Genealogy is Ruthless without Me

2011-12-14T16:13:00.000-08:00

An email I received from Randy Seaver----- Just in case those following my genealogy blog did not think I was a true genealogy geek!!! Yes there is a Christmas poem out.

This blog is dedicated to my family and friends to let them glimpse at this wild journey I am on. I Liken this blog to postcards from the genealogy trails ------

so along my journey searching our ancestry, I meet other journey takers and share bits and pieces -----

so my today's email inbox:

I received the following from a friend who suggested I sent it on to anybody who I thought would enjoy it.
So Please do the same.

And then I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Randy Seaver

Chula Vista Genealogical Society

Genealogist's Christmas Eve

'Twas the night before Christmas
When all through the house
Not a creature was stirring,
Not even my spouse.

The dining room table with clutter was spread
With pedigree charts and with letters which said...
"Too bad about the data for which you wrote;
Sank in a storm on an ill-fated boat."

Stacks of old copies of wills and such
Were proof that my work had become too much.
Our children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.

And I at my table was ready to drop
From work on my album with photos to crop.
Christmas was here, and such was my lot
That presents and goodies and toys I'd forgot.

Had I not been busy with grandparents' wills,
I'd not have forgotten to shop for such thrills,
While others bought gifts to bring Christmas cheers,
I'd spent time researching those birth dates and years.

While I was thus musing about my sad plight,
A strange noise on the lawn gave me such a great fright.
Away to the window I flew in a flash,
Tore open the drapes and yanked up the sash.

When what with my wondering eyes should appear,
But an overstuffed sleigh and eight small reindeer.
Up to the house top the reindeer they flew,
With a sleigh full of toys and 'ole Santa Claus, too.

And then in a twinkle, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of thirty-two hoofs.
As I drew in my head, and bumped it on the sash,
Down the cold chimney fell Santa--KER-RASH!

"Dear" Santa had come from the roof in a wreck,
And tracked soot on the carpet, (I could wring his short neck!)
Spotting my face, good 'ole Santa could see
I had no Christmas spirit you'd have to agree.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work
And filled all the stockings, (I felt like a jerk).
Here was Santa, who'd brought us such gladness and joy:
When I'd been too busy for even one toy.

He spied my research on the table all spread
"A genealogist!" He cried! (My face was all red!)
"Tonight I've met many like you," Santa grinned,
As he pulled from his sack a large book he had penned.

I gazed with amusement--the cover it read
Genealogy Lines for Which You Have Plead.
"I know what it's like as a genealogy bug."
He said as he gave me a great Santa hug.

"While the elves make the sleighful of toys I now carry,
I do some research in the North Pole Library!
A special treat I am thus able to bring,
To genealogy folk who can't find a thing."

"Now off you go to your bed for a rest,
I'll clean up the house from this genealogy mess."
As I climbed up the stairs full of gladness and glee,
I looked back at Santa who'd brought much to me.

While settling in bed, I heard Santa's clear whistle,
To his team, which then rose like the down of a thistle.
And I heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight,
"Family history is Fun! Merry Christmas! Goodnight!"

Enjoy, Aunt Ruth

"Libraries offerings have evolved with the digital age to meet the changing needs of their patrons"

2011-12-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

Books, Libraries, genealogy research is changing drastically

The books housed in the Genealogy section of the Chula Vista Civic library will be moved to another section in the same building. This move is scheduled to happen before the new year.

Change is now. The Chula Vista Civic Library and Genealogical Society has the opportunity to reevaluate the needs of the community.
The CVGS board wants to keeps the membership informed of how and why the library is changing
The “new library” thinking is to provide open comfortable space for patrons to enjoy their studies, Their on-line studies.
A statement by American Library Association
We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture. ~
And free is what libraries want to provide for their communities. Over 70% of the public libraries in America provide free internet use in their facilities. To help the increasing population to on line studies many manufactures are gearing up to provide free services to public libraries.
Over 80% of those questioned provided reasons why on-line research was preferable to library research:
So the moral of the story is:
. If you have not started digitizing your genealogy –

note if you do not do it someone in the near future will need to do it.

Which supports the idea of turning your pedigree sheets in as soon as possible to be included on our website.

See below a statement released by SONY:
Sony's Perspective

At Sony, we believe there is a place for public/private partnerships. That's why we're so excited to be working closely with libraries and librarians across the country as part of our Reader Library Program. While there are several different views on the future of libraries, we believe that digital reading will be at the core of libraries, regardless of how they grow and evolve.
Sony's Reader Library Program is designed to help libraries overcome the challenges of adopting eBooks and educating their constituencies on how to borrow, read and make the most of digital reading content. eBooks, like traditional paper books, will play an important role in our civic and cultural life, but only if they are made broadly available and people understand how to access and use them. Sony's Reader Library Program includes four main components:
• A training program for library staff developed by Sony. This training includes in-person workshops, video training and additional materials available on the web, covering digital reading formats, an overview of sources for digital materials, and training on Sony's Reader digital reading devices.
• Sony's Reader digital reading devices for use by library staff.
• Educational materials to provide readers some background on digital reading devices.
• Bi-annual update sessions designed to keep libraries and their staff current with the latest developments in digital reading content, format and devices.

We believe it is extremely important to support public library systems as they expand their digital offerings and our initiative will provide these professionals with training and additional resources that will enable them to inform their patrons on how to benefit from their growing eBook collections. With this type of support, we believe they'll not only survive, but thrive in continuing to provide free access to knowledge in the digital age

end of Sony quote

Would it surprise you that there is belief that laptops will soon be obsolete?

The new technology will look more like kindles with library staff trained to assist patrons on the use of these handheld devices.
Besides the physical moving of the books there are many other changes planned for the genealogical research library team.

This is a very exciting and growing time for our society and genealogy research in general. While supporting our members with more tradition methods of research ---- the board is hoping to support new ideas that makes sense for each and every researcher.

With the widespread use of e-books, on-line help sites, and digitized records the library business is in a state of tremendous change.

Change -- the only constant in our lives.
The traditional use of the library to: “see a book”, visit a reference desk, check books out of the library is being replaced with e-books, on-line help sites, and digitized records.

Less and less magazines and newspapers will become available.

It is no longer your parents’ library; I remember just 20 years ago we heard how the catalogue files were going to start disappearing from our libraries. Expect and be informed of more changes in Books, Libraries, and Genealogy Research—you have become so familiar.

Authors, professionals in the publishing industry, book sellers, independent bookstore owners, CEOs of the big bookstore chains, libraries, genealogy researchers and readers have all been left with an abundance of questions as we go through this exciting transfer.

The Chula Vista Civic Library staff are already adapting to this “new library” thinking. The staff is keenly aware of the impact new technology is having on their community.

CEOs of the big bookstore chains:
As you have probably realized Borders, a large bookstore chain, has consistently been in the headlines since January 2010 because they cannot pay their publishers.

Professionals in the publishing industry are adapting to the fact the cost to publish a book is much too costly.

Libraries and bookstores are assessing what do with all the square footage if all go to e-readers ?

The marketing emphasis is on the e-book, no longer the physical book. It seems a major overhaul is overdue.

How do authors react to the e-book? Seth Godin, a well- known author, says his next book will only exist in e-format. Do all authors only want to read and publish books this way? We don’t think so. Authors also feel the financial pinch of the e-book. While many unknown writers may have a better chance to get published, established authors are seeing a fraction of the advances they typically received. One has to ask how does this influence the quality and respect for literature. Will authors rally to preserve printed books?

This leaves independent bookstores in particular with many more questions: Will publishers give bookstores the information and tools to help preserve the hard back read? Will publisher sales reps go to bat to preserve their stores and keep reading vital? Will marketing become more credible and more important to the independent book seller? Will the publishers recognize a need for real book selling, word of mouth in our stores and on our web presence?
Will all these changes make readership grow? As the demand of maximizing our reading time increases, will these changes add more value to our lives?

This time is very exciting for our industry.
.

Internet Caucus Advisory Committee Members and Supporters is an important public/private/profit/nonprofit organization keeping its eyes on the internet industry.
They have annual meetings of no less than 500 professionals of different walks of life. A statement regarding libraries and the internet suggested a major change is facing the public libraries of today

“Since the founding of our country, libraries have always been important to freedom. Today we are in the midst of a tremendous shift in the way Americans consume literature and other content, but one thing has not changed -- the library must continue to play a central role in providing open and free access to information and ideas.
Exactly what that role looks like is the subject of much debate and many differing perspectives. Some believe libraries will shift into learning and information centers while others insist they will maintain their role as a physical location for cataloging and loaning books -- in addition to housing sources of information technology.
While providing books was a standalone function for libraries throughout the last few centuries, their offerings have evolved with the digital age to meet the changing needs of their patrons. In fact, according to an article in the November 2009 issue of American Libraries, more than 71 percent of public libraries provide their community's only free public access to computers and the Internet. Not surprisingly then -- due to the economic hardship -- more people are using libraries. A study sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and published by the Institute of Museum and Library Services last year found that 69 percent of Americans 14 years of age or older visited a public library in 2009.
Regardless of its exact nature, technology will play an increasing role in shaping our future libraries. For centuries, the book publishing industry has worked closely with and supported libraries, and they have done so without influencing the freedom of the institution. It is now time for the technology industry to step up and play a similar role.
Here is how technologists can, and should, help support libraries:
• Offer training and support -- free of charge -- to libraries for items such as digital reading devices, tablets and other media devices. Helping technology companies as well as libraries, this will serve to educate the general public in the long run.
• Provide special access to materials - something publishers have been doing for years. While technologists can't always control pricing, we can offer special programs to help educate the public and broaden access.
• Open lines of communication, offering libraries insight into how technologists see the market evolving. This will help library administrators make informed decisions regarding the future of their institutions.

Free means Free
Digital reading has taken off over the past three years in ways that no one would have imagined a decade ago. Earlier this year, the Book Industry Study Group reported that eBook sales rose from 1.5% of all book sales in Q1 2009 to 5% in Q1 2010. This is a wonderful thing in many respects - digital reading makes it easier to publish and distribute materials than ever before. But, the race is also on to lock down the market on ebooks by locking consumers into a specific platform, and this is the equivalent of curbing access.

Another reason to attend Genealogy Conferences and Seminars .........SWAG and Prizes

2011-11-22T08:17:00.000-08:00

okay i admit it -----I like swag and I love door prizes; There has been many seminars or conferences were I have walked away with my admission and/or travel expenses were paid for by my "loot" At the Ancestry Day in San Francisco the fee was 42 dollars---a very huge bargain in itself. I paid 5 dollars for an "expert" to translate documents from Spain.

AND: I won a door prize!! There were probably more than 45 door prizes to be won. The door prizes included a years subscription to World Ancestry, Fold 3, all things genealogy related. My prize was a gift certificate to a record course of my choice in the Certificate in Genealogy Studies Program offered by the The National Institute for Genealogical Studies in affiliation with the University of St Michael's College in the University of TORONTO ----an 89 dollar value.

Well, I will let you know which class I decide to take and how it goes. Just now I need to find some quiet time....... to focus. Silly me, I want to put all my closets in order, declutter myself before I start. I like to get everything out of a class/ seminar/ conference I can glean.

And I am a morning person!

Exciting news!---- Watch out probably more genealogy data blogs than a person can fathom.

Ancestry Day in San Francisco Blog 2 Gordon Atkinson

2011-11-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

Gordon Atkinson presented

"Everything You Wanted to Know About FOLD3"

but I wanted to add but were afraid to ask---- luckily Gordon answered every one's question before we had to ask......

Why the name FOLD 3?

The name has to do with the traditional folding of the American flag. The correct folding of the American flag is performed in 13 folds and each of these folds has representation. The 3rd fold of the American Flag is in honor and remembrance of veterans who served in defense of their country and to maintain peace throughout the world. Fold3 is the leading U.S. military resource on the web. Fold 3 has over 78 million records on line and growing over hour.

Fold 3 is a work in process. Why we need to let our families know about this web site is this web site will not be finished in our lifetime. There are many records yet to be added to these digital images. Examples include the 1812 records are only up to the letter B and expected to be finished in 2015.

Many wars records have not been started yet. Korean war and Spanish/American war for example.

The advantages of the FOLD3 site includes quality images, Fold3 has some of the best image definition of original documents.

Another advantage of FOLD 3 is it indexed other sources not always available. For example is the records of compensation to efforts of the Civil War by either side. If a family donated bacon, a horse, etc to the war efforts on either side of the war. The family would submit a request for reimbursement. The reimbursement petition was quite lengthy and included family history to be added to the petition. This could be very helpful to family researchers.

Another very useful feature programmed into the web site is the search that allows your ancestors name to appear from many documents. All the names on a document has been recorded. If your ancestor's name appeared on another petition or court record, even a non-relative, each and every time your ancestor's name appears on a military record it will be part of a search result.

There also are some very fine interactive features to FOLD3 ---- one you can add data of your own in the text of a document and you can also add a Memorial Page to your Ancestral Veteran. There are now over 900 million memorial pages added to FOLD.

I will be updating this site to the best of my ability but also I need my next generations to know about this site. After I am gone ---data may still be added to complete "Our Story".

San Francisco Ancestry Day November 5, 2011

2011-11-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

I am here! I am so excited. Attending Genealogical Seminars/Conferences are like my new Disneyland! This seminar is fantastic! My criteria for a fantastic seminar is different than other family researchers.

If I am going to pay the money, spend my time, and make family arrangements I want to be educated in a comfortable environment. This seminar far exceeds my expectations. Actually it feels more like a Genealogy Conference.

I attended the pre registration on Friday night. I was surprised to enter the room and meet the 200 plus attendees sipping on wine and enjoying elegant crackers and cheeses. Besides meeting up with wonderful familiar faces and receiving welcoming hugs, I met several seminar first comers. They are expecting 900-1000 seminar attendees.

The welcoming committee was stationed around the room welcoming, assisting each attendee to registration and answering questions. It was nice to see even the new comers at ease and joining in conversations.

Kathryn Doyle was assisting the Chair of the Publications and Marketing Committee, Shannon Reese. Mr. Reese actually filmed and presented a Youtube featuring the seminar. Mr. Shannon will be doing more broadcasts from the seminar. I look forward to seeing these broadcast and sharing them with my family and genealogy friends. The next best thing to being at a seminar is enjoying it second hand through an other's experience.

There are some great classes scheduled for tomorrow. My first class for Saturday Morning will be Everything You Wanted to Know about Fold3. I will post soon because I now know why the name was changed from FOOTNOTE to FOLD3. You will LOVE the answer.

So what is the difference in Scottish-Irish history and Irish-Scottish history?

2011-10-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

Scottish/Irish Irish/Scottish identification is of huge concern to many family historians.
So what is the difference in Scottish-Irish history and Irish-Scottish history?
According to wiki encyclopedia there is a “settled meaning today” of the different (so far I have counted 15) Irish/Scottish Scottish/Irish descendent patterns.
Where would a family historian look first to find Irish/Scottish roots?
Irish Scottish roots are a huge subject! It would be difficult to attack the subject as a whole. To help family historians, the ability to narrow your search can be very helpful.
When the immigrants from Ireland and Scotland came to America --- they came in waves based on many migration patterns.
If a researcher found a brick wall with more popular known events of migration, they limit their research of lesser known migration patterns.

START WITH GENEALOGY RESEARCH BASIC #1
-----start with what you know about your family

.
Birth place in Ireland or Scotland,
Dates migrated,
Departure and arrival ports will give you clues.
Occupations,
Examples: Coal miners in Pennsylvania/Pittsburgh
Laborers on the Erie Canal - 1820’s
Surnames, and
Neighbors on the census rolls are also great clues in deciding which of the many groups of Irish /Scottish your family may have descended.
Religion and religious affiliations are again strong indicators of your ancestors’ origin.
Catholic: Irish Catholics have been migrating to the United States in steady numbers even before the American Revolution, some as domestic servants or as a result of penal deportations.
Presbyterian: look in Ulster with families reaching to the 17th century
History is absolutely fascinating. The more I learn about my families past, the more I learn about history, lifestyles, politics, and the social climate of the time.

The terms Scots and Irish, while they have a settled meaning today*, are not always readily distinguished.

Sellar & Yeatman's spoof history 1066 and All That highlighted the confusion that these words can cause when used to refer to the past:
“ The Scots (originally Irish, but by now Scotch) were at this time inhabiting Ireland, having driven the Irish (Picts) out of Scotland; while the Picts (originally Scots) were now Irish (living in brackets) and vice versa. It is essential to keep these distinctions clearly in mind (and verce visa). ”

*while they have a settled meaning today
The patterns of Irish and Scottish migration have very set patterns.

I am devising an Irish Scottish table for research

The research table would allow a researcher to enter any of the above information and the logical first places to research would be the result.
It might be interesting to apply this theory with those interested in finding family and see if the table could bring results in individual cases.

Ancestry Day - San Francisco

2011-09-21T16:01:00.000-07:00

Ancestry Day - San Francisco

Woooohoooooo !!!!! Totally jazzed over here!!!

Monthly back ups ---

2011-08-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

This is a blog about activities I perform to write Our Family History. Besides the wonderful trips and great finds. There are also very important mundane tasks that must be adhered to rather strictly. Besides organization, sourcing, another mundane task in genealogy is backing up our data. Backing up is especially important if you are using computers as one of the primary storage's of data.

This back up procedure was always performed the first day of the month.

BIG KAHUNA Thomas MacEntee

usually sends out reminders and has kind of declared the first day of the month as back-up day.

But because of the complexities that I have added to the process and the uncertainty that I could work uninterrupted on the first day of the month. I try to start a few days ahead preparing for my back up.

My back up usually starts with Ancestry. com --- I use Ancestry.com as a dumping ground. Because it is a dumping ground my ancestry HAYLEY tree is invitation only. Not because I do not want to share. I just do not want to share unverified, incorrect, bogus data.

******I have approximately 20 trees on ancestry---- several are pristine trees of limited data like the Needhams from 1640 Jamestown to 1850 Lake county Tenn. and the Moorings from 1640 Jamestown to 1850 Lake county Tenn. and the Hayleys from 1640 Jamestown to 1850 Tenn. Or clients" trees. These trees are usually not updated each month unless I have done work on them.

From ancestry. com I create a gedcom and upload my modified trees into myheritage.com --- saving a copy of my gedcom to my c: drive.

At this point I open and review all my updated trees on myheritage. I then run a problem report on myheritage. Depending on the issues found in the problem report, I will spend time reviewing and correcting the issues.

I usually have a page of siblings having the same name ---- Living Smith etc.

Myheritage then has a link to Family Tree maker for updating FTM. I run this link.

Once I am pleased with my all inclusive tree HAYLEY. I create another gedcom in myheritage saving the gedcom to my c drive with program name and date. I then upload the tree to Rootmagic. :-) Rootsmagic and all it's components is my go-to program for FUN with data.

