Most U.S. census records have been indexed and are searchable online. There are a few exceptions, of course, and besides, it is sometimes helpful to see a full page of entries wherein “clusters” of people with common heritage show up. Census records are critical for placing ancestors in a particular place at a particular time[…]Read more
The Ultimate Guide Mastering FamilySearch, by Dana Ann Palmer is full of special techniques and workarounds for finding someone on FamilySearch. Chapter Three alone is full of such helpful tips. For example, if you cannot find Mary Johnson in any of the records on FamilySearch, try searching for one or more of her family members.[…]Read more
Since the 12th century, the kings of England had laid claim to Ireland and had attempted to settle English colonists there. This had been opposed by the indigenous population, who for centuries struggled with the invaders. The only notable Scottish presence in Ireland during the medieval period was from 1315-1318, when Robert Bruce, who had successfully[…]Read more
“Genealogy Pointers” asked author Kenneth Virgil to describe the multi-year process required to identify the Revolutionary War veterans who who were awarded Badges of Distinction for years of service in that conflict. As you will see, it took not only curiosity and persistence on Mr. Virgil’s part but also a rather specific skill set and[…]Read more
Every genealogist hopes someday to find the identity of his or her immigrant ancestor. For sheer excitement in genealogy, there’s nothing quite like discovering who brought your family to the U.S. and learning what compelled or inspired the family to make a new life for themselves in North America. The genealogist’s fascination with the immigration[…]Read more
America is marking the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the American Revolution, and we are over a year in doing so. The famous “shot heard round the world” refers to the un-named British soldier or Massachusetts militiaman who first opened fire at the Battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775. Although we will never[…]Read more
“Over 650 immigrants to the American colonies have carried royal ancestry to their descendants. More than 165 of them settled in New England, and 387 came here in the colonial period. Of these latter immigrants, moreover, 180 left 10 or more descendants who were notable in American history. Not only does Massachusetts Governor Thomas Dudley[…]Read more
Lori Samuelson writes the blog, “Genealogy at Heart,” and in her final posting for April she published a review of Darcie Hind Posz’ new book, Ancestoring: Understanding Records, Family, and Ourselves. Simply put, where authors and publishers are concerned, it doesn’t get any better than this. Please read on: “Book Review: Ancestoring: Understanding Records, Family,[…]Read more
The National Genealogical Society bestows its annual Jacobus Award upon the finest work of genealogical scholarship of the preceding year. It would be hard to find a more deserving winner of its coveted Jacobus Award than the 1988 selection, Pioneers of Old Monocacy: The Early Settlement of Frederick County, Maryland 1721-1743, by Grace L. Tracey[…]Read more
Linda MacLachlan’s book, Finding Early Connecticut Vital Records: The Barbour Index and Beyond, identifies the original sources of the millions of early Connecticut vital records abstracted in the famous Barbour Index of Connecticut Vital Records. It names hundreds of books, manuscripts, and articles not referenced by Barbour, and points the researcher to thousands of additional[…]Read more
