Instead of making a long old list of genealogical goals for the new year, the completion of specific projects, how about simply resolving to write down the assumptions you have made about a person, family, time period, etc. before trying to work on any brick wall problem.
That might make the completion of your genealogy goals easier-regardless of what they are..
31 December 2011
28 December 2011
A Professional Genealogist
I've been ignoring much of the conversation on the Association of Professional Genealogists' Mailing list lately. And I think it's going to stay that way.
I'm not even going to comment here on the discussion--blog readers most really likely don't care to read paragraph after paragraph on the topic. So I will keep it short.
I don't take research clients. I don't think that's a problem. And I don't think it makes me unprofessional.
I don't have a degree in history, sociology, political science, library science, etc. I don't think it's wrong that I have the "wrong" degree either.
There are quite a few people who subscribe to my free blogs and to Casefile Clues. Those people qualify as clients on some level. The numbers don't really matter. And while I don't have a degree as listed above, I did manage to stumble though college and complete an MS in mathematics 4.5 years out of high school. And I will say that I saw my fair share of "proof" and "proofs" in more math classes than I can easily recall. You didn't get through Real Analysis without the ability to clearly and completely organize your proof argument.
I'm going to stay out of the discussion about the future of the profession, professionalism, etc. I got stacks of actual work to do as a part of my genealogical "profession."
That probably makes a statement right there.
I'm not even going to comment here on the discussion--blog readers most really likely don't care to read paragraph after paragraph on the topic. So I will keep it short.
I don't take research clients. I don't think that's a problem. And I don't think it makes me unprofessional.
I don't have a degree in history, sociology, political science, library science, etc. I don't think it's wrong that I have the "wrong" degree either.
There are quite a few people who subscribe to my free blogs and to Casefile Clues. Those people qualify as clients on some level. The numbers don't really matter. And while I don't have a degree as listed above, I did manage to stumble though college and complete an MS in mathematics 4.5 years out of high school. And I will say that I saw my fair share of "proof" and "proofs" in more math classes than I can easily recall. You didn't get through Real Analysis without the ability to clearly and completely organize your proof argument.
I'm going to stay out of the discussion about the future of the profession, professionalism, etc. I got stacks of actual work to do as a part of my genealogical "profession."
That probably makes a statement right there.
August 2012 Allen County Library Research Trip
We have released details of our August 2012 group research trip to the Allen County Public Library in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, 1-5 August. Join us! Details are here http://www.casefileclues.com/acpl2012.htm
23 December 2011
January 2012 Genealogy Webinar Schedule Announced
Our series of January 2012 genealogy webinars have been announced:
- Illinois Research
- Using Archive.org
- Newspaper Research
- Tips and Tricks for FamilySearch.org
Sessions are an hour long and registrants who are unable to attend will receive complimentary download links.
Details and registrations can be processed on our website at http://www.casefileclues.com/webinars_neill.htm. Registration is limited.
20 December 2011
1870 Census Search Fixed!
Regular readers know that I've been complaining about the advanced search based upon locations not working on Ancestry.com. I mentioned it a while back on my Genealogy Search Tip blog.
I received confirmation today that it is working--and tried it out myself by looking for people with the last name of Green in Linn County, Missouri. You can click here to take you directly to the search results
This is a big improvement and I'm glad this is now working--the ability to preform searches such as these significantly adds value to the Ancestry.com site. This is especially true for those of us who are looking for people in broader areas with unknown first names, in addition to other search needs.
A partial screen shot is shown below. Those who tried the search before it was fixed will remember that results were coming in from Kentucky, Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
I received confirmation today that it is working--and tried it out myself by looking for people with the last name of Green in Linn County, Missouri. You can click here to take you directly to the search results
This is a big improvement and I'm glad this is now working--the ability to preform searches such as these significantly adds value to the Ancestry.com site. This is especially true for those of us who are looking for people in broader areas with unknown first names, in addition to other search needs.
A partial screen shot is shown below. Those who tried the search before it was fixed will remember that results were coming in from Kentucky, Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
Remember that sometimes when things aren't working, it is user error and sometimes it's not. Thanks to Ancestry.com for fixing the problem.
We'll keep our eyes peeled for other search irregularities. It happens, but it is nice to know that when it does, some squeaking can get it fixed.
19 December 2011
Grandpa and Grandma Married 76 years
 |
| Notice of "Trautretter-Niell" Nuptials from the Mendon [Illinois] Dispatch |
Grandma never told me why they went to Keithsburg to get married, only that Grandpa just got it in his head to go up there. That never made sense to me as from what I was told of my Grandpa Neill doing things on a whim wasn't quite his way. Grandma did tell me that they were chiavari'd by that night--but the newspaper only mentions a wedding dinner.