In Rootsmagic: I run another problem report. Checking my criteria and parameters I verify myheritage and rootsmagic reports agree. If not I review the inconsistencies and make note. I print the problem reports and add all notes. This may sound Silly and unnecessary --- but I have been known to get caught up in life's drama and forget my "oh I need not note that, I surely will always remember that" Two years of unraveled data will tax your brain to remember.

OK my data has been reviewed on ancestry, myheritage, family tree builder, and rootsmagic. I do use Legacy or stand alone programs on occasion.

Next using rootsmagic I run a macro I have built to update my family groups. Now save rootsmagic and run the

rootsmagic on the go

program. A copy of each family group is then also saved to my c: drive. It was Shirley Becker that did an excellent presentation on organizing your computer files that demonstrated a very useful tool for archiving family groups. A copy of her presentation is available on the CVGS official web site.

Basically Shirley uses folders by Surnames and documents using man+woman name and dates ---
A photo of Shirley follows --- Shirley enjoying a holiday luncheon with fellow genealogist.

I save each and every family group to my c drive. (I have a macro written for this). Depending on the work accomplished that particular month, new family groups may appear. I immediately create c-drive files for these of these new family groups. Saving them under the correct Surname by husband and wife names and dates.

I usually do not update all my other reports and maps and etc at this time. My reasoning for not updating these files is because I wait until I actually want to use the data and then will update and save with current date when and if I use the file. Example Mom's sweet 16 my appear as momssweet16_22072010 and a new revision will be saved as momssweet16_01082011. previous revisions of all momssweet16s are saved. The revision control is the date.

So now I back up my data---- my pc automatically saves all files to my external hard drive. All c drive data (gedcom's, family group sheets, problem reports, pedigree charts, journals, excel resource logs, places and resource reports etc. are then updated onto three mobile flash drives. I retain the previous month's data and add the new month's files.

I send one flash drive out of state. One flash drive is added to my laptop carrying case. One flash drive is placed near my home desk pc.

This may seem complicated at first. This is a system that has been modified over the years. Maybe I will review this process in a year and see what I have modified since then.

I have a house full of prince and princess so while they sleep --- I need to back up quickly or my mind will be fried!! So until next blog-----Happy Back up day!!!

New Must Have for all your Genealogist Friends

2011-07-12T12:22:00.000-07:00

New Must Have for all your Genealogist Friends---- I know that was not a fair title for this blog. But I am trying to get new followers. My Blogs include:

REED_COOK_DEARMAN– last published post on Jul 11, 2011

Genealogy is Ruthless without Me
– last published post on Jul 2, 2011 –

Ruth Truths and Ruthisms–

Hayley
– last published on Oct 22, 2010 –

5 Himan Brothers and Little Sister Mary
– last published on Aug 27, 2010 –

The Healing of America

Until this first week of July 2011, I have been away from my genealogy work for quite awhile. In July 2011, My Aunt Helen had a brickwall coming down. This break through is in most part because of the hard work of our Aunt Helen Roberta Reed---my mother's youngest sister. So with Aunt Helen's research findings, I have been busy validating and verifing her data. This is our usual genealogy study method. She and I verify and validate each other is our normal genealogical course. Then when we think we are very sure of our data. Aunt Helen will present it to TEMPLE.

During this time of verification and validation I am like a genealogy zombie. I become so involved and spend such long genealogical days in a kind of genealogical stupor. I have not spent such long genealogical days ----- not since last summer.

I have been sooooo focused on my genealogical data this last week that I burnt up two sauce pans trying to cook Tony's dinner this week.

My (Hawaiian born) husband is happy with his dinner as long as rice is served. So since I have been working so hard on genealogical work twice while attempting to make rice; I have burnt up a saucepan. I usually scrap the rice off the top and serve with a great sauce. Usually Tony will not realize my mistake immediately. I can serve dinner with little notice of the burnt pan. But the scrubbing the burnt rice off the bottom of the saucepan renders the sauce pan forever with a dark ring around the bottom inside rim of the pan. (sigh) As long as I do all the cooking and pan washing and putting away--I guess I could get away with it --- at least for a little while.

But today I realized I must purchase a rice cooker.

I have not had to use a rice cooker since my very early days of marriage. I pride myself in being able to cook a perfect pan of rice. I correctly wash the rice the exact enough times depending on the rice dish to be served. With less rinsing for a milky rinse for sticky rice desired for stuffing nokis and many rice desserts to the crisp clean water rice rinse for steamed rice dishes for beef sauces.

But alas my rice has been suffering all last week --- So I have served potatoes or crunchy undercooked rice indicating the rice cooked too hot and not covered at a lowered heat after that first initial boil.

Or split rice turning into rice mush because the rice cooked too long -----

so until I can better watch my rice and pay attention to my husband's dinner, I am going to use a rice cooker with no excuses---no regrets. The rice cooker will cook rice perfect every time* and keep it warm and ready to serve until my husband wants his evening meal. The problem will be that the Every time* is dependent on remembering to put in the correct amount of rice, water and salt substitute and turn it on!!! ******* So for every genealogist that must and wants to cook -----

The MUST HAVE gift for your genealogist is a rice cooker.

I guess the slow cooker would be a close runner up second "must-have" gift. lol

SNGF with Randy Seaver

2011-07-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

Randy Seaver each Saturday will post a "fun" activity for geniebloggers to respond. These Saturday activities are usually "sage genie work to be done presented in a fun way." The prompt allows blogger to think they are "playing" while they are really working non-stop for 12-16 hours a day.

His "fun" usually gives us ways to:
validate and verify our databases,
Expose inaccuracy and
check facts,
learn new software or
new ways to use our software.

I do not think it is happenchance that Randy would be asking for our "bucket list" exactly half way through the year. Watch around Christmas He will have a "tool" we wish to receive, and the New Year for Genie New Year resolutions.

So half way through the year, Randy is asking us to review our goals and "things to-do" Very sneaky, Randy!!!

Are you ready for Saturday Night, and more Genealogy Fun?? I hope so!

Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to:

Knowing that a "Bucket List" is a wish list of things to do before death:

To prepare for this excercise I revisited a post I made to this same BLOGSPOT on April 13, 2010. Wow -- That particular day in April 2010 I was especially
energetic and optimistic.

My BUCKET LIST:

Visit the Deacon Chapin statue in Springfield, Mass.

Secure my data for a future genealogist in our family future.

Record and document enough data that the "stories" can stand the test of time and not be carelessly revised.

Follow this journey of our story as far as I can so the next family genealogist can be guided by my findings to find even more. I follow a legacy of family historians.

I never met all of our family historians....... but I do know and love all of them.

Genealogy GOLD pre-teen interviews grandmother

2011-06-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

Genealogy GOLD pre-teen interview of grandmother shows the way to unearthing family tradition carelessness!

This blog is partially ghost written by a pre-teen. Her parents guard her internet-use very carefully. She is not able to post photos, address, or private details. She is on facebook but all "friends" must be approved by her parents.

Yet in the interest of genealogy, we have been granted permission to transcribe her interview of her grandmother --- therefore it is with great pride we introduce A young person's genealogy interview on Genealogy Is Ruthless Without Me.

Enjoy!

Thank you Grandmother, for helping me with this school assignment. I have some questions here that I would like to ask you.

Where did your ancestors come from?

Originally many of my ancestors came from France and Germany pre-1400
Then many of my ancestors had migrated to the United Kingdom pre-1600
But nearly all my ancestors were here on the east coast of the United States by 1776.

Do you know the origin of your family name?

No, not yet.

Tell about any ancestors that you know about --- names. dates, other important historical details-and any stories about them.

I have a lot of information on several of your ancestors. Would it be okay if I just print out the stories I have of them and we could start a binder of ancestor stories?

okay

Who is the oldest person you can remember in your family as a child?

Armenita Clementine Chapin Reed

What do you remember about them?

She was very old by the time I remember her. She had very long hair always braided and circled around her head. I remember one day seeing her with her hair down and it went past her waist. My mother loved her dearly.

Are there any family heirlooms that have been passed from one generation to another? And do you know where they are now?

Well the Family Bibles are very precious to our family. I believe Aunt Doris may have the Hayley-Dikes Bible.
Aunt Carol has the Hayley-Reed Bible.
and maybe Uncle Bert might know where the Cook-Reed Bible is stored.

This question is not on my list of questions; but......
Do all families have Family Bibles? and where do you get them?

Wow wow I just remember your parents have not received a Family Bible. It was very customary for the bride and grooms families to converse before a wedding and decide who would give the Family Bible to the couple. It was always considered an important "wedding gift". In our family; it was Aunt Josephine who usually bestowed the Family Bible on the new couple. The custom now is for a couple to go to a department store and register for their gifts but before department registries (at least in my family); the families would share information and compile a wedding gift list making sure the new couple had all that was needed to start a new home. The Family Bible was always on that list.

Thank you for your answers. Can we have more interviews at another time?

yes of course.

End of Interview

This interview merely scratched the surface of this young person's interest in her family history.

What was important about this interview was the preparation of questions. Having questions already written out for the young genealogist helps the flow of the interview.

Short but mind provoking answers are best when answering a young person's questions. The questions will then lead the young person to where they are interested in learning more.

Rather going into long stories of ancestors; a date to fill a binder full of stories might help the interview to proceed. Plus I really thought it would boost her grade on the project.

When asked about a remembered ancestor keeping it simple is best. Such as I remember being with grandpa in the garden as a child, or grandmother taking me to church. Since this young interviewer is very hair-do conscience I chose to speak about Granny's long hair.

Regarding family heirlooms; good question! It was not important to elaborate as to the fact many heirlooms had been pawned off long ago....lol etc. But it gave me an opportunity to document important information that if my interviewer decided to read in detail her genealogy in the future --- she might find a path to a primary source of information.

This question led to an inquiry that again spoke about family culture and traditions. Where do people get Family Bibles? But it also rambled my own mind on a terrible slip of neglect!!

Needless to say I have just added to my Christmas list! Now to just compile a list of next generation families with no Family Bible!!! A Family Historian's work is never done!!!

Regarding my highschool friend starting genealogy...

2011-02-10T04:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone for the comments on my recent post of working with a new genealogist. I met my friend last week end at the Santa Clara Seminar. That was a very well organized seminar. The speakers were fantastic! What was fun was the references to software. Unlike many seminar I visit, every time a software program was mentioned , the speaker would say something to the affect, "oh you are all from the silicon valley, so of course you know this program."

There was a silent auction. My friend had bid on the Roots Magic Software package, but alas was out bid. Being a Roots Magic fanatic myself, I am going to suggest that he does purchase this fantastic program!

It was fun meeting up with my high school friend. When I genealogies in Northern California I seldom travel solo. So he had an opportunity to meet my son, daughter in law and four grandchildren. (lol). My son had been working on a car before he picked me up from the conference, so my friend met my son in an old colored t-shirt!!

I will keep you posted; my friends roots are from Goshen Indiana. The Santa Clara Seminar was heavily directed to individual county, state research. Great sites were introduced at the seminar to state and county data collection. Several states/counties had government officials dedicated to helping people access their records. This was great to see. Example Shelby county, Tennessee.

So I am going to learn some information on Indiana records. working state to state I am gaining a wealth of information that I hope can be of use to help others find their American roots. The first step sometimes to getting back to their homeland roots.

An example of systematically reconstructing a families migration trail across America resulted in some very surprise findings for a society member. Recently I was working with a gentleman with the surname PRICE. With that surname the gentleman had assumed English roots. Wow only four generations back and we discovered PRICE was a derivative of a very German name! From there we were able to find his ancestors nationalization and transport papers from Germany. Therefore the state to state approach has been useful for some when researching roots.

I find helping others with genealogy has widen my knowledge and skills as a genealogist. To that end I am working on a very small but hopefully useful project at the Chula Vista Library. I am hoping to help some of our 100 plus members focus and continue on their own journeys. We have an excellent but under utilized library system. In my humble opinion.

I recently presented some data on the Kansas data collection system. I am hoping to "zero" in on other states of interest. Randy Seaver recently did a members survey of our membership. Hopefully he can help me understand some of the interest of the group.

I would like to start a kind of "Birds of a Feather" study group where we can really focus on the areas of interest and make suggestions to our society book purchaser books that will truly aid people in their research.

So how do I tie up the loose ends of this seemingly rambling blog? I am going to investigate if we have Indiana roots in our membership and gather those birds of a feather and do some in depth research in that area. Gaining working knowledge of individual states has honed my research skills in a very beneficial manner.

Focusing and deeper understanding of records benefits my capacity to truly aid my fellow society member in a deeper research. What is problematic for me on that subject is the redundant over hashing of "OLD" genealogy information. I liken it to lectures on databases using Excel 1998. There is just so much more out there!

Oh and did I happen to mention ROOTSMAGIC!!!!

Bean Counters Everywhere ----- Unite!!!!!

2011-01-27T09:10:00.000-08:00

This was so funny I had to blog about it!!! I recently prepared a genealogy research presentation that included a section on the State of Kansas census records. I found this 1895 disclaimer, it could have been written by someone named RUTH!!! Although some could find this disclaimer very annoying-----I think it is absolutely hilarious!! No account for people's sense of humor!!!

Special Note

To quote from the 1895-96 biennial report of the State Board of Agriculture, which conducted the census:

Owing to delay by the legislature in the appropriation of funds for printing the necessary blanks for use of assessors, these could not be delivered to them until two or three weeks later than the law requires assessment and enumeration to begin, and this fact resulted in much of the detailed information being hurriedly or carelessly collected, and in some cases entirely omitted.

The assessors of Comanche, Finney, Saline and Seward counties, countenanced by their county commissioners in so doing, used the unfortunate delay as a pretext for refusing to make any enumeration whatever, and the returns from portions of Atchison, Cherokee, Gove, Lyon and Marion counties especially, and various others in some respects and to some extent, are for the same reasons so incomplete as to make their showing, not only for their respective counties but for the state as a whole, very unsatisfactory to this office ...

Email about Starting Genealogy Research

2011-01-04T11:37:00.000-08:00

I am starting to learn --- genealogy is a lot like religion, sex, politics, dieting and raising children.

There is no "one" way. There is no "right" way, There are just ways.

Also just like the subjects discussed --- those subjects are difficult to discuss in "mixed" company without a strict forum.

I received an email, which I am sharing here in part. Based on my education and experience I am going to reply to this person interested in genealogy. I am using this format to encourage others to comment and add "words of wisdom".

My answers will be in itialized bold: Some of my answers may surprise the experts. I am open to discussion to all and any comments.

EMAIL BEGINS:

Now that I'm retired (retired??? you are the same age I am!!! retirement is not a reality -- it is just a con, to make us get up every morning and suffer through our work week) one of the projects I want to do for myself and family is to do more research on my family name. Great!!! and you are correct -- it is for you and your family. Since you are heavily involved with genealogy, 10-16 hours a day can hardily be considered heavily involved!I thought I would ask you what I should absolutely do vs. what I should absolutely avoid at all costs. I know there are lots of web sites, some excellent and some a waste of time and money. BINGO! you got that right!

I want to do as much as I can on my own, as I enjoy learning new things, do you also enjoy bashing your head against brickwalls?? tired red eyes?? and isolating yourself alone in a dark, cold closet for hours? but I'm also a strong believer in avoiding pitfalls wherever possible.My suggestion here is to equip yourself with a head helmet, thick-up to the hip water/mud boots, bug spray, plenty of caffine, and a good comfortable chair.

Also some motion sickness pills for those long trips down those pitfalls.

Because you are asking to go on a journey -- not like anything else in the world!!

I have a family bible AHHH The Best Start ever. I do not know them but I love your parents and grandparents already. that actually takes me back several generations, back to a grandfather born in Goshen Indiana in 1800. OH that explains so much to me!! of course Indiana!!! Yep, you fit the Indiana mold!

This information includes siblings and of course I have recent information. I also recently spoke to a long lost cousin that lives near Fresno that has some information that she is wanting to share with me. I have found a bunch of "SURNAME"'s in Goshen Indiana which is where the above grandfather was born, and spoke to them but none of them have a clue as to how we are connected. They say there is one buried there in Goshen that they don't know the relationship to them. I actually met one family and it was spooky to Sharon and I as I had just lost my father a few months before we met and the father could have been my father's twin. Very very kool!! Hank Jones has written books about this unusual phenonmenon--- genealogy seredepity.

Anyway, I assume Ancestry.com is software I should buy and then sign up for. EEEEKKKKKKK STOP___Advance to GO___Do not collect $200.00____Start over!!!

They have a version that allows me to install on two computers and I know Sharon is wanting to do the same with her family so I thought I would get that... that is if you think this is the best one for me to get started with. Also there is a Family History Library just down the street from us Can I come live with you??? I want to live near a FHL!!! I have even had people suggest I become an LDS just for my genealogy study!!!! that has genealogy records. A couple of people that live in our area said they used it and it was very helpful.

Hope I'm not imposing too much by asking, but I would sure appreciate your advise before getting started. I am so excited about this!! Beyond words. Now for my first suggestions and the whys?????

I will gather some data for you ---- and direct you to some good first steps.

Set up a well-lit, quiet, out of the way area, gather some folders, put aside 3 blank notebooks. Set up your time to spend each day, each week, each month, and we will begin your input of "facts known" on a "free" web site, develope a first pedigree chart, and family group sheets. Get a map of USA.

More to follow; soon very very soon!

Red Letter Day ---- Looking for Chapin Descendents

2010-12-04T13:34:00.000-08:00

After several weeks of little genealogy internet work I posted the following innocent enough facebook status:

Ruth Himan working on Missouri ancestors who trusted only in Jesus Christ and John Deere!

I got the quote from a Bruce Haynes song titled "Jesus and John". Bruce sings with the Presley Family in Branson Missouri.

This was followed with 16 comments that resulted with

Carol Yates Wilkerson (a long time facebook friend and genealogist) declares to Ruth via facebook

, this is a red letter day!

and I replied with introducing another "found cousin: Heather Rojo" to Carol
Soon I see:
Carol and Heather Wilkinson Rojo are now friends, which I replied with a "like"

It would take work --- but we should try to identify more Chapin cousins going to Springfield Mass next April.

and an event of a Chapin reunion of Genebloggers is being formed.

Heather Wilkinson Rojo (via facebook) Are you all going to the Springfield Mass Genealogy Convention in April? NERGC? I just made hotel reservations. We could have a reunion at the foot of Chapin's statue!

Yes we need to coordinate this reunion for the NERGC ----
a shared meal with a huge genealogy chart; shared photos, stories etc.

We could bring books, magazine articles etc. to share.

I will see if my aunt and any other relatives want to join us.

I need to give myself this trip for Christmas!

So keep posting and connecting the dots.

This was

TRULY A RED LETTER DAY FOR THE CHAPIN COUSINS

"A Celebration of Family History" event announcement

2010-11-22T21:11:00.000-08:00

This blog is a sharing of information only. As a member of the CGSSD Computer Genealogical Group of San Diego, I attend meetings often and receive regular newsletters. This event was too good not to share........

