My Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) application is complete, signed, and on it's way to D.C. Hopefully it's all good and I'll get some good news in about two to three months.
Picture
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Family Events - Week of February 1 to February 7
Maureen Ann BUDZIAK - Happy birthday to my aunt on February 1.
Harry Henry Adolph TRAPP - Harry is my first cousin three times removed. He was born on 25 July 1895 in Illinois. He died on or around 5 February 1972.
Joan Garrison McMAHON - Joan is my grandmother, who was born on 6 February 1927 in Oak Park, Cook, Illinois. She died on March 1, 1980 at the age of 53.
Henry Emil WACH & Bessie C KUNBERGER - Henry and Bessie are my second great-grandparents. They were married on 6 February 1904 in Chicago.
*Based on information from several compiled source, of which I have not personally verified at this time.
Get Up & Dance
Becky at kinexxions is hosting the 65th edition of the Carnival of Genealogy. The topic:
The Happy Dance. The Joy of Genealogy. Almost everyone has experienced it. Tell us about the first time, or the last time, or the best time. What event, what document, what special find has caused you to stand up and cheer, to go crazy with joy? If you haven't ever done the Happy Dance, tell us what you think it would take for you to do so.
I can't say that I've ever really gotten up to shake my bootie when bust down a brick wall or find something interesting. But I have had those wonderful moments of joy, some of which are fairly recent that I have already blogged about. So what do you say, how about a carnival within a carnival? Here's a tour of posts I've written that have brought me the joy of genealogy.
Finding Tessie - While digging around, I found that "family friend" Tessie, was actually family! You can read more about it here, here, and here.
The Joys of Facebook & Geneablogging - I never would have thought that Facebook and geneablogging would have yielded research results let alone two distant cousins. You can check out that story here.
He's My Cousin?!?! - Not only did I find cousins through Facebook and blogging, but I found out that a friend of mine was my 4th cousin! You can read that story here.
Still More Cousins - Okay, these cousins I knew about. And although there was no genealogy find per se, the mere fact that we are communicating after 10+ years was enough for me to smile, and yes, for this one, I did get up and dance. You can read that story here.
Well, that's all folks!
Saturday in the Attic - 01/31/09
As I mentioned in last week's Saturday in the Attic, I needed to pull out the family Bible to complete my DAR application. So, without further ado, here is the family Bible that belonged to my third great-grandmother, Sarah Norton WEBSTER Coffinger Mulligan.
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| Sarah N. Coffinger's Book |
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| --left page-- Abram M Coffinger --right page-- A Family Record of the Calvin P Webster Born 1st. George P. Webster born [Stamp at bottom] S.N. Coffinger |
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| --left page-- James Manly Garrison + James Norton Garrison Born James Manly Garrison died May 23 1909 [newspaper pinned to page, reads] --right page-- Edward Mulligan born April the 8 1867 |
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| A Record of Abram Abram Coffinger Abram M Coffinger born |
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| Direct Descent of the James Manly Garrison I Govenor John Webster of Connecticut |
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| --left page-- II Lieut. Robert Webster, married Susanna Treat * --right page-- Direct Descent of the James Manly |
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| I. Sir Robert Parke b. 1580; Preston, Lancashire, England. Married first Martha dau. of Robert Chapin (Chaplain or Chaplin) of Edmundsbury, Eng. married seconly Mrs. Alice Thompson 1644, Roxbury, widow of John Thompson of Preston, Eng. He was freeman 1640; Representative April 1642; Deputy to General Count, 1641-42. Settled in Wethersfield, Conn. 1639; removed to New London 1649. Sir Robert died March 1664, Stonington, Conn. buried in Whitehall Cemetery, Mystic, Conn. I. Sir Robert Parks b. 1580 m. Martha Chapin d. Mar. 1664 |
This Bible is in my possession, and was transcribed by me on 23 January 2009.
Carnival/Meme Roundup - January 2009
The year's off to a great start with all sorts of events. Here's what the GeneaBloggers have been up to this January.
Carnival of Genealogy - New Year's Resolutions
Smile for the Camera - Who Are You
Carnival of Genealogy - Winter Photo Essay
Cabinet of Curiosities - 13th Edition
Carnival of Irish Heritage & Culture - My Key to Ireland
Carnival of Central & Eastern European Genealogy - History Books
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Upcoming Meeting of the Chicago Genealogical Society
The Chicago Genealogical Society has some great meetings coming up. If you're in the area, be sure to check them out!
Searching Library Catalogs and Databases
Speaker: Ginger Free
When: February 7
Internet Techniques for Locating Lost Relatives
Speaker: Jeanne L. Bloom
When: March 7
Special Workshop with Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective
Speaker: Maureen Taylor
When: May 2
Your Irish Roots
Speaker: Ted Bartlett
When: June 6
All meetings are at 1:30pm at the Newberry Library in Chicago. Additional information on the events can be found here.
