Great Questions | StoryCorps

I wish that everyone could participate in the StoryCorps.  Our loved ones are dear to us and their stories are part of who you are.  How can we transmit that notion to others in our family tree who are still living? 

Journal Jars are a beginning.  But, best of all, would be an audio recording of us being interviewed by a relative or vice versa; voices for posterity!

Could SoundCloud be a vehicle for that?  Let me know what you think, tomorrow in class.

Want Help with Your Brick Wall?

Family Historian: "Help. Help! I'm Stuck"!

Attention Beyond Basic Genealogy Class:

Bring to class a family group sheet for your elusive ancestor.  Fill out the form as completely and as accurately as you can.  We will analyze the information and weigh the evidence as a class.  Then, we will try to find you some new leads!

Everyone in your database will be listed in at least one family group as a child in a family.  If that person marries or has children, then they will also be listed in that "family group".  Below are some places on the Internet where you can access free printable family history charts, and especially the family group sheet.

•  https://www.pdffiller.com/en/project/52714502.htm?form_id=100056384
•  http://c.mfcreative.com/pdf/trees/charts/famgrec.pdf
•  http://www.archives.gov/research/genealogy/charts-forms/family-group-sheet.pdf
• http://www.cyndislist.com/free-stuff/printable-charts-and-forms/

GenQuestDiary | A log of my family history journey. | Page 2

GenQuestDiary | A log of my family history journey. | Page 2

Here is an example of a blog I created a few years ago.  Would you be interested in learning how to create a blog for your family history?  I'm not an expert, but I can probably get you started.

Mastering Genealogical Proof - Kindle edition by Thomas W. Jones. Reference Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Mastering Genealogical Proof - Kindle edition by Thomas W. Jones. Reference Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

I haven't yet purchased this book, but it looks like it would be very helpful.  I was reminded to consider it by a post that was made at Dear Myrtle's facebook and website.   "Myrt" has a study group for this instructional book by Thomas W. Jones at her Google Hangout.  I have added the book to my Wish List at Amazon.

Marg 

The Family Search Wiki "talks" about Death Records

The FamilySearch Wiki is like an encyclopedia and though the font is smallish and a challenge to some of us with poor eyesight, I've been told that it will soon resemble the font size at Wikipedia.  So look for changes at the FamilySearch Wiki in the coming months! 

What can't be argued is the premier value of the FamilySearch Wiki.  It is free info and is very well sourced.  In exploring death records, it becomes apparent that there are several different kinds.  They are listed at this link.  What are some various types of death records and where can they be found?  FSWiki knows.

Elelments Pertaining to "The Genealogical Proof Standard"

In the discussion about the reliability of original records (or copies thereof), we must ask ourselves, "How trustworthy is the information on a death certificate or a tombstone?".

Here is an excellent article that addresses that very topic.  "The Accuracy of Death Certificates and Tombstones".  This is the Diana, Goddess of the Hunt---of Ancestors website!  If you are looking for a model for an online genealogy web site, this certainly is my nominee.  It was created by Diana Gale Matthiesen.

Jot down some of the primary points that Diana makes in the article.  What key elements are part of evaluating historic documents as mentioned in this article?  What environment existed at the time of a death?  Folks were often emotionally "demolished". 

If you have experienced the death of a loved one, please feel free to make a comment about the things that were on your mind or reasons you might have made an error.

The Ancestry Insider: Darned Divorcee’s Deposition

The Ancestry Insider: Darned Divorcee’s Deposition

This is for my new CLL Class Members.  If you have a subscription to Ancestry.com or use FamilySearch, this is a BLOG that you might want to subscribe to.  You can receive it via e-mail or view it online.

Since we were recently, (Friday), speaking about original records, I thought you might enjoy this discussion.  And remember, Mr. Sider is an unofficial blogger for Ancestry.com and/or FamilySearch.  However, he is an Official Blogger for RootsTech, the upcoming conference in Salt Lake City.