Message from Del Ritchart, CGSSD President:

I recently watched the DVD of "A Celebration of Family History" event held in Salt Lake City in April 2010 as part of the National Genealogical Society 2010 Family History Conference. I recommend the DVD, especially the discussion by historian David McCullough. Information for purchasing the DVD is included in the report on the "A Celebration of Family History" DVD written by Dick Eastman in his newsletter from October 26, 2010. It reads:

"A major 2010 highlight in Salt Lake City was definitely "A Celebration of Family History" a once-in-a-lifetime event that will never be forgotten by those fortunate enough to have attended. Now, all can enjoy this remarkable, inspiring event on DVD. To purchase the video (which will sell for $4.50, includes shipping and handling) or watch video highlights, go to celebration.familysearch.org. The DVD features a celebration of family history through music, stories, and the captivating words of renowned author and historian David McCullough and President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The event includes moving musical numbers by the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square and inspiring video presentations showing the impact family history can have on individual lives."

I hope my blog readers get a chance to watch this event and post their comments here. I would love to share your thoughts.

Blessed are the Relatives of a Genealogist

2010-10-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

Blessed are the Relatives of a Genealogist for They will be Remembered.

I write a column in Randy Seaver's newsletter for Chula Vista Genealogical Society. My column is the Sunshine Corner. I regularly post the news of members. I send cards of "Get Well" "Thinking of You" and share my card list in the monthly newsletter. This month I am having a little more difficulty writing my column. I have written news of members passing and where people can send cards to the family. But this month is a little different;

Two of our board members need to place loved ones in permanent care. As I prepared to write my column;

I hesitated to mention that Susi's mother is being placed in hospice. Susi is traveling to see her mother. We know this will be a difficult trip for Susi. Losing your mom is one of those passages in life that no matters how old you are--- it is a hard one to reconcile.

and Virginia's sister (and the last of Virginia's childhood family) has dementia and is now in an assisted living facilities. Virginia explains how visiting her sister has been very entertaining. Her sister will explain how she has been cooking all day and the company expected. Crystal, Virginia's sister, is living in a "happy place".

It is a sad time for these two lovely ladies but Susi's Mother and Virginia's Sister are truly Blessed. They are Blessed because they will be Remembered. Photos of them will be saved. Stories will be written about their lives.

Recently several other genealogist have lost very close relatives. It is a true blessing to see these loved ones honored and respected by their family historian. Every month are so a blog or facebook post will honor them once again.

I will mention Susi is out of town visiting her ailing mother and Virginia has been enjoying visiting with her sister. But I love and cherish that these ladies are related to Susi and Virginia - their own genealogist.

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun - Who's to Blame?

2010-10-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 16, 2010
Saturday Night Genealogy Fun - Who's to Blame?
Hey geneaphiles - it's Saturday Night, time for more Genealogy Fun for all Genea-Musing readers.

Your mission, should you decide to accept it (and we need more of you to do this, otherwise it may end...), is to:

1) Read Brenda Joyce Jerome's post Who or What Do You Blame? on the Western Kentucky Genealogy blog. She asks these questions:

* Can you identify person or event that started you on this search for family information?

* Did you pick up researching where a relative had left off?

* Did your interest stem from your child's school project on genealogy?

* If you have been researching many years, it may be hard to pinpoint one reason for this journey.

2) Write your responses on your own blog, in a comment to this blog post, or in a note or comment on Facebook.

I have probably told this story before but GENEALOGY has been a looming monster in my life for a very long time.

MY BLAME IS TWO SIDED FIRST IS MY MOTHER:

My first memories of genealogy related conversations were:

1. My mother's pride of telling me we were related to English Royalty. She reveal this relationship was by means of the Chapin lineage.

2. Grandma Hayley giving me a little note stating we were Chocotaw. In the note: she included addresses of cousins that were registered. She mentioned Grandpa Hayley did not want her to register when the time came to register.

3. Grandma Hayley telling me how very astonished she was when her mother, always known as Birdie, told her name was really Susan.

SECOND IS THIS BURNING QUESTION

4. 4. My father telling me we are unaware of where the surname HAYLEY originated because his grandfather left home at a young age.

5. My mother giving me Grandma Celia Hayley's Bible when she died.

6. My aunt of LDS faith was always discussing our genealogy.

7. Grandpa Reed gave me photos, names, and letters about 1978, when Grandma Reed became very ill.

8. I have a nephew interested and he keeps me encouraged to continue.

9. I have met some incredible new friends that makes genealogy more fun.

10. My education and occupation experience made genealogy a good fit for me.

11. I was given our DAR data in about 1982. I think that is the reason Grandpa Reed had the photos, names, and letters available because I know he supported several girls in the family to research their lineage.

12. In 1984 I gave my family genealogy books based on my mother's family and my brothers always asking me if I was continuing my genealogy research.

I was always too busy raising a large family, working full time, involved with community and church work. But here I am: Spending hours and hours researching my family.

I have found many "fellow family historians" and many have left ME notes in their writings. I just love when I see

MY NOTES FROM BEFORE MY TIME

I was just reading one today as I was transcribing some data; It stated "

Nothing further is known of this marriage......The family moved......and has been lost to our part of the Mooring family. The material collected here may not all ......but has been listed in hopes that it may produce leads to her descendants. "

This is not the first "note" to me that I have found!! I could go look up other "notes" to me. This was from a book written on the Moorings, I have seen similar "notes written to me" in books written about the Chapin and also the Dykes families. None of these lineages nor family histories are written by the same authors, about the same families, or from the same region of the country. But they all left "notes to me". I will be sure to write notes to future researchers in my books also. These authors knew I was going to their notes.

Do you think THEY COULD BE TO BLAME???

Just another one of those little surprises when doing your research. I want to write back to them. Thank you for my leads and thinking of me......

My friend's great grandfather found RIP 71.5 years later.

2010-10-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

Several months back while attending Randy Seaver's research meeting a fellow society member, our treasurer Jaye Wight, shared she wished she had data on her great grandfather. She mentioned no one knew what happened to him. He left his wife and children and not much was known about him. She mentioned how some day she would like to visit Hutchinson Kansas and browse the newspapers for data on a rumor. The rumor was that her great grandfather was ran over by a street sprinkler in Hutchinson, Kansas.

WOW WOW I was planning a trip to Hutchinson, Kansas. So we exchanged some information and I spent some time researching Jaye's great grandfather.

excerpt from Randy's blog posted 10/13/10

http://cvgencafe.blogspot.com/2010/10/cvgs-research-group-summary-13-october.html

* Jaye was grinning ear to ear as Ruth handed her a folder with the newspaper clippings found in Hutchinson, Kansas about Jaye's grandfather's death by a street cleaning truck in 1939. The accident was the result of teenage joy-riding. Ruth found several articles about the driver, including previous run-ins with the police, and his enlistment, service, capture and death in World War II. Ruth also found the obituary for Jaye's grandfather, which provided family information and a burial place

Now a little back ground of how I found this data and thank yous to the people that helped:

First we went to the Genealogy Section of the Hutchinson Kansas Public Library. If you look closely you will see Aunt Helen (or at least her back) in the upper right corner working at a microfiche reader. The section was busy, and library assistants were very cordial and helpful.

Off I went to County Records to follow up with the legal records of the case.

The case gets more interesting. I wanted to find out more about this young man that caused my friend's great grandfather's death. This is AMANDA! She and I both research what became of the young man that caused this fatal accident. She was very efficient and patient with the search.

So with Aunt Helen's help we continued to research newspaper articles about this young man.

I am then sent to the salt mines to retrieve court records from 1939.

See blogspot OFF TO THE SALT MINES posted Sept 19, 2010.

The troubled youth was sent to the Navy Services and dies in World War II. Everyone stated how this story is the making of so many novels.

In an indirect way, Jaye's grandfather did not die in vain. His death encouraged (forced) a young man to grow up, serve and protect his country, and contributed to the European Efforts in World War II.

May they both REST IN PEACE.

Now Jaye has information to share with the rest of the family. The town did give the elderly man a proper and decent burial, published the data in the newspaper so that
71 and a half years, we could find the burial spot of Jaye great grandfather.

Now there is a genealogy story!!

Looking back over the year; 2010

2010-10-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

Fortunately or Unfortunately I am corporate trained. I am use to setting yearly, five year plans, budgets, development plans. Finding intervals to review, revisit and revise. And "visualizing" and "communicating" my projected outcomes, variances, unexpected outcomes, lessons learnt, low lights, highlights, high hitters, trends observed, accomplishments, failures, and surprises.

I am also keenly aware the end of the year is approaching fast. I try to have all Christmas shopping done by Halloween. Start my Christmas letter by the first week of November.

For fun I decided to look at my 2010 goals and see what I needed to do to accomplish my to do list.

http://genealogyisruthlesswithoutme.blogspot.com/2010/01/2010-goals.html

So the first of the year 2010, I resolved to

"group and delegate some of this stuff out. So my 2010 goal must be for me is to set up my "network team", review my people resources, define my location/interest parameters, clearly define projects, and better manage my history-----And accomplish that --that I can ------and stop chasing my own tail for data not-yet-ready-to be-discovered-by-me."

I also stated that I would let you know how it goes --- and how this approach is going to help me.........

So I review my list of accomplishments this year, revise items that can be focused on to meet goals set,

My network team: Added more people sources HIGHLIGHT

People Sources: Failed to establish good continual contact NEEDS ATTENTION

Location Parameters; Focused! Kansas, Tennessee HIGHLIGHT

Interest Parameters; Gained new interest parameters HIGHLIGHT

Clearly define projects; ok I clearly defined them in January but they keep changing. lol Book themes, and contents keep changing. I call this the natural progression of a project. You begin with a goal in mind but somehow the goal changes. But the Ruth Truth is I was suppose to start with the primary goal because I could not have clearly defined the resulting goal at the time, knowledge, information available at the time the goal was set.

HIGHLIGHT although I can not promise the book might mutate into something else.

Better manage my history; not much better NEEDS ATTENTION

Stop chasing my tail; YES--- I stopped obsessing about my brick walls. I relaxed and gained my pleasure of genealogy again. HIGHLIGHT

Here I also reviewed my genealogy to do list of January 2010 filled with brick walls, lost documentation, and depending on others for data!! The list looks about the same. No real accomplishments. I am just glad I did not focus on my list.

DOES NOT NEED ATTENTION

--- these items can stay on my before-I-die-list-if-it-is-meant-to-be but I no longer want these items to haunt me or cause me to lose my JOY for genealogy again. ERGO

brick walls, lost documentation RIP

So to complete my third quarter report for genealogy goals --- I access my focus should be establishing better relationships with "cousins" and clearing report folders of history on genealogy.

Great 2.5 month focus. Because I want to start the new year with a "clean, organized house" and what better time than the holidays to reconnect and contact family and friends.

Happy Holidays All; Ruth

Working on Mining Genealogy History in Kansas Presentation.

2010-10-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on Mining Genealogy History in Kansas Presentation. The presentation will not be given until the end of January 2011 in Chula Vista, California. I am starting now on my presentation because I want to get my ideals, outline done while everything is still fresh in my brain. There are many incidents of the Kansas genealogy research trip to share about the step by step process of how, why and what I discovered for my genealogy research.

One of the correlations I hope to compare in my presentation as how Genealogy enhanced my understanding of "The story of my Family". And The Story of my Family enhanced and provided clues to my genealogy study.

This correlation of Family History and Genealogy has been a major theme in The Chula Vista Genealogical Society teaching program in 2010. The program started this year leaning heavily on the recent television series "Who Do You Think You Are?"

Susi Pentico began the program with an April 2010 presentation with "The Laundry Basket Methodology". Whereas you just look around a relatives home and ask questions of family photos, furniture handed down from a previous generation, etc. The concept is you gather these photos, knick knacks, trophies in a laundry basket and then ask questions of the items.

The program continued with a full day of Jean Hibben's presentations; "Where do We go from Here?". At these presentations Jean explained taking the data and moving to recording the data electronically, "This is not Your Grandma's Genealogy: Making the Move from Paper to Electronic Record Keeping*
" and then some more tips of verifying and validating "the family Stories" with Graveyard Gumshoe: Lessons Written in Stone and Deliveries in the Rear! Getting Family History Information through the Back Door

Building on this theme; The Kansas Trip will show excellent examples of family history and genealogy interweaving.
An example of this was the social section of the town newspaper. Evidently my great grandmother and her daughters were quite the "ladies" of Hutchinson, Kansas. Anytime these ladies went on a trip or entertained company, there was a mention in the city newspaper. This was a great find and lots of fun to read. Besides being entertaining, these newspaper articles included clues to family information not previously known. An example of this was; I knew Cecil Melinda had a sister Bertie Elizabeth and a brother Hugh Napolean, but the newspaper mentioned a sister visiting Cecil by the name of Laura Mangle. AH HAH a new bit of information!!! A new sister to research...... my goodness -- this will never never end.......

Old Photos

2010-10-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

Everyone is collecting old photos. It is so exciting for me when a researcher exclaims "I received a box of old photos from a cousin". Or "while helping my mom clean a back room, I found a box of old photos."

Now I did not want to title my blog

How To Date Old Photographs

Because there are dozens of articles with that title; A recent article at
http://www.onegreatfamily.com/Home.aspx?PID=10000&CID=102&HID=221 (see article below)
does a very good job at introducing the idea but I think there can be some tips added to the article.

Chula Vista Genealogical Society President Gary Brock advices when obtaining a very large box of mixed photos, first make piles of like-photos.

Photos with the same Portrait Studio name, City, etc.

Photos enclosed in cardboard folders with the name of the studio possibly printed on the folder.

Prints with the same edging, some of the 30s-50s photos have scalloped edges.

Group like-scalloping with like- scalloping.

Weight and color of photo. Not only dating the photo as explained in the article. But sorting like-paper weight/color, can help you sort part of the country, family members etc.

Look for Commercial names on objects. I have a photo of a cowboy in one of those long overcoats, cowboy hat, boots and spurs, I am trying to identify who he is. There is a horse drawn wagon in the photo. The wagon has a commercial name painted along the side of the wagon. My plan is to look up that commercial name, find out what years, location, type of business was conducted with their wagons. With this data I will try to narrow my research to families leaving in the area during the time of that commercial companies business.

The cowboy photo was found along with photos from the Reed/Chapin lineage. A baby picture of John Paul Reed was amongst the photos.

Article from onegreatfamily
How To Date Old Family Photographs

Basic Techniques Of Dating Pictures
Great-Grandma's family collection of antique pictures can be a treasure trove for you, the genealogy researcher, especially if you can establish when an antique picture was taken.
Dating a photograph can help you identify the subject(s) (in early photography the subjects were referred to as sitters) and can provide additional information as you piece together your family tree.

There are some basic techniques to begin the process of dating an antique picture:

What is the print made of? Is the image printed on metal, glass, card stock, or paper? Daguerreotype (early tintypes) and ambrotypes (printed on glass) were often mounted in double wooden frames that opened like a book. These were the most common types of early photographs and date back to around 1839. By 1870, almost all antique pictures were printed on heavy paper or card stock. The heavier stock was much more common in early photographs; by the 1930s even studio portraits were printed on thin paper.

Is the antique picture printed in black and white or color? Some images were being hand-tinted as early as the 1850s. Although color still photography was introduced in 1906, it was an expensive process that only professionals could afford to use. Color antique pictures did not become common for home use until the late 1950's and early 1960's.

How are the people in the photograph posed? Very early antique pictures showed people in rigid poses and usually without smiles, partly because exposure times could be as long as twenty seconds. Many portrait photographers even used braces to help sitters stay in position during the process. Candid pictures and then snapshots became more common in the 1920s.

How are the sitters dressed? The straight tunic dresses and bobbed hair of the 1920's are easy to distinguish from the cinched waists and luxuriant chignons of the late 1890's.

What other objects are visible in the antique picture? A Model T car is absolute proof that the picture was not taken before 1908. Furniture, toys, brands names, logos - all these things can provide clues, and thus, invaluable assistance in identifying previously unidentified photographs.

Additional information on dating family antique pictures is available from a list of links.
Tracing a family resemblance through the generations with antique pictures can give you a warm sense of connection to your family's past.

Store your pictures and other media on line- it's a safe place to keep your treasures

Italian Genealogy Chat hosted by Debra Clifford. Next week Hank Jones!

2010-10-06T18:19:00.000-07:00

Deano; Tonight I attended an ITALIAN genealogy chat TODAY 8-9PM EDT. 10/6/10
Location:chat room, top blue tab...
Time:8:00PM Wednesday, October 6th

It was held in Ancestorville and truly not a bad trip at all. Having just finished a 22 day genealogy trip, this trip was a lot cheaper and I get to sleep in my own bed tonight@!!!

The chat was Hosted by: Debra Clifford the historian for Ancestorville (I am still having problems with relating to virtual towns, farms and such as being real)

The Pathway to Ancestorville is through the website of
Ancestorville Genealogy

The Italian chat this evening 8-9PM EDT, followed Ancestorville's theme this week on all things Italy, including some of the ancestor's Italian food recipes?! ..mmm! facebook announced changes today that Debra is hoping will be positive for their little town..Debra always has the welcome mat out to new members, to post their brick walls and genealogy links.

Dean; I attended tonight listening for data on your family interested in Italian immigrants from the late 1880 to 1920s. While listening to the chats; it was interesting to hear names of ships I have done research on involving your family. I will post your families surnames on the links and hopefully we can make a link.

Next week: Debra Clifford is hosting a "chat" about;
Wednesday, October 13
Ancestorville Book Club: PSYCHIC ROOTS by Henry Z. Jones
Where: chat link on top blue tab
When: Wednesday, October 13 from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Hank Jones, myself and fellow CVGS Genealogist Jaye Wight

Everyone is invited to these chats and they are well attended.

Also you might want to visit Debra's town because calling it an attic would just not be accurate enough.

Website:http://ancestorville.com
http://vintageposterworks.comCompany Overview:Debra Clifford is an antiques dealer who buys historical material, manuscripts, antique documents, ephemera and paper, family bibles, etc. Her biggest passion and interest is early 19th c. photography. Ancestorville is her passion, and this facebook page is a business page dedicated to combining genealogy antiques, American history, sharing, and ephemera. She also owns Vintage Poster Works at: http://www.vintageposterworks.com

Ancestorville has 13,567 surnames and over 5,000 identified lost family photos photographs and antique vintage ephemera for sale, as well as the ability to purchase scans of the material.

ABOUT DEBRA:
http://www.ancestorville.com/pages/about-us

CONTACT DEBRA
http://www.ancestorville.com/pages/contact-us
or leave a voice mail message anytime at:
Phone (845) 704 7506

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DebraClifford
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SEE ALL ANCESTORS:
http://www.ancestorville.com/collections/all
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (read less)
Debra Clifford is an antiques dealer who buys historical material, manuscripts, antique documents, ephemera and paper, family bibles, etc. Her biggest passion and interest is early 19th c. photography. Ancestorville is her passion, and this facebook page is a business page dedicated to combining genealogy antiques, American history, sharing, and ephemera. She also owns Vintage Poster Works at: http://www.vintageposterworks.com

Ancestorville has 13,567 surnames and over 5,000 identified lost... (read more)Mission:Reunions! Genealogy, Family History, town hall forum, history sharing in general, combining antique and vintage photo knowledge with genealogy. Teaching and sharing together. Helping others with genealogy work...

