Ten Percent Discount on Webinars

We've opened a new "store" to process my webinar sales. To celebrate the opening, we're offering a ten percent discount on a purchase through 15 November 2014. Use coupon code tenpercent to get your discount. You can view the catalog here.

FamilySearch Updates: US Materials in FL and OH

The following databases are showing as new or updated on FamilySearch:

Florida, Key West Passenger Lists, 1898-1945

Ohio, Washington County Court Records, 1810-1930

Ohio, Hamilton County Records, 1791-1994

The Hamilton County, Ohio records have been posted for sometime. I'm not certain how "new" those records are or how many are "new."

Trautvetter Military Photo Arrives

 It arrived!

The Trautvetter photograph taken in Aurich, Germany, in 1866 which I purchased on Ebay has made its way to me from France.

I have already written about the picture here--so that commentary won't be repeated.

The illustrations in this blog post are made from photographs that I took once the image had arrived. 

I've still got some work to do in order to learn more about the Trautvetter man shown the photograph.

I don't have many pictures dating from the 1860s and this one is small, perhaps 1.5" by 3."

It survived the trip from France to the United States. 

And it also survived several wars in Europe between 1866 and today.

Using Maps As A Research Log

Sometimes a manual search of US (or other) census records is still necessary when indexes fail us. When I'm searching in rural areas of the United States, I find a township map of the area of interest serves as a workable research log. I can mark on each township when I've completed a search of that location and the map makes it clear to me what townships border each other.

Openings in FamilySearch, Probate, and Court Records Webinars

We still have openings in webinars on the following topics tomorrow, 14 November 2014:

• Tips and Tricks for FamilySearch
• Probate
• Court Records

Register here---we'd love to have you join us.

FamilySearch Updates: IA, OH, and CA Materials

The following databases are showing on FamilySearch as updated or new since our last posting:

Iowa, Polk County Probate Records, 1914-1924

Ohio, Soldier Home Records, 1888-1919

Ohio, Grace Episcopal Church Records, 1880-1980

Ohio, Geauga County Records, 1860-1970

California, County Birth and Death Records, 1800-1994

Before I Read that Regimental History

I recently purchased on Amazon.com a copy of  In the Very Thickest of the Fight: The Civil War Service Of The 78Th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

I've decided that before I start reading any more than the introduction to this book, I need to make  a chronology of what is known about the military career of my ancestor who served in the 78th Illinois. A quick review of the book indicates that it's pretty much laid out chronologically and having a chronology of my ancestor's military experience for occasional reference may be a good idea.

Do you use chronologies of your family when reading various historical works?

Pictures on an 1852 Bounty Land Warrant

This 1852 era military bounty land warrant was issued to James Kile for his service in an Ohio unit in the War of 1812. The illustrations serve political purposes and probably were included to make the warrants more difficult to reproduce and forge. That's also probably why the blue ink was used in the middle of the document as well.

We've marked the seven images used on the warrant. I'm pretty certain I know what three of them are.

• 1-a shield with 13 stars and 13 stripes and a "40" to reference the fact that the warrant was for 40 acres
• 4-looks like George Washington

What are your thoughts on the other individuals pictured in this warrant?

It would have been nicer if they had put a picture of the man who received the warrant on the warrant. There are already enough pictures of George Washington (grin!). 

Not Quite a Poppy for Veterans' Day

I've been reviewing materials obtained in the War of 1812 bounty land application and surrendered warrant file for James Kile of Mercer County, Illinois.

This image seemed especially appropriate for Veterans' Day so we're using it for a blog post today. The color images obtained from the National Archives give an entirely different feel to using these records than when only black and white copies are obtained.

James Kile died in Mercer County, Illinois, in the early 1850s. He had received his warrant, but the land had not yet been patented. Fortunately, his heirs patented the property after his death and the surrendered warrant file contains names and counties of residence for his eleven sons.

From a genealogy standpoint, that's the best time for him to have passed away. Had James lived to patent his warrant there would have been much less in the way of genealogical information in his file.

Bad Query Karma

"Bad" genealogical queries reduce the chance that someone is actually able to help you on your problem.

Here are a few of the more blatant ones:

• I'm looking for Grandma.
• Send me everything you have on the Jones family in St. Louis, Missouri.
• I need an obituary for Henry.
• My Great-great-great-grandma came from Germany in the 1830s. Who were her parents? I don't know where she was born.
• Can you send me a list of all the cemeteries in your county?

And so it goes.

