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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
I love using newspaper archives for my research! Many genealogy records are only created at significant events in a person’s life, but newspaper archives can help fill in some of the holes in an ancestor’s timeline, and present a fuller, more vivid picture of the person they were. Trips they took, events they attended, illnesses […]
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