Please see top blue tab for all info at Aville: CHAT, TOWN HALL, EVENTS, LINKS, PHOTOS, VIDEOS.

CHAT ROOM:
http://www.facebook.com/Ancestorville?v=app_100626246643948
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OUR TOWN HALL FORUM
http://ancestorville.vanillaforums.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Products:19th c. Ephemera, Antique Paper, Genealogy: CDV photographs, cabinet card photos, rewards of merit, antique documents, deeds, family bibles, dry mount photos, RPPC real photo postcards, letters, diaries.

A list of all of our Articles to read:
http://www.ancestorville.com/blogs/articles
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
19TH c. VICTORIAN NICKNAMES:
FEMALE:
http://www.ancestorville.com/blogs/articles/1610592-victorian-nicknames-girls
MALE:
http://www.ancestorville.com/blogs/articles/1610582-victorian-nicknames-boys

~~~~~~~~~~ARTICLES TO READ~~~~~~~~~~~

ANTIQUE ADVERTISING TRADE CARDS
http://www.ancestorville.com/blogs/articles/1619312-advertising-trading-cards
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AMBROTYPE PHOTOS
http://www.ancestorville.com/blogs/articles/1619242-ambrotype-photographs
-----------
ANCESTRAL MIGRATION
http://www.ancestorville.com/blogs/articles/1619222-ancestral-migration
-----------
CABINET CARD PHOTOS
http://www.ancestorville.com/blogs/articles/1618812-cabinet-card-photos
-----------
CDV CARTE DE VISITE PHOTOS
http://www.ancestorville.com/blogs/articles/1618562-carte-de-visite-photographs
-----------
EPHEMERA: WHAT WE SELL PAGE 1
http://www.ancestorville.com/blogs/articles/1618312-what-we-sell-at-ancestorville
------------
EPHEMERA: WHAT WE SELL PAGE 2
http://www.ancestorville.com/blogs/articles/1616402-what-we-sell-at-ancestorville-page-2
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RPPC REAL PHOTO POSTCARDS
http://www.ancestorville.com/blogs/articles/1616302-real-photo-postcards
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VICTORIAN REWARDS OF MERITS
http://www.ancestorville.com/blogs/articles/1616272-rewards-of-merit
--------------
VINTAGE SNAPSHOT PHOTOS
http://www.ancestorville.com/blogs/articles/1614652-snapshot-photographs
---------------
STEREOVIEW PHOTOS
http://www.ancestorville.com/blogs/articles/1610882-stereoview-photographs
----------------
TINTYPE PHOTOS
http://www.ancestorville.com/blogs/articles/1610612-tintype-photographs
----------------
VICTORIAN CALLING CARDS
http://www.ancestorville.com/blogs/articles/1610602-victorian-calling-cards
----------------
AND:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FACEBOOK CHAT ROOM:
http://www.facebook.com/Ancestorville?v=app_100626246643948
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ancestorville town hall meeting!
OUR FORUM
http://ancestorville.vanillaforums.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Facebook Page:http://www.facebook.com/Ancestorville

The difference in Family History and Genealogy

2010-10-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

In this blog I will explain what I surmised to be the difference in family history and genealogy. This definitions come from the words themselves. Genealogy; "Gene" and study of; "ology". Therefore this is the study of genetics, ergo the charts being labeled as "pedigree charts". More the DNA composition of a person that makes you uniquely you--- in genetics.

Then the "family history" the word "Family" and the word hi "STORY". George Geder recently observed that he had difficulties with genealogy software explaining "family histories", Multiple marriages, step brothers and sisters, same sex marriages etc. There are also those numerous GOD parents, and "Aunts" and "Uncles" who were just close friends and at every holiday gathering. And of course our beloved pets, houses we lived in, influential and essential teachers and church families who again made us uniquely us --- environmentally.

Car racing is a part of my Family History, I am finding writing about the races and my families participation in auto racing to be good family attention bait. One nephew already printed and framed my blog on Wild Bill.

Interesting observation -- someone mentioned my write ups on this subject as "excellent work on family history". So I reflected what could be the difference between genealogy and family history?

And this what I concluded (for the time being, until I change my mind.

Family History is stories of your family. Genealogy follows the "genes" of that family. Therefore whereas Car Racing can and is categorized a "Family History" the fact that my father's IRISH gene of being a little (cough cough) hard headed and contrite is the Genealogy of the sharing of these "WILD BILL" newspaper clippings.

Off to the SALT MINES

2010-09-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

Aunt Helen met with me in Hutchinson, Kansas. Together we are piecing together more of our Great Grandfather's John Christopher Hayley's life. Before 1917 and past 1925 he lived, worked, owned property in Hutchinson, Kansas. Grandpa Claude (his son, your great grandfather) and Grandma May Hayley were married in his house in 1923.

A
Although many of the records are on microfilm, some of the older records are being stored in the salt mines of Hutchinson Kansas.

The salt mine is located 650 feet underground in Hutchinson, Kansas. The storage building covers 26 acres in area, with the mine itself being many times larger. The natural environment of the mine provides controlled year-round temperature and humidity, ideal for the preservation of paper and film.

For example, Hollywood uses the mine for the storage of the negatives of everything from the Wizard of Oz to Doogie Howser, M.D.

Custom designed private storage is available such as the private vault. All records are accessible through the efficient records system used to catalog the files. Custom designed private storage is available such as the private vault. All records are accessible through the efficient records system used to catalog the files.Underground storage facilities in Kansas, Missouri and Kentucky offer depth protection from natural disaster and theft, as well as naturally cool and dry climates well suited for long term archiving.

The salt mine facility in Hutchinson, Kansas is widely regarded as one of the largest and most secure facilities in the world.

Buried 650 ft deep within a 400 ft thick salt formation, miles from any flood plains or seismic activity, it is protected from natural disaster. Major metropolitan areas, military installations, and national borders

I will be visiting the salt mines on Monday September 20,2010. I am gathering data for a fellow genealogist from Chula Vista, California. Her grandfather was in a fatal accident in 1939. The court records involved in that case are in the salt mines.

By offering to retrieve these records, I gained the knowledge of this unique and very important part of record keeping in America.

While Exploring Land Deeds in Hutchinson, Kansas......

2010-09-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

Well, the learning never ends, ........ more terminology, laws to learn. As mentioned by so many Genealogy is a fascinating study because it truly exposes person to many different faucets of life. And you constantly are learning.......maybe it is why many "old dogs" like this type of study because we are attempting to prove we can learn "new tricks".

Ergo while exploring land deeds I came across Legal Terms in Land Records that I needed to look up.

Myrna Goodwin of CVGS gave an excellent class on Land Deeds and explained how we needed to be prepared and use the proper terminology when approaching record keepers at county/state facilities. Myrna's contention was that the more you came prepared to do your research and "help" yourself; the more likely to obtain your data

Myrna in her presentation reviewed a couple "key words" including but not limited to:
Grant - Title - Legal ownership as evidenced by a deed or other instrument.

Grantee - The person receiving a grant, or buying property.
Grantor - The person issuing the grant, or selling property.

Title - Legal ownership as evidenced by a deed or other instrument.

Deed - A document giving the holder the title to property. More generally, any document sealing an agreement, contract, etc.

Obviously we can always learn more and more ..........

My new suggestion based on my experiences this week would be for a genealogist to carry a Legal Terms in Land Records with them to a Land Records office.

The list would look like the one available at
http://www.directlinesoftware.com/legal.htm

The words in bold below were terms I needed to review. One of my issues was the handwriting or space allowed to write the data made the words illegible. But I feel confident that et al and et ux are the only suffixes to these names even if does look like elal, etuxe, etale etc. I thought these were different terminology!

Accession - Adding on. In civil law, the right to all that one's property produces, not just the property itself.
Adminstrator(m)/administratrix(f) - A person appointed by the court to settle the estate of someone who died intestate.
Admit - see Copyhold.
Ad quod damnum - A writ causing an evaluation of damages that might result from someone's actions. Example: you wish to dam a creek on your land to power a mill. The pond may damage another's land.
Adverse Possession - Gaining title to another's land by exercising the rights of ownership of that land unchallenged for a period of time, typically on the order of five to ten years, and meeting other requirements (as set by each state). See seizin.
Alien - To transfer (lands, title) to another.
Alienation - A transfer of title or property to another.
Allodial - see alodium
Alodium - Land owned independently, without rent or other obligation to another. See Freehold Estate. The alodial (also 'allodial') system is opposed to the feudal system.
Appurtenances - Easements, rights of way, or agreements attached to land.
Assignee - See assigns. Often seen in conjunction with land warrants which were assigned (sold) to speculators.
Assigns - Anyone acting on behalf of or in place of the nominal owner. The owner may have transferred or sold his rights to someone else or appointed an attorney to act on his behalf.
At will - Terminable by the lord of the manor at any time.
Bargain - Mutual agreement among two or more people to exchange or purchase goods.
Bargain and Sale Deed - A type of deed in which title is transfered but in which there is usually no guarantee as to the validity of title.
Bequest - A gift of personal property made in a will. See also devise.
Bond for Deed/Title - A promise to convey land when paid at some point in the future.
Burgage - A tenure in which burgesses or townsfolk held lands or tenements of the lord, usually for a fixed rent. In Scotland the term related to tenure in property in the royal burghs.
Cadastral Map - Land ownership map. Generally used for tax purposes.
Caution - In the U.K., Canada, and elsewhere, a restriction on disposition of property by the registered owner, placed by a person who claims a right on the property in question.
Cesser - Failure of a tenant who holds land in return for services to perform those services.
Chattel - A tangible, movable article of personal property, as opposed to real property.
Claim - see Entry.
Collateral - Property put up by someone getting a loan. If they fail to repay the loan, the collateral goes to the person granting the loan.
Color of Title - A deed appearing to convey title but in fact not conveying title, either because the grantor did not have title to convey or because the conveyance was flawed in some way.
Condemn - The taking of privately owned land for public use by eminent domain. In the U.S. just compensation must be provided for any lands thus taken.
Consideration - The money (or other property) used to purchase land.
Convey - To transfer property or the title to property from one person to another.
Copyhold - A tenancy at will that was recorded in a manorial court ownership roll. The lord of the manor maintained the list. Copyholds were not, strictly speaking, inheritable, but were customarily so. The land reverted to the landowner who would then "admit" the heir to the lands of the decedent.
Covenant - A stipulation. A promise to do or not do something.
Customary Estate - see copyhold
Decedent - one who has died.
Deed - A document giving the holder the title to property. More generally, any document sealing an agreement, contract, etc. The most common types of deeds Bargain and Sale, Quitclaim, and Warranty.
Deed of trust - A transfer of property to someone to be held in trust for another. See trust. More specifically, however, deeds of trust are used in a number of states instead of a mortgage to secure a loan. The deed of trust names the trustees in whom title is placed as security against failure to meet the terms of the loan.
Deed poll - A deed not indented, that is, a deed made by one party only. See indenture.
Deforce - To forcibly withhold property from its rightful owner.
Demesne - 1) Possession of land as one's own. 2) The part of an estate worked for the owner. 3) Land adjoining the manor house.
Demise - Generally a synonym for 'lease', both noun and verb.
Devise - A gift of real property made in a will. See also bequest.
Dower - A wife's interest in her husband's property, inheritable at his death. English probate law set this at 1/3. "Her thirds" was a phrase used for this. In the U.S. it was common for a woman to formally relinquish her dower claim on land sold by the husband. This further guaranteed that the property was clear of all obligations. In some areas the lack of a dower relinquishment at the time of sale was proof that the man was single or widowed. See also jointure.
Easement - Use of a portion of property for some stated purpose without remuneration. Easements are not estates in that they do not convey ownership, but rather the use of the property in so far as needed for the stated purpose. An example is the easement a city may have to dig up part of your land to repair the water main. Easement is a right. Contrast with servitude.
Ejectment - A suit by an owner to reclaim ownership from a tenant who has overstayed the terms of a lease. Originally it was a suit brought by a fictitious tenant to try the title of the landlord in order to acquire the land under lease.
Emolument - Profit derived from employment or labor, including wages and other compensation.
Encroachment - To gain unlawfully or infringe on the property of another.
Encumbrance - A burden on a property, generally one that affects the ability to transfer title, or one which affects the condition of the property. Examples are liens, mortgages, taxes, easements, water rights, etc.
Enfeoff - To invest with an estate held in fee.
Enfeoffment - Giving ownership in fee. A deed or legal document giving ownership in fee.
Entail - To create a fee tail, or to create one from fee simple.
Entry - Filing of the intention to get a land grant or patent. This was the first step of a multi-step process of getting land, the other steps generally being Survey, and Grant.
Escheat - Land ownership reverting to the Crown, government, or estate owner because of a lack of heirs or breach of condition to ownership. See also forfeiture.
Esse - In esse (Latin). In existence. See also posse.
Estate - A property right held by someone. There can be many estates held on a single piece of property, for example, relating to specific uses of the property. Mineral rights, water rights, and so on are examples. Estates can be subordinate (lower in rank) to other estates.
Et al - Latin et alia, for "and others".
Et ux - Latin et uxor, for "and wife".
Exception - A clause in a deed whereby the seller retains some right currently held on the land being sold, for example, "my land except 3 acres...", "my land except mineral rights...". In both cases the seller owned the thing being excepted. See also Reservation.
Exception and Reservation - A general term found in deeds when a seller retains some kind of interest in the property. Technically the language should refer to a reservation or exception as needed but many deeds are written with this catchall phrase.
Executor/executrix - The person named in a will to carry out the terms of the will. See administrator.
Fee - Heritable land held in return for service to a lord.
Fee simple - Ownership of land that can be inherited by any heirs. To hold in fee means to possess.
Fee tail - Ownership of land restricted to a specified class of heirs, generally direct descendants.
Fem Covert - A married woman.
Feoff - See fee
Feoffment - Transfer of inheritable real property.
Feoffee - One who benefits from a fief.
Feud - See fee.
Feudal system - The system of land holding in exchange for service, ultimately to the king. This is opposed to the alodial system.
Fief - See fee.
Fieri Facias - A common law writ to enforce collection of a debt. Typically executed by the sheriff, the property of the debtor is sold to satisfy the claim.
Forfeiture - Loss of property for failure to obey the law, or reversion of title to the sovereign because of default or an offense. It can be applied to any part of an interest of ownership. See also escheat.
Freehold - see fee simple
Grant - Transfer of title from the government to the first titleholder of a piece of property. This term is generally used by states and the federal government. See also patent.
Grantee - The person receiving a grant, or buying property.
Grantor - The person issuing the grant, or selling property.
Headright - A Virginia sytem of land patents, prevalent in the 1600's in which immigrants, including minor children, were entitled to 50 acres of land apiece. It was customary for the person paying passage to claim the headright, though the right appears to belong to the immigrant. Headrights could be sold or assigned to others. A headright system was also used in other states including South Carolina and Georgia.
Hereditament - Anything that can be inherited. A corporeal hereditament is tangible real or personal property that can be inherited. An incorporeal hereditament includes intagible appurtenances, rents, and the like.
Importation right - See headright.
Improve - To make land more valuable by clearing and planting. Land that was not improved by the owner might revert to the government.
In capite - Latin - An estate in land held by direct grant of the king.
Incumbrance - See encumbrance.
Indefeasible Estate - An estate that cannot be changed under any circumstances.
Indenture - A written agreement. (Originally, the document was written in duplicate, and the two copies placed side by side and 'indented', or cut, with a wavy line so they fit together perfectly.) See also deed poll.
Ingress and Egress - The entering and leaving of land and the means of doing so.
In personam - Latin - A legal action against a person.
In rem - Latin - A legal action to affect the interests of people in a thing such as a parcel of land. Examples would be partitioning an estate or foreclosing. See also in personam.
Intangible property - The opposite of tangible property. Examples are property rights, easements, copyrights and other things of value that have no physical presence. Also, certificates or other items that have no inherent value but which represent something physical.
Intestate - Having no will. If someone dies intestate, the court appoints an administrator to settle the estate.
Instrument - Legal document.
Investiture - See livery of seizin.
Joint tenancy - Ownership by two or more people, with rights of survivorship. Tenants can act individually to partition or sell their interest in the property, but such actions create a tenancy in common. See also tenancy by the entirety.
Jointure - Property given to a prospective wife, to be enjoyed by her at her husband's death. Differs from dower in the way in which her future is protected.
Lease and Release - A practice in early Virginia that is equivalent to a sale. It was accomplished by a two step process of leasing the property in question to the buyer, then releasing the buyer of the lease obligation.
License - A personal privilege or permission to make some use of land owned by another.
Lien - A charge or claim upon someone's property as security for a debt. A lien does not confer title. The law recognizes the right to have a debt satisfied out of someone's property.
Life(time) Estate - An estate with duration limited to the lifetime of the holder or some other person. See remainder.
Livery - Delivery of ownership.
Livery of Seizin - An open and 'notorious' public ceremony conferring ownership of a freehold estate.
Locator - A person who determines or establishes the boundaries of land or a mining claim.
Messuage - A dwelling house with its adjacent buildings and lands appropriated to the use of the household.
Moiety - One half. One of two equal parts. A share or portion.
More or less - This term is frequently used in deeds to qualify acreage, e.g. "50 acres, being the same more or less". Even accurate surveys have some error in the calculation of area and this phrase recognizes that fact.
Mortgage - Today we think of this as a secured loan (for example, a loan with a house as collateral). In older times it was often written as a regular deed of sale with a condition attached such that the sale was void if certain payments are made by a certain date. With a mortgage, if the borrower fails to pay the mortgage note off, the mortgagor must successfully sue in order to sell the property and recover the loan. See deed of trust for a different way of establishing security for a loan.
Mutation - In India, the process of legally changing a parcel's owner. It results in an updated RTC (Record of Right Tenancy and Cultivation), the backbone of the Indian land record system.
Parcel - A piece of land. A tract.
Patent - Transfer of title from the government to the first titleholder of a piece of property. This term was generally used by the Crown or its representative. See also grant.
Payoff Deed - In Arizona and perhaps elsewhere, a deed of ownership issued when seller receives full payment under the terms of a deed of trust or agreement of sale.
Planting and Seating - See improve. In Virginia colonial law a patentee was required to cultivate an acre of land and build a small house on the property, otherwise the patent would revert to the government.
Posse - In posse (Latin). In the future or which might exist in the future. See also esse.
Possessory - Relating to ownership.
Premises - A somewhat fluid term meaning land and its appurtenances, or land and its buildings and structures.
Private Road Maintenance Agreement - An agreement between all property owners that abut a private road to maintain that road. Lenders require this agreement if the private road is the only access to a property.
Privity - A relationship between parties having a direct or indirect interest in a legal matter. Class actions are an example where parties not involved in a suit have a privity relation to it. Parties in estate transactions necessarily have privity, and so do heirs of an estate.
