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Genealogy Archive Section
You are hot on the trail of an ancestor but have lost the trail in a certain area...
The story of a genealogist's life!
If you haven't already done so, familiarize yourself with general migration patterns. When doing this, don't overlook the Native American migrations and/or any other minority group. This may be of help in deciding what geographical area to look in next.
Revisiting the ancestor that has disappeared. If the migration routes didn't help, become a student of history. In addition to general migration, different "happenings in history" may have some bearing on where families moved - both from and to. Leads can be something as small as a house (prairie, etc.) fire recorded in a regional publication. Sometimes whole congregations moved, or even a particular family member was wanted by the law.
Have you checked in adjoining counties and/or states (depending on where they were) for some record of lost ancestors? In the past, it was common to go to the nearest (or in the case of mountains, rivers, etc.) place to record records, not necessarily the "correct" place. In addition, what may be one county in this century, may not have been the same county in the time period you are looking in.
Having trouble deciphering old records? In addition to spidery hand (which can't be helped) and bad reproduction (you might seek out another copy - even in microfilm), a culprit may be differing styles of writing. Check out information on old handwriting. One example if the instance of double s's (ss) was often written like a misshapen lowercase cursive "f"...
If your lost ancestor is missing during a particular time period, find out if there are any lineal organizations for that time period such as Daughters/Sons/Children of the American Revolution (3 different organizations). Contact a local chapter to see if they are able to help with your problem.
For lost ancestors, have you tried looking in alternate church records? While a family may be or have been devoutly a particular religion, especially during frontier settlement, they may have been a part of a different congregation.
Though it is real easy, don't fall into a "parent trap". While getting oral history including stories, dates, relations is an invaluable tool for the beginning genealogist (indeed, a great book starting activity), always take the time to obtain records for all information gained in this manner. This record search can be something you do with the relative providing the information or independently.
If you are stumped - another lost ancestor - renew your efforts to find further documentation on the family members you have verified. One never knows when a notation in records for children, brothers, etc. will give your the lead you need to locate that lost link.
If you have a family story stating you are related to a certain person (Daniel Boon, Thomas Jefferson, King Henry VIII, etc.). but have not been able to get your research back in time past a certain ancestor, don't fall into the "missing link" trap. Many genealogists, especially those who have taken up research without any training or guidance will simply skip this lost ancestor and pick up research with who they "are sure" is this ancestor's parents. People have done untold research on other people's families in this manner - not their own. While it is tempting to try and "reverse engineer" the pedigree in this manner, it rarely works.
Basic research rule that is most commonly overlooked - no matter how much material you check, keep a record of what you have checked.
Basic research rule that is almost as most commonly overlooked - cite your sources. Make sure when you locate a document, reference, or listing that you take detailed information about not only what reference you were using, but where and when it was found.
Keep these rules in mind and your search may be a much more orderly and enjoyable experience :o)
While becoming that student of history we have already suggested, is your lost ancestor in America during the time the US was giving out free land to it's citizens? If so, your next stop should be the homestead records! This little utilized collection of documents and information is housed at the national archives and has not been reproduced or indexed in any wide reaching way. The Homestead National Monument has begun exploring the best way to augment NARA general paper preservation process by replicating them in Nebraska.
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Make your reservation now and attend our October Genealogy Retreat :o)
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If you haven't done so already, check http://www.usgenweb.com for resources available in your area you need researched - the same for http://www.worldgenweb.com
Use any information you can find through LDS as a starting point. Information supplied by members are not always totally documented. Always construct your own burden of proof.
Stumped? Are your organized? It may sound silly, but unless you organize all your notes into something that anyone could walk in and look something up in, you may have numerous clues to your missing data already. Organize your family data, proof, lists of where searched, correspondence - everything. The computer is great because you may choose to even cross reference easily :o)
Cyndi Howells maintains an extensive list of many genealogy resources and aids at http://www.cyndislist.com For those that haven't worked much with this great site, it is a in-depth list of links, both free resources/items and for purchase/subscription. There is very little actual original content/resources on Cyndi's List itself, but it it a great road map.