Here are some better queries and some suggestions for writing your own.

Add your own bad query in the comments.

Openings in Our November Webinars

We still have openings in our November webinars, topics include:

• Court Records
• Probate Records
• Female Ancestors
• Charts, Charts, and More Charts

Our detailed information and registration page is here.

An Attempt at Well-Written Queries

As a followup to "Before You Post that Genealogy Query," I've posted some sample queries that may not be great are a good start to getting the answers you want.

Note: Queries with the last name of Smith are fiction. The others are not. Never hurts to get the word out on my own problems (grin!).

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Elizabeth Chaney was born in 1804 in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, probably in Southampton Township. Her father was Thomas Chaney who settled in Bedford County in the late 1700s and died there in the early 1850s, probably in Southampton Township. Elizabeth married James Rampley in Coshocton County, Ohio, in 1830 and died in Hancock County, Illinois, in 1883 where her family settled in the 1840s. Looking for the name of her mother. Death records in Illinois provide no further information. Thanks.

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Looking for the ship manifest entry for Altje Goldenstein who was born in Germany in 1848 and married in Adams County, Illinois, to Hinrich Schuster on 28 August 1870. Her date of immigration is unknown, but in the 1900 census she and Henry both indicated they arrived in 1870. I have searched on Ancestry.com and FamilySearch for every port they have records for, but may have overlooked an alternate spelling. Thanks.

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Looking for a newspaper obituary for a John Smith who died in Minooka, Illinois, on 4 April 1932. I am unfamiliar with the area and need suggestions for what newspapers may have been likely to run an obituary for someone who died in this location. Any help appreciated.

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Looking for the burial place of Thomas Smith who died in Smith County, Indiana, in the 1870s. He was living with an address of Milltown, Indiana, as of 1868. I have personally visited the Presbyterian Cemetery, Mill Road Cemetery, and Township Cemetery. Are there other cemeteries in the area that I should search or have someone search for me? Thanks.

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Trying to find the place of birth for Annie (Murphy) Neill who died in 1895 in St. Albans Township, Hancock County, Illinois. She and husband Samuel Neill are buried in the West Point Cemetery. Annie's death certificte and obituary only indicate she was born in Ireland. She married Samuel Neill in St. John, New Brunswick Canada in 1864. Samuel's Irish origins are known and Annie does not appear on the same ship manifest as Samuel and it is believed that she and Samuel arrived in Canada separately. Annie does not appear to have been related to any of the other Murphy families that were living in St. Albans Township where the Neills settled. Any help appreciated.
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Feel free to post your own well-written queries in our comments....

FamilySearch: OH, ID, VA, NH, WA, and KY Records

The following US databases are showing as new or updated on FamilySearch since our last update:

Ohio, Licking County, Hartford Township Records, 1881-1962

Ohio, Crawford County Church Records, 1853-2007

Idaho, Lincoln County Records, 1886-1972

Virginia, African-American Funeral Programs, 1920-2009

New Hampshire, Cheshire County, Probate Estate Files, 1886-1900

Washington, County Marriages, 1855-2008

Kentucky Death Records, 1911-1961

Ohio, Northern District, Eastern Division, Naturalization Index, 1855-1967

Virginia, Isle of Wight County Records, 1634-1951

A Trautvetter Picture from 1866 and the Prussian Annexation of Hanover

This is the first picture I have purchased on Ebay that has been for a person whose relationship to me was unknown.  The picture attracted my attention because of it's potential connection to my family from Thuringen and ended up reminding me of why my Ostfriesian families began their exodus from Ostfriesland in 1866.

The back reads:
"Trautvetter. Hauptmann und Chef of 10th Company of Infantry Regiment Nr. 78 in Aurich. 1866."

This picture was apparently taken in Aurich in 1866 where Trautvetter's unit was stationed. Based solely upon the last name, I'm doubting if Trautvetter was a native of Aurich as members of this family generally originated from the Thuringen area. Aurich is located in the ethnic area of Germany known as Ostfriesland and those last names tend to be of Dutch or Friesian origin--Trautvetter does not "sound like" an Ostfriesian name.

I'm not even certain if this Trautvetter is related to my family with the same last name, nor am I certain where he was born or where he died. My Trautvetter family had left Germany by 1866.

But Trautvetter was stationed in Aurich a short distance from many of the small villages where my maternal relatives were living in 1866.