Prove Up - See Improve.
Probate - The process of proving a decedent's will and settling the estate. The signing of a will was typically witnessed by neighbors, who would later swear in court that they saw the decedent sign the will prior to death. This "proved" that the will was actually that of the decedent.
Property - Any kind of thing which has a value and which one can exercise the rights of ownership upon, including possession, use, and disposal.
Quitclaim Deed - A common type of deed in which the seller relinquishes claim to whatever rights were held on the property, but does not guarantee that that the property is actually free of claims by others.
Quitrent - A rent paid in lieu of required feudal services. See fee and socage. The quitrent can be considered a real estate tax.
Real property - Land. See also chattel.
Remainder - Transfer of ownership to someone on the death of another. For example, land may be sold to person A for use during their lifetime, but then remaindered to person B at the death of A.
Remise - To relinquish a claim to something, specifically to release or quitclaim an interest in real estate.
Replevin An action for recovery of property that has been illegally withheld from the rightful owner, plus damages for its detention. This is generally not an action to recover the value of the withheld property, but the actual property itself.
Reservation - A clause in a deed wherein seller retains a right in the land being sold but the specific right did not previously exist. "Reserving a right of way" is an example if the right of way did not previously exist. See also Exception.
Revert - Return of ownership to a former owner (or heirs).
Right of Entry - Permission to enter someone's property.
Right of Way - An easement for passage across someone's land.
Room - "in the room of" means in the place of, instead of.
Scire Facias - A writ requiring a party to show why a judgment should not be vacated, executed, or annulled.
Seised/Seized - Legally owning and possessing real property.
Seisin/Seizin - Ownership or 'in fact' possession of a freehold estate. Inferred here is an increasing degree of ownership with the passage of time, as the possessor makes productive use of the land. Seizin was originally not an estate, but a way to gain one, as by adverse possession. This is rooted in the Roman concept that whoever worked the land should be its owner.
Sergeantry - Non-military service to a lord in exchange for land.
Servitude - An encumbrance attached to land, specifically one that imposes a burden on the owner. Contrast with easement.
Setback - Required minimum distance new construction must have from the sides of the property, the street, and other structures. Setbacks are defined by local ordinance.
Socage - Holding of land by a tenant in return for fixed payment or for non-military service to the lord. This system was eventually replaced by our system of taxation. See quitrent.
Soke - The jurisdiction of a court.
Special Warranty Deed - A warranty deed constrained to the period during which seller owned the property. Claims for title defects that predate the seller's ownership period are not warranteed.
Straw Deed, Strawman Deed - Two deeds filed in succession, the first from party A to party B, second from B back to A. This was used to sidestep legal restrictions of sales between spouses or joint owners, or to incorporate a new survey description. Party B is a trusted intermediary, either a close friend or attorney.
Tangible property - The opposite of intangible property. Examples are land or other movable personal property that has a physical reality.
Tenancy by the entirety - A form of joint tenancy held by husband and wife. Title automatically transfers to the survivor upon the death of one party. Neither party can sell or divide the property without the consent of the other.
Tenancy in common - Title held by two or more people where each person can sell their interest without the consent of the other owners. There are no rights of survivorship.
Tenement - Permanent property, whether concrete or not, such as land, buildings, cars, or the stock represented by a stock certificate. In most common usage it means a house or building.
Teste - (Latin). Witness.
Testate - Having a will.
Thirds - see dower
Title - Legal ownership as evidenced by a deed or other instrument.
To wit - That is to say.
Tract - A piece of land. A parcel.
Trespass - In common law, a suit to recover damages directly made to one's person, property, or rights.
Trespass on the case - Similar to trespass, but for damages suffered indirectly.
Trust - Confidence placed in someone by giving them property to be held or used for another's benefit. The property held in trust.
Trustee - An individual to whom another's property is entrusted.
Try Title - To test the validity of someone's title to property.
Vacate - 1) To set aside or render void, 2) to move out.
Viz., Vizt. - Videlicet (Latin). That is to say.
Warrant - A governmental order authorizing some action. An arrest warrant instructs a sheriff to arrest someone. A land warrant instructs a state to issue land to someone.
Warranty Deed - A deed in which the seller warrants having a valid title and that the property is clear of any encumbrances. See also Special Warranty Deed.
Waste Land - Land that has not been claimed, or which has escheated.
Abbreviations
Assee - Assignee.
B for D - Bond for Deed
Comr D - Commissioners' Deed
DAF - Described as follows
DOV - Declaration of Value (real estate transfer tax declaration)
Dwr Rls - Dower Release
Fi Fa - Fieri facias
L & R - Lease and Release
MOL - More or less
P of A - Power of Attorney
P/F - per following
QCD - Quitclaim Deed
ROE - Right of Entry
WD - Warranty Deed
T.A.B. - Trespass, Assault, and Battery.
TOC - Trespass on the case

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Sources
"Black's Law Dictionary"
"Law Dictionary", Steven H. Gifis, 1996, Barron's Educational Series
"Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary", 1979
Jerry R. Broadus, LS, Esq., "The Surveyor and the Law", regular column in P.O.B.
soc.genealogy newsgroup postings
Discussions with several lawyers

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Copyright 2010 Direct Line Software 71 Neshobe Rd.
Newton, MA 02468
ph: 617 527-9566
deeds@directlinesoftware.com

The list would look like the one available at
http://www.directlinesoftware.com/legal.htm

How did I know which house my grandfather lived in 1920?

2010-09-19T09:46:00.000-07:00

In this blogspot I like to share the background of the steps I took to discover the information I share about my family. Yes, sometimes it would be nice if our families would save photos, land deeds, places of occupation, and their histories in neat little folders in legible print for us to find. But alas! My family did not do this for me. In my Hayley blog this week, my father (as a guest writer) to the blogspot posted photos of himself in front of the house his father lived in as a teenager.

The address was derived from the 1920 census

Of course this census page is too small to read here. But if you were to look it up and enhance it, You would find the address for this family is 319 Eighth Street. Now the problem I encountered when I got to Hutchinson, Kansas was there are two 319 Eighth Streets! So again referring to the same census page --- I discovered the close cross streets and was able to decipher that it was East Eighth Street that was the correct address.

Here is a photo of my father standing in front of the house number: For more photos of this house please visit: http://reedhayley.blogspot.com/2010/09/319-east-eighth-street-hutchinson.html

Because the census indicated the house was owned and free of debt, I went to the RENO county courthouse to review the land records.

OK I dressed for comfort, walking shoes, no make up, I will try harder next time.

Inside I photographed some of the architecture features of the building. The court house as many are, was absolutely beautiful.

Wordless Wednesday --- is a continuation of Tombstone Tuesday

2010-08-31T22:20:00.000-07:00

2010-08-31T09:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/general-info/mthope.shtml
Within the genealogy blogging community there is a weekly prompt to post tombstones on what is commonly known as Tombstone Tuesdays.

I understand how some people would think genealogist can be a rather morbid group of individuals. Truth be told, we love cemeteries. One of my greatest compliments was when I had taken a person to see their families grave sites and the person exclaimed to a group of fellow genealogist, Ruth took me to a cemetery and we had so much fun.

Mount Hope Cemetery San Diego, California. is a fabulous cemetery in my new hometown of San Diego, California. The resting place of several interesting people are found in this cemetery.

Today's Tombstone Tuesday is a collection of photos of a family plot found within this cemetery. The plots arranged make for a massive and detailed tribute to this family. I wanted to share this section with other tombstone enthusiast.

Very Basic 5 pedigree charts

2010-08-20T12:38:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Saturday August 21, 2010 I have the privilege of teaching a very basic basic 5 pedigree chart class. Although this may seem uninteresting at first, the fact that this will be actual preparation to a fun-filled picnic idea put together by our Chula Vista Genealogical Society President Gary Brock. This class will be a lot of fun.

First we will look at the difference between pedigree and ancestral charts. This is the beginnings of genealogy terminology. I amazed as the mis-nomenclatures I see throughout even "professional" publications.
Then I show examples of pedigree charts, the bow-tie, the circle, the fan, the semblance of an actual tree, etc. I then show examples and suggestions for demonstrating "your" pedigree in each format.

Another brief discussion is used to understanding the numbering system involved with pedigree charts. To many new genealogist, the continuation charts (i.e. person #1 in this chart is the same as person #32 on chart 1) is a bit confusing. If it is not clear, I will suggest we look at secondary charts and forms in a another workshop.

The chart and forms I am concentrating on this limited class/workshop is limited to a simple daily journal, a resource tracking log and a 5 pedigree chart. I did venture out a bit in my "pilot" class of basic charts and forms and found in some cases I confused rather than clarified some of the principle of basic genealogy.

Subjects touched upon but need their own workshops are:
Preparing a resource log for a pending library visit.
Citing sources.
and relationship calculating.

The class also requested a class on Genealogy Terminology.

In conclusion the class/workshop will review each participants pedigree charts and verify surnames, and family locations are clearly defined. The more prepared the 5-7 generation pedigree charts we have available, the more fun participation we should expect at our society annual summer picnic.

So if you happen to be in the San Diego area Saturday 12 noon come by the Chula Vista Public Library and join my class.

Sharing Family History at Research Program today

2010-08-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

Sharing Family History at Research Program today

September 1, 1955 Santa Clara Journal gives my father his nickname; he was known to all for the rest of his life. It was 10 years after marriage that my husband put together that WILD BILL was his father in law.

Today I shared a recent book regarding Speed Racing in the San Jose, California area that referenced my father. I shared that my father and I visited the author and the author autographed the book to my dad. I also shared that there is a follow up book being written. I am submitting photos and stories regarding several eventful races. I have found that I need to research data at several different libraries in the Santa Clara County to complete the stories from the racetrack. The Main Library in San Jose microfilm included film of the San Jose Mercury News, I needed to go to the Santa Clara library on Homestead Road for the Santa Clara Journal articles.

I brought with me to the research meeting several more photos of my parents and racing events.

Genealogy GOLD

2010-08-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

The lessons afforded while mining for gold and distinguishing false gold from the real thing can be applied to many applications of life.

This blog is to liken "AHA" moments to finding GOLD. I lived in Northern California nearly my entire life. I actually would uproot my children each summer and live in the Sierra Mountains following the gold as it flowed down the rivers of California.

That is another wonderful blog waiting to be written.

When a genealogist uncovers a new family, location or published event directly involving a member of a direct family line, we often experience what they like to refer to as "an AHA Moment". When the event or information involves an indirect relative they experience an urge to share. This urge to share is a desire to experience the resonant of a fellow genealogist's "AHA moment".

Finding GOLD is an AHA moment. It is thrilling. But there is lots of very convincing Fool's Gold in deem der hills. One of the first test of authenticity is where the gold was found. There are elements about gold that explains the location of gold as it flows down the river. The side of the river, the configuration of the river as it winds down the hillside are all clues to locations of gold. If someone claims to have found gold on the unlikely side of the river or incorrect location of a winding river bed. You would be correct in questioning the authenticity of the find.
So like genealogy "finds". First question often is where did you find that bit of information? There are unlikely resources to finding real gold versus false gold.
To the inexperienced miner the discovery maybe exciting. As experience teaches these false finds lose their luster very quickly.

Many long hours, efforts and hard work has been wasted chasing false gold. False gold in the California hills and in genealogical research. This is why I guess I reject so hardly against irresponsible sharing of genealogical research. If a Serious Genealogist states they have never been lured by false gold, believe me, they are not an experienced genealogist or there is false gold yet to be discovered within that very same genealogist data.

In my opinion; many websites, books, articles are purposely or mistakenly planting false gold for enthusiastic research miners. One such case is the origins of Surnames. I take exception to people spouting off the or gins of any one's surname. Especially here in America, where names often are less than 300-400 years old.

Anyone wanting to share information about their own or someone else's surname origin needs to back up their data with more information than a "name's book". I agree good assumptions, grouping exact and similar names can capture a good percentage of the name origins. If someone was to claim to know the origin of my surnames; I would ask for the resource of the information.

To actually research a surname I would follow the following first steps:
1--My first inclination to discovering the "Gold origin of an individual surname" would be to ask the researcher if they know where the surname originated.
2--Also to follow the name back several generations for variations in the name.

My own lineage surnames do not lend themselves to easy verification and validation of surname origin. These following surnames found in my lineage would be very difficult to decipher as to origin without a significant bit of background information.

HIMAN
DEARMAN
BUNYARD

There are so many more examples I have of, Genealogy Gold Mining, that will be shared in this blogsite. It is always interesting read when the author can compare one experience lessons-learned to enhance and facilitate with another life experience.
The lessons learnt while mining for gold and distinguishing false gold from the real think can be applied to many applications of life.

Geneabloggers say Goodbye to one of their own.

2010-08-11T05:51:00.000-07:00

Dr. William Terrance "Terry" Thornton
1939 - 2010
Fulton – Dr. William Terrance “Terry” Thornton, 71, died at his residence on August 9, 2010. Born on July 26, 1939, to the late Garfus Sherman and Letha Hollingsworth Thornton, he was a native of the Parham Community in Monroe County.

Terry attended public school in Monroe County and graduated from Hatley High School, Class of 1957. He earned three degrees, including a doctorate, from the University of Mississippi.

Terry married Betty Ann Rooker of Tupelo on December 17, 1961. Terry taught briefly at Brookhaven High School before returning to North Mississippi to teach science at Milam Jr. High School in Tupelo and elementary science for the newly-created educational programming at WTVA in Tupelo. These lessons were the first educational TV to be broadcast in the state of Mississippi and were watched both by children in the classrooms and by television viewers in North Mississippi, Western Alabama, and Southern Tennessee. After two years in Tupelo, Mr. Thornton was named an NDEA fellow at Ole Miss. When he completed his doctorate, he began his college teaching career at Troy State College, now Troy University. He later taught in the Troy University System at the Fort Rucker Branch and the Dothan Branch.

Dr. Thornton was a man of many talents and interests. He played the piano and organ at numerous churches, social events, and weddings. He loved both reading and writing and was the author of numerous stories, poems, and recollections of growing up in Monroe County. Terry was a popular public speaker and conversationalist. He was a naturalist and bird watcher. Terry taught countless students and teachers to enjoy studying science.

Dr. and Mrs. Thornton have two sons, William Terrance “Teb” Thornton, Jr., (Coleen), Fulton, and James Garfus Thornton (Charlena), New Orleans; his grandchildren, William Terrance III, and Margaret Ann, Fulton, and Charles William, New Orleans; brother, Thomas Sherman Thornton, (Patricia), Amory; and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial service for Terry Thornton will be held at 10 AM, Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. John Foster officiating. Inurnment will follow in Lann Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 – 7 PM, Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to Itawamba Historical Society, Mantachie, 38855-0007 or Sanctuary Hospice House Home Care, 5159 W. Main St., Tupelo, 38803.

Camden preparing to close its libraries, destroy books.......

2010-08-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

Camden preparing to close its libraries, destroy books | Philadelphia Inquirer | 08/06/2010
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_je...
Camden is preparing to permanently shut its library system by the end of the year, potentially leaving residents of the impoverished city among the few in the United States unable to borrow a library book free.

One comment to this revelation I, Ruth, took especial exception "two major social trends have been in play for a number of decades now.

First, we've hugely slashed the taxation of the rich. While it makes the rich richer, it's had a correspondingly huge impact on our ability to provide social ...services.

The second trend went into health cost......

Who took responsibility for the education, well being of the US public?

..." Public libraries exist in most places in the world and are often considered an essential part of having an educated and literate population." Wikipedia.

It was the "rich"

B. Franklin

financed and donated a mass to the libraries. , Libraries had often been started with a donation, an endowment or were bequeathed to various, parishes, churches, schools or towns, and these social and institutional libraries formed the base of many academic and public library collections of today.

Andrew Carnegie

had the biggest influence in financing libraries in the United States of America, from the east to west coast. From just 1900 to 1917, almost 1,700 libraries were constructed by Carnegie's foundation, insisting that local communities first guarantee tax support of each library built.[10] Not taxed but allowed to use their own money to serve the public as a whole.

There was a reason our country was based on a REPUBLIC and not MAJORITY VOTE BY THE MASSES.

SMART PEOPLE DO SMART THINGS

Every futuristic movie I have viewed where the premise is that "Big Brother" is going to try to control and ruin a society started off with the closing of the libraries.......

Membership Survey for Genealogy Society

2010-08-05T23:17:00.000-07:00

Randy Seaver asked in a blog : so I decided to answer in a blog because my thoughts needed more room than the comment box to expand. I keep telling Randy if you do not want my peaches---do not shake my tree!!
Randy states: The society is planning to improve the survey, and I thought it might be a good idea to ask my readers for their help. The survey questions are listed below.

Randy asks:Which ones should be deleted from the survey (and why)? What questions should be added to the survey (and why)? The survey is limited to one page in length, so there are only 26 questions in the available space.
Here is the late 2008 survey question list:

And he posted his 2006-2008 survey questioniare:

wow wow wow I answered with an elaborate multitable table survey form wanting participants to weigh their answers, and give benchmark analysis on several elements of genealogy.

LOL---- Randy in his kind (mentoring way) explained to me the complexity of my first attempt. Randy asked me to review what were the goals of the survey, what did we, as a society want to learn, and how could I make it a whole lot more simple.

Yesterday I sent my first draft to the genealogical society board;
I am sharing my sample here to my readers.

The survey:

This survey format was developed with the following goals in mind:
Discover unmet member needs.

--Establish long-term member relationships.

--Gage the effectiveness of activities and methods.

--Introduce new products or services.

--Ascertain our relative strengths and weaknesses.

--Develop action plans to tackle future educational and program plans.

Directions for participant of this survey: Answer these questions for yourself, regarding issues you are involved or interested:
do not answer with opinions of others or what you may think others may say:
If you do not have an opinion, do not answer the question.

Demographics:

How long have you been a member of the society?

Why did you become a member of the society? (question thanks to Jennifer!!)

