Identifying and researching ancestors’ siblings is crucial to genealogy research, since siblings can help break down our brick walls. If an ancestor died young, or left behind few records, shifting our research focus to a sibling could help identify unknown parents, or solve other mysteries. Siblings can also reveal a woman’s maiden name. Additionally, when […]
Pennsylvania began state-wide birth and death registrations in the early 20th century, which was later than many other states. However, earlier attempts at registration were made at both the state and local levels, giving researchers other opportunities to find earlier vital records in the commonwealth. This guide to Pennsylvania vital records can be used to […]
Only a fraction of genealogical records are available online. Telling our ancestors’ complete stories and solving difficult genealogical mysteries often demand in-person research at a county courthouse. This Pennsylvania county courthouse records guide explains where to find valuable genealogy records like court records, vital records, deeds, wills and tax records. The ease of access of Pennsylvania […]
Every genealogist loves a good obituary. The contents of an obituary can vary greatly, depending on the time period and other factors. Some of the information that can be found in an obituary includes: However, they can also underscore the importance of finding original records and corroborating evidence whenever possible. Here’s four examples of obituaries […]
Tombstones dating back to the 19th century or earlier can be used as substitutes when there are no government-issued vital records. These older tombstones sometimes give additional details that may not be recorded on any other surviving records. A tombstone from 1885 included an important clue which helped to break down a brick wall involving […]
Tuberculosis (TB) At one time, tuberculosis was rampant. According to American Experience on PBS, “by the dawn of the 19th century, tuberculosis…had killed one in seven of all people that had ever lived.” In my family tree the disease was prevalent in ancestors living in cities, but I’ve found no evidence of it in my […]
Online family trees identify the wife of my ancestor Stephen Romain/Romayne (1819-1893) as Mary Eleanor Hillborn (1828-1910). Records, however, reveal the identity of another woman. Beware of Online Family Trees I often caution other genealogists against believing what they find in online family trees that do not cite reliable sources. Online researchers often incorrectly assume […]
I found the following 4 records that revealed his military service, most of which were available on Ancestry: 1. 1890 Veterans Schedules of the U.S. Federal Census Although the vast majority of the 1890 U.S. Federal Census was destroyed in a fire, the 1890 Veterans Schedules of the U.S. Federal Census has largely survived. This […]
My third great-grandmother, Catherine Morgan was born in Delaware about 1832. She married James Morgan about 1854 and they resided in Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Catherine died in 1904, and was buried in Chester Rural Cemetery. This information about Catherine was readily available online when I began researching her, but her maiden name and the […]
As a kid, I recall my relatives occasionally mentioning Cousin Andy, my grandmother’s cousin who spent much of his life in prison for committing various crimes. He had even broken into my grandparents’ house and stolen a few items, an offense for which he promptly turned himself in to authorities. Besides these details, I didn’t […]
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