We’ve released issue 5-18 of Casefile Clues which analyzes an 1888 obituary from Illinois. We analyze the obituary as if we knew nothing else about the obituary subject. We look at the information it provides, the probable accuracy of it, the likely informant, and where to direct future research. Our tone is easy-to-read, thorough, practical, and down-to-earth. We bring genealogical analysis to you in an informal commonsense way. All for just slightly over a dollar an issue. Learn more about Casefile Clues on our website.
The 1895 will of Tamme Tammen in Pike County, Illinois, refers to his wife as “Elka B. Franklen Tammen.” Franklen (possibly an incorrect rendering of “Franken”) could have been Elka’s maiden name, middle name, or married name with a previous husband. I should include in my notes on Elka that she is referred to as “Elka B. Franklen Tammen” in her husband’s 1895 will. I should not enter that as her maiden name. Using it for a clue to other relatives when searching is advised. But there’s not really good evidence in this will that it’s her maiden name. There are other possibilities.
We’ve released the recording and handout for this presentation. If you pre-ordered, the links have been sent. If you did not get it, email me and I’ll resend it. Details here. There are many neat features of this site that allows searchers to search for digital versions of federal land patents. We also discussed how the patent is not the only record–the others are available at the National Archives. We had a great time during this presentation. We discussed all the various search features and had good feedback from live attendees.
We’ve mentioned this before, but some problems can be worked around or solved by thinking about every assumption we have made about an ancestor and “their situation.” Every assumption. Especially those that are near and dear to our heart. Those are the ones that can create the biggest stumbling blocks. If you don’t have documentation for a “fact” about your ancestor, then that fact could be incorrect. Even if you do have documentation for a fact, that documentation could be incorrect. Always consider the possibility that what you think you know could be wrong–and then ask yourself: what would I do differently if this “fact” weren’t true? And then do it.
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