The Arizona Memory Project is a project of the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records. The site provides access to a wealth of primary source documents, photographs, maps and other multimedia items showcasing Arizona’s past and present. A specific collection can be searched (of which there are over 270) or a general search of … Continue reading Discover … The Arizona Memory Project
Category: How To
He registered for the Draft but did he serve? Using Ancestry’s new collection U.S., Army Transport Service, Passenger Lists, 1910-1939
Ancestry’s new collection U.S., Army Transport Service, Passenger Lists, 1910-1939, consists of passenger lists detailing all those departing from or arriving at U.S. ports on Army Transport ships. World War 1 Draft registrations show who registered for the draft but that does not mean they served. The Army Transport Services Lists show the men enlisted … Continue reading He registered for the Draft but did he serve? Using Ancestry’s new collection U.S., Army Transport Service, Passenger Lists, 1910-1939
Memories in Our Genes?
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?
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
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 