Has society met your expectations in this aspect?

Where is your genealogical data:

on paper?

on off - line computer programs like a word or spreadsheet format?

on - line in a free genealogical web site?

on - line in a fee genealogical web site?

on your own web site?

Is your data private or public?

Do you participate in another genealogical society activities?

What do they offer that our Genealogical Society does not?

Where do you usually hear about activities being presented by the society?

the Society website? emails?? word of mouth? newpaper? flyers?

newsletter? somewhere else___________________?

How many times a month do you participate in society activities?

___once a month _____two to three times a month _____five or more times a month

What is your favorite regularly planned society activity?

What is your least favorite regularly planned society activity?

Are you interested in participating in more activities?

What would need to happen to interest you in participating with more activities?

Did you participate in the new time slots for library table talks?

Sunday Presentations?

Saturday Presentations?

Weekday Evening classes?

Would you like to see these activities continue?

Is there another day of the week/time more convenient for you?

What was the subject of your favorite class or presentation in the last 12 months?

What was the subject of your least favorite class or presentation in the last 12 months?

What is a Presentation subject or presenter of interest to you?

What is a Class subject or presenter of interest to you?

Being more specifc:

Would you like more "how-to" genealogical classes/presentations? Can you be specific?

Such as:

Genelogical Terminology?

Ordering military records?

Using your libraries more effectively with on-line databases, library loans to libraries, ordering microfilm

Preparing for genealogical research trips?

Organizing paper or on-line records?

Using web sites or software? which ones__________________

OR More state/country/ethnic group studies? which ones ____________

Are you interested in more social events? yes no if yes which activities?

Pot lucks

Field Trips

Outreach

History Themed Days

Something else?___________________________

The society will be welcoming in a new board of officers in December 2010.

What changes, considerations, suggestions would you like to include in this survey for their information.

Are you interested in becoming a part of this new board effort?

Using Index Cards for Contacts

2010-07-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

I started a collection of Index Cards a while back to keep track of contacts.
The Cards are handprinted starting with the SURNAME in the upper right hand corner.
Then the contact information and I reference the source of the contact information (genwise, ancestry id, email address, facebook profile etc.)
Then I add a bit of information regarding the contacts research
and last I add contact made with this person
genwise contact 04 July 2010 looking for Mike and Janet
example of an index card:

COOK
nameandname a genwise contact
had information on Aunt Faye and her family
genwise contact 04 July 2010 looking for Mike and Janet

then if I get replies I will add where I stored the communication
genwise messages?
yahoo mail folder "Genealogy"?
ancestry messages?

So I am one step in the 2000s and still one step in the 1900s
I am communicating and storing via modren technology

but still using my handicap of index cards.
It is just that I am getting so much information that it use to be an easy process.
But this cousin connection business is getting HUUUUUUGGGEEE.
Especially when the cousins are 7th 8th cousins....

I tried to put all the cousins on a database but I like this alot better. Maybe I should try to tackle ACCESS again and have a workable database.

More updates about our "cousins" later.

Ruth

11th (Eleventh) post regarding Burbank Jamboree - Live Podcast and Roots Magic

2010-06-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

11th (Eleventh) post regarding Burbank Jamboree. I posted 2 posts about getting ready to attend the SCGS #10 Jamboree and this is my 9th blog about attending the 2010 Jamboree. 11 a prime number and a good place to stop and move on. Months and months of research prompted by the Jamboree will go under the surname, location, world event or era to which it belongs. But I will reference/cite where and how I found the data. So you will see Jamboree peppered in my blogs for at least a few more months. Maybe I will reference all books, sources, etc. found last weekend. The GOLD RUSH of California and I found gold and precious gems.

Two of my favorite things Lisa Louise Cooke's live podcasts (yes, I am a member) and RootMagic (yes, I use this software and attend monthly group meetings).

Saturday at 1:00 pm we were encouraged to grab some lunch and meet in a huge outdoor Pavilion. Right away there were technical difficulties with no extra lighting and planes flying overhead! But in true pioneer spirit Lisa conducted her podcast to a live audience at the 2010 Jamboree.

Lisa's guest included:

- Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective, after hearing Maureen's account of the book, I purchased the book and offered a book review in an earlier blog.

- Suzanne Russo Adams, Ancestry.com and Researcher on Who Do You Think You Are?
A fasinating talk about working with 30 other genealogist piecing together the histories of American celebrities. Suzanne was able to email around the world and ask genealogist to research data in many countries. Suzanne also explained the research continued to include lots more information for these celebrities. All the data was given to the celebrity. The production company choose just a fraction of the research done to present on yelevision. Suzanne says she was captured on film doing an interview but her segment was "cut on the floor".

- Chris Haley, Genealogist and Artist, opened his talk with a couple of jokes. Chris is a very personable good looking man. Besides shareing the work being done by his foundation, Chris treated us to a Broadway song.

-special surprise guest, Lisa's Grandson Davy, was presented on stage with his mother. Davy (less than one year old) was also seen helping to man Lisa's booth during the weekend.

Door Prizes were offered at the LIVE PODCAST and my number 151 was drawn to win the ROOTSMAGIC ATLAS!!! I was very pleased.

Well this is my 11th and last post regarding the 2010 Jamboree in Burbank California. Did I have a great time? without a doubt! but for me as in many things I get more out of events if I prepare ahead, make myself available, and leave some flexible time in my planning.

SEE YA ALL NEXT YEAR!!

More SCGS #10 Jamboree News--- Meeting the Experts

2010-06-15T19:00:00.001-07:00

Here I am with fellow GENEALOGICAL TREE HUGGER DANIEL HOROWITZ Daniel works with Schelly on the Family Tree Builder site. Daniel also presented a dynamic talk on Super Search Engines.

Craig Manson, a lawyer from the Sacramento California Area, is the go-to person regarding copyright laws and all things legal. Craig also presented on the Blog 2 panel.

Chart Chick Janet Hovorka shared some great ideas to incorporate into my Geni Camps. Yet the presentation of interest was Digital Archiving. "Will your family history survive the digital age? Will your records be accessible in 100 years..?

More SCGS #10 Jamboree News--- More Book Reviews

2010-06-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

Soon to released:

THE LAST MUSTER, Images of the Revolutionary War Generation

was written by Maureen Taylor
with significant contributions by David Allen Lambert

The book is dedicated to Maureen's father James William Taylor Jr.
Maureen explained this book took eight years to compile and write.
This book is the first of it's kind. Maureen found photos of men, widows and others that served in the American Revolutionary War.

Maureen identified and included incredible stories to each photo.

Below is a photo of Maureen Taylor, myself Ruth Himan, and Alex (Roots) Hayley's nephew, Chris Haley.

_________________________________________________________________________

Every genealogist in finding their nitch

We have a member of our CVGS with criminals in his lineage.
This book

WANTED! U.S. Criminal Records

is an excellent resource book on researching the Criminal Records of the United States.
Below I am pictured with the author:
Ron Arnons

MICHAEL JOHN NEILL of CASEFILE CLUES

2010-06-15T16:31:00.001-07:00

2009/2010 I became a fan of the Case file Clues written monthly by Michael John Neill. Casefiles is a subscription to receive email with attached stories. Monthly I print the story. These can be retrieved and read anywhere. Waiting at a doctor's office, or attending a soccer game, I read the stories, pen in hand.

The cases cited by MJN are cleverly constructed to teach conclusive research and sound reasoning. A year of reading his work, I hoped to meeting this man. I was not aware he is so popular. This gentleman has become

a Genealogical Star

.

On Friday afternoon MJN was scheduled to speak in a huge tent (the Pavilion) the largest venue available at the SCGS Jamboree convention and it was standing room only!! His subject was

Re stacking the Blocks, Organizing Your Information

. Reminding me of forensic research, MJN explained that he will organize his research chronologically, in family groupings, by locations and all acquaintances of the individual. By acquaintances he meant Witnesses of land deeds, witnesses of marriages, etc. MJN identified the evidence as secondary and/or hearsay such as family published books and census.
Very methodical, MJN will state the problem, devise a plan, carry out the plan and then review his work.

In an effort to assure the handouts were current, literature was passed out at the session. Somehow I missed the hand-outs, The presentation was that well populated.

My next opportunity to see MJN was 8:30 Saturday morning. (yawn). My roommate was starving Saturday morning and MJN was lecturing on migration from NJ to Ohio, not my path, so I skipped the class. I did not worry because I knew MJN was giving another class that I was even more anxious to attend.

Pig Blood in the Snow.

Imagine my surprise as I walked from Lisa Louise Cooke's live podcast to MJN's class and was refused entrance. A staff member was holding a sign, CLASS FULL and it was 5 minutes before the class start time. So I walked over to the BLOGGER's Lounge and relaxed. Later I was able to catch MJN in the breezeway between building and spend a few minutes to say hello. He truly took his popularity in stride.

Besides MJN's (I call him friend so I take the liberty to type in MJN) Casefiles he also hosts an annual group research trip to FHL in SLC.

I enjoy his case files. Reading these cases hones in my deductive reasoning and reminds me to always trust the genealogical tools and basic skills.

Well off to have more genealogical fun.......Ruth

Fifth blog posted on the SCGS #10 Jamboree --- BLOGGERS

2010-06-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

Fifth blog posted on the SCGS #10 Jamboree through the eyes, ears and classes attended by Ruth.

Of great fun was the ever busy BLOGGER's LOUNGE: A section of the hotel lobby was set up as a lounge for blogger to meet and greet. Many group pictures were taken in the bloggers lounge:

Bloggers held classes and two sessions of a Blogger summit:
BLOGGERS SUMMIT 1:
Beginner to Reader to Blogger
consisted of a panel of bloggers.

Thomas Mac Entee
Elyse Doerflinger
Miriam Robbins Midkiff
Steve
Randy Seaver

in this case the Syllabus was quite important in so much as the glossary words and Thomas' list of blogs by subject was published.

Literally 5 minutes was used to create a blog on stage. I thought as I listened to the questions that more time was wanted to spend on the step by step rather than the what is, how can I use, benefits of, finding other blogs to read,

I think when I attended a class with Lisa Louise Cooke she took the 10 minute route but she started with setting up a google account. The google account requirement was mentioned briefly but I am unsure many of the audience comprehended what was required.

Speaking of Lisa Louise Cooke, she was a panelist of the next blogger panel -- creatively titled Blogger Summit 2--Now that you are a BLOGGER

Again it was led by Thomas Mac Entree with Lisa, Craig Morgan and Schelly Talalay Dardashti, Kathryn Doyle. Summit 2 seemed to focus on copyrights and to or not to run ads on your blog.
Suggestions for getting traffic to your blog included
Daily Themes,
Running a series, (I wonder if I get another follower based on a series based on the Jamboree?),
Multiple blogs, I tried that and Google wanted to verify my account, and that has caused numerous codes sent to my cell phone and now I am locked out!!
Speak UP, I do a lot of that!!!
Ask people what they would like you to blog about

OK I am asking anyone who reads this, be kind but please let me know what if anything I can do to interest more people in my blog?

I am not yet one of the beautiful bloggers and I am unsure exactly where I am missing the mark.

and SEO was discussed and explained, Wordpress or Blogspot was the census question of this summit.

All and all the summits were nice

but the sideshow of the facebook and twittering was funnier

. Several people in the summit including people on the panel was twittering and facebooking away throughout the entire panel discussions. This was hilarious as people across the room from each other were "passing notes in class" and updating their friends of the real time events of the summit.

Blogging along, Ruth

More SCGS #10 Jamboree News---Meeting Lisa Lee

2010-06-15T12:04:00.001-07:00

More SCGS #10 Jamboree News---Meeting Lisa Lee (Anderson) Lisa has recently married.
I have read and been anxious to meet Lisa Lee for some time now.

Lisa is a smart, well educated, lady teaching in the areas of Irish, Canadian and African- American Genealogy. It is free to join her website GOT GENEALOGY and Lisa publishes monthly newsletters packed full of useful information.

Lisa writes about general genealogy subjects, the SSDI index, new websites, and upcoming genealogical tools. What is especially delightful about Lisa is her easy approach to genealogy. She does not mind telling you the way it is.....admitting she is shooting at easy targets (county office help, large genealogy websites trying to be all things to all people, etc.)

Lisa takes people to that next step of re-uniting slave owners and slave descendants. I have so many writing on my ancestors slaves and I am anxious to get them to their families. My ancestors are guiding me to share these wonderful stories with the families. Using the newspapers of the era is my next step in reconstructing the movement of the African-Americans after they left the plantation.

I am chronicling my journey to finding and aiding these families, in a new blog I started named "Healing of America".

My theory is we must start healing this country; if the USA is to survive. United we are a much stronger country. It is time for healing to start. There comes a time in life when the past must not be forgotten but also not preventing us to move forward. The not-so Civil War and history of slavery continues to cripple this country. Being active in the Civil Rights movement of the 60s, I became aware of the generalizations and falsehoods taught as universal truths. All Blacks do this, this is the way Blacks think, This is the way Whites think. Civil Rights worked because we understood we could not change the teaching of the ruling generation but we could and would educate the children.

Civil Rights did not try to change the world in one day, Civil Rights worked because we stopped looking at the time, place, locations as a whole and met and heard the stories of the individuals on both sides. Just the facts ma'am, just the facts.

A NEW FRIEND: Darelene Warren Rothwell

2010-06-14T06:44:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful visit with Darelene Warren Rothwell that authored the book
A History of African-American Families and Slaveholders in Cass County, East Texas from the Colonial Days and Slavery to the Twenty-first Century

I purchased this book, the book has a very attractive book cover, the fonts used are elegant and the book has an abundance of personal photos This large coffee table size book is a beautiful tribute to Darelene's family and their history in America. Darelene tells the stories of former slave ancestors able to purchase land and prosper in East Texas. Just like most upsets, healing happens one story at a time. The sorting the myth from the facts. Darelene has been able to start the "healing" process of America. My visit with Darelene was absolutely delightful.

I am meeting many pioneers ready willing and able to start the healing of America. I do not think it is a mistake that this authors name is "Dare"lene. The author includes stories and photos from the slave owner's families. She is a pioneer in "telling the real stories". And sorting through fact and fiction. I am moving away from political issues in this blog. I am choosing to keep this blog genealogy work only. If you want to start "healing America" I am going to start a new blog devoted to healing America from within. Dare-lene is truly a pioneer and our truths will be told.

Darelene worked with an established publisher

AND AN OLD FRIEND

collaborating to publish an important part of American History.
Darelene published her book with the help of this wonderful man, Tom Underhill. I have been friends with Tom for quite awhile now. Tom's Publishing company Creative Continum website has many exhibits of his work. Besides being an excellent interviewer, Tom is an expert photographer, and publishes absolutely beautiful Family Books. Of special note on Tom, his son and daughter (young teens) are now helping him with the publishing business.

Megan Smolenyak x2

2010-06-14T06:01:00.000-07:00

This past week end I had an opportunity to sit down and spend some time with author
Megan Smolenyak x2. I typed in x2, and if you look carefully at the author's last name on the cover of the book, the last name has the squared symbol.

Megan's maiden name and married name are the same, no relation.

I have reviewed Megan's book on Amazon.com and our Genealogical Society references the book very often.

So you can only imagine how absolutely thrilled I was when Megan personalized an autographed copy for me.

It reads:

Dear Ruth,
Genealogy truly is
Ruthless without you!
Thank you for your enthusiasm
and kind words!
Megan Smolenyak (squared sign)

Susi Pentico, a true genealogy angel, stopped by about this time. Susi is one of those very special ladies that you can truly count upon to help a friend. I am so glad I can call her friend. Susi stopped by, explaining I had the book and donated the book to the society as a raffle prize at a recent CVGS seminar. So why was I receiving another book?

This personalized copy will not be donated. It will be left with a copy of this blog to be found in my genealogy legacy. Are you listening, family???

BURBANK JAMBOREE JUNE 2010

2010-06-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

Paula Hinkles wrapped up another fantastic Jamboree. Many "non-genealogist" vendors did not come through with their services. Paula Hinkle was very busy and resourceful in solving this issues. Every event has break downs, miscommunication and challenges. It is a tribute to Paula's experience and professionalism as to the nearly seamless way Paula took each incident under control and solved the issue.

I had an amazing time; I drove down Thursday night with my friend, Ann Diffley. Friday morning we visited the SCGS library. For such a small library, the books were marvelous. There were plenty of volunteers to help find sources and plenty of tables and chairs to accommodate the 75 plus patrons. I found 3 very important resources for my research.
1. A book that---Explained the school land grants that were given to people willing to teach in Eastland, Texas in the 1870s when my g g grandmother was widowed with six children.
2. A book of records listing the American Revolution Military regiment numbers, muster dates, and service records for over 2 dozen Chapin men of Springfield, Mass.
3. The 23rd Genealogist Psalm.

All week end we met and greeted old friends and new friends. I took many photos that I am preparing to post in my blogs.

Saturday evening we were entertained by Alex (author of Roots) Haley's nephew, Chris Haley. Chris Haley is in the entertainment industry and treated us to theatre musical singing. Chris also explained projects the Alex Haley foundation will release in the near future. These projects included adding more states to their research and possibly slaves of Canada.

Saturday morning consisted of two hours of instructions, tips, and sharing of bloggers. (I will expand on these sessions in another Blog)

I participated in Lisa Louise Cook'S Genealogy Gem podcast (another Blog)and won a ROOTSMAGIC TREE SOFTWARE CD from Bruce Buzbee.

Saturday afternoon I had the wonderful experience of meeting Lisa Lee. GOT GENEALOGY? (another blog)

I met Dick Eastman, and ran Michael John Neil down in the hallways---Michael was a very popular speaker. (I will write another blog explaining why I was banned from attending MJN's class!!)

My friend, Ann and I again ate light and cheap during the Jamboree! We did swim in the hotel pools. Saturday night we watched a Miley Cyrus movie (Last Song) on the pay per view.

Sunday we ate in our room with foods we brought from home, instant oatmeal, and crackers with peanut butter and jam, washed down with lovely cups of tea. Yum

We scanned photos using an awesome set up provided by Ancestry.coms. I met several book authors, and visited each and every exhibit booth. (Book reviews will follow in upcoming blogs)

There were new products, including a very awesome magnifying light but it was 39 dollars marked down to 26 dollars---too rich for my blood. There were old articles and magazines for sale also. I purchased THE SECOND BOAT vol 4 nos 1-4 for 10 cents a piece. (Another blog).

This blog was only an overview of the Burbank Jamboree. To do justice to the week end, I choose to give some of these findings a separate blog.

Follow UP to genealogy-in-neighborhood-south-bay

2010-06-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

Susi Pentico blogged about the activities of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society (CVGS)
at http://susischattyperformances.blogspot.com/2010/06/genealogy-in-neighborhood-south-bay.html

Lately PROs and CONs of Joining Genealogical Societies have been discussed in the genealogy blogs, posts, and seminars of late. There have been Blog Carnivals created to focus on the subject of Genealogical Societies. I can not speak about all Genealogical Societies but, in my short time of 18 months with CVGS, I would like to add to Susi's blog.

