Demographics of Genealogists

Interesting posts by a variety of bloggers on what the "true" demographics of genealogists are.



I have some thoughts, but I'm not certain I'm right. I'm not really certain anyone is. What I do wonder is if anyone does know, are they going to really share this information? Personally, if I knew, I'd try and use that information to maximize my market share or niche of the market. I'm always a little skeptical of anyone who says they know the "real inside" answers and then shares those answers with the masses. But that's just me.

Court Records Hawkins County, Tennessee 1788-1801

Used CD (actually used once)--Court Records of Hawkins County, Tennessee, 1788-1801, by DMK Heritage, ISBN 1933268-78-6. $20, plus shipping. Email me for details.

More Items from the Western Illinois University Sequel

This image comes from the 1930 Western Illinois University Sequel, page 132. This is the volleyball team.

In the back, 4th from the left is "M. Habben."

I think I know who this is, but will ask for some ideas first and will post a followup.

Again, I'm playing with CARLI Digital Collections http://collections.carli.illinois.edu

Academic Collections at Libraries

While attending a session at our annual fall faculty workshop, I ran across this picture of Lester Rampley from the 1926 Western Illinois Univeristy Sequel. This picture was on page 57.

Lester was a cousin of Fannie Rampley Neill, my great-grandmother and was a minister.

Might have more discoveries to post from this database, CARLI Digital Collections (Digital archives from Illinois facilities).

So don't forget that your local library may have access to databases that could help your research.

Casefile Clues--Not at FGS Discount-$15 a year

Genealogists are gathering this week for the annual FGS conference, but some of us are still researching at home.

Because all of us can't get to the conference to see the vendor hall, Casefile Clues (weekly how-to newsletter) is offering blog readers a discount on the annual newsletter, which one subscriber called a regular "conference lecture in her email."

$15 gets you a year of Casefile Clues--visit this link to make secure payment. This offer ends Saturday, the same day as the conference--considering taking advantage of it now--before you forget.

Thanks!

And now, I'll get back to work myself!

Why Books Are Still Great!

I had downloaded digital copies of this book a couple of times, so my seeing it at the Allen County Public Library recently on my group trip was not necessarily going to be completely new to me. While digital copies of books are great, I wanted see an actual copy and make a few quick copies while I had it in my possession--paper sometimes is just easier for me to use.

Imagine my surprise when I opened it and discovered that the library's copy had been autographed by the author! William Aaron Sargent would be a very distant relative, but my digital copies had no such inscription. I didn't take my camera, but fortunately Wanda (one of my trip goers) had her camera and she snapped some shots of it for me.

There is even a note that the library (or someone) later paid $18.50 for the book.

The Sargent genealogy begins with William, the immigrant from England to Massachusetts and continues down until 1895. Unfortunately my great-great-grandfather is only listed as "son" for his father--which is part of what delayed my ability to use the book.

Now that I've broken through on my New England lines maybe I'll make similar discoveries next year on my group trip to Ft. Wayne. I'll be writing in more detail about my research for my newsletter, Casefile Clues.

Sometimes it is still nice to have the actual book!

An Alienist?

I'm working on some papers from an insanity case for a relative for an upcoming issue of Casefile Clues.

When reading the letterhead on a letter contained in the file, I came across a title I had never heard of before: Alienist.

Simply put, it's an obselete term for a doctor who dealt with mental disorders. This is fitting for a doctor who was on the board of adminstration for the Illinois State Hospitals, which concentrated on patients who had been adjudged to be insane.

The term really had nothing direct to do with my research, but was an interesting short diversion.

What's Wrong with This Picture?

I'm working on this family for an upcoming issue of Casefile Clues. This 1860 census enumeration comes from Macon County, Missouri. There has got to be something wrong with it.

Any ideas what?

We'll have the answer in an upcoming issue.

2011 Research Trip to the Allen County Public Library

We just completed our 2010 trip and have set the dates for our 2011 trip: 3 August -7 August 2011

We are headed to the Allen County Public Library in Ft. Wayne in August 2011! Our trip dates are arrive on 3 August (check in to hotel, meet at 6:30 in hotel, and receive library orientation at 7:00). Trip participants will check out of hotel the morning of 7 August 2011-Sunday.

A more detailed brochure will be posted later--this gives you the basic information about our trip.

We have a group rate at the Ft. Wayne Hilton, you can have up to four guests per room ($99). You will need to request the Rootdig.com rate--which we will link to when the website has been set up. The Ft. Wayne Hilton is conveniently located to the library and is where we will have morning meetings from 8:00 a.m. until 8:45 a.m.--the library opens at 9:00 a.m. You can call the hotel to make reservations and we'll have a direct link to our group rate as soon as I can get it up. You do NOT have to stay at the Hilton and can stay at other hotels/motels in the area--that is up to you. The Hilton is convenient if you want to walk back during the time we are in the library.