In 1866, Ostfriesland was a part of Hanover and no longer independent. 1866 was also the year that Hanover was annexed by Prussia as a result of the Austro-Prussian War. It's possible that Trautvetter's regiment was somehow involved in that annexation. I'll need to do more work to learn more about him and about his unit.

In the decade that followed the annexation of Hanover by Prussia, over a dozen of my ancestors left Ostfriesland for the United States. That's a little more than coincidental.

This Trautvetter probably had nothing to do with my ancestors near Aurich, but even just some cursory research into the picture reminded me that one item can contain more history lessons (or reminders) than we ever expect.

And if Trautvetter turns out to be related--that's an added bonus.

A War of 1812 Discharge Certificate

Bounty Land application files are wonderful and I've used several of them in my research on my children's ancestry, but this is the first actual discharge certificate I've encountered. Fortunately for James Kile he held onto it for forty years until he needed it to prove up his bounty land application.

We will be writing about this bounty land application and redeemed warrant file in future posts, but this is an interesting set of documents. James died after he received the warrant and before a patent was issued for any specific property. Consequently his heirs obtained the property after his death--meaning there is a wonderful set of documents documenting his eleven children who survived him.

Stay tuned....

Recent FamilySearch Additions: UK and Ireland

The following are items that were recently posted as "new or updated" on FamilySearch for the UK and Ireland:

Isle of Man Parish Registers, 1598-2009

England and Wales, Marriage Registration Index, 1837-2005

England and Wales, Birth Registration Index, 1837-2008

England, Durham Diocese, Renunciations, 1767 and 1794

England, Durham Diocese, Original Will Strays, 1743-1900

England, Durham Diocese, Registered Wills 1526-1858

England, Durham Diocese, Allertonshire Peculiar Stray Probate Bonds, 1732-1768

England, Durham Diocese, Allertonshire Peculiar Administration Bonds and Inventories, 1670-1808

England, Durham Diocese, Probate Inventories, 1676-1846

England and Wales, Death Registration Index 1837-2007

Ireland, 1851 Census

Ireland, 1841 Census

Ireland, 1841 and 1851 Census Search Forms

Ireland, 1831 Census

Ireland, 1821 Census

 Note: We are publishing these on an irregular basis--not as often as the updates from the United States.

Before You Post That Genealogy Query

They say there is no such thing as a stupid question.  That may be true, but one gets better answers if one asks better questions.

Genealogy message boards, Facebook pages, and other communication forums that genealogists use are inundated with questions and queries. Some of them get answers and some of them don't. There are several reasons why questions go unanswered, but frequently writing a vague query is part of the problem.

Having administered several message boards, mailing lists, and Facebook pages, here are a few suggestions for creating a post that increases the chance someone who can help you actually does help you.

• Provide known information. Posts without dates or places are difficult to answer. Approximate dates or places can help--but clearly indicate they are approximate. While if "you knew all that information" you wouldn't have a question, it is helpful to give readers an idea of the location and time period in which you are working. 
• Organize your thoughts and information. No one wants to read through a circular discussion.
• Indicate what you've searched. It's frustrating for a reader of your message to suggest sources or references which you have already used.
• Indicate what you want to know. What information are you trying to locate?
• Read your item before you actually post it. Catch mistakes, items you left out, etc.
• Surnames in upper case. This can be helpful when some last names are not known or when what looks like a last name is actually a middle name. It makes it easier for those interested in surnames to scan for those.
• Don't abbreviate. Everyone may not know what your abbreviation stands for.
• Learn a little. Find out about local records in the area, when vital records start, who maintains probate records, etc. Ancestry.com's "Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources" is online (at no charge) for some assistance in this area.
• Use reasonable grammar. It is not necessary to write as if you were writing a formal composition. Failing to punctuate, using only one sentence for the entire post, using "he" and "she" so often it's confusing, make it difficult for someone to understand what you are saying. (Note: I'm not suggesting being the grammar police, Grammar Nazi, etc. but it is important to write clearly so that others can understand. If nothing else, use sentences that are short and simple.)

If posting to a message board or mailing list with subject lines, then:

• do not use "genealogy," "help," or anything equally vague in the subject line.
• Message boards that are county specific do not need the name of the county in the subject line (avoid "Hancock County Families" as a subject line for a message on the Hancock County message board).
• Message boards that are surname specific should not just contain the surname in the subject line (avoid "Jones Family" as the subject line for a message on a Jones family message board).

