Desperately Seeking: Locating Lost Family in Newspaper Advertisements

In the 19th and early 20th centuries the mass migration of people meant that many families were divided, with some members moving, often thousands of miles away to foreign shores, and some members left behind in the home country. The unpredictable and slow-moving postage system meant that extended family members could go months and years … Continue reading Desperately Seeking: Locating Lost Family in Newspaper Advertisements

Using Newspapers to Uncover an Emigrant’s Journey

Newspapers are incredibly valuable for genealogical research. They help put the flesh on the bones of our ancestors. Through newspapers we gain a little insight into the times in which our ancestors lived. Newspapers can also help find the story of your emigrant ancestors. Many are full of information on ship arrivals and departures, what … Continue reading Using Newspapers to Uncover an Emigrant’s Journey

‘Where there’s a (contested) will …Thomas Lantry of St. Lawrence Co., New York

Well known as one of the first settlers in Massena, St. Lawrence county, New York, Thomas Lantry died at the age of 98 in August 1887. 1 He left an estate of some $35 000.00, equivalent to approximately $890 000.00 today. For the thirty years previous to Thomas’ death, he had been living with his … Continue reading ‘Where there’s a (contested) will …Thomas Lantry of St. Lawrence Co., New York

Using Family Stories in Our Research

Family stories, lore, myths or legends. It doesn't matter what you call them. Every family has one, or many.  Don't we all want to know if they are true or not? Use a family story as a beginning point in your research and locate additional records to determine just how true (or false!) it may … Continue reading Using Family Stories in Our Research