Court records can expand our family research in unexpected ways. We often spend decades of our lives researching our roots and only pension records come close to the amazing finds I’ve had in the many records of the court. Here’s a great example of how doing reasonably exhaustive research (which includes relevant court records at […]
Good Work at the Post Office
Almost every family has an ancestor or relative who worked for the U.S. Post Office. Shown above is a nice photo of my cousin Eugene Prather in his postal uniform with one of his co-workers. Lately, I’ve been revisiting the post office records I got from the National Archives in Washington, DC about 20 years […]
Using Ledgers and Account Books
Recently, I got re-acquainted with the joys of a little utilized genealogical source: the store ledger. A wonderful local historian in Somerset County, Maryland shared ledger pages of a store in the community where my Eastern Shore ancestors lived for over 150 years. Here is a ledger page showing the 1859 purchases of “John Waters […]
A Terrific Newspaper Table
The fact that I still read actual newspapers every day marks me as over a certain age, for sure. I suppose old habits die hard. But the joy of newspaper research never gets old. My problem is that they are also being digitized at a rate much faster than I can keep track of easily. […]
Recharge Your Genealogy Research in 2024
I’m starting off this year filled with gratitude, and hope all of you enjoyed the holiday season with your friends and family! I’ve got several genealogy research goals I’m excited to start work on this year. As reviewed my own plans, I thought I’d share five ideas and thoughts for all researchers looking to upgrade […]
And Her Increase
Nothing hits me harder than these three words. Some version of this phrase is often found in the wills of enslavers, designed to give away children who were not even yet conceived. Enslaved women’s wombs enriched generations of enslavers, both giving life and bringing death in so many ways. It’s a concept that still haunts […]
WWI Soldier Pictures and More
Soldier William Dumas of Wilcox Co., Alabama, died between 8 March and 15 November 1918 while at Camp McClennan, AL. His family sent in the picture above and filled out a biographical questionnaire about his life. But that wasn’t the only picture they sent. They also submitted this: The letter enclosed with the photo describes […]
Undivided Interest in Deed Records
It is no secret that I am a huge proponent of researching deed records. I have previously discussed them in this blog and I have a webinar that teaches these records. Yes, deeds can be contain boring, lengthy descriptions of land, but when you find one that uses the phrase “undivided interest,” oh baby! You […]
The Tough Stuff of History for Genealogi...
The 13 volumes of the Ku-Klux Congressional Testimony (part of the Serial Set) illustrate well the continuing divide in our country. I blogged about these records in 2016. These records are an incredible source of information for all genealogists trying to understand the issues at stake during Reconstruction, issues that extend into today. Hundreds of […]
Enslaved Ancestor Found Using 1914 Ad
It was while recently writing about Mike Fendricks’ family that I made one of the biggest discoveries in 25 years. I recovered the identity of my 2nd great-grandmother, an enslaved woman named Salina Sherrod. It was my favorite gift this year! This discovery illustrated two concepts I often recommend. First, everyone should write up their […]