These aren't mean to be exhaustive--just to get you thinking. Think "what would someone need to know to help me answer this question." That usually does not include:

• how long you have been researching the person
• the fact that Grandma (or Aunt Myrtle, Uncle Bob) lied about the relative in question
• the fact that the person is your great-great-great-great-great-grandma

Thanks to several of my Genealogy Tip of the Day fans on Facebook for their suggestions.

We'll have at least two followups to this post. Stay tuned! The first followup ("good queries") is here.

If you'd like to share this post with others, the link is:

http://rootdig.blogspot.com/2014/11/before-you-post-that-genealogy-query.html

Items Set off for the Widow of James Kile

In an earlier post about the estate settlement of James Kile of Mercer County, Illinois, it was noted that there were crosses after certain items on the inventory. There was no indication on the inventory what the crosses were for.

A reader made a comment that was in line with my suspicion: the marks were an indication of what items were set off for the widow. Sure enough, the "inventory of personal items...set apart to the widow" on 16 April 1852 contained exactly those items that were marked on the inventory--except for the $6 lot of corn.

Apparently there were a few items that the widow ended up not needing or wanting. It's also possible that those items were not allowable to her by state statute, had exceeded the value of items she could be allowed, or that she was concerned that the money from those items would be needed to cover the debts of the estate. There is no notation as to why six of the items were on the list only to be later relinquished. In some cases state statute was fairly specific as to what property could be set off from the estate as the widow's award.

The widow, Elizabeth Kile, is named only once in the entire set of estate documents for her husband. She is mentioned several others times simply as the widow.

8776 from 1912 to 1956

License plate of J. L. Goldenstein,
made from an image posted on  Ebay of a
United Press 1956 photograph

A few days ago I wrote about a picture of my uncle that appeared in several newspapers across the United States ("Non-Famous People in the Newspaper-Your Genealogy Plate May Be Full"). The newspaper entry was obtained on  GenealogyBank, but that's not where I first discovered the item existed.

It was on  Ebay.

A search for the last name of Goldenstein located the image, a United Press "telephoto" that an Ebay seller had put up for sale.

My theory was that if the picture was the United Press, it should have been published in a newspaper somewhere. And a quick search for "Goldenstein" in 1956 in the newspapers on located the item on  GenealogyBank that was referenced in the blog post. There were not many J. L. Goldensteins living in Golden, Illinois and I was pretty certain when I purchased the photograph that J. L. was the brother of my great-grandmother, Tjode (Goldenstein) Habben. His identity in the newspaper image (and later the photograph) was confirmed by my mother who had met him several times. There were no other J. L. Goldensteins living in Golden at least through 1940 (based upon United States census records).

I have the actual picture from United Press--it arrived quickly from the Ebay seller. I've decided not to post the photograph on the blog due to potential copyright issues. It's probably not a problem to post a scan of the photograph, but we've decided not to do it. The scan of the newspaper item was put on the blog post largely because that was already published and it was not of very high quality---not like an actual photograph.

FamilySearch Update: LA, TN, OH, WA, CA and UT Materials

The following databases are showing as new or updated on FamilySearch since our last update:

Louisiana, Orleans Parish Will Books, 1805-1920

Tennessee, Cocke County Records, 1860-1930

Louisiana, State Penitentiary Records, 1866-1963

Ohio, Cuyahoga County Probate Files, 1813-1932

Nova Scotia Probate Records, 1760-1993

Washington, Pierce County Marriage Returns, 1891-1950

Ohio, Stark County Coroner's Records, 1890-2002

California, San Mateo County, Colma, Italian Cemetery Records, 1899-2011

Utah, Cache County Records, 1861-1955

What Do Those Crosses Mean?

Unexplained notations on records can create frustration for the genealogist.

This 1852 estate inventory for James Kile in Mercer County, Illinois, lists typical farm property for the era.

Several of the items have a cross after them. The icon apparently means something on this record, but there is no notation on the record (either the front of the back) as to what the significance of the mark it.

The list of the items sold at the resulting sale and the amount received is shown here. The inventoried items with the cross do not appear on the list of sold items.

I think I know what the crosses mean and we'll have a followup post in a day or two with the probable answer.

Readers are invited to respond with thoughts or suggestions as to what the crosses mean.

In the Very Thickest of the Fight

I recently purchased on Amazon.com a copy of  In the Very Thickest of the Fight: The Civil War Service Of The 78Th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

The 78th was the unit in which my ancestor Riley Rampley and one of his brothers served. There's little chance either of the lowly privates are mentioned, so I'm not expecting a great amount of new information specific to Riley. However, I'm hoping to take the few details of his service that are mentioned in his pension record and see if there is any corroborating information in the text. And there may always be unexpected additional background material in the text as well.