Led by President Gary Brock and a talented, experienced governing board, CVGS has done an excellent job of serving it's members while Outreaching to the Chula Vista Community.

The term began by Randy Seaver conducting a member interest and study methodology survey. The results of the survey was analyzed and published. Other societies have asked for copies of Randy's survey. Next time I see him, actually I see him an average of twice a week, I will ask him if it will be okay to share.

Halfway through the boards term a new Programs Chairperson was appointed and approved. Barbara I. filled the position and arranged some very interesting programs including Hank Jones on Genealogy Serendipity, a very special program reaching out to our retirement community, Handwriting Analysis, and an Antique Show. Soon after that another change was necessary and Suzi Pentico stepped in to help with Programs. Suzi arranged for outreach classes to compliment the monthly presentations. An excellent example of this was scheduling long time researcher and CVGS member, Shirley Becker, to conduct an "Estate Wills" class. The tie in to the Handwriting Analysis Presentation is Wills often show an example of your ancestors handwriting. Society members were encouraged to submit an example of those ancestors handwriting for one to one analysis.

Despite several changes in the position, high quality monthly presentations were offered to the membership. To round out the two year, Board term, the remaining Presentations and Outreach classes are focusing back to the membership survey results.

Our exciting OCT 2nd Seminar chaired by Susi Pentico will have guest speaker Jean Hibben. Jean has graciously offered to customize her presentation to focus on nine of the ten top interest subjects requested by our membership.

Chula Vista Genealogy Society began the year 2010 with an April seminar focusing on GETTING STARTED referencing the WDYTYA television series with monthly presentations and outreach classes and will finish with an Oct 2 seminar "NOW WHERE DO YOU GO?".

As mentioned above, the "NOW WHERE DO YOU GO?" Oct 2nd seminar presented by Chula Vista Genealogical Society will summarize all the GETTING STARTED presentations and outreach classes and demonstrate practical use, more detail information and examples of putting those subjects of interest to use on exploring WHO YOU ARE, the next step to finding your family story.

It is not FRIDAY BUT follow over to Mountaingenealogy anyways!!

2010-05-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

Mountaingenealogy
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sentimental Sunday - Documenting the Silliness
Documenting The Silliness!

What a wonderful way to wake up this Sunday Morning!!!!

Documenting the silliness, documenting the sentimental. When I read Cyndi Beane Henry's post this morning, I immediately went to reminisce about my own grandfather and his quirky sayings and stories.

Which brings me to a recent conversation I had with someone about the value placed on presentations, seminars, and resources.

Facts versus Memories;

Teaching people to find, cite and record facts versus reminding people to write their memories of time past.

Even the true genealogist will say it is the "dash" that matters.

We are going to have to start documenting the originators of some of these sayings. I heard the "dash" theory long ago but then heard it again recently and the audience assumed it originated with the present speaker.

Some think the dash means, occupations, family moves, awards, hobbies, etc.

So maybe it is not the dash but the spaces around the dash that is of interest to so many that sometimes the purest of genealogist misses.

It is when I read inspiring blogs like Cindi's above, or stare out a window, or in that quiet moment just before I awake. That special moment between sweet dreams and the stretch and yawn, when I have to remind myself again that I can not just get on the phone and call grandpa. I can not ask him about his garden, or the weather in LA, who has been by for a visit, or what he ate for dinner.

It is that space around the dash, that memory of how grandpa always finished the story of Jack and the Bean Stalk. The way he finished it for me, my cousins, my children and my grandchildren. That place where that last picture in Cindi's blog belongs.

I attended, A presentation recently that encouraged the audience to relax and reach back in their mind of memories. OBTW A statement like that would put my husband to scratching his head and say WTF???? The presenter was trying to allow people to get in touch with their "known ancestors", to open themselves up to memories there but had been buried under raising children, life, clutter in our minds. WOW WOW although many newbies really liked the presentation --- some hardcore genealogist indicated the presentation was ridiculous.

I met with an attendee just after this presentation and she was excited!!! A little unrealistic as to what she thought I could accomplish in four hours but enthused nevertheless. She anxiously made a new appointment with me.

Then I took my newbie to a recent presentation intended for newbies. The problem with the presenter was he assumed everyone in the room had at least 6 months experience on the computer, knew what a pedigree chart was, and quickly explained the benefits of visiting a Family History Library. Some experienced genealogy teachers indicted the presentation was ridiculous.

Here I want to share the experience I had with a newbie after the later presentation. We went to the Family History Library. A trained qualified counselor approached us. I was very pleased to release the newbie as the counselor stepped her through the steps of the FHL. My newbie was not happy and wanted me to help her. So I approached her and stepped her through the sections, resources, procedures of the library. Then we went to the Internet computers. It became very obvious that my newbie needed practice using a mouse before we could get much further along. She kept raising the mouse off the table and pointing it to the monitor. It was not a wireless mouse.

I think there is enough appreciation to encourage and praise everyone for good works. Give respect and courtesy to those trying.

It is not a contest; it is an individual sport; every one's goals are not the same.
And for me ---- I am so very very proud of everyone.

I am always a winner when I communicate a little more data to my family, I find a new relative (dead or alive), or I make a new friend via genealogy.

I appreciate recognition, comments, suggestions from the genealogy community. And I know most genealogist do also. It is darn hard work, hours of dedication, and well deserved recognition. I am aware that not everyone agrees as to what is worthy genealogy work. But Cindi's Sentimental Sunday today is also genealogy work of the best kind!!!!! IMHO

MyHeritage.com Announces Its Top 100 Genealogy Sites

2010-05-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

MyHeritage.com Announces Its Top 100 Genealogy Sites

I am greatly honored and very appreciative of this recognition. I thank all my mentors and many friends I have in the genealogy community.

It is very rewarding to do something you love to do. The teachers, mentors, and fellow students of genealogy are just such an added bonus to this tribute to my family.

When my family reads "THEIR" story, they will know I had wonderful friends and encouragement along the way.

Thank you MY HERITAGE.COM for honoring my site as one of your TOP 100 GENEALOGY SITES.

ALSO HATS OFF TO THE 99 OTHER SITES!!!! MANY OF YOU HAVE BECOME MY GENEALOGY NETWORK FRIENDS AND IT IS AN HONOR TO BE INCLUDED WITH SUCH FINE DEDICATED GENEALOGIST.

No problem Jason, I had plenty to keep me busy.

2010-05-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

Ruth Himan posted to facebook ancestry.com does not want us to work on our trees today.......I have new cousins that want data eeeeeek: Posted 5/8/10 at 2:24pm Friends of Friends ·

Margaret Ann Tull answered with: Although the tree icon isn't there one can Click " Visit your tree now" and it will open up to your trees, then select the tree needed and you are ready to go.

To which Jason replied 5/8/10 at 3:41pm · Jason Peddicord They are telling you to take a day or two off and give them a brake :)~

No problem Jason, I had plenty to keep me busy. I blogged your mother's, mine and your maternal lineage. We have a new cousin Chad a direct descendent of Grandma Alta's sister Ida Elizabeth who is unraveling the Dearman saga. I have just spent the last two years on that line with your mother so I am rather confident I have it straight. And have sourced the data in a number of places. I just need to compile the data and give it to him asap. I feel terrible when I know I can unravel data but need to compose the report to make the data clear and searchable. I sometimes feel pulled in 2,4,16,32,64,128,256,512,.......ways. lol FOCUS, RUTH, FOCUS....and then Saturday Night Geni fun starts and I am off on another tangent. And I still owe stuff on Elizabeth Jane White Carter to a new cousin in New Mexico. But I am going to San Jose at the end of May and I will look in dad's closet for those CARTER pics. Plus I am planning, writing letters in preparation to visit dad's hometown in October!!!!

I have always been very good at multi-tasking but this genealogy stuff is certainly challenging that skill that I had honed in years ago. I raised 7 kids, worked full time and was involved in community activities and was not challenged as much as I am now with this genealogy.

One thing for sure I am going to post a couple of timelines because my two Williams (William B. Dikes, John William Hayley), keep getting mixed up in my mind. Both fought in the Civil War (one Texan,one Tenn, both Confederates), both came back from the war but died 4 or 5 years after returning at still an early age (35-40 years of age), both left widows and small children, both had family cemeteries but I have been unable to find their final resting places. Grandchildren of theirs marry in Kansas in 1920's. (Grandpa Claude Wm Hayley and Grandma Etta Mae Dikes).

And Debi Sue sent me a box of pictures to scan, archive and label.

Do I sound a little scattered???

Setting alarm clocks now: work on a project for awhile ---- switch --- BUT I need to be a lot further along than I am right now. The problem is setting short goals in genealogy. Everytime you complete one project, it spawns at least two more projects (the parents!!)

Follow Friday

2010-05-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

http://georgiablackcrackers.blogspot.com/

by Mavis Jones

Mavis has a beautiful style of writing. She honors and respects her ancestors with dignity and grace. Congratulations Mavis, on a well thought out blog spot.

2010-05-01T23:37:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday and time for another Saturday Night Genealogy Fun challenge from Randy Seaver over at Genea-Musings:Your mission, if you decide to accept it, is to:

1) Answer the question: How did I advance my genealogy research today? [Or, this past week? Or this past month?]

2) Answer the question: How did I advance my genealogy education today? [Or past week? or past month?]

3) Share your answers on your own blog post, on a comment to this post, or on a Facebook status or comment on this note on Facebook.

Here's mine:

Today I would have to call Aunt Ida Elizabeth Dearman day. I advanced my research by adding more to the life of Ida E. Dearman. Ida was my Great grandmother's more frail sister. The woman, my mother was named after, was a double aunt to my mother. Ida and Lulu married brothers Henry and John Cook. Trellis a dear cousin of my mother was raised by my grandmother along with Alta's younger brothers (Uncle Lloyd who always hung around with Uncle Bert). As a child I was often confused regarding this family.

The reason Aunt Ida came up is because I met a new cousin Chad from Texas, Chad is trying to piece the Dearman family together. And it is through Henry and Ida he is descended. Once I explained two sisters Ida and Lulu married brothers Henry and John Cook. His email of OHHHHHHHHHHH! that explains a lot, reminded me when a double cousin from Texas explained it to me. I need to try to get ahold of that lovely lady that I have lost contact. Some how over the last 20 years we have lost contact.

This week I advanced my knowledge of metes and bounds, rods and chains thanks to a presentation by Myrna Goodwin at our monthly general meeting in Chula Vista, California. I knew it was a set of measurements from the past but Myrna Goodwin gave an excellent explanation complete with the actual conversions, numbers and photograph of the instruments of survey so many years ago.

I participate in some genealogy challenges in this blog format in an effort to share with my family just a glimpse of the "fun" that goes into understanding the families that lived, and combined to make our family as we know each other today.

Update on my Sweet 16 ---- Genealogy can be boring!!

2010-04-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

How Boring Is This???

I have often heard people complain genealogy is boring and meaningless.
When I went to update my sweet 16. I had to agree!! This post is boring!!!! To find and post these dates and locations represents years of work, collaboration of dozens of people, and great dedication.

BUT THIS IS BORING!!!!

I can see why many bloggers take one name at a time and "tell their story". This may count as genealogy. But this is not my genealogy.

1. John William HAYLEY was born in 1823 in Tennessee. He died in 1874 at the age of 51 in Tennessee.

2. Eliza Jane MOORING was born on 27 Nov 1829 in Madison, Tennessee, United States. She died in Apr 1905 at the age of 75 in Lake, Tennessee, United States.

3. Jackson Columbus CARTER was born in 1855 in Union City, Laclede, Missouri, United States. Jackson died in 1929 at the age of 74 in Arizona, USA.

4. Elizabeth Jane WHITE was born in April, 1860 in Texas, United States.

5. William B DIKES was born on 8 Jan 1838 in Tennessee. He died in 1874 in Texas.

6. Abigail C JOHNSON was born on 27 Mar 1842 in Carlisle, Sullivan, Indiana, United States. Abigail died about 1881 at the age of 39 in Eastland, Texas, United States.

7. Milton C PARKS was born in Jul 1843 in Lincoln County, TN. He died in 1923 at the age of 80 in ,Texas, USA.

8. Philadelphia HARRISON was born in 1853 in Arkansas City, Arkansas, Arkansas, United States.

9. David REED was born on 10 Mar 1811 in North Carolina, United States. He died on 25 Dec 1870 at the age of 59 in West Plains, Howell, Missouri, United States.

10. Elizabeth MESSERSMITH was born on 25 Jul 1813 in Wythe, Virginia, United States. She died on 21 Sep 1875 at the age of 62 in West Plains, Howell, Missouri, United States.

11. John Arnett CHAPIN was born on 23 Aug 1829 in Sangamon, Illinois, United States. He died on 15 Jun 1915 at the age of 85 in El Paso, Texas, United States.

12. Sarah KYLE was born on 9 Mar 1827 in Clay, Tennessee, United States. She died on 26 Mar 1867 at the age of 40 in Howell, Missouri, United States.

13. John Wesley Sr COOK was born on 5 Sep 1853 in Ewing, Franklin, Illinois, United States. He died on 29 Jan 1907 at the age of 53 in Maud, Pottawatomie, Oklahoma, United States.

14. Sara Adline BATES was born in 1854 in Franklin, Illinois, United States.
English

15. James Thomas DEARMAN was born on 12 Jul 1859 in Cuba, Sumter, Alabama, United States. He died on 2 Feb 1934 at the age of 74 in Healdton, Carter, Oklahoma, United States.

16. Laura Helen BUNYARD was born on 20 Feb 1867 in Cuba, Sumter, Alabama, United States. She died in Aug 1908 at the age of 41 in Hammon, Custer, Oklahoma, United States.

Boring!!! (Yawn)
More to come. Each of these individuals lived incredible lives. They were all pioneers and represented the best of people for their time.

Ancestry.com "FILE RECORDS" helpful hints or Misleading bogus PR gimmick???

2010-04-24T23:13:00.001-07:00

Ancestry.com "FILE RECORDS" helpful hints or Misleading Headache???

THIS PAST YEAR ANCESTRY.COM HAS INCREASED THE NUMBER OF HISTORICAL RECORD/FILES FOUND ON A SEARCH.

Regarding these new Individual, Birth, Millennium File, US and International Marriage, Emigration RECORDS

These new records added to hints:

I HAVE TWO QUESTIONS:

1. What level of documentation do these "Family Data Collection" files offer to validating and verifying data??

None--- they conflict, are vague and seldom cite an acceptable source.

2. Can you tell me the orgin of these records?

They seem to be computer generated "files" created by the inputs of mostly, untrained, unreliable sources.

When applying Ancestry.com instruction to find new data (and follow these green leaf hints) and while these hints use to lead you truly new data and it was not unusual to encounter 1-5 on an especially helpful search.

We are now have to deal with 15-30 "so called" new hints. The hints are vague FILE RECORDS of questionable orgin and many times full of errors. You may not only get FILE RECORDS for your individual search but duplicate FILE RECORDS for parents, spouses and/or children.

Point in case -----

My tree overview indicated Susanna Boylston had 15 "new" hints. That is pretty exciting. So if I was be led to 15 hints for say 100 out of 1000 people in my database. I am looking at the possibility of 1500 important possibilities of finding data. This scenario is really not that far fetch --- if you realize I am working with only 10% of my data base. Meaning 90% or 900 people in the database are not being investigated or examined at this time.

Ok including setting up the search, waiting for data, requesting to see hints, you spend a minimum of 3 minutes on each hint. 4500 minutes. 75 man hours (2 working weeks of work)

If only 1% is "new" news to me (15 verifiable legitimate good dates and locations) -----I will feel my two full time working weeks as time spent well worth my time and effort.

When I opened the HISTORICAL RECORDS of the 15 only 10 applied to Susanna, others where her husband's, parents', or siblings' records.

25 man hours of the 75 man hours wasted immediately.

Of the 10 HISTORICAL RECORDS I encountered 5 different birthdates for this same person!!!

If only one birthdate can be the TRUE VALUE

The orgin (who inputted the data) of each "RECORD" would need to be investigated.
The supporting documentation and sources (used to derive to that date) would need to be examined for each date.

Now this could take a while for each date,

assuming we can personally call up each submitter of data and they would of course answer on the first call. And they would be able to recall the family Bible, original birth certificate, or was able to scan over the baptismal records, we could check each record and validate or reject it within half a day for each record. 1 hour times 5 conflicting records times 100 people with "hints". Add 500 man hours to the original 75 hours. Which is 575 manhours of work!!! So 3-4 months you could expect a reasonable guesstimate of 100 birthdates!!!

MY POINT IS UNLESS I AM MISSING THE POINT COMPLETELY:
THE ADDED RECORDS/FILES ARE NOT HELPING BUT HURTING

See my example below:

Ancestry Hints for Susanna Boylston(learn more about Ancestry Hints)
Children (7)
Hannah Adams B: 1637
Samuel Adams B: 1645
Margaret Adams B: 1736
Peter Boylston Adams B: 1738
Elihu Adams B: 1741
Elihu Adams B: 1741
Thomas Adams B: 1743

Susanna Boylston
B:5 March 1698 in Brookline, Norfolk, Massachusetts, United States
D:17 Apr 1797 in Quincy, Norfolk, Massachusetts, United States Edit personJohn Adams B:8 Feb 1691 in Braintree, Norfolk, Massachusetts, United States

Family Data Collection - Individual Records RecordFamily Trees
Name: Susanna Boylston Spouse: John Adams Father: Peter Boylston Birth: 25 March 1708 in Brookline, Norfolk, MA Death: 17 April 1797 in Quincy, Norfolk, MA Marriage: 31 October 1734 Review Hint or ignore hint

Family Data Collection - Births RecordFamily Trees
Name: Susanna Boylston Father: Peter Boylston Mother: Ann White Birth: 5 March 1698 in Brookline, MA, USA Review Hint or ignore hint

Family Data Collection - Births RecordFamily Trees
Name: Susanna Boylston Father: Peter Boylston Mother: Ann White Birth: 5 March 1699 in Brookline, Norfolk, MA, USA Review Hint or ignore hint

Millennium File RecordFamily Trees
Name: Susanna Boyleston Parents: Peter Boylston, Ann White Children: John(2Nd Pres) Adams Birth: 5 Mar 1699 in Brookline, Norfolk, Massachusetts, USA Death: 17 Apr 1797 in Quincy, Norfolk, Massachusetts, USA Review Hint or ignore hint

U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 RecordBirth, Marriage & Death
Name: Susanna Boylston Spouse: John Adams Birth: 1699 in MA Review Hint or ignore hint

U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 RecordBirth, Marriage & Death
Name: Susanna Boylston Spouse: John Adams Birth: 1699 in MA Marriage: 1734 Review Hint or ignore hint

U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 RecordBirth, Marriage & Death
Name: Susanna Boylston Spouse: John Adams Birth: 1709 Marriage: 1734 Review Hint or ignore hint

U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 RecordBirth, Marriage & Death
Name: Susanna Boylston Spouse: John Adams Birth: 1708 in MA Marriage: 1734 in MA Review Hint or ignore hint

U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 RecordBirth, Marriage & Death
Name: Susanna Boylston Spouse: John Adams Birth: 1709 in MA Marriage: 1734 in MA Review Hint or ignore hint

Solution: instead of chasing these sources and data: the collaboration screens reverence to the source for each data entry is on a scroll down sheet. These collaboration records usually match the data of these RECORD/FILES, Contact people and sources (if cited) are also found there. I warn against using ONE WORLD CONNECT as a source (often referenced in the collaboration screens) because again the criteria to post on this site has not been well established for integrity.

Care and Feeding of a Gravestone

2010-04-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

The cleaning represented by these pictures was done in about one hour.

After visiting a cemetery with a friend -- I choose to blog a little about the care and feeding of a Grave Headstone.

My friend was young, alone and grieving when she lost her beloved father in 1964. She gallantly arranged for the funeral, grave site and receptions by herself. She wanted the very very best money could buy. She chooses a Blue Marble large headstone. Circumstances changed her life and although she lived near by; she did not visit the cemetery for some time. To her surprise time, weather, oxidation and algae had faded, stained and defaced her gravestone.