Upcoming Meetings of the Kane County Genealogical Society (Illinois)
The Kane County Genealogical Society has a great slate of meetings for 2009.
Historic Preservation in Geneva
Speaker: Karla Kaulfuss
When: February 26
Karla will share details regarding preservation in one of the most well known historic communities in the Fox Valley.
Underground Railroad: The History We are Finding
Speaker: Kim Malay
When: March 26
Learn more about the recent findings regarding the underground railroad and the Fox Valley citizens who supported it.
Spreadsheets 101: Excel ®, The Genealogist’s Underutilized Tool
Speaker: Jeanne Larzalere Bloom
When: April 23
Jeanne Larzalere Bloom, noted genealogist, will discuss how to incorporate the use of the spreadsheet and analysis capabilities of this popular software product into your family research.
Crimes and Criminals: Stories and Research of the Fox Valley Area
Speaker: Ron Rawson, Archivist with the Geneva History Center
When: May 28
Ron will share how to use one of the most infrequently used sources as well as share some interesting Kane county criminal cases.
Member's Night: Research Discussion Groups
When: June 18
Members and guests will have the opportunity to meet in small, topic focused discussion groups. Attendees are welcome to bring their research materials.
Identifying Unknown Photos with Lostandfoundphotos.net
Speaker: Eric Basir of PhotoGrafix
When: July 23
Eric will share insight in the various uses of this unique website.
Linking Your Family with Famous People
Speaker: Margaret Mackle Kapustiak
When: August 27
We all imagine that our families are linked in some way to the fabulously famous. Margaret Kapustiak will share ideas on bringing the imaginary to reality.
German Genealogy
Speaker: Patricia Reeves
When: September 24
German connections are quite common. Come learn how to make the most of your German connections.
So, You’ve Found Your German Town of Origin—Now What?
Speaker: Teresa McMullin
When: October 22
Learn the next steps in taking your research back to the “Old Country."
All meetings are at 7:30pm at the Geneva History Center (first floor meeting room), 113 S. Third St. in Geneva. If you're in the area, be sure to attend! I know I'll be planning my research trips around some of these!!
February Meeting of the McLean County Genealogical Society (Illinois)
I personally can't wait for the next meeting of the McLean County Genealogical Society in February!
On Tuesday, February 17, Deborah Senger will present Using Your Psychic Ability in Genealogical Research.
Ms. Deborah Senger, a Christian Spiritual Historic Medium, and Certified Paranormal Investigator,will explore with us the technique of using and recognizing our own intuitive abilities in our genealogy research. She will try to inspire us to follow our hunches and take the humdrum out of genealogical research. Ms. Senger will encourage us to open our thoughts to new perspectives and enjoy new adventures. Bring a friend and join us for a most enjoyable evening.
The meeting will be held at the McLean County Museum of History. If you're in the area, be sure to check it out!
Upcoming Meetings of the Genealogical Forum of Elmhurst, Illinois
The Genealogical Forum of Elmhurst, Illinois has some great upcoming meetings. If you're in the area, be sure the check them out!
Organizing Your Paperwork & Genealogy Files
Speaker: Carole Magnuson
When: February 1, 3pm
Cemeteries-Look High and Low, Above and Below
Speaker: Jeffrey A. Bockman
When: April 5, 3pm
Effectively Using Ancestry.com
Speaker: Lou Szucs
When: June 7, 3pm
For location, fees, and contact information, visit their website.
New Content on Footnote
More Civil War records are now available:
- Civil War Widows Pensions
- Civil War Union Soldier Service Records for Arkansas
- Civil War Confederate Soldier Service Records for Arkansas
More City Directories are now available for the following cities:
Also available are the Indian Census Rolls for 1885-1940.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Weekly Genealogy Blogging Prompt #4
Prompt: Take a genealogy day trip and blog about it. Discover the local history and genealogy in your area. Take a trip to a cemetery or other historic location. Describe the day, what you learned, where you went, how it looked, how it sounded. Armchair genealogists will love the mini travelogue.
It's actually quite funny that this topic came up when it did. I took my first excursion to our local genealogical society's library last Thursday. Mind you, this is the first genealogical library I've ever been in (remember, I've had records galore in my possession, so this need hadn't arisen, until now).
The "trip" actually started on Tuesday night, when a friend and I went to the society's monthly meeting. The topic that night was a tour of the library. Even though my family is not from around the area I currently live in, there is still a wealth of information to be scoured in this library. So we planned to return later in the week to begin digging.
When we arrived, our sights were set on the DAR lineage books, since we are both applying for membership. I already had my line mapped out and sourced, but it was neat to see that other women in my family were DAR members. I found that two of my first cousins four times removed (Julie Ann WEBSTER and Nettie Elizabeth VLIET) and a second cousin four times removed (Isabel Erskine PARKS) were members. I already knew that my great-granduncle Joseph Webster PARKS was an SAR member. I guess I'm following in the family's footsteps by joining this wonderful organization myself.