Grandma told me that she and Grandpa split a bottle of pop and a Snickers bar to celebrate after the ceremony. Times were hard and they didn't have much money. To be honest I didn't even think Snickers bars existed in 1935, but Wikipedia indicates that they did.
It's hard to imagine Grandma as blond, but I'm certain she wasn't always gray-haired. They most likely took an old farm truck or car to Keithsburg. Driving from Loraine (where Grandma was living when she got married), to Keithsburg in 1935 in the middle of December must have been a fun trip.
What is "Reasonably Close?"
I've been thinking about what "reasonably close" means in terms of genealogical research.
I have been working on a relative of my wife's in central Missouri: William Rhodus, born around 1830 in Kentucky. He has been located in 1870, 1880, and 1900 census records. I think I have him in the 1860 census as well and I think the match is "reasonably close."
I used that phrase in Casefile Clues (William's mentioned in an upcoming issue), but I really am not certain exactly what that phrase means?
How many items about William Rhodus serve to distinguish him from other individuals, his name, his date of birth, his place of birth, his wife, etc.? And how many of those elements much match a potential candidate in order for the candidate to really be considered the William Rhodus and be "reasonably close."
Is it 3 out of 4 items? 5 out of 6 items? Over 75%? I'm not precisely certain and I'm not really certain that "reasonably close" can really be defined. We'll be discussing more later as I think it is an important topic.
How many items about William Rhodus serve to distinguish him from other individuals, his name, his date of birth, his place of birth, his wife, etc.? And how many of those elements much match a potential candidate in order for the candidate to really be considered the William Rhodus and be "reasonably close."
Is it 3 out of 4 items? 5 out of 6 items? Over 75%? I'm not precisely certain and I'm not really certain that "reasonably close" can really be defined. We'll be discussing more later as I think it is an important topic.
18 December 2011
Rev. O. R. Bouton Hitches a Couple in Macon County, Missouri
This post is more a series of "notes" to myself so that I don't lose these discoveries I made on this minister while using Google Books. Those who have never used the books at Google (http://books.google.com) are really missing out.
This minister married two of my wife's ancestors in Macon County, Missouri, in 1860. A little Googling for him brought several references, two of which are reproduced here. I also got his entire name after I Googled him, the license only listed his name as O. R. Bouton. It may look like nothing major, but there are some clues here that may explain a few things about the couple he married. Casefile Clues readers will get an additional update in an issue or two. These things were discovered while cleaning up footnotes for the present issue.
This clip comes from this book:
There is a mention of Boughton in a Boughton family history as well, which also mentions when he assumed the presidency of Macon College:
The complete Bouton history can be seen here: We'll have update after I draw some conclusions. I don't normally use blog posts as "scratchpads," but tonight it's the easiest place to put things before I get too distracted with them.
This minister married two of my wife's ancestors in Macon County, Missouri, in 1860. A little Googling for him brought several references, two of which are reproduced here. I also got his entire name after I Googled him, the license only listed his name as O. R. Bouton. It may look like nothing major, but there are some clues here that may explain a few things about the couple he married. Casefile Clues readers will get an additional update in an issue or two. These things were discovered while cleaning up footnotes for the present issue.
This clip comes from this book:
There is a mention of Boughton in a Boughton family history as well, which also mentions when he assumed the presidency of Macon College:
The complete Bouton history can be seen here: We'll have update after I draw some conclusions. I don't normally use blog posts as "scratchpads," but tonight it's the easiest place to put things before I get too distracted with them.
17 December 2011
Images are Sometimes Tied to the Wrong Database
There are not many individuals in Ancestry.com's database with the name of Jurgen Goldenstein. One of them is my uncle (brother to Tjode [Goldenstein] Habben, 1882-1954, my great-grandmother). The other one is likely a cousin.
A search of Ancestry.com indicated several hits in military records for Jurgen which was not surprising. One struck my attention because Jurgen was born in 1903/1904. The reference indicated Jurgen had a muster date of December 1913 in the Marines. I knew my uncle was in the Marines, but the muster year of 1913 would have to imply there was yet another Jurgen.
I've submitted the error report to Ancestry.com, but heaven only knows how long it will take for it to be fixed. Double check and even when Ancestry.com indicates the source of the image that can be incorrect.
Original Image?
Ancestry.com's results screen has a link for "View Original Image." I'm not certain that term is really correct, but that's a blog post for another day.