I get mail and you should, too!

In my Thunderbird Mailbox, I get genealogy stuff of all kinds. 

Here are some recommendations of that stuff.  You can usually organize your e-mail folders or prioritize your messages so that when you have a few minutes, dip into your genealogy e-mail box and read a short article or two.  For example:

• Did you know that 3-D family trees are now available?!  Progeny Genealogy is a company that is well known in the genealogy community and they have e-mailed this promotion to little ole' me!  "Get the Charting Companion today". 
• MyHeritage.com has e-mailed me this morning to tell me I have 23 "Smart" Matches.  
• NEHGS has sent along their "Weekly Genealogist", another free newsletter; this New England Historic Genealogical Society has helpful articles (We love Tips and Tricks!); they also spotlight various cemeteries, and more.  Go to their website to learn more: AmericanAncestors.org.
• I get a regular e-mail "WikiTree Family News", because I've posted family tree information at WikiTree.com; the "news" is about additions and changes to my family tree info.  Following that list, is a list of "family" birthdays.  I like to use this as a way to celebrate my kinfolks and check out the accuracy of my database, there. 
• Do you get mail from a RootsWeb Message Board or Surname List?  If you've subscribed to one at RootosWeb (still a free service), then you will want to keep up with a particular surname or place!  This is a great vehicle to post queries, too!

My time has elapsed and I plan to continue making suggestions in a connected post, later.  When someone bemoans the fact that they rarely get mail, anymore, I just smile a little inside, knowing that always have some excellent examples of interesting e-mail, waiting for me on my T-Bird.

Winter in NWFL is Beach Time for Natives

Jump Right In! The Water is Fine

or

How Internet Tools Can Give You Fresh Perspective on Your Family!

Puzilla.org:

This is an app that was originally intended to manipulate data in your family tree at FamilySearch, as well as other data that has been contributed at FamilySearch, that might be relevant.

Now, you can use the gedcom from your Ancestry.com Tree(s), or the software you have been utilizing on your home computer, (RootsMagic, Legacy, Family TreeMaker, etc.

I have barely begun to explore all the things that PUZZILLA does to pull out information from your family tree. It is, of course, all about relationships and the family structure and dynamic. You can view the ancestors or you can view the descendents---all of the descendents. And that's just one small part. Here is a screen shot of one of the ancestors' descendent views.

The highlighted area represents the progenitor, in this case Jesse Mitchum. I don't that much about him, but his daughter, Sarah (or maybe, Susannah), married Richard Perkins in South Carolina. And I wanted to know more about this family who are connected to my Adoptive Dad's ancestry. The flower that blooms at Puzzilla is a compilation, here, of Jesse's descendants.


Figure 1

How many ways can you spell Mitchum?

So far, I've seen “Mitcham” and “Mitchem”.


In the next illustration, I've clicked on one of the

descendants (points) that I want to review.


Figure 2

There are so many descendants for Jesse Mitchum! By reviewing their “stories”, the vital records of their lives, I hope to learn more about Jesse. (Each cousin represents an opportunity...someone in their line may have blazed the trail, already...may have found original documents, etc., or maybe I can push the evidence envelope)!

Genealogical Publishing Company

Like to read?

Looking for Genealogical CD's full of info?

Treat yourself to a Christmas gift of reading genealogy.  I'm not getting paid to advertise for this company; I'm just saying that if I had a few extra dollars, I wouldn't mind building up my genealogical library. 

In addition, the e-newsletter is free.  Check out all that Genealogical.com has to offer at the home page.  Thanks Dick Eastman for reminding me of this great resource.

Getting Started in Genealogy and Family History

Getting Started in Genealogy and Family History

This is a UK web site, but it has value even for us in the U.S.A.; Take a look at the list and let me know what you think--which of these links might work for youj?