After I transcribed the three DAR membership records, I checked out some of the cemetery books that the genealogical society put together. It helped me to put together a blog post about a local family buried in Evergreen Cemetery.
It was getting close to closing time, so I wrapped up my research for the day. We plan to return later this week for more genealogical fun!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Family Events - Week of January 25 to January 31
Catherine M SCHWARTZ - Catherine is my great-grandmother. She was born on 16 April 1894 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois. She died, allegedly by suicide, on 26 January 1925 at her home in Aurora. She was only 30 years old.
George Parks WEBSTER & Margaret FARRELL - George is my third great-granduncle. He and Margaret married on 27 January 1864.*
Michael CAHILL & Anne HALE - Michael and Anne are my third great-grandparents. They were married on 30 January 1855 in Thomastown, Kilkenny, Ireland.
Helen Marie ROTTMAN - Helen is my first cousin twice removed. She was born on 31 January 1909 in Iowa.*
*Based on information from several compiled source, of which I have not personally verified at this time.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Weekly Genealogy Blogging Prompt #3
Prompt: Participate in weekly blog themes: Tombstone Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday, etc. Many genealogy bloggers post photos of grave stones on Tombstone Tuesday or a photo worth 1,000 silent words on Wordless Wednesday. Participate in these informal events or invent your own.
This week, I faithfully participated in Wordless Wednesday, as well as two of my own personal ones.
Wordless Wednesday - Taking the cue from the other geneaBloggers, I started featuring this regularly on my blog back in September 2008. You can see all of them here.
Family Events - Thomas over at Destination: Austin Family was doing a daily post of BMDs at his blog. Knowing that I couldn't possible do this each day, I decided to fashion my own version in a weekly post that I do on Sundays. You can see all of them here.
Saturday in the Attic - I have a lot of family mementoes, from letters to nic-nacs to antiques. Back in November 2008, I started featuring this weekly column on my blog to share these things. You can see all of the posts here. And, while you're at it, why not start your own Saturday in the Attic column on your blog!
Oh, and finally, doesn't this post count? ;)
Saturday in the Attic - 01/24/09
The last few weeks I have been preparing to apply for membership into the Daughters of the American Revolution. So I had to pull out the Webster family Bible wherein my legacy resides. The Bible belonged to my third great-grandmother, Sarah Norton WEBSTER. It was given to her in 185[3] as a gift from her father, Calvin Price WEBSTER. It is in critical condition, so this is only the second time I've opened it, as I needed to gather some final sources for my DAR application.
While carefully combing through the pages, I came across some loose papers and clippings. Among them was the following letter, written by Sarah's niece, Julie Ann WEBSTER in 1952, presumably to her cousin (also a niece of Sarah) Emma Ellen HANIFAN. What's interesting about this letter, is the reference to DAR. Julia was a member, as were others in our family. I thought it was fitting for this week's column since I am in the midst of completing my DAR application.
Transcription:
Pontiac Mich--
Jan-7-1952
My dear Emma,
This is a late thank you for that lovely box of card.
When your letter came It was so carefully put away I had no address not ever to send a greeting.
Thanks for your remem-brance that was enclosed in Christmas greeting.
I felt like I have in the days gone by when your good mother remembered me.
Counting your little letter I felt that the C. Webster decendants were with me,--a nice long one from Maria (Hanifan) Ballard in Ohio and one from the Vliets, Birmingham Mich. also a card from Frank Hanifan.
All his family but one Frances are married--He had nine with two sets of twins.
A few years back, the Vliets lost their son. This year they lost their only grandson, a boy of 10 years.
In August my niece's sone Joseph was ordained at Pittsburgh He belongs to O.F.M Cap's Order He is a teacher in a college--Washington D.C.
Thanks for card when you went west with __ (plus) other grandmothers
How time does fly. Ella (Bird) Murray and her sister Flora are still on the family tree.
Flora's family are scattered in the south and in the west. Ella's g-dau--a graduate nurse. I never see them
Flora lives alone.
Today I had a letter from a niece of Marie (Hanifan) Ballard. She would like to join D.A.R.--a dau of Charlie Hanifan.
Did I write you we had a record for the D.A.R. in the Norton or (Maughton) line
Solomon Norton was born Naughton in War 1716. Naughton--went to Vermont--was called Norton as one of his uncles was called. Around 1823--went back to old name--
A dec. of Luther N. Webster (in Iowa) is a member of D.A.R. as is a dec. of Wm. Aaron Webster in Pontiac.
I probably have made a few mistakes in this letter I had neurities in hands and arms close to three years ago and have written very few letters
No this is not "Christmas" paper or rather stationary--I must have had it a dozen years. Will use it up on my relatives.
I can't get over it but I don't want to write.
I wonder if one can tire of writing.
I've lived alone so long and been "my own boss"--folks don't realize I'll be 82 on Ground Hog day.
(Am not alone--three cats.)