How did I find the book?

I simply searched on Amazon.com for "78th infantry."  Now there are a few more I need to look for as well.

New Or Updated on FamilySearch

The following databases are showing as new or updated on FamilySearch since our last update:

Maryland, Register of Wills Records, 1629-1999

North Carolina, County Records, 1833-1970

Louisiana, Orleans Parish Second District Judicial Court Case Files, 1846-1880

November Webinars!

We are re-recording some of my more popular webinars in November. Now is a great time to register and attend live where you can interact and ask questions during the presentation. Seating in these live online sessions is limited. Don't delay.  Registration includes PDF handout and complimentary download after session has been recorded. No special software is needed to participate. Email Michael at mjnrootdig@gmail.com with questions.

Most presentations are only $6 each and registration is limited!

Openings	Title and Description	Date	Order
30	Court Records-Pig Blood in the Snow. This lecture discusses American court records at the county level where cases were typically originally heard. Discusses cases of main genealogical relevance along with searching techniques.	14 November 10:00 am Central Time	Register via PayPal
40	The Probate Process—An Overview. Geared towards the advanced beginner or intermediate researcher, it covered an overview of the process and looked at selected documents from two probate settlements with a discussion of the pitfalls to watch out for along the way. Probate records are an excellent genealogical source--regardless of the time period in which you are researching and may contain clues about your ancestor, where he lived, his occupation, etc.	14 November 12 Noon Central Time	Register via PayPal
40	Tips and Tricks for FamilySearch  -This webinar discusses ins and outs of using the "new" family search,   searching by family structure, global searches, interpreting searches and troubleshooting. Also discussed are strategies when approaching an unindexed set of images, a new type of record series, or incomplete records. Aimed at advanced beginners and intermediate level researchers	14 November 2:00 pm Central Time	Register via PayPal
40	Female Ancestors. This presentation discusses approaches and techniques for determining an ancestor's maiden name and locating "missing" females. Geared towards the advanced beginner or intermediate researcher, it focuses on American records and sources. The content is not specific to any one time period and many of the approaches can be refined for different locations or types of records. If you are stymied on your female ancestors--and half your ancestors are female.	10 November 7 pm Central Time	Register via PayPal
40	Sections, Townships, Base Lines, etc--Land Descriptions in Federal Land States. The presentation focused on interpreting these descriptions, determining acreages and becoming familiar with the terminology. This presentation is geared towards those who have had difficulty using land descriptions or who have avoided using land records because of the use of legal descriptions. The use of land records for genealogy and searching those records are not a part of this presentation. This presentation concentrates on how land is described	10 November 8:30 pm Central Time	Register via PayPal
40	Charts, Charts and More Charts. Readers of the newsletter know that I love charts--and I'm not talking about pedigree and family group charts. Instead I'm talking about charts that organize information you have in order to see what's missing, notice patterns, and organize your research. In this webinar, I talk about key elements to include in any chart, troubleshooting before you get started, brainstorming, and ways to get creative with your data. Geared towards advanced beginners and intermediate researchers	12 November at 7:00 pm Central Time	Register via PayPal
40	Seeing the Patterns-Organizing Your Information. This lecture discusses the problem-solving process and a variety of ways to   organize your information with the intent of getting the research to notice overlooked clues, patterns, trends, and information.	12 November at 8:30 pm Central Time	Register via PayPal

Estate Pays Fees for Locating Land Warrant

The estate record of James Kile in Mercer County, Illinois, provided a few more clues that the land warrant mentioned in the inventory of his estate was actually patented.

Estate of James Kile, Mercer County, Illinois, Probate case files, file 172, box 200, 
Account Current in the Estate of James Kile, filed 9 August 1854, 
Circuit Clerk's Office, Aledo; digital image, FamilySearch (http//www.familysearch.org), accessed 26 October 2014.

This accounting from August of 1854 indicated that fees were paid by the estate for "Locating Land Warrant" and for "proof of Heirship to Locate Land warrant." These references strongly suggest that the heirs of James Kile used the warrant to patent property after his death. That's a good thing for the researcher as there should be mention of his heirs.

The estate of James strongly suggests who his children are but does not explicitly state the relationship. It also does not mention were they living at the time the estate was settled. Hopefully the file where the warrant was submitted to "prove up" things for the patent contains some of those specifics.

Stay tuned.