A search of Ancestry.com indicated several hits in military records for Jurgen which was not surprising. One struck my attention because Jurgen was born in 1903/1904. The reference indicated Jurgen had a muster date of December 1913 in the Marines. I knew my uncle was in the Marines, but the muster year of 1913 would have to imply there was yet another Jurgen.
Alas, there was not. When I viewed the "original image" the heading still said 1913, but it was clear that the records that I was viewing were from later than that as events taking place in 1934, 1937, and 1938 are mentioned. It is not clear from the way Ancestry.com has linked the images, just what roll of microfilm this record is from. I'm guessing it really is for my uncle, but I'll have to do a little digging to make certain. This is the time frame when uncle Jurgen served, but I'll have to correlate everything to make certain this isn't another Jurgen. I really doubt that is the case.
Original Image?
Ancestry.com's results screen has a link for "View Original Image." I'm not certain that term is really correct, but that's a blog post for another day.
16 December 2011
What Type of Minister Is This In 1850
I know the "MEC" stands for Methodist Episcopal Church. I'm trying to decide what that letter in front of the word "Minister" is and what it stands for.
This is part of the 1850 census enumeration of John Rhodus in Breckinridge County, Kentucky. He may have a connection to a William Rhodus on whom I'm been working, but I'm curious about the occupation he has in 1850. The complete image is below.
My Death Benefit Location Comments are Being Shared
I've complained about how Ancestry.com's trees merge the last benefit from the SSDI into the person's death place when integrating the SSDI entry into an online tree at Ancestry.com. My original blog post is here--nothing has changed since it was posted.
I took the simple tact that it was accurate.
The "team" thought it would be helpful to have the death benefit location be put as the death location to "help" researchers.
My comments have been passed on to the folks who work on the development of the trees.
It would be helpful to have the information import accurately.
If I want someone to think for me, I'll start following politics.
I took the simple tact that it was accurate.
The "team" thought it would be helpful to have the death benefit location be put as the death location to "help" researchers.
My comments have been passed on to the folks who work on the development of the trees.
It would be helpful to have the information import accurately.
If I want someone to think for me, I'll start following politics.
Sarah and Susannah-Two 18th Century Virginia Women and Their Property
Sarah and Susannah-Two 18th Century Virginia Women and Their Property -(NEW!)-This presentation discusses the will of a 18th century Virginia woman and how another family "moved" a widow's life estate from one county to another. Priced at $8.50 for immediate download. Includes recording and PDF of handout.
Creating Families from Pre-1850 Census Records-Recorded Webinar
Creating Families from Pre-1850 Census Records -(NEW!)-This presentation discusses how to analyze pre-1850 census records in order to determine the family structure that is suggested by those records. Enumerations for one household between 1810 and 1840 are analyzed in order to determine the number of children, ranges on their years of birth, and ranges on years of birth for the oldest male and oldest female in the household. Priced at $8.50 for immediate download. Includes recording and PDF of handout.
15 December 2011
Pre-1850 Census and 18th Century Virginia Women Webinars
We have two webinars tomorrow-16 Dec-sign up for both today for only $10. Registrants after 6 AM tomorrow CST will get recorded version--not live.http://www.casefileclues.com/
Topics-pre-1850 census and two 18th century Virginia women.
Topics-pre-1850 census and two 18th century Virginia women.
Bedspread Bear
What I do know is that my mother saved the bedspread from a fate that often awaits bedspreads on farms in the Midwest: my dad has used it to cover a tractor in the shed.
14 December 2011
Ancestry.com's SSDI Won't Give Social Security Numbers of People Not Dead Ten Years
It's old news now, but this is posted on the search page of the Social Security Death Index at Ancestry.com:
"Why can’t I see the Social Security Number? If the Social Security Number is not visible on the record index it is because Ancestry.com does not provide this number in the Social Security Death Index for any person that has passed away within the past 10 years."
Others have commented, so I won't repeat that here, but I don't think really does one whit to stop identity theft.
"Why can’t I see the Social Security Number? If the Social Security Number is not visible on the record index it is because Ancestry.com does not provide this number in the Social Security Death Index for any person that has passed away within the past 10 years."
Others have commented, so I won't repeat that here, but I don't think really does one whit to stop identity theft.
Upcoming Events for December and Recorded Sessions
Here's a list of upcoming online events for December:
- December 2012 full-length webinars--pre-1850 Census analysis and Two Virginia Women's Property
- Genealogy Fundamentals--20-25 minute sessions--$1.99 each-topics below:
- Elements of a deed
- Early 19th Century Will
- 1930 Census
- 1880 Census
- 1850 Census
- Early 20th Century Death Certificate
- What’s in a Federal Land Cash Sale File
- Highlights of a Union Civil War Pension
Death Benefit Location is Not Death Location
I'm in a discussion with Ancestry.com over the fact that the trees automatically import the last residence location from the Social Security Death index into the death place of the individual.
