genealogical Register and 13 volumes of Rhode Island Vital Records. 


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July 10, 2011

The 1918 Influenza: No Ordinary Case of the Flu

William Sanders probably wondered when the horror would end. The Carter County, Missouri resident watched his 14-year-old son, Leonard, die on October 8, 1918. Two days later, his 21-year-old son, Willie, died, followed by 7-year-old Timon, 15-year-old Simon, 3-year-old Dallas, and finally 17-year-old Maude. He lost six children in a span of nine days. Ten days later his 48-year-old wife Sarah died, leaving William a widower with three children under the age of 10... Read More

July 9, 2011

Fraudulent Genealogy

There are many reasons that people create fraudulent genealogies:

1. Family members that are trying to hide something or trying to impress someone by making the family history a little more impressive. These stories are then innocently passed down by future generations of family members.

2. Amateur genealogists who have limited genealogical or historical skills and accept others' work without any additional research. Sometimes an amateur is anxious to connect to someone "important" and forces a connection that really is not there.

3. Professional genealogists who are not thorough enough with their research or are not up-to-date "genealogically".

4. A professional crook who's trying... Read More

July 7, 2011

Archives Adds 17 Million U.S. Vital and Military Records

Archives adds 17 million new records for you to search! 


Search now. http://bit.ly/njVlcQ

New York Deaths, 1700s-1900s

This information derives from a great variety of local sources including cemeteries, churches, newspapers, and town records. Because it originated with local sources, the information included here is especially valuable and would otherwise be quite difficult to find.

Knowing the date and location of a vital event such as a death, you can determine where to follow up with additional research. For example, you may wish to write to the county to obtain copies of the original records. Original death records can provide you with information such as the names of the individual's parents and the name of a surviving spouse, if any. The birth and death dates and locations may also allow you to find newspaper announcements about the person's birth or death, which may provide more details about the family.

July 6, 2011

The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine, Vols. 1-39, 1650-1900s

Published by the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania, the Magazine is distributed semi-annually to its members. This scholarly journal contains book reviews, methodological case studies, discussions of major resources, family histories and genealogies, and research guides... Request a Free Lookup From This Database.

July 4, 2011

The National Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vols. 1-85, 1600s-1900s


Among the oldest and most widely respected genealogical journals, the NGS Quarterly contains methodological case studies, discussions of major resources, compiled family histories and genealogies, and guides to research.

Originally published between 1908 and 1997, the essays collected here include information on more than 701,000 individuals...  Request a Free Lookup From This Database.

July 3, 2011

Maryland Genealogical Society Bulletin, Volumes 1-38

Each volume includes historical and genealogical material, family charts from personal and public records, transcribed public-domain documents, letters to the editor as well as queries and answers. Published by the Maryland Genealogical Society, the Bulletin is distributed quarterly to its members and contains family history information from the 1600s to the 1900s. The essays and articles collected in this database include information on approximately 240,000 individuals... Request a Free Lookup From This Database.

July 1, 2011

Massachusetts, 1620-1930 Local and Family Histories


This database contains seventeen comprehensive volumes of Massachusetts local and family histories. Many of the volumes were published in small quantities or for limited distribution and have previously been hard to find and research. They contain information on approximately 192,000 Massachusetts residents and their families, often referencing family members from other states, such as Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, and Maine.

On this database you can find historical information from the following towns and their early settlers and residents: Canton, Clinton, Dedham, Duxbury, Millbury, Newburyport, Northampton, Roxbury, Salem, and Watertown.

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