Look to local organizations, senior/ethnic/church centers, colleges, libraries, trade schools, etc. to see what type (if any) genealogy instruction/teachers they have and/or offer. You may be surprised at the active genealogy community you find.
Have you checked out alternate Census options? Don't discount all census that were taken - in addition to state and federal options there are/were agricultural, etc. at different time periods.
Though you are probably already using US Gen Web Project (see previous tip), have you added your query/queries to the email lists that correspond geographically to your problem area(s)? To get started, go to the county in question. We suggest you then subscribe to their email list (see below for definition). If you prefer not to, email the county coordinator with your query and request it be added to the email list.
Have an "ancestor swap". Have a pre-determined time period that you and a fellow researcher (or group) works on your line while you work on theirs. This can sometimes produce better results than just "picking their brain" for helpful suggestions on a problem you have.
Can't see yourself subscribing to a lot of online pay services such as Ancestry? Check you local libraries and genealogical collections that are "online". Many strong collections already subscribe to some extent for their patrons.
Don't forget when searching the census that several "schedules" exist for different time periods. If available, use them together. For instance, if you find someone on a mortality schedule, you will probably be able to find them on the main census. Mortality listings also point to other non-census places that may have information such as death records, obituaries and funeral home records.
Many people when researching forget to use reference materials in concert. While this sounds strange, sometimes it doesn't even cross their minds. Example: Found the ancestor in the census but that year doesn't have everything you want (or you prefer more than one documented source) - look in other state, county, and local records as well as local newspapers. Could they have belonged to a local church or (fraternal) organization? Don't leave these out of the search!
Come to hear Cyndi Howells (http://www.cyndislist.com) at our annual event October 16, 2004 in Grove Oklahoma.
Click here for more details.Don't isolate yourself. Work toward building a large network of genealogical friends and acquaintances. Attend meetings, workshops/seminars & fairs, if you are online - join an email list or two, etc. The larger the net you cast, the more help you can get back!
Volume 3, Number 12 - NA
As you re-established family connections over the holidays, don't let them slide. Try to maintain a correspondence of some type with everyone. You never know when some new bit of information may surface through general communication.
Consider making digital copies of all photos. This can be accomplished by scanning or taking digital photos of the photographs. This way they can be filed and shared more easily. Also, for identifying help, once they are digitized, they can be submitted online to http://www.deadfred.com for help, etc.
If you or your family have been collecting documentation for quite sometime, you should consider replacing your copies that are over 20 years old. As each copy loses clarity, it is suggested preservation photocopying should be considered to reduce the times the copy will need re-copied. For more information visit the Library of Congress online.
Sometimes there is no substitute for the effort you could put in researching off the computer and outside of your home. Sometimes this takes the form of traipsing to cemeteries and court houses. Other times it means taking a trip (sometimes consisting of several days) to a targeted or major research repository.
When a repository trip is called for, consider traveling with other researchers. Most groups take travel time as "sounding board" time. It's also nice to know someone else already when you enter a repository - even if it everyone's first trip. General research trips are offered through lots of places, from a school, library, organization, researcher travel agent, to us: http://www.gregathcompany.com/tours!
When a cemetery/court house trip is needed, go ahead and ask for research travel companions (make an announcement at all your research related organizational meetings, poll you email address book, etc.), you never know who may want to go - for their own research, or just to "get away" for a bit.
Still looking for that lost ancestor? When you run across the right surname in a general area at the correct time, never discard this information. This data may be the same family (yea!) or different (boo!), but one can rarely tell when finding the data originally. Likewise, a group that appears not to be related when the information is found, may be related and you uncover the link ten years later. Don't rely on research data sheets to go back and find information you uncovered 20 years ago: records get misplaced, misfiled, moved, go through natural deterioration, in some cases are discarded or destroyed, not to mention acts of God or vandalism.
