hometown

  • “The Descendants” – the Movie

    Nov 13

    At first glance you might think such a movie title is just perfect for anyone interested in family history.  Even though it is set in contemporary times it does offer some similar complex events faced by many of our ancestors or ourselves in parallel situations. True, this is a Hollywood movie starring George Clooney, but it is a family story o...

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  • A Family’s Unknown Tale from a Document

    Nov 2

    Never think there is by no means nothing new that can be learned about our ancestors, they can literally be full of surprises. Bits and pieces about events can spring toward in the most unusual places.  With the 21st century Internet technology, finding some of those previously unknown occurrences can become easier. A recent example was an 8 ½...

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  • Saline County, KS – Coroner’s Records

    Oct 23

    For anyone having ancestors from and around Saline County in Kansas there is an enthralling database in PDF format online. In transcript form are written out in alphabetical order the surname and given name for each person who died in Saline County for which a coroner was requested to help explain why the person died. Saline County, founded in 1858...

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  • Getting the Most from the U. S. 1880 Federal Census

    Oct 5

    The 1880 U.S. Federal Census, under U.S. President was Rutherford B. Hayes, was the tenth enumeration of the United States population and represented more than a 30% growth in the country compared to the 1870 census. Many of our ancestors came from Europe, Canada, South America or Asia during the 1860s and 1870s, so it is understandable the nation�...

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  • YOUR ANCESTRAL GERMAN TOWNS AND CITIES

    Oct 3

    So many of us within the United States, England, Australia and Canada have ancestors who originated in Germany. Just looking at the many German-based surnames such as Schroeder, Bixler, Groff, Smythe, Braun, Neumann, Schwarz, Kaiser, Klein and Hahn to name a few; nearly everyone has some German heritage. In doing your family history research you...

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  • WDYTYA – Celebrities Uncover The Truth About Their Ancestors

    Sep 29

    The British hit television series "Who Do You Think You Are?" (WDYTYA) started in October 2004, showcasing about six U. K. celebrities as they go on a journey to discover their family history. The show is still going strong with its Series 8 airing August through October 2011. The American version with the same name as this British show began Ma...

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  • Newspapers, Photos and Postcards of New York

    Sep 27

    Some of most creativity Internet sites for genealogical information are put together by original citizens, not just governmental agencies. So those fellow researchers who have taken the extra step to display their collection of information for others to share are highly applauded. There is a great such site titled Fulton History but this is not ...

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  • Delaware County, PA – Index of Vital Records

    Sep 17

    As you are compiling some family research, sometimes all you need is a small clue, a hint of an ancestor’s birth date or location to put you on the right track.  When different counties within a state make available their records more conveniently online, even if they are just an index (a listing), it can be a great assistance.  Once you know a...

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  • A Lesson from 9/11—Share and Help Where You Can

    Sep 11

    The following is an extra long blog for this 10th anniversary of Sept. 11th, but relates how genealogy can help heal even the deepest wounds. Above is a photo of Ralph Kershaw. Disbelief, just utter and total disbelief, was our reaction at what we were watching on the television that fateful September 11th morning.  The national news was repor...

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  • California News

    Sep 9

    There is a wonderful free collection from the CDNC - California Digital Newspaper Collection which is online. This source can be extremely useful for researchers with any ancestors from the California area. There are a variety of newspapers from several regions in the state.  Everything from the California Star & California, the Daily Alta Cal...

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