"Star boarder's milk .23 quart butter .95 lb., potatoes .75 peck--the cat's are like the folk's of 1951--now 1952--they like the up to the minute eats--canned food.
One of our distant cousins in Pontiac buys her grapefruit in the cans.
It's now close to bed time--the time I don't like--I've a good bed (yes one cat would like to sleep with me) but I don't sleep all the time. I don't complain--I have so much so far to be thankful for.
Accept with love this rambling letter Your Cousin
Julia
This letter is privately held by Julie Marie CAHILL Tarr.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
James MULLIGAN Mystery
When I started with my family history, I was blessed to have a compile genealogy on my dad's side. Unfortunately, it was not sourced, and therefore, I am in search of actual sources to prove/disprove the information compiled. After I entered all of the information into my database, I started to search for other information, using primarily Family Search and Ancestry. I added the additional information that I came across, and moved onto other things.
I have been working on James MULLIGAN, my third great-grandfather. Since James is part of my direct line to my American Revolutionary War soldier, I need to obtain more solid sources. Following is the information that was obtained from my family's compile genealogy and Family Search's International Genealogical Index.
James MULLIGAN was born in Dublin, Ireland [1] on 7 December 1812 [2]. He settled in Flint, Genesee, Michigan, where he died on 8 September 1879 [3]. James married Sarah Norton WEBSTER Coffinger on 5 November 1865 [4] in Pontiac, Oakland, Michigan [5]. James and Sarah had three children: Edward (b. 8 April 1867), Sarah Jane (b. 16 April 1870), and Margaret Eliz. (b. 25 August 1873). [6] So from these combined sources, here's what I had:
James MULLIGAN
- b. 7 December 1812 in Dublin, Ireland
- m. 5 November 1865 in Pontiac, Oakland, Michigan (Sarah Norton WEBSTER Coffinger)
- d. 8 September 1879 in Flint, Genesee, Michigan
I then began to search for censuses. Here's what I found:
1850 Census - Detroit, Wayne, Michigan
- James MULLIGAN / age 36 / Laborer / Ireland
- Margaret Mulligan / age 30 / -- / Ireland
- Maria MULLIGAN / age 11 / -- / Ireland
- Patrick MULLIGAN / age 8 / -- / Ireland
- Michael MULLIGAN / age 5 / -- / Ireland
- Bridget MULLIGAN / age 2 / -- / Ireland
- Joseph MULLIGAN / age 25 / -- / Ireland
This is likely my James MULLIGAN, based only on the age (putting yob est 1814) and place of origin.
1860 Census - Detroit, Wayne, Michigan
- Jas MULLIGAN / age 45 / Baggage ____ / Ireland
- Sophia Mulligan / 37 / -- / New York
- Michael MULLIGAN / 13 / -- / Ireland
- Bridget MULLIGAN / 12 / -- / Ireland
- Joseph MULLIGAN / 9 / -- / Michigan
- James P MULLIGAN / 4 / -- / Michigan
- Julia MULLIGAN / 2 / -- / Michigan
So it looks like Margaret was his first wife, whom he married in Ireland, and had children (at least 4) with in Ireland. They either separated or she died, and he later married Sophia between the time to two censuses were taken.
1870 Census - Flint, Genesee, Michigan
- James MULLIGAN / 58 / Ditcher / Ireland
- Sarah Mulligan / 42 / keeping house / Michigan
- James MULLIGAN / 14 / works in saw mill / Michigan
- Edward MULLIGAN / 3 / -- / Michigan
- Sarah MULLIGAN / 2-12 / -- / Michigan
- Emma COFFINGER / 11 / at school / Iowa
- Mary COFFINGER / 9 / at school / Iowa
Here in lies my third great-grandmother Sarah, apparently James' third wife. The son James, ties this family to the family in the 1860 Census. The children Michael and Bridget ties the family in the 1860 Census to the family in the 1850 Census. So I'm pretty certain that the James in all three censuses is mine.
Then I began to look for other records that would help confirm the information found in the censuses. I didn't come up with much. But I did come across two sources: one, which would typically be considered a primary source, conflicts every other source. Here's what I found:
I ordered the death certificate for James MULLIGAN from the State of Michigan. When I got the certificate, the date did not match what I had (it was off by one month), and there was no other information to prove/disprove this was the death certificate for my James MULLIGAN. I ordered this in March 2008, and had dismissed it, until now. Here's the information that were on the certificate:
- Name: James MULLIGAN
- DOD: 8 October 1879
- LOD: Genesee, First Ward Flint, MI
- Age: 66 years, 9 months, 1 day
- Birthplace: Ireland
- Marital Status: Married
- Occupation: Laborer
- Mother's Name: Not recorded
- Father's Name: Unknown Not recorded
- COD: Consumption
- Date of Record: 28 May 1880
A few days ago, I came across a listing for James MULLIGAN in the 1880 Mortality schedule of the U.S. Federal Census. All the sources I had found to this point did show a year of death as 1879. Here's the information that was recorded:
- Name: James MULLIGAN
- DOD: September 1879
- Census Location: Genesee, First Ward Flint, MI
- Age: 66 years
- Birthplace: Ireland
- Marital Status: Married
- Occupation: Day Laborer
- COD: Dropsy of heart
- Date of Record: 28 May 1880
- How long residence of county: 29
This seems to be the same person, with the exception that the month of death and cause of death differ. Here's the kicker: the death certificate indicates the age as 66 years, 9 months, 1 day, and if you calculate that with the date of birth (mind you obtained by Family Search, somewhat confirmed with the censuses in terms of yob) that makes the month September, not October. In terms of the cause of death, I can't find anything indicating a tie between TB and dropsy, so I'm at a loss here.
