Each Wednesday during the Christmas season we are going to take a look at the origins of some of our Christmas traditions. The Christmas Tree was originally a pagan symbol of fertility and regeneration. The evergreen was a symbol to … Continued
Have you wondered how ancestors were divorced in the 19th century? Do you have an ancestor you know was married before but have been unable to find a marriage record? I’ve ran across this situation on several occasions. I have … Continued
Several weeks ago I was in an area of the state where my ancestors lived. I’d not been through that area on a genealogy trip in years and decided to drive around and acquaint myself with the roads. I decided … Continued
We all have brick walls we want to bust through in our genealogy research. I shared a few ways to find an elusive ancestor last week. What are some other ways to break through those pesky brick … Continued
I’ve been sharing tips on vital records. Here is a case study on how I used vital records to unlock a genealogical mystery in our family: My great-grandfather had a sister that no one knew what happened to her. She … Continued
Unable to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, King Henry VIII decided to take the matter into his own hands. In 1534, he denounced Catholicism and formed the Church of England. King Henry VIII was disappointed that his … Continued
Some death certificates are easier to obtain than birth certificates. Like birth certificates, the death certificate was not a legal document until the early 20th Century. This has also proven to be a frustration in many of the earlier records … Continued
The word has historically been used to characterize the Protestant group as extremists. However, in more modern times the word means against pleasure. The word was used in Thomas Fuller 1564 Church History. In 1560, the term was used … Continued
The term pilgrim was first used in the 1596 Confession of Faith. The definition at that time meant, “their own idea of life on earth as a pilgrimage towards heavenly bliss.” William Bradford was the first to refer to the … Continued
What happened to the 1890 census? For most states there is no 1890 census. This makes it very difficult for genealogists in piecing together answers, because there is a 20 year gap. Was the census taken in 1890? Yes, it … Continued