When preparing for a genealogy trip, always check to see what information is available online for the repository. In some cases, the card catalog may be available. In others, you may apply for a users card and, once it has arrived, even be able to schedule pulls so that your books will be waiting for you at the desk when you arrive at a given repository.
Don't overlook your local and regional genealogy events, retreats, genealogy, ancestor or book fairs! While networking and finding hot leads are traditionally considered when attending ancestor fairs, you never know when you'll meet someone researching one or more of your lines at any genealogy or family event. When preparing to go consider having a name badge or ribbon (or even a shirt) made that details at least your main research lines. Some events provide bulletin boards, chat areas, etc. - but it never hurts to increase your chances to "go above and beyond" planned activities to search out other researchers on your line.
A lot of LDS research resources are available through local LDS Churches. "Stake Libraries" in your local LDS family history center can order any microfilm available in Salt Lake City +++ All this, without having to sit in front of your computer all day.
Don't forget as fuel prices rise and we turn to our computers more and more, to document. Sometimes there is no substitute for a research trip. Sometimes volunteers, such as the network at http://www.usgenweb.org can help.
Don't forget as fuel prices rise and we turn to our computers more and more, to document. Sometimes there is no substitute for a research trip. Sometimes volunteers, such as the network at http://www.usgenweb.org can help.
As we look toward the holidays, many genealogists put their genealogical "hobby" on the back burner as they prepare to gather with family and celebrate. This is exactly the time you should keep genealogy in the forefront! Don't be a pest by asking the same questions every time you see someone. However, it is a great time to re-establish old connections with holiday cards, calls and notes. Keep your oral history files in mind as everyone sits around and "visits".
Retrieving Data on Thermal Paper
By Alice Syman in Saint Augustine, Florida, USA
I have some old files containing faxes on that old fax [thermal] paper
that eventually fades. I heard that there was some type of light that
would restore them, but couldn't find out the name and probably couldn't
have afforded it anyway. I wondered, what is it that restores them --
light or heat or a combination of both and possibly with something else.
I turned on a burner on my gas stove and began running the paper, print
side down, back and forth over the flame. When I saw a strip of paper
turning dark I looked and eureka! I could read almost every word of the
print, typed and handwritten. A miracle. I was able to send an adopted
person information about his adoption that he had lost long ago.
This has to be done slowly and carefully and the flame shouldn't be too
high because one can get a nasty burn. I placed the restored copies in
clear sheets. How long they will be legible, I don't know. But they'll
last at least until one can transcribe the information from them.
I sent this bit of info to many other researchers. To date none have
said they knew about it already. I would be interested to know from your
readers if I was just way behind the times on this valuable (to me)
secret.
Previously published in RootsWeb Review: 12 October 2005, Vol. 8, No. 41
While no staff has tried this resource, a group of researchers have started a business to help locate and obtain UK (England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) birth, marriage or death certificates.
http://www.bmd-certificates.co.uk - no longer a good link
This is a Pay Service, and we do not endorse this site and their services in any way. This is an FYI resource listing.
Always be aware of nicknames and name derivatives. While looking for Gertie, don't discount any Marguerites, etc. Even if the family tradition states that Mel is a person's given Christian name, don't ignore a Melvin if its near the right place and/or time.
Always be sure to double check with your library to see if they participate in an inter-library loan program. Many books/microform, etc. you may be interested in researching from may be available through one of these programs. Many libraries do ask for payment to help defray postage for this service.
Dollarhide's
Rules for Genealogy
///////////////////////////////
Thanks to: William Dollarhide
http://www.dollarhide.org/page_billw.htm
"Always interview brothers and sisters together in the same room -- since they
can't agree on anything about the family tree, it makes for
great fun to see who throws the first punch."
"It is a known fact that St. Peter checks all your Family Group Sheets for
accuracy before you are allowed to enter the Pearly Gates."