Hmmm. Knowing that someone could calculate that birth date indicated in the record on Family Search using the full age and the date of death, I was a little skeptical of the birth date. However, that Family Search record only shows a year of death--no month or day, so it seem unlikely that the birth date was calculated using this method. Additionally, if someone calculated the birth date using the death certificate's full age and death date, they would come up with a birth date of January 7, 1813.
The other thing, is that the 1880 Mortality census notes that he lived in the county for 29 years. Looking back at the censuses, it's likely that he lived in the county for at least 19 years. I have not been able to find anything to indicate that he moved to Genesee Co. between 1860 and 1870, so it's hard to say whether 29 years is accurate, although, it is possible.
So do I have the answers to my questions?
1. Are all of these censuses pointing to the same James MULLIGAN, and more importantly, my James MULLIGAN?
I know that the 1870 Census is a valid reference, as I have the family bible of my third great-grandmother, Sarah, which documents her being married to James, and having the three children (all named, with birth dates). The ties with the children from census to census seem to indicate that those are valid references as well.
2. Is the death certificate for my James MULLIGAN?
Although usually considered a primary source, I have other sources that seem to indicate that yes, it is my James MULLIGAN, but that the month is incorrect.
3. Is the birth date obtained from Family Search correct?I'm going to say, yes. Since all references (except the death certificate) indicate that he died on 8 September 1879, using the full age indicated on the death certificate yields that same date.
I guess I do have the answers, at least I'm fairly certain, for now. ;)
Citations
- Cahill Family Tree document, not published, privately held by Julie M Cahill Tarr.
- International Genealogical Index - North America, provided by Family Search, James MULLIGAN; http://www.familysearch.org/eng/search/frameset_search.asp?PAGE=/eng/search/ancestorsearchresults.asp.
- Cahill Family Tree document, not published, privately held by Julie M Cahill Tarr.
- ibid.
- International Genealogical Index - North America, provided by Family Search, James MULLIGAN; http://www.familysearch.org/eng/search/frameset_search.asp?PAGE=/eng/search/ancestorsearchresults.asp.
- Cahill Family Tree document, not published, privately held by Julie M Cahill Tarr.
- Holy Bible (unknown: unknown, ca. 1850), privately held by Julie Marie Cahill Tarr, Normal, Illinois, 2001.
- 1850 U.S. census, population schedule, Detroit, Wayne, Michigan, p. 217, dwelling 1270, family 1531; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com ); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm M432, roll M432_365.
- 1860 U.S. census, population schedule, Pontiac, Okland, Michigan, p. 41, dwelling 283, family 284; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com ); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm M653, roll M653_556.
- 1870 U.S. census, population schedule, Flint Ward 1, Genesee, Michigan, p. 25, dwelling 197, family 196; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com ); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm M593, roll M593_671.
- 1880 U.S. census, Genesee County, Michigan, mortality schedule, p. 1, James Mulligan; NARA microfilm publication T1163 (in the custody of the State Library of Michigan).
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Family Events - Week of January 18 to January 24
Margaret "Maggie" CAHILL - Maggie is my great-grandaunt. She was born on 18 January 1891 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois. *
Caroline "Carrie" TARR - Happy birthday to my sister-in-law on January 18.
Anna E STOFFEL - Anna is my great-grandmother, who was born on 19 January 1887 in Chicago. She died on June 12, 1936 at the age of 49.
Roger William HILLBROOK - Roger is the husband of Maggie CAHILL (above). He died on 20 January 1985.
Theresa K SCHWARTZ - Theresa is my great-grandaunt, who was born on 22 January 1899 in Aurora, Kane, Illinois. She died on 18 July 1942 at the age of 43.
James Manly GARRISON & Sarah Jane MULLIGAN - James and Sarah are my second great-grandparents. They were married on 23 January 1893 in Chicago.
*Based on information from several compiled source, of which I have not personally verified at this time.
GeneaProjects
Sometimes you just need a break from your own family research. Sometimes it's best to step away from the brick wall to get a fresh perspective. But as we all know, genealogy is a passion, so it's hard to break away. That being said, there are many ways in which we can be involved with genealogy, while taking a breather from our own tree. Here are a few ideas:
Indexing/Transcription Projects
Indexing is a great way to participate in genealogy while taking a break from research. And who knows, maybe you'll even come across an ancestor!
