Have you considered whether changes in county, township, or other boundaries are creating research headaches? ———————————— Check out GenealogyBank’s Offer for Tip of the Day Fans!
Can you account for how your ancestor obtained every acre of property he owned at his death? In reviewing records on one ancestor, I realized I had deeds for all of his acquisitions except for 34 acres. Not a large amount of property, but in this case several deeds were within the family and tracking that 34 acres might be the key to discovering new family relationships. And if it doesn’t, then I’ve honed my research skills for a time when it does help! ———————————— Check out GenealogyBank’s Offer for Tip of the Day Fans!
Remember that if your ancestor died and left no probate, it does not mean that there are not records settling up his affairs. There may be deed or non-probate court records that effectively settled the ancestor’s estate without a “probate” settlement. It pays to look. This very topic was the focus of an entire Casefile Clues issue–1 Number 32. ———————————— Check out GenealogyBank’s Offer for Tip of the Day Fans!
Finding too many deeds for too little time when researching your ancestor at the county courthouse? When time is limited, the “etal” deeds should be high on your priority list. “Etal” means “and others,” meaning that at least one person besides your ancestor is listed on the deed. These deeds have a better than average chance of involving a spouse or an inheritance. And if you only get time to look at the “etal” deeds, make a note to that effect in your research log. That way you will know what you have (and have not) done. ———————————— Check out GenealogyBank’s Offer for Tip of the Day Fans!
Help spread the word about “Genealogy Tip of the Day.” Let others know about our daily “shot in the arm” for your genealogical research at http://genealogytipoftheday.blogspot.com.Thanks! ———————————— Check out GenealogyBank’s Offer for Tip of the Day Fans!
Years ago, I had several people in a beginning genealogy class tell me that my ancestors were unique–not everyone had ancestors who left the kinds of records mine did and that my ancestors must have been different. I don’t think so. Part of it is just in how hard you look. None of my ancestors were particularly wealthy. A few lived hand to mouth and several barely hung on during the Depression. Yes, most were farmers, but not all were landowners and those that were owned typical farms for their era (agricultural census records are a great way to make these comparisons). My in-laws left records too and they were not all farmers. Even the city dwellers who didn’t own their homes left records. The key is learning […]
If great-aunt Myrtle is having difficulty remembering things from her past, consider downloading or getting copies of music that was popular during the time period you are trying to get her to remember. Music may be the impetus to get her memories flowing. ———————————— Check out GenealogyBank’s Offer for Tip of the Day Fans!
Do you have ancestors for whom employment records might answer some questions, or at least provide you with some information you were not already aware of? Rural ancestors rarely have these records but those with urban ancestors might want to see if records of their ancestor’s former employers have been archived or stored somewhere. Personally I haven’t used employment records too much, but am working on a set of records for an upcoming issue of Casefile Clues. ———————————— Check out GenealogyBank’s Offer for Tip of the Day Fans!
The day you decide your genealogical skills do not need tweaking is the day you probably should take up a new hobby. All of us involved in genealogy should be learning something every day. Becoming a better genealogist is a daily process of growth. ———————————— Check out GenealogyBank’s Offer for Tip of the Day Fans!
County Recorder’s offices typically have a series of miscellaneous record books where they will record copies of things that do not fall into the typical record categories. I have seen copies in these books of: out of state divorce decrees out of area death certificates medical licenses legal agreements not related to property or real estate One never knows what one will encounter in these records. Give them a try! ———————————— Check out GenealogyBank’s Offer for Tip of the Day Fans!
I’ve mentioned this before on “Tip of the Day” but think that every so often it needs to be repeated. There are times when the best research and analysis is done when you can really concentrate. turn off the email turn off any online “alerts” turn off instant messaging put the cell phone away There are times when multitasking does not really allow you to think about something and really understand it. Read that record or series of documents closely. Transcribe them–and do it without numerous distractions. You may be surprised at the results. ———————————— Check out GenealogyBank’s Offer for Tip of the Day Fans!
Some of you know that Casefile Clues sponsors “Genealogy Tip of the Day.” We are having a sale at Casefile Clues–get in on the discount. From now until noon central on 4 March 2010: Get an annual subscription and or back issues at these discounted rates: A year for $15 (52 issues–normally $17)Back issues 1-30 for $13.50 (individually $16.50)Questions can be sent to me at mjnrootdig@gmail.com ———————————— Check out GenealogyBank’s Offer for Tip of the Day Fans!
We don’t normally point to webpages here on Tip of the Day, but among the thousands of neat things on www.archive.org is the following: Instructions and forms to be observed by persons applying to the Pension Office for bounty land under the act of March 3, 1855 : entitled “an act in addition to certain acts granting bounty land to certain officers and soldiers who have been engaged in the military service of the United States.” Click here to give it a read. ———————————— Check out GenealogyBank’s Offer for Tip of the Day Fans!
Remember that every record was created by a human. Consequently any one piece could be incorrect. Could that be what’s causing your brick wall? ———————————— Check out GenealogyBank’s Offer for Tip of the Day Fans!
Genealogy Tip of the Day Readers are encouraged to consider subscribing to my weekly genealogy how-to newsletter, Casefile Clues. Casefile Clues is not your typical genealogy newsletter. We do not rehash or rephrase generic information that is available in numerous how-to books and websites. Casefile Clues is applied genealogy at its best. Our focus is on record and document analysis, “where to go next,” “where did I go wrong,” how to use records, etc. All case studies are drawn from my own research in a variety of locations. Readers like Casefile Clues because it is not just fluff and we really get down and explain what the thought process was behind the research. And we cite our citations. And sometimes we discuss how we tried things that did […]
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