Previously published in RootsWeb Review: 23 November 2005, Vol. 8, No. 47.
In the world of MP3 players and multi-media computers, consider looking into podcasts for further information. The Genealogy Guys do a weekly podcast (broadcast online that can be listened to at any time/on demand) that is a pleasure to listen to - as well as having great genealogy information. If you are an oral learner (you have to be told, rather than reading, or experimenting), podcasts are a blessing, and many can be accessed at no fee. Do you find you have the radio on most of the time "in the background"? Download a podcast - or several - and you'll have the most effective "learning by osmosis" as you can get. Podcasts can be found online for a variety of subjects - even computers and software. This can also be a targeted value added service if played at a customer service related venue. The patrons of the Muskogee, Oklahoma Library (Genealogy Department) already enjoy this feature! Search podcasts out with your favorite search engine, or query your eList(s) for recommendations.
FAMILY HEALTH HISTORY: Know your past; protect your future!
To help families talk about and share their family health history, the Utah Department of Health developed a free Family Health History Toolkit. The toolkit contains a pedigree chart, fun ideas, and talking points you can use with family members to collect about your family health history.
From Federation of Genealogical Societies "FGS Delegate Digest" Volume 13, No. 9, July 2006
Every Genealogist Needs a Will by Frederick E. Moss, J.D., LL.M
From Federation of Genealogical Societies "FGS Delegate Digest" Volume 13, No. 9, July 2006
Genealogists may have come to appreciate the value of wills as a source of information to future generations. Lawyers will normally include the basic information declaring the testator’s name and domicile and will address the testator’s wishes for the disposition of his property to named beneficiaries. Our legal training will not always direct our attention to the information-sharing and preservation opportunity that the drafting of a will provides.
Discuss with your lawyer the possibility of including what I have called a three-generation declaration similar to the following:
Part of a genealogy or history related service or social organization? Consider having an ancestor round table. Everyone bring their knowledge and an ancestor. In turn, each give a brief case study of the ancestor and ask for suggestions of your fellows. If you have enough members interested, it could even be open to the public as a membership event, or fund raiser.
Check with your local library, even if they don't have a large genealogy section, to see what online services they offer. Don't stop with your hometown library! Check other libraries that neighbor your "home" library's service area. Not all library's are aware of what other near by library's offer. It may be worth a trip to get a library card for the services the offer from their website that you can take advantage from your home computer.
Don't forget to ask for family data updates in your end of year holiday mailings. So many of us put off adding family information to our working files because it can be done later. Sometimes this turns into loosing information. Remember to include your new family data in these mailings as well. This can be done as a separate sheet that can be easily discarded for those non-genealogy oriented family members.
Check with your local library, even if they don't have a large genealogy section, to see what online services they offer. They can assist you with using WorldCat (http://www.worldcat.org) to see where the closest copy of particular books are available in public collections.
The following was published in The Arkansas Genealogical Society E-zine, Volume 1, Number 4 (November 2006)
Contributed by Carolyn Earle Billingsley
Tips for Arkansas Researchers
Adding images to your family history should be part of every genealogist's repertoire. Images like maps, pedigree charts, diagrams, and photos add interest and a personal touch to your research. But how many of you have thought about postcards?
Sometimes you don't have an image of your grandfather visiting the courthouse, but you can still spice up your family history with a postcard image of that courthouse. In my case, for example, I don't have a photo of my parents sitting on the steps of the high school where they graduated back in the 1940s, but I was able to find a postcard of the school that dated to that era.
You might be surprised how many post cards there are out there. E-bay is an excellent place for finding them.
And now Ancestry.com has a large collection of postcards
online. Here's their press release about this new collection:
Source Information: Ancestry.com. Historical Postcards Collection, c. 1893-1963
[database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2006. Original data:
Mary Martin Postcards (www.MaryLMartin.com),
Perryville, MD, USA.