There are probably hundreds of projects going on (think genealogical and historical societies). There are also two huge projects going on that are focused on making indexes available and searchable online.
Family Search's Worldwide Indexing Projects - Family Search is a service provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It offers free access records worldwide. Many indexing projects have already been completed. But there are plenty more to go around. To participate in an indexing project, simply sign up, download their program, and start indexing. The program is easy to use and once you get into a rhythm, it goes by very quickly (assuming the one you're working on is not terribly illegible).
Ancestry's World Archive Projects - This indexing project is fairly new. According to their site "The World Archives Project lets anyone from the genealogy community help bring FREE historical record collections to the public. Contributors become the first to see new collections as they type in information that creates searchable record indexes." To participate, sign up (or login to your existing Ancestry account), download the software, and start indexing. The program is a little tedious until you get used to it.
Volunteer to help out local genealogical/historical societies with their indexing and transcription project. Or, if you're feeling bold, create your own project. You could index surnames in local history books or newspapers, or you could transcribe cemetery records. Be creative, but also find ways to share the information with others.
Help Others
There are several ways you can help others solve those little mysteries. It's really a case of good karma, help others and others will help you, and it's really true! Here are some ways you can help:
Unclaimed Persons - A group of people who try to locate next-of-kin for deceased persons. You can participate through their Facebook Group.
Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness (RAOGK) - This is a website that holds a listing of people by state and county, who are willing to do small genealogical tasks. These tasks could include making court record copies, lookups, or photographing gravestones. You choose what you are willing to do. Head over to the RAOGK website and sign up as a volunteer.
Books We Own - This website provides a listing of books that other people own and who are willing to do lookups. If you have some books (genealogies, local histories, etc.) stop by and sign up as a volunteer.
USGenWeb - All of those documents and transcriptions you've collected could be of great help to others. USGenWeb is designed to put people in touch with information for a particular county. Collect some of your records and head over the the applicable state/county site and submit your info. You can also volunteer to do lookups. You may also want to participate in some of their index/transcription projects. Or volunteer to adopt an orphan county by becoming a County Coordinator.
Message Boards - There are many genealogy-related message boards. Two of the most popular are RootsWeb (an Ancestry community) and GenForum (at genealogy.com). Spend some time perusing the boards and see if there is anyone you can help. Who knows, you may just discover a cousin!
Create a Facebook Page for You Blog(s)
I've been trying to figure out other ways to get the word out about my blogs. Facebook's Networked Blogs application (formerly known as Blog Network) is a great tool and had been effective. However, not everyone uses the application. Additionally, a Facebook search will not find the blogs listed in the application.
Taking a cue from Miriam, footnoteMaven, and Lorine, who have created a Facebook page for their blogs, I decided to create my own. I chose to do one page that incorporated all of my genealogy-related blogs, entitled Julie's Genealogy Blogs.
Since many of the GeneaBloggers are using their blogs as research tools per se, many made New Year's resolutions about increasing traffic to their blogs. That said, I thought a Facebook Page was one way to do that. Since many of the GeneaBloggers are on Facebook, I've gone ahead and put together a tutorial on how to create a Facebook page with tips for using the page effectively. The tutorial is in a PDF format and can be viewed here.
Please note, I have seen some discussion on the appropriate use of Facebook pages. I can not find anything that says creating this type of page is in direct violation of the terms. The "terms" state:
Only an official representative of a brand, organization, or person is permitted to create a Facebook Page for that subject. Fake Pages and unofficial "fan pages" are a violation of our Terms of Use. If you create an unauthorized Page or violate our Terms in any way, your Facebook account may be disabled. (taken from the disclaimer on the Create a Page web page)
Additional terms state:
Facebook Pages may only be set up for the purpose of promoting a business or other commercial, political, or charitable organization or endeavor (including non-profit organizations, political campaigns, bands and celebrities), and only by an authorized representative of the entity or individual that is the subject of the Facebook Page. By creating a Facebook Page, you represent and warrant that you are authorized to do so by the person or entity that is the subject of the Facebook Page, and to accept these Additional Terms and the Facebook Terms of Use on such person's or entity's behalf. When you create a Facebook Page, you must designate one or more administrators who are authorized to operate and edit the Facebook Page. (excerpt taken from Additional Terms Applicable to Facebook Pages)
I am of the opinion that I am "an official representative" of my "product" (i.e. website/blog). I am also of the opinion that in a sense, my blogs represent a "non-profit organization." This is actually true for two of the blogs I represent on my page (blogs for The Association of Graveyard Rabbits).
