Is That Really a Little “u?”

A small “u” can easily be written in such a way that is is read as one of the following: ee, a, o, n, ie, ei, ll, or w.

And of course…there are even more possible renderings.

Upcoming Genealogy Webinars

Due to a schedule conflict, these have been moved back one week from the original schedule. If you have registered and this is a problem, please email me at mjnrootdig@gmail.com.

Revised Schedule and Four New Topics!

Sign up for all 4 for $25! Those who cannot attend will receive complimentary downloads of the sessions after they have been completed.

4 September  2015-Friday–5 PM Central Time.

Original, Derivative, Primary, Secondary, Direct and Indirect, Evidence and Proof and More!: Troubles with Terms

This session will look at just what is typically meant by these genealogical terms. Anyone’s research can benefit from an understanding of “proof” terminology, even if publishing in a journal is the furthest thing from your mind. Knowing the differences of these terms and when to use each one will improve your research skills and your ability to reach conclusions.

Register for $7

5 September 2015-Saturday–2 PM Central Time.

US Problem-Solving Outside New England Before 1850

There are several challenges to researching families outside of New England before 1850. There simply are not the vital records that there are in New England; the census does not name every person; records on the frontier are not as detailed. We will discuss research strategies for families during this time period, concentrating on after 1700 and before 1850.

Register for $7

4 September 2015-Friday–2 PM Central Time.

Preserving Past You

In this session, we’ll see ways to preserve your genealogical legacy beyond your own lifetime. We will look at a variety of options, large and small, digital and non-digital, simple and not-so-simple, and more.  Prioritizing what to save will be an integral part of this presentation. We will see why preserving is more than a simple clause in your will and ways you can immediately start preserving some of what you have immediately.

Register for $7

5 September 2015-Saturday-5 PM Central Time.

 Charts, Charts, and More Charts
This session outlines a general strategy for creating customized genealogical charts to assist with specific problems and genealogical organization. Our focus is on organizing information, not in charting family relationships. This session is not for those who have taken my “organizing genealogical information” class. Aimed at intermediate level researchers.
Register for $7
Sign up for all 4 for $25!

Don’t Forget Yourself

In your desire to preserve and record the past of your family, do not forget to include materials on yourself. Newspaper clippings, photographs, awards, certificates, diplomas, and other items that relate to YOU are important as well. At some point in the future, you will be on of those names on a chart just like the relatives you are trying to track down today.

Future genealogists in your family will be glad that you did not forget to preserve items on the living as well as the dead.

[Thanks to Facebook fan Bella C. for suggesting today’s tip!]

Make A Chart

When information is inconsistent or you are trying to sort out individuals, consider making a chart or table to summarize the information that is conflicting or does not make sense. Sometimes just the process of thinking about how to organize what you have and then organizing it will help you to notice things that you did not notice before.

ansoncharttop-1024x349

Charting out the Anson Butlers

Our Freebies

Here is a summary of freebies we have:

  • 2 free copies of Casefile Clues–simply enter in your email address and “submit” order. There is no credit card or other personal information required. Copy 1    Copy 2
  • My Brick Walls A to Z Webinar (and handout)–click here to process order. Coupon code is “brickwall” no credit card or personal information except email address is required.  Just hit “check out with PayPal.” The item is free, you won’t be prompted for a credit card.
  • You can subscribe to Genealogy Search Tip (free) by entering in your email address in the box on the right hand side of the blog page at http://searchtip.genealogytipoftheday.com.
Feel free to share with your friends, blog readers, etc. etc.
Thanks!

Is Your Ancestor Classified?

Besides the “news” part of a newspaper, your ancestor could appear in the classified ads section. This ad from a Rock Island, Illinois, newspaper in 1905 mentions a bay mare owned by August Mortier.

The ad provides evidence that he was alive on the 4th of July night and was living at 2609 4th Avenue in Rock Island on that date as well.

want-ads

Genesee, Genesee, and Geneseo?

The problem with programs and websites that pre-fill in data is that it’s easy for the user to not really pay attention to what is going on. I’m working on sorting out individuals with the name of Anson Butler who lived in several counties in New York and Michigan.

This includes Genesee County, New York and Genesee County, Michigan. If I’m not careful on data entry, I could easily get the locations incorrect.

Take a second or a third look when entering in places, particularly if they have the same or very similar names.

I’m just glad they also didn’t spend time in Geneseo, Illinois.

What’s After the Population: 1865 NY State Census Has Marriage and Death Info

Always browse the end of a record series. The 1865 New York State census included some additional information at the end of the enumeration for a town or village. This information included (in some cases):

  • couples married during the year
  • deaths during the year
  • men who had been in the military
  • church information
  • agriculture statistics
  • effects of the Civil War on prices, etc.

1865newyorkstatecensus