Your Family: Past, Present, and Future - Wait But Why

Your Family: Past, Present, and Future - Wait But Why

What about this article impresses you?  We will share on Friday in class.  What about the way we live these days gets in the way of preserving family history? Do you agree that we're incredibly self-absorbed?

What age do you think this person is, the writer?  Is the article written to a younger audience?  Is there something that even we, the "over the hill gang" can learn from in this article?  How many articles do you read a week about genealogy?  (Online or off)?

If our ancestors (all of them) are already dead and gone, how can we bring them and their histories back (not completely, of course)?  How can we share our personal history with our grandchildren, nieces and nephews?  One day, they will care and appreciate the stories you made them listen to.  

RootsMapper Blog: an application to use with FamilySearch Family Tree

RootsMapper Blog

Above left, is a link that will take you to an application, (one of several that is available),  that was developed to work with FamilySearch's Family Tree.  Get an account (free) with FamilySearch and start playing with the app, today!


Reasons You Would Want to Put Your Family Tree Online:

• You will find collaborators.  
• You will find new cousins.
• You will get a new perspective on "your" tree, which it turns out, at some juncture is also     someone else's family tree.  
• You might learn something new about your family.  The input you get might be invaluable.    Conversations can happen.  Exchanging family stories may finally, become a reality.
• If you never put your family tree online, it may die with you.  All that work, all that research, for nothing.

Why FamilySearch?  FamilySearch is Free.  No one will pay a penny to store or share or get information from this source.  FamilySearch is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Their objective is to have correct and accurate family histories "out there" in cyberspace, so that answers can be found and connections made. 

FamilySearch shares.  FamilySearch partners with other genealogical concerns (like libraries, genealogy and historical societies, states, countries, etc.).  Here is a place that you can store and share your photos, your memories, find official or original records for ancestors and document their history.  If you want to.

What You Might Not Know About the 1940 Census

http://familyhistorydaily.com/genealogy-help-and-how-to/the-secret-details-in-the-1940-census-you-may-be-missing/

 

Jefferson Tayte, Fictional Character and Genealogist!

Do you know who Steven Robinson is?  He has just completed his fifth novel about a genealogist by trade and a solver of mysteries "OBTW" (OH, BY THE WAY).  I've read four of his novels and can't wait to get my hands on the new one!  

Professional Sleuth and Genealogist!

Jefferson Tayte is a very human genealogist--He's no young and stylish dude; his appeal lies in his unrelenting efforts to find his own heritage when he gets a break from finding others' ancestors.  Here is the author's web site; its always fun to take a break from real-life ancestor hunting and read a fictional account of someone else's trials and tribulations with climbing the family tree! 

Free Seminar at Local Family History Center

Our local Family History Center in Fort Walton Beach will sponsor a Free Seminar on November 5th (a Thursday), 2015 at 1p.m.-3p.m. at 339 Lake Drive, Fort Walton Beach, FL,  32548.

Please reserve your seat(s) by calling and leaving a message at 850-244-3338 OR e-mail margmarieh@cox.net (Put "RESERVE" in the subject).

Check out Janice's website:   http://ancestraldiscoveries.blogspot.com/

Feel free to copy Flier/download and distribute to your genealogy group.

Do I have Native American Ancestry...or Not?

Tribal Nations Maps - Aaron Carapella - Tribal Nations Maps

I was spurred to click on this link because of my own unproven suspicions that I am (according to various family stories), part Cherokee, part Creek, and part Choctaw.  The original article that I was reading today was a link on a Facebook Post.  An amazing article, really, (http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/history/2015/10/cherokee_blood_why_do_so_many_americans_believe_they_have_cherokee_ancestry.html).

Thanks for the referral, Megan Smolenyak!  

Why Should I Put My Family Tree in More Than One Place?

Why Should I Put My Family Tree in More Than One Place? 

We've discussed this in class, but almost anything you read at FamilySearch translates in clearer language than I can utter!
So read this blog/article if you want to know more on this topic.