surnames

  • Using Facebook – Family Hometowns & Surnames

    Mar 27

    Facebook is a vast social media source – a method to connect to many people across the nation and the globe. By connecting you might locate information, records or photos related to your ancestors. With Facebook there are many categories – hometowns, states, counties, cities along with a vast listing of surnames (just not all surnames)...

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  • Importance of the US Census

    Mar 9

    The first census in U.S. history took place in 1790, and it continues today. The census is conducted every decade (10-year counts), meaning if your ancestors lived in America (states and territories) as of 1790 or after, then it’s likely they’re in the U.S. Census. Such a treasure chest of information. Only problem, not every person's name wa...

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  • Not in My Family !

    Feb 27

    You read or learn of some other family's usual ancestor or family occurrence and you think, no way that happened with anyone on your family tree. Better think again. A very classic example, that no couple before they were engaged or during their engagement period had extramarital sex resulting in pregnancy before a wedding. Yes, that hap...

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  • Short – Quick Ideas

    Feb 25

    It is good to keep up your family tree research. However, you may only have a short time frame to work once a week or so. The following are a few quick ideas of things for your family history that is beneficial and quick. If not done so to date, learn the original meaning of the surnames on the family tree, both sides—your mother's and ...

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  • Common Irish Surnames

    Nov 5

    If you have Irish heritage and especially an Irish surname you will want to learn more about that Irish name. Here are the top five names. Starting with the most common and popular Irish surnames, there is Murphy – the most common last name in Ireland, especially in County Cork. This surname, which means “sea battler,” translates t...

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  • Ancestors’ Given Names

    Nov 1

    If you have gotten even a little into your family tree research, one of the more interesting aspects is ancestors' given names. There can be good and bad points in such research. If the ancestor had an unusual first and or middle name it can help narrow down your search. But not always. I had an ancestor with my husband's family I sear...

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  • Falsehoods in Genealogy

    Mar 7

    Whether you are new to doing your family history research or been at awhile, you do need to be careful and not assume all items, information, records are 100% accurate. There can be falsehoods you should be aware of. Here are just a few. One of the most important records in the US Federal Censuses. For the first time (and what would later turn out...

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  • Using Facebook Sites for Surnames

    Feb 19

    There are thousands of social media Facebook Site centered around one or more related family surnames. Many are focused on a specific location or time frame. Here is a listing to help search for any that may be related. For example the Larkin and Hubbard Family of Buffalo, New York. Imagine you had seen the surname Hubbard in some of your research...

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  • Family Name – Our Connection to Our Ancestors

    Jan 19

    Besides the DNA (genes) you inherited from your ancestors, one of the most important elements to tie you to your ancestors is a surname. It appears most surnames originated due to certain factors. They are geography or location, geographical features, an occupation, personal - physical characteristics, an estate name, your ancestry, or patronage....

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  • Will Genealogy Research Change if Men Take their Wives’ Surnames?

    Sep 11

    Genealogists who are researching their paternal line can easily follow the trail from their father's surname to his male relatives. Today, some men change their surname to their wife's last name when they get married. Will genealogy research change as a result of men changing their surnames? The answer to this question is both yes and no. It won...

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