I was asked for my suggestion as to how should the death benefit location be handled. Seems pretty easy to me--the last residence location should be labeled as the last residence location because that is what it is.
It doesn't matter if the majority of times it is the same as the death location.
If I were to follow this logic, then for all those ancestors for whom I have an infant christening record, I should just use the location of the church as the place of birth.
I don't think so.
I was asked for my suggestion as to how should the death benefit location be handled. Seems pretty easy to me--the last residence location should be labeled as the last residence location because that is what it is.
It doesn't matter if the majority of times it is the same as the death location.
If I were to follow this logic, then for all those ancestors for whom I have an infant christening record, I should just use the location of the church as the place of birth.
I don't think so.
13 December 2011
Recording of Using "Old Search" at Ancestry.com
We've uploaded our recorded webinar and PDF handout for "Using the Old Search at Ancestry.com" which was completed today. Your order can be processed here for only $2.25.We discuss toggling back and forth between new and old search and some of the features of the old search and reasons why I continue to use it.
The webinar doesn't show my face--instead you hear my voice and see the screen as I perform searches. Fortunately the computer and internet were working well for me today. Obviously to do the searches yourself, you'll need your own Ancestry.com account. We kept the price low on this one to make it affordable for those who've been confused about "old search."
Registered attendees for today's webinar who missed it can get the download at no charge--just email me.
Thanks!
Ancestry.com Not Displaying Some Social Security Numbers on SSDI
Ancestry.com (as of 10:53 AM CST today) is displaying some Social Security numbers in its death index, but not all.
I haven't played with it enough yet, but I'm guessing there is some sort of year cut off. I noted the following:
I haven't played with it enough yet, but I'm guessing there is some sort of year cut off. I noted the following:
- Dorothy Ufkes, died September 2008--no number
- John Ufkes, died December 2003--no number
- Grace Johnson, died June 2000--number shown
- Ida Neill, died July 1994-number shown
- Tena Ufkes, died November 1986--number shown
- Cecil Neill, died December 1968--number shown
I'm guessing, based on my UNSCIENTIFIC sampling (these are my children's great and great-great-grandparents) that the "cutoff" is between June of 2000 and December 2003.
I'd do more experimenting, but other duties call.
But it appears that we are definitely seeing change in what information is being presented from the SSDI from the Ancestry.com family.
SSDI gone from Rootsweb....
They pulled the SSDI from Rootsweb, citing "sensitivities" of the nature of the data.
The SSDI is still free at FamilySearch.
The SSDI is still free at GenealogyBank.
Interesting turn of events. Too much work today for an opinion. But if banks and insurance companies aren't swift enough to make certain applicants are not DEAD, well.....
The SSDI is still free at FamilySearch.
The SSDI is still free at GenealogyBank.
Interesting turn of events. Too much work today for an opinion. But if banks and insurance companies aren't swift enough to make certain applicants are not DEAD, well.....
12 December 2011
Old Search Webinar on Ancestry.com
We've talked about the "old search" on Ancestry.com. That blog post shows you how to get it on your own Ancestry.com site (assuming you have a personal Ancestry.com account).
I like the old search and tomorrow (Tuesday 13, December-at 1:30 PM--PACIFIC) afternoon is free on my schedule, so I've decided to set up a demonstration of what the old search will do, how to use it and some neat aspects of it. There's a reason why some of us like it. And the price of $1.50 can't be beat (we do have to pay the webinar hosting service something--they don't let us do these things for free). We will go through examples of using the old search--demonstration is the best way.
You can register and reserve your seat here for only $1.50. Confirmations with website link will be sent Tuesday morning.
Join us...and learn how to use the old search before it is too late!
I like the old search and tomorrow (Tuesday 13, December-at 1:30 PM--PACIFIC) afternoon is free on my schedule, so I've decided to set up a demonstration of what the old search will do, how to use it and some neat aspects of it. There's a reason why some of us like it. And the price of $1.50 can't be beat (we do have to pay the webinar hosting service something--they don't let us do these things for free). We will go through examples of using the old search--demonstration is the best way.
You can register and reserve your seat here for only $1.50. Confirmations with website link will be sent Tuesday morning.
Join us...and learn how to use the old search before it is too late!
Register for All 8 Genealogy Fundamental Webinars in December
We are excited about our short, twenty minute Genealogy Fudamental webinars. Individual registrations are $1.99 each.