Furthermore, the additional terms also state:
Facebook does not review Facebook Pages to determine if they were created by an appropriate party, and is not responsible for any unauthorized Facebook Pages that may appear on the Site. If there is any dispute as to whether a Facebook Page has been created or is being maintained by an authorized representative of the individual or entity who is the subject of that Facebook Page, then Facebook shall have sole right, but is not obligated, to resolve such dispute as it determines is appropriate in its sole discretion. Such resolution may include, without limitation, deleting or disabling access to Facebook Pages or any portion thereof at any time without notice. (excerpt taken from Additional Terms Applicable to Facebook Pages)
It seems that they are more concerned with unauthorized pages, meaning pages that are created by someone not authorized to do so (e.g., creating a page for Macintosh, when I not affiliation with the whatsoever and am therefore in no way authorized to do so). So again, I am not that concerned as I am not in violation of this policy.
Additionally, others before me have created Facebook pages for their blogs with no repercussions. So I say "go for it!!"
Saturday in the Attic - 01/17/09
This find tells me something about my dad that I did not previously know. He was a volunteer fireman for the Northlake Fire Department in Cook County, Illinois.
Weekly Genealogy Blogging Prompt #2
Prompt: Participate in carnivals. A blog carnival is a showcase of bloggers’ posts on a given topic. Genealogy bloggers LOVE carnivals because there’s something for everyone. To learn about when these showcase-type events are happening, read others’ genealogy blogs. Someone’s always talking about a carnival.
This week, I participated in the Carnival of Irish Heritage & Culture (view post). I had intended to participate in the Carnival of Genealogy, but just didn't get to it this time.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Military Terms
When I started doing research involving military records, I had a hard time deciphering documents due to unfamiliar terminology. I found myself looking up terms, the same terms, over and over. So I started a list of terms I came across and looked them up one last time and noted them in a cheat-sheet. I hadn't used it in a while, but the last few days I've been researching my American Revolutionary War ancestor and found myself pulling out my sheet. I thought I'd share it on my blog for others.
All of these definitions are word-for-word from Wikipedia. You can click on the term to go to the Wikipedia page where the term is defined to learn more. I also added links to Wikipedia pages for a few of the wars.
Note: My research has been American-based in terms of military. These terms may or may not be relevant to the military of other countries. Also, this is certainly not an exhaustive list by any means.
Military Terms
Military - An organization authorized by its nation to use force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country (or by attacking other countries) by combating actual or perceived threats.
Corps - Either a large formation, or an administrative grouping of troops within an armed force with a common function such as Artillery or Signals representing an arm of service.
Division - A large military unit or formation usually consisting of between ten to thirty thousand soldiers. In most armies, a division is composed of several regiments or brigades, and in turn several divisions make up a corps.
Brigade - A military unit that is typically composed of two to five regiments or battalions, depending on the era and nationality of a given army.
Regiment - A military unit, composed of variable numbers of battalions, commanded by a Colonel. Depending on the nation, military branch, mission, and organization, a modern regiment resembles a brigade, in that both range in size from a few hundred to 5,000 soldiers (3 to 7 standard battalions). Generally, regiments and brigades are grouped as divisions.
Battalion - A military unit of around 500-1500 men usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel. Several battalions are grouped to form a regiment or a brigade.
Company - A military unit, typically consisting of 75-200 soldiers. Most companies are formed of three to five platoons although the exact number may vary by country, unit type, and structure.
Platoon - A military unit typically composed of two to four sections or squads and containing about 30 to 50 soldiers. Platoons are organised into a company, which typically consists of three, four or five platoons. A platoon is typically the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer — the platoon leader or platoon commander, usually a lieutenant.
Squad - A small military unit led by a non-commissioned officer (NCO) that is subordinate to an infantry platoon.
Commissioned Officers - Derive authority directly from a sovereign power and, as such, hold a commission charging them with the duties and responsibilities of a specific office or position. Commissioned officers are typically the only persons, in a military environment, able to act as the commanding officer (according to the most technical definition of the word) of a military unit. Commissioned officers generally receive training as leadership and management generalists, in addition to training relating to their specific military occupational specialty or function in the military.
Non-commissioned Officer - Also known as an NCO or Noncom, is an enlisted member of an armed force who has been given authority by a commissioned officer.
Infantry - Soldiers who are primarily trained for the role of fighting on foot.
Cavalry - The second oldest of the Combat Arms, and as soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback in combat, it represents the mobility and offensive power of the armed forces.
Artillery - A military Combat Arm which employs any apparātus, machine, an assortment of tools or instruments, a system or systems used as weapons for the discharge of large projectiles in combat as a major contribution of fire power within the overall military capability of an armed force.
Theater - A specific geographical area of conduct of armed conflict, bordered by areas where no combat is taking place.
Campaign - A large scale, long duration, significant military strategy plan incorporating a series of inter-related military operations or battles forming a distinct part of a larger conflict often called a war.
Links to Various Wars on Wikipedia
While Wikipedia is not the end-all, be-all of sources, it does provide a starting point for research and basic information to aid in research. Hope this list of terms helps other non-military buffs out there.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Finding My Irish Roots
"My Key to Ireland" is the topic for the 11th edition of the Carnival of Irish Heritage & Culture.