What we'll do:

• Michael will make morning presentations Thursday-Saturday.
• Michael is in library from open to close--except for lunch/dinner
• Every attendee gets at least one 30 minute consultation with Michael and more as time allows
• Michael is available for "drop-in" consultations when he's in library and not with another person
• Trip participants can email Michael questions, etc. before the trip and we'll encourage everyone to get ready as much as possible before the trip actually starts
• A private trip website where members can post questions about the trip, their research, etc. We'll also post files there to help attendees with their research and with preparation for the trip.
• Assistance with pre-trip planning (through the website listed above and through email).
• Trip participants are encouraged to send problems to Michael BEFORE the trip actually starts.

Our trip would start at 7:00 p.m. with an orientation on Wednesday night. Early arrivals could easily go to the library before that or meet with me if I'm able to arrive early. We would have all day Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in the library with a Sunday morning hotel checkout. Participants who were fairly close could check out of the hotel on Saturday if they desired. There would be a Dutch-treal meal Friday night after the library closes.

$125 is the complete registration fee (payment can be made here via PayPal). Refunds (less $30 administrative fee) can be had for those make full payment and who cancel before 31 July 2011. You can also hold your spot by making a deposit payment of $50 . Those who would like to pay by check can do so by sending me an email to make arrangements. A registration packet will be emailed to those who register. Any questions about the trip can be emailed to me at mjnrootdig@gmail.com.

Trip participants are responsible for:

• making their own travel arrangements to Ft. Wayne
• paying for their own meals, etc.
• making their own hotel arrangements and paying for hotel accomodations
• paying for their own copies

More later as a few details are ironed out, but this is the essence of it. Registration will be limited to 20.

Checking the Original Reveals Errors

I'm working on a list of siblings for my Clark Sargent for an upcoming issue of Casefile Clues--in an attempt to cement the relationships and determine other things about the family.

While completing census work, I located brother Amos Sargent in Potsdam, New York, in 1850. While waiting for the census image to load, I was reading the transcription that appears beneath the image on Ancestry.com. It's small on the image shown here, but the transcription lists an Alonzo Sargent and I wondered who he was. Turns out he really wasn't Alonzo Sargent, but was Alonzo Page--a hired hand or something most likely.

Always pays to read the actual image!

Signatures Moving

Our genealogy signatures/names transcriptions have been moved and will be posted daily via this site:

http://genealogytranscriber.blogspot.com/

This separates the name entries out for those who are interested and makes it easier to see the older ones. Also makes it easier for us to create the fan page on Facebook.

May 2011 Research Trip to the Family History Library in Salt Lake

We are now accepting registrants in our May 2011 Family History Research Trip to the Family History Library in Salt Lake.

http://rootdig.blogspot.com/2010/06/reserve-spot-in-my-2011-family-history.html contains more details about our trip. Email me at mjnrootdig@gmail.com with questions.

$50 will hold your spot!

Discounted room rates are available and we stay right next door at the Plaza--very convenient!

Can You Read It?

This is a signature from a 1880 era pension application for a Civil War veteran in Iowa. This is the signature of the husband of a deponent in the case.

What do you think the name is?

I'll post the answer in a few days.

Can You Read It?

This signature comes from an 1880 era Civil War pension application in Iowa. This testimony was given by the ex-wife of the veteran.

If you think you know what this name is, post a reply.

We'll post the answer in a few days.

Can You Read It?

This is a signature of a likely Virginia native born in the 1780s who was living in Kentucky in the 1850s.

We'll post the answer in a few days.

Can You Read It?

This signature comes from a Civil War pension application in Iowa in the late 19th century. The Indiana native was in his fifties. Any thoughts on the name?

I'll be posting an answer in a few days.

Cover Sheets for Digital Images

The lady who usually gets copies of records for me at the National Archives always sends them in legal sized file folders with the source written neatly on the outside of the folder.

I've taken to copying her source as listed on the folder and including it as one of the pages when I scan the pages to create a PDF file.

This really helps me in citing the sources and in knowing where the information was obtained.

I've been working on the file of Richard Lake for an upcoming issue of Casefile Clues.

Almost 1 year of Casefile Clues

On 27 July 2009, I began self-distribution of Casefile Clues. It is hard to believe that I've been writing and distributing the newsletter myself for a year.

