First Ladies: Mary Todd Lincoln
Mary Todd Lincoln was the first First Lady to have her husband assassinated. She’d watched her husband age with the progression of the Civil War. Mary Lincoln suffered much loss and tragedy in her life. Mary Ann Todd was born … Continued
Presidents: Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is one of our best known Presidents. He had the awesome task of leading the nation through the American Civil War. He was also the first president to be assassinated. Abraham Lincoln was born into poverty on February … Continued
Breaking Brick Walls with the Use of DNA
I have a great-great grandfather who was born illegitimately in 1855. We know his birth surname was Mims from early census records, but by adulthood he had adopted the surname of his maternal grandparents that raised him. Repeated searches in … Continued
7 Benefits of Ancestry Hints
If you have your family tree on Ancestry.com, then you are familiar with their ancestry hints. There are many benefits to Ancestry hints. So, what are some of them? Discovering missing family members or ancestors Discovering where your ancestor lived … Continued
First Ladies: Harriet Lane
Harriet Lane was the niece of bachelor President James Buchanan. She would serve as his First Lady during his presidency. Harriet Rebecca Lane was born on May 9, 1830 in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Elliott Tole … Continued
Presidents: James Buchanan
James Buchanan was the President of the United States before Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. He was also our only president who was a life long president. James Buchanan, Jr. was the last president born in the 18th Century. … Continued
Missing Nucleus Groups on Census Records
Last week, I shared about family members who were missing from the census records and my theories as to why this might be the case. However, let me share you another scenario. I have an entire family cluster that lived … Continued
Presidential Hostess: Abigail Atherton Kent Means
Abigail “Abby” Atherton Kent Means filled in for her niece, Jane Appleton Pierce, in the duties of hostess under President Franklin Pierce. Franklin and Jane Pierce mourned the loss of their son, Benjamin, in a train accident only two months … Continued
First Ladies: Jane Means Appleton Pierce
Jane is described as a “delicate” child and adult. Her brother-in-law was an instructor at Bowdoin College to a young man named Franklin Pierce. How Jane and Franklin met is not known for sure, all though this connection seems the … Continued
Presidents: Franklin Pierce
Franklin Pierce is one of the most forgotten presidents. He also suffered a considerable loss in his family which lead to depression and alcoholism. Franklin Pierce was born on November 23, 1804 in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. He was the … Continued