About Historical Postcards Collection, c. 1893-1963:
This database contains approximately 50,000 postcards dating from about 1893-1963. About three-quarters of the postcards contain pictures from places within the United States, while the remaining fourth contains pictures from abroad. Information provided about each postcard includes:
Place information (city/town, county, state/province,
country)
Caption
Postcard era (year range from which the postcard may be
dated)
This database is primarily useful for obtaining a photograph or picture of a specific place in time. If you do not already have pictures of the places your ancestors lived, historical postcards are a good alternative to personal photos.
Ancestry's collection even has an old postcard of the church my great-grandparents belonged to in Little Rock-and over 500 postcards of a variety of Arkansas sites. I especially liked the 1915 card of the old Confederate Soldiers Home, which has long since been torn down. The image includes the back side of the card, with the written message was written, along with the old stamp and the postmark.
So look around your relatives' houses, poke around flea markets, search the Internet, peruse e-Bay, and check out Ancestry.com for images to fill in those gaps in your family's pictorial history.
No one is an island - get involved. One of the easiest ways to grow and learn as a researcher is to get out there and interact with other researchers. Book learning not your thing? The more friends you have, the more information they can give you in an informal setting. Try genealogy, history, lineal, and other service organizations!
Have you checked out PERSI lately? It is available through HeritageQuest. WHile this is a subscription program, many libraries with strong genealogy programs allow access on site, and some do from your home. More about PERSI from the Allen County Public Library (http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/genealogy/persi.html):
"The Periodical Source Index, or PERSI, is the largest
subject index to genealogical and historical periodical articles in the world.
Created by the foundation and department staff of the Genealogy Center of the
library here in Fort Wayne, Indiana, PERSI is widely recognized as being a vital
source for genealogical researchers.
PERSI is a comprehensive subject index covering genealogy and local history
periodicals written in English and French (Canada) since 1800. The time period
of the articles ranges from the 1700s to the present. More than 1.8 million
index entries from nearly ten thousand titles are represented by this work.
If you are in one of the fourteen Allen County Public Library facilities, you
may search the PERSI resource by clicking on “E-Resources” on the main webpage <www.ACPL.Info>
and scrolling down to “HeritageQuestOnline.” Clicking on that link and then
choosing the “Search PERSI” option with open the index for you. If you do not
live in Allen County, IN, check with your local library about the availability
of HeritageQuestOnline in your area."
Network, Network, Network
Two UK Newspapers Now Available Online
The "Guardian," a famous UK newspaper, and the "Observer," the world's
first Sunday newspaper, are going digital.
So far, issues of the "Guardian" from 1821-1975 and the "Observer"
from 1900-1975 are available. In early 2008, both of the newspapers
will be online in their entirety (from 1821 for the former and 1791
for the latter). Both newspapers are searchable. Searching is free,
but you must buy a timed access pass to view entire articles.
Visit the "Guardian" website for more information:
http://archive.guardian.co.uk/Default/Skins/DigitalArchive/Client.asp?Skin=DigitalArchive&enter=true&AW=1194298449025&AppName=2
Previously published in RootsWeb Review: 7 November 2007, Vol. 10, No. 45
The Registry of War Ration Books, including 83 Canadian
books can be found at the link below. For those of you not familiar with food
rationing, during World War Two the government issued ration stamps in books to
each family member. There were four series of books, and there was a
complicated maze of instructions (typically published in the newspaper) as to
which stamps were valid at any given time.
Prior to this project at Genealogy Today, the largest known private collection
of ration books was a 900-book collection housed in Colorado. The registry was
approaching 5,000 books (early October 2007), and is expected to double again in
2008. In addition to the books being collected,
contributions from visitors to the web site are helping expand the database and
ensure these interesting genealogical documents get properly archived.
To view the images, visit this page and search for surnames:
Index of War Ration Books
http://genealogytoday.com/guide/war-ration-books.html
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May 05, 2008