In celebration of our first year coming to a close, we're offering a year of Casefile Clues at $15. Back issues 1-50 can be purchased as well at $15, which is the lowest price we've had on back issues.

• A year of Casefile Clues
• Back issues 1-50

Offer ends Sunday, 25 October 2010!

24 July 2010 Genealogy Seminar-Norman,OK

There's still time to attend the Cleveland County (OK) Genealogical Seminar that I will be presenting in Norman this weekend on Saturday the 24th.

I'll be talking on:

• Court Records
  
• Using Probate Manuals and Guides to enhance your research
• Organizing Your Research
• and more

There is more information on the society's website.
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~okccogs/workshops-seminars/summerseminar.htm

Feel free to forward information to other lists and those in the area who may be interested.

Tapes of Lectures at the Genealogy Jamboree in Burbank, 2010

Jamb0-Inc. recorded sessions at the 2010 Genealogy Jamboree in Burbank, CA this past June. All of my sessions were supposed to be recorded, but I only saw two on the website:

• FR010-Restacking the Blocks-Organizing Your Data
• SA-031-From NJ to OH-Establishing a 19th Century Migration Trail

The website is http://jamb-inc.com/

I can't make any direct links to the Jamboree (sorry!). Let me know if you have difficulty ordering any tapes.

Casefile Clues Special Offer

Some readers know that I write Casefile Clues a weekly how to genealogy newsletter. You can read more about the newsletter here, but this is our latest special shown below.

----------------------------

We are offering a special--all back issues 1-49 and a year of Casefile Clues for $35! This is a great bargain on what some have already called the best genealogy bargain on the Internet.

For secure payment processing, visit this page (a PayPal account is not needed).

Email me if you need other payment options (mjnrootdig@gmail.com)

Thanks!

Michael

Ancestry.com's Revolutionary War Pensions, etc.

Ancestry.com recently announced their Revolutionary War Pensions and Warrants database. They've digitized the film of these records. The direct link is:

http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1995

The index is not a full-name index. It's great to have the images as close as my desktop, but I'd like to have a little more functionality added to them like they have done with census and other records.

Footnote has the same records on their site with an everyname index. For this set of records, that's the site I'm using. I'll use Ancestry if there's a question about image quality, but for searching I'm going with Footnote for this set of digital microfilm.

Topics for Tennessee Genealogical Society Seminar 16 Oct 2010

I will be the featured speaker at the Tennessee Genealogical Society's seminar on 16 October 2010 in Germantown, Tennessee. The following topics will be presented:

• Organization of Information: Seeing the Patterns
• Notetaking, Abstracting, and Extracting
• Brick Walls From A to Z
• Pre-1850 Census Records: Analyzing and Reconstructing Family Structure

More information is available on the Society's website at http://www.tngs.org/
Wish I had a little time to research my wife's Tennessee family while there, but that probably won't happen.

Discount offer on Casefile Clues

It has been called the "best genealogical bargain around"--now get Casefile Clues (my weekly how-to newsletter) at a discount rate while I am at the Family History Expo in Loveland, Colorado.

Get all back issues (1-46) and a year of Casefile Clues (52 issues) at a special rate of $35. This represents a $5.50 savings!

Topics can be viewed here, but come back to this blog post to get the discount rate link.

Regular subscription rate is $17.00.

Back Issue Purchase Options for those who don't want the whole set, or who recently subscribed:

• Issues 1-10 for $5.50
• Issues 11-20 for $5.50
• Issues 21-30 for $5.50
• Issues 31-40 for $5.50
• Issues 41-43 for $1.50
• Back issues 1-46 for 23.50

Blog Reviews of Casefile Clues:

• DearMyrtle
• Dick Eastman
• Midwestern Microhistory
• AnceStories
• Reclaiming Kin
• GeneaMusings
• GeneaBloggers
• GenBlog
• Notes that Matter
• BellaOnline

Land Ownership Maps at Ancestry.com

Ancestry.com released a set of land ownership maps online. First off, let me say the indexing is extremely helpful. However, users should be aware that:

• the collection is incomplete


• some items are miscatalogued.

The image shown here is indicated as coming from Walker Township, Jo Daviess County, Illinois in 1913. That's the county and township that shows up on the results page and what shows up as the heading on the page with the actual image.

Problem is that the image is for Walker Township, Hancock County, Illinois. I haven't looked into it enough to be certain of the year. 1913 is not too far off. The map looks to be of that era and the image shown here includes the parcel of John Michael Trautvetter who died in 1916.

Lastly, Ancestry.com refers to them as "towns." I understand the need to have field terms for a database, but the majority of these jurisdictions are townships, not towns. In most of rural America, there is a difference.