If you have found your ancestral county or village in Ireland, just how did you find your way there? What resources led you to learn the original county or townland or your ancestors? Tell us how you did it and what your feelings were when you made the exciting discovery.
If you have not yet found the area where your ancestors made their homes in Ireland, tell us about the resources that you hope to use to find out. What records and documents do you hope will lead you to that information? How do you plan to go about the search?
If you have always known the place or places where your family hailed from, tell us about them. What draws you there and what else have you learned throughout your search for family history?
My Irish roots come from my dad's side of the family. I have second great-grandparents that immigrated to America from Co. Kilkenny and third great-grandparents who immigrated from Co. Tipperay. Most of the family planted roots in Chicago between 1860-1880.
So how do I know where they came from?
Well, somewhere along the line, I picked up my Co. Kilkenny knowledge, but from where, I couldn't tell you. It was just one of those nuggets I picked up without sourcing. However, I did confirm this by locating some birth and marriage records through the Irish Family History Foundation (IFHF). Personally, I do not like this database, but I'll save that for another post. The point is, I confirmed, with records, the information I had acquired previously.
I got lucky on my third great-grandparents, I think. The birth certificate for my second great-grandfather revealed that his parents were born in Co. Tipperay. Usually, these records simply say the country, if not the U.S., so this was a pleasant surprise. I haven't explored this piece of information any further yet. I'll likely explore the IFHF site (despite my beef with it) and try to find other potential sources. My first stop will be to review the article 12 Top Sites for Researching Irish Ancestors by Kimberly Powell at About.com, and explore the sites she recommends.
One day, I'd love to visit Ireland to see where I hail from, and of course, do some research!
The A-Z of Me
A break from all the craziness I've gone through the last 48 hours. Found this one at Scrappin' Mama's blog.
A - Age: need a calculator, I don't keep track!
B - Bed size: queen
C - Chore you hate: just one?
D - Dad’s Name: Joe
E - Essential start your day item: more sleep
F - Favorite actor(s): Will Smith
G - Gold or Silver: platinum
H - Height: 5′6″
I - Instruments you play(ed): piano, flute
J - Job title: Writer
K - Kid(s): 0
L - Living arrangements: live with hubby
M - Mom’s name: Jean
N - Nicknames: Jewels, Joodles
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: dehydration
P - Pet Peeve: ignorant people
Q - Quotes you like: none
R - Right or left handed: right
S - Siblings: 4 step-siblings
T - Time you woke up today: which time?
V - Vegetable you hate: most of them
W - Always running late: depends on the situation
X - X-rays you’ve had: too many to list
Y - Yummy food you make: peanut butter cookies
Z - Zodiac: Aries
Now, Becky, make a genealogy-related one for us!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Introducing My New Blog!
In honor of National Photo Preservation Month, I decided to create a new blog dedicated to my collection of old orphan photos. Hop on over to Who Will Tell Their Story? and check it out!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Family Events - Week of January 11 to January 17
Noah WEBSTER & Mercy STEELE - Noah is my second cousin nine times removed. He and Mercy were married on 12 January 1749 in Hartford, Hartford, Connecticut.* Noah and Mercy are the parents of the infamous Noah WEBSTER, LL.D.
Chauncey Carlisle WARREN & Mary Elizabeth FRANKLIN - Chauncey is my second cousin five times removed. He and Mary married on 14 January 1863 in Vermont.*
Julius DeFAUW - Julius is my second cousin once removed, who died on 15 January 2005 in Moline, Rock Island, Illinois. To my knowledge, I never had the pleasure to meet him.
*Based on information from several compiled source, of which I have not personally verified at this time.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Saturday in the Attic - 01/10/09
This is one of those finds that can certainly help with genealogical research...and it has. It's the Sons of the American Revolution membership card for my great-granduncle, Joseph Webster GARRISON.
I write about this today because I just received his application in the mail. A quick glance seems to indicated that it may be adding 3 more generations to this line! Not bad for $10. After I have time to digest the information, I'll post more.
Weekly Genealogy Blogging Prompt #1
Prompt: Upload your favorite picture and talk about it on your blog. Answer the who/what/when/where/why of the subject matter and explain why it is your favorite.
I have many favorite photos, so it's hard to choose.
This photo is of my mom and dad taken on the Chicago Bears Super Bowl cruise in March 1986. It's one of the last photos that I have of my dad before he died in 1989.
If I remember correctly, this was the only cruise either of my parents had taken, so it was a unique trip for them, not to mention rubbing shoulders with the entire Bears team and staff.
My dad was doing a lot pf photography on the cruise. He also became good friends with Steve Kazor, who at the time was the Special Teams Coach. As a result of these two things, my dad got season tickets; great seats, rows 1-3 in the South end zone. Rain or shine, sleet or snow, my dad was there for every game until he died.
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