Register via this link to get all 8 fundamental webinars for $15. If there are ones you cannot attend, you'll get the handout and a link to download the recording. Grow your genealogical research skills this year!
Topics and dates are below. Visit our website to register for individual sessions separately.
Visit our website to register for individual sessions separately.
Register via this link to get all 8 fundamental webinars for $15. If there are ones you cannot attend, you'll get the handout and a link to download the recording. Grow your genealogical research skills this year!
Topics and dates are below. Visit our website to register for individual sessions separately.
|
Date
|
Time
|
Topic
|
Description
|
|
18
Dec 2011
|
2:00 PM CST
|
Elements
of a Deed (Federal Land
States--basically Northwest Territory and west)
|
Each
part of two land records in a federal land state will be discussed (a
warrantee deed and a quit claim deed), focusing on the purpose of each part,
interpretation, and analysis. Next research steps will be discussed along
with citation models.
|
|
18
Dec 2011
|
4:00 PM CST
|
An
Early 19th Century Will (from Maryland)
|
We
will look at a will from Maryland in the early 1800s, discussing the
interpretation of bequests, transcription, and terminology consideration.
Next research steps will be discussed along with citation models.
|
|
19
Dec 2011
|
6:00 PM CST
|
The
1930 Census
|
This
presentation discusses how to interpret each item in the 1930 census, using 3
families as examples. Next research steps will be discussed along with
citation models.
|
|
19
Dec 2011
|
7:30 PM CST
|
The
1850 Census
|
This
presentation discusses how to interpret each item in the 1850 census, using 3
families as examples Next research steps will be discussed along with
citation models.
|
|
20
Dec 2011
|
6:00 PM CST
|
The
1880 Census
|
This
presentation discusses how to interpret each item in the 1880 census, using 3
families as examples Next research steps will be discussed along with citation
models.
|
|
20
Dec 2011
|
7:30 PM CST
|
An
Early 20th Century Death Certificate
|
We
will analyze each piece of information on this record, discuss which pieces
are primary, secondary and most likely to be correct. Multiple documents will
be discussed. Next research steps will be discussed along with citation
models.
|
|
21
Dec 2011
|
10:00 AM CST
|
Highlights
of Union Civil War Pensions
|
We
will look at items commonly in a Civil War pension file for a US veteran.
Examples will come from typical files, not unusual ones. Learn what to
typically expect in one of these files. Next research steps will be discussed
along with citation models.
|
|
21
Dec 2011
|
Noon CST
|
What’s
in a Federal Land Cash Sale File
|
Ever
wonder what is in the cash sale land file? Is it worth ordering from the
National Archives? We will look at three examples to give you an idea of what
you can expect. Next research steps will be discussed along with citation
models.
|
Visit our website to register for individual sessions separately.
For anyone who is wondering, the purpose of this genealogical blog really is fairly clear: whatever crosses my research path that I feel worth mentioning, along with my opinion where I feel appropriate.
I'll only be mentioning websites, databases, etc. that I use in my own research. You won't see Hungarian, Russina, or Eastern European things mentioned here usually as my children have no ancestry from that region.
We'll mention things that I find irritating, enlightening, maddening, or interesting. That's a somewhat eclectic combination. My other blogs are pretty much opinion free--this one is not. Rootdig has no sponsors, although we do have some advertising. But, I'm not beholden' to anyone and you'll find no recycled press releases here either.
I don't jump on the latest bandwagon, am not always impressed with the latest gadgets, and don't get all goo-goo eyed over the latest bauble. I don't include "genealogy news," unless I think it impacts me or my research--there are other genealogy news websites.
And when I write something negative about something, I usually don't get emails--which either means no one who disagrees with me read it or thinks I generate enough traffic to worry about. Either way is fine with me!
Back to work.
I'll only be mentioning websites, databases, etc. that I use in my own research. You won't see Hungarian, Russina, or Eastern European things mentioned here usually as my children have no ancestry from that region.
We'll mention things that I find irritating, enlightening, maddening, or interesting. That's a somewhat eclectic combination. My other blogs are pretty much opinion free--this one is not. Rootdig has no sponsors, although we do have some advertising. But, I'm not beholden' to anyone and you'll find no recycled press releases here either.
I don't jump on the latest bandwagon, am not always impressed with the latest gadgets, and don't get all goo-goo eyed over the latest bauble. I don't include "genealogy news," unless I think it impacts me or my research--there are other genealogy news websites.
And when I write something negative about something, I usually don't get emails--which either means no one who disagrees with me read it or thinks I generate enough traffic to worry about. Either way is fine with me!
Back to work.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)