What makes people different from each other? What made our ancestors different from each other? Why are some people happy and optimistic, able to weather any storm with great inner fortitude? And what makes some people anxious and pessimistic, susceptible to depression? No doubt our ancestors displayed these same variations in character. Are those character … Continue reading Memories in Our Genes?
Author: kindredpast
Using the Arizona Territorial Census
Arizona Territorial Census records are unique in that they fall in the interim years between federal censuses. Arizona became a U.S. territory on February 24, 1863. By February 1864 Milton B. Duffield, U.S. Marshall for Arizona, provided instructions for the first census to be taken. The information collected on the census varies from year … Continue reading Using the Arizona Territorial Census
A Closer Look at a Probate Record
Probate documents are created by a court after an individual's death. They relate to the distribution of the deceased’s estate and often contain information of great genealogical value. One of the records created at probate is often a list of creditors and accounts of debts owed. At first glance these may not seem of as … Continue reading A Closer Look at a Probate Record
Know the History, Know the Records
Searching for a family in the 1890 U.S. census may leave you feeling very frustrated. That’s because the 1890 Census was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1921. If you are researching in Appomattox County, Virginia it is vital to know that a fire destroyed much of the county court records in 1892. If you … Continue reading Know the History, Know the Records
What’s in a (Maiden) Name?
Many years ago I received the birth certificate for my great-grandfather James Thomas, born in Medomsley, County Durham, England in 1862. I knew his parents to be William and Susan Thomas, but I had not been able to find Susan’s maiden name. I eagerly opened the envelope anticipating the beautifully written maiden name of my … Continue reading What’s in a (Maiden) Name?
Prepare to Search: Lessons in Avoiding Wasted Research Time
Frustrated by a lack of progress in my research today I took a moment to try to figure out exactly what had contributed to that feeling of discouragement. We all have those days – our research seems to hit a brick wall almost immediately and we can’t find a way around it. We’re not finding … Continue reading Prepare to Search: Lessons in Avoiding Wasted Research Time
Using the ‘Find A Will’ Service from England’s Gov.UK
As genealogist’s we know the value of probate records in our research. Probate records are court records made after the death of an individual and relate to how that person’s estate is dispersed, the directions to heirs and creditors and the care of dependents. There are numerous records created during the probate process including wills, … Continue reading Using the ‘Find A Will’ Service from England’s Gov.UK
The Life of a Miner: from County Durham, England to Kimberley, South Africa.
I have always been fascinated by the life of my great-grandfather John Bellas. Born into a coal mining family originally from Flintshire, Wales, he spent his entire life working down the mines. John was born in 1859 in St Giles, County Durham, England. He was the third child and first son for David Bellis and … Continue reading The Life of a Miner: from County Durham, England to Kimberley, South Africa.
You’ve Watched the Webinar. Now What?
Today the Board for Certification of Genealogists presented a series of educational webinars, hosted by Legacy Family Tree, on a variety of topics. The information was excellent, with many notes taken and the downloaded syllabi added substantially to my ‘to read’ list. Webinars are excellent ways to add to our genealogical education. Each week there … Continue reading You’ve Watched the Webinar. Now What?
Tracking a Family with City Directories and Voter Registration Indexes
City Directories and Voter Registration indexes can supplement our research and help track individuals over time and place. They are both often overlooked as a source of genealogical information. To illustrate the use of City Directories and Voter Registration records let’s use the McNelly family of San Francisco, California. At first glance, the information I … Continue reading Tracking a Family with City Directories and Voter Registration Indexes
KindredPast 