Researching the Surviving Spouse
I had a great aunt that I had trouble finding. Finally, after some research I was able to find her. She died very young from pregnancy complications. But, I wanted to know about the man that she married. Who was … Continued
Researching an ancestor’s other life
Did your parents or grandparents have another life? We live in a world where divorce is more and more prevalent. Much more so than in the past, but it still existed. Even if divorce was not in your family, an … Continued
Genealogy Research Leads to Discovery of Self
My journey into genealogy began at a very difficult time in my life. I was going through a divorce. I had heard rumors about our relationship with David Crockett and a variety of other family stories all of my young, … Continued
Are there original Mexican War Records
I was recently asked if the original Mexican War Records still existed. So, I decided to do some digging. The Mexican-American War was a conflict between Mexico and the United States from 1846 to 1848. Many young men went to … Continued
Bastardy Bonds
I have several ancestors who were born out of wedlock in the 18th and 19th Centuries. When I began research, one area I was pointed to search was the bastardy bonds. So, what are bastardy bonds? These bonds were used … Continued
Orphan Trains
Last week, we discussed what happened to children who were left parentless in the 19th Century. Children that were left parentless or living in poverty or did not have someone to care for them who lived in large cities … Continued
Children without parents in 19th Century
Last week, I shared an answer to a guardianship question I received. This week, I’m answering the second part of that question. What happened in 19th Century when both parents died? I can turn to my own family history for … Continued
When did guardianship records begin
I recent had someone ask me when guardianship records began. I had to be honest and say I did not know. I had seen them from the mid-20th Century, but not before. But first, what are guardianship records? This would … Continued
Searching where ancestor went to college
Family lore says that one set of my great-great-grandparents went to college, however we do not know where. We know that my great-grandfather went to law school but did not finish. However, his law books were passed down in the … Continued
Understanding the Quakers
Many came to the United States for religious freedom over the decades. One of the religions I’ve discovered among my own ancestors is that of the Quakers. When researching the lives of our ancestors, it helps to understand their religious … Continued