Marble is porous and stains easily. If its polished marble then the film on it which makes it look dull will be from oxidation in the atmosphere & algae etc will form a film on it. Algae will actually start a hole that becomes larger over time.

The cemetery will professionally clean the marble markers and headstones--for a fee, of course (See previous blog regarding Family Foundations)

It was interesting to "surf" the net for possible solutions to clean one yourself.

The suggestions of course ran the gamut from passive to quite aggressive methods:

Some people will tell you that you should not clean the headstone

Try a potato cut in half

Use two teaspoons of bicarb/soda. with two tablespoons; of water. Rub it on using a rag. Let it dry; Then polish off.

For rust stains, you can remove superficial stains with vigorous scrubbing using a soft cloth and a non-abrasive mild detergent.

Mix a quarter cup of bleach in with your soapy water.

Get it steam-cleaned

An application of naval jelly or other rust remover following the manufacturer's directions for use. But thoroughly rinse off the product after using so it doesn't continue to eat away at the stone.

Use brasso or T Cut

If the surface is not polished, you can go to a hardware store and purchase ''Muriatic Acid''. Be careful, use long rubber gloves and goggles and follow the label's directions!

Pop into your local monumental mason, for some cleaner, its an acid.

There are lots of marble cleaners available on-line and at the big hardware stores. Lowe's and Home Depot.

To clean an old marble that is already weather-beaten, then you can use a non-brass wire brush and Clorox bleach (the thick kind) to do the job. The bleach will get rid of any algae growth. But be sure to thoroughly rinse off with lots of water.

If it's yours forget it . It can't be done

The most comprehensive suggestion came from this following link:
http://www.tsgraves.com/relics/headstone.htm

Pictures of the before and after cleaning are available at this site also.

You should assess the condition of the stone prior to cleaning. I would not attempt this on a headstone that was crumbling. I have seen the . The following are items you will need. In the interest of safety, read and follow all label directions of the manufacturer. Below is a list of items you will need:

•A wire brush (not made of brass)
•A pump up sprayer that will handle a corrosive
•Safety goggles for your eyes
•Rubber Gloves
•Old Clothes or a rain poncho
•Fresh Clean Gallons of Water
•Several Gallons of Clorox Outdoor™
•Some Clean Rags, I prefer white
1.Put on the safety goggles and rubber gloves first.
2.Spray the stone, covering it completely. Wait about 15 minutes. If there is a large algae growth, use the brush lightly to loosen it. You may have to repeat this several times, depending on the amount of algae growth.
3.On the third or fourth application you can rinse with water to see where you stand in the cleaning process.

The quote given to clean the monument was $700.00 from a monument company. The cost of all items was about $50.00 -- and the sprayer goggles, gloves and other items could be used again.

Family Foundations

2010-04-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

Recently on WDYTYA there was much todo regarding a neglected graveyard. This is a misunderstanding by many families. That once you purchased "the very best, most expensive gravestone, cemetery spot available at the time, that somehow the job of preserving a well defined, pristine resting place for your loved one is done forever.

Or that if you have a porous, soft material as a grave marker that there is no way to protect it. Check out the grave site of Daniel Boone's parents. I think this is so awesome. They built a structure around very primitive hand carved grave markers.

Imagine the surprise of a friend recently (that after a decade of divorce, losing her home, falling ill, struggling to meet every day's needs) she finally manages to visit her parents grave to find the headstones in ill repair. Explaining again and again how she went into debt to assure her parents had "the very best". Ancestors need cemetery caregivers. Some families have set up "foundations" to assure grave sites are maintained. Family members are notified of this service available. Grave sites are added by location, name and for donations (monetary or time) an administrator arranges for maintenance, status reports, etc. of the family resting places. An example of this would be Vandy Ann lives in Oklahoma, we have many sites in Oklahoma. We provide Vandy Ann a list and location of these sites. In turn, Vandy wants to be assure, have pictures, asks that flowers be laid at Grandparents site in Los Angeles. The family maintain a family foundation to manage this activity. There are several foundations already set by in my family. In one in particular the foundation encompasses several countries. THE CHAPIN FAMILY FOUNDATION.

Many families have family newspapers to update family members on additions, losses, new websites and grave site status reports. Example the newsletter may indicate a misspelling on a gravestone. Depending on the interest of the family --- someone may be willing to contact the cemetery to correct the problem and report back to the family.

Good things are happening out there. It is never too late to see a need and fill it. After watching that WDYTYA I immediately wanted to write Emmett Smith and suggest he "adopt" the cemetery, add headstones, and landscaping. Tell and glorify the lives of these fine people. In this horrible economy, he could give employment, honor and a livelihood to his relatives by hiring them to do the work, setting up a small home on the property, and providing for a cemetery care taker.

Let us not leave this world with regrets and condemnation. Let us leave this world a better place than when we begun. What a marvelous follow up documentary that would make to show Emmitt Smith returning back to the cemetery, hiring people, planning the landscape, preparing and engraving the stories in stone, setting up a small retirement home for relatives and the cost to stay there is to maintain the cemetery. He could set up a foundation in the name of his grandmother and include it in his will.

Ever considered attending a conference but thought .....

2010-04-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

Ever considered attending a conference but thought
1) I can not afford it?
2) There will be nothing for me?
3) I would not know how to get the benefits of the conference?
4) It is too expensive, even if I could afford it?

The Ancestry Insider has been posting ideas to cut cost and/or get the most out of a Salt Lake City Conference visit.

THESE EXACT SAME OPTIONS ARE OFFERED AT THE BURBANK CONFERENCE

There are several posts about freebies, including Ancestry Insider suggestions outlined below:

Ancestry.com is offering free document scanning. Sign ups for each day are held first thing in the morning. Inquire at the Ancestry.com booth to learn where to sign up.

SWAG. That’s the official, programmers’ term for free promotional items given out at trade shows: pens, high lighters, post-it notes, stickers, rulers, pocket flashlights, and miniature magnifying glasses—all labeled with someone’s logo—are SWAG I’ve seen at recent genealogy shows.

Exhibit Hall may be the largest assemblage of genealogy vendors ever assembled. Look for these extras: Show specials on many of your favorite genealogy programs and products. Sit-down demonstrations, not unlike conference sessions, are offered by several vendors of genealogy programs. Ancestry.com typically has several computers available for free access to their website. Consultants are on hand to give personalized research help. I don’t know if Legacy will be holding their usual drawing for a free Netbook computer, but if they aren’t, you are likely to run into other prize drawings.

____Thank you The Ancestry Insider for those great tips_____

What did I gain from last year's jamboree:

Last year I won an hour of German genealogy study; I am going to use it on my Messersmith line. (Family, Elizabeth Messersmith was David Reed's wife, mother of Monroe Parson Reed (the sheriff of Howell County, Missouri)

An entire Syllabus of the entire Conference!!! Worth it's weight in GOLD

I was introduced and fell in LOVE with ROOTSMAGIC and also met the developer and all around good guy Bruce Buzee who actually made me feel I could contact him any time for assistance, and a San Diego Genealogy Teacher giving monthly FREE ROOTSMAGIC sessions. Yes, I wanted, needed a new program (I had been on Legacy since it's first edition) but I wanted it inexpensive, fulfill many of my wants and needs, and lots of help learning a new program.

I met and learnt alot about GOOGLE, WIDGETS, and STUFF from Lisa Louise Cook. And guess what we have become friends over the year!!! I was actually on one of her podcast!!

I became a BLOGGER. A very jolly guy decorated like a Christmas Tree lured me with his baubles and trinkets and next thing I knew he helped me form the name of this blog and when I returned home a year ago, he actually stepped me through learning to blog.

And I met the neatest people I would list them but would be afraid of missing someone ----- errrrrrr!

and from blogging and google, facebook, this entire year --- I have met more genealogy friends, COUSINS!!!, and increased my research efforts in unmeasurable ways.

Now I will add a few Ruthisms:
Last year was my first year at the Jamboree. I have a couple of concerns when I travel. Last Year my husband was seriously ill and I was home nursing him. Also because of my own health issues, 3 days is a long time for me to be out of my routine. And I had concerns about the cost so.......

1.) I carpooled (BIG ADVANTAGE: because I also met a new friend.) (Cutting gas cost, parking cost and wear and tear on my body). She has a smooth nice newer car. Her lumbar section of her seats even warm up so your back gets a little physical therapy as you sink into her plush wide seats. ahhhhhhh

2.) We went on Saturday and paid for only one night lodging and one day of conference.

3.)For breakfast and lunch that day we had packed waters, apples, yogurt, crackers, cheese and protein bars.

Saturday Night was the bloggers dinner so I had one very full day.

Rather or not we paid for Sunday sessions I knew I wanted a good night sleep after waking early for the ride up to Burbank, a full day of conference and attending a late blogger dinner.

Going late and being a little unsure of your plans it is a gamble somewhat:
True, the Sunday Breakfast was sold out, that I later decided to attend. I continued to visit the information booth to see if tickets came available. Finally Saturday night, the lady working the information booth found out she was scheduled for more volunteer work during the breakfast time and sold me her ticket.

That was a great presentation and the breakfast was plentiful and nicely served, I am so glad I was able to attend. Thank you volunteer for selling your ticket to me. It was a presentation done by women in costume sharing the Traditions and Rules of Etiquette for Mourning in the 1800s. They had many artifacts with them and were most gracious.

If you ever see them scheduled somewhere I suggest you make time to see/hear this presentation and allow yourself time to look over their treasures. 1800s were a difficult time because of poor prenatal care, wars, and diseases. Life expectancy was a lot shorter time measured in years. Hard to think about losing people at the age of mid-40s.

There was one last activity my car companion and I wanted to see after Sunday's lunch so we decided to stay for lunch. My friend was experiencing pain in her leg, so I asked her what helped it and she said exercise in a swimming pool. Yes, we were already fast friends by then.

Whenever we meet people She likes to say that she and I spent the night together in a hotel the very first day we met each other. She even had the opportunity to share this fact with the minister at the church I attend with my husband. lol

So we put bathing suits under our clothing with hopes to get a quick bite, have time for water exercises and still make it to our desired activity scheduled for after lunch. I called the front desk requesting for a late departure time. By the time we got downstairs, the snack line, dining room lines were tremendously long.

Here it comes! The big RUTHISM,

So I suggested we go ahead to the pool. No other people were at the pool. There was a phone at poolside which I picked up and ordered lunch. So while waiting for lunch, a sandwich to share, hummus, and juice. We slipped in the pool, stretched and did a few light aqua exercises. How taking-care-of-ourselves luxurious is that!!! When our food arrived we got out, sat in the shade poolside and had a delightful lunch. Then we went to our room, showered, packed the car, attended our session, got in the car and left.

All in all a very complete satisfying experience. We cut cost by at least half, ate sensibly, and started our ride home rested, fed, and fresh.

So if you ever consider attending a conference I suggest you:

1. hand-tailor it to your wants and needs
2. pick one close to home
3. know what you want (I wanted a new software program)
4. be prepared to meet and enjoy many many new friends!!
5. allow yourself a chance to try at least one new thing.
If it does not work out---that is ok.
6. Do not make purchases until the last day, everything looks like the answer to your research on the first day. I looked over all software packages, and web site resource sites before I made my final choices for purchase.
EXCEPTION TO 6: unless it is the book you have been looking for and could never find----then nab it immediately.

What is my want list this year:

1. Attending advance ROOTSMAGIC classes with Bruce. and hoping to ask him about the future of the software program.

2. Meet up with old friends!!

3. Meet new friends. A couple of "expert" genealogists and I have already made plans to meet!!!

4. Spend an enjoyable time and sleep in the same hotel room again with my new found friend. Maybe I will get a cupcake for us to share with a candle to celebrate our first anniversary as friends. LOL

5. Review and renew purchases of services and web site accesses. Many of my subscriptions expire (one year) I need to renew and/or find the correct purchases for me. (Repeat suggestion #6 after me Ruth, do not make purchases the first day.) Unless it is the MOORING BOOK or HAYLEY BOOK--- which I give you permission to claw, crawl, reach over people, anything you need to do to claim that book for your family (ancestors and future generations). Do not worry -----I just ran that last sentence through my WTF!! filter and I will not make a spectacle of myself. I will make my ancestors proud of my controlled restraint!!

6. Visit the SCGS Library ---- with research papers in hand having done my homework ahead of time to be as efficient and effective as possible on my search.

7. and oh yeah have fun but being mindful to take good care of myself in the process.

I reviewed and selected sessions for Burbank Jamboree

2010-04-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

I reviewed and selected sessions I want to attend at Burbank Jamboree in June 2010. The one thing I truly appreciated about the program was the different level of study being indicated on each session.
There are sessions designated as for ALL, Beginners, Intermediates, and Advance. It is truly amazing because about a month ago I started a spreadsheet with Presenters, Contact information, Subjects of Presentations and actually added level of the presentation to my spreadsheet.
The reason I did this was to objectively present information when asked about hiring a presenter for a Society General Meeting or Seminar.
The short bios on the Speakers were also good indicators to help choose sessions I wish to explore.
Although one time slot seemed to lean heavily on the IA rating, there seemed to be enough variety in each time slot.

Besides reviewing the subject to make my choices for sessions to attend, I also want to see in person some of the Presenters.

The Jamboree is certainly bringing in the "A" list of presenters: With Chris Haley and Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak of WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TV series.

We have our wonderful regulars that continue our enthusiasm like DearMyrtle and Lisa Cook. I have to get my enthusiastic "Genealogy can be fun shot from these fun fun ladies". And they make it look so easy!!!

And a big treat is the hard hitting serious genealogist like John Humphrey, Lisa B. Lee, and Michael John Neill. SIGNED UP FOR SOME OF THESE!

Bloggers will be well represented so I certainly am planning to attend sessions with Randy Seaver, Elyse Doerflinger, Miriam Robbins Midkiff and OUR FURIOUS LEADER Thomas MacEntee.

The program is rounded out with sessions focusing on at least 15 ethnic groups, professional services and software merchants. So I have signed up with a few ethnic sessions that were focusing on record search for particular ethnic groups. I also signed up for sessions to some commercial vendors that I use or interested in their product.

All in all I scheduled myself for 16 sessions and two mini "laptop" classes. I have scheduled serious studies and some relaxing sessions.

By indicating the sessions I am interested in attending in no way obligates me to attend those sessions. The program planners just want a count of how many people will be interested in each subject matter.

I will have time to follow up with some of these subjects. Collect documents and remind myself which "ancestor family" was I thinking about when I decided to attend each particular presentation.

I am glad I took some quiet time to review the program in its entirety. I look forward to attending the Jamboree, to see "faces" to those books and articles, learn some new information (there is always something new!), meet new genealogy friends, and network with the "OL' Genealogy Community". See you there!!!

RootsMagic

2010-04-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

Well my new focus to master ROOTSMAGIC was generously answered. I know sooner said that I wanted to thin my 25 item genealogy wish list to focus on 3 subjects----than my quest for more ROOTSMAGIC knowledge was answered.

Imagine my surprise when a fellow genealogist called me Friday Night and stated she wanted to attend:
Sat., April 17, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - COMPUTER GENEALOGY SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO. Meeting
9:00 - User groups: RootsMagic.
(NOTE: This is a change -- there will be no footnote.com session).
10:00 - Break, refreshments.
10:15 - Announcements and Society Presentation.

The ROOTSMAGIC group meets once a month and last weekend was the regular ROOTSMAGIC Group Session. I do want more information on footnote but what a pleasant surprise.

Pam Pomeroy, a noted teacher of ROOTSMAGIC, was called just two days ago. (Hmmm I need to check my earlier blog as to when I stated I wanted to hone my skills on RootsMagic.) The footnote.com session was cancelled and would she please prepare a class on ROOTSMAGIC!!!

Yes a CLASS!!!! not just a group get together where the subjects can bounce around and you could or could not keep up.

AND!!! Her subjects for her ROOTSMAGIC class:

TIMELINES AND MAPPING

(Smile)

I could not have paid for a better class, with subjects more to my interest.
WOW WOW WOW

Not only simple timelines and maps but also complicated multi-lineage possibilities. Clear concise instructions ---Step by Step

To create a Timeline:
To create a Timeline on an individual

click Reports
click Lists
click Timeline
click Create Report
click Individual
Scroll and find individual from the list
Click on box next to the individual you wish to create a timeline
Click Create Report

To create a Timeline on a group:

click Lists
click Timeline
click Create Report
click Group List
Click Select from list
Scroll and find individuals from the list
Click on box next to the individuals you wish to include on your timeline
Click on Mark People
Select Family (choose one)
Click OK
Click OK
Click on Generate Report

Here we expanded a little on our knowledge of timelines;
To add National and World Events to our timelines it was suggested we try using OURTIMELINES.COM a free website
To find out more about this site, the timeline web site was reviewed and blogged

14 Dec 2009 by Randy Seaver, www. genea-musings.com

To make a timeline of multi-persons birth and death dates only. It was suggested to Click Printer
Click Timeline Chart
Scroll and find individuals from the list
Click on names of individuals you wish to include on the timeline
Click Print Preview

Mapping was another subject taught in a similar step by step format;

To create a Map showing location of events of an individual
Click on Tools
Click on Mapping
Change Places to People in drop down menu
Use your curser to find the individual you wish to map.
Hit Enter.

Of special interest on mapping --- Pam showed us how she added places and dates under descriptions of her photos and the locations of the photos appeared on the map.

Pam asked us to experiment and report back on:

Using City and County names no longer in existence.
Working in GenSmarts in this application
and Color Coding family connections.

Pam Pomeroy is a gentle even-keel teacher easily understood. I am anxious to apply her teaching this week to my databases. I especially think it will be helpful as I prepare for my genealogy fact finding trips to different states and countries.

Attended Del Ritchhart's Presentation On Libraries

2010-04-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

Researching at the Allen County Public Library
and the Family History Library
by Del Ritchhart

Del will discuss his visits last year to both the Allen County Public Library in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. He will describe the facilities and what is available at each, and will give suggestions about how to best prepare for your visit and effectively research there. His presentation will be augmented with extensive photos.
Del is a retired Navy captain and aerospace executive who has been active in San Diego genealogical organizations for about ten years. He is the current president of the Computer Genealogy Society of San Diego.

Location: Robinson Auditorium complex at UCSD, La Jolla. See a link to maps on our home page at www.cgssd.org.
Contact: cgssd-board@ucsd.edu

April Week of Blog Recognitions

2010-04-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

Ancestor Approved Award

wow wow Thank you Genealogy Community for all your encouragement and support. Where to start?

Cutie Mavis Jones was the first to award me with the "Ancestor Approved Award".

Heather Rojo nominated my mother's lineage blog “Reed Cook Dearman” for the "Ancestor Approved Award"
Heather and I have found common ancestors and we enjoy sharing data together.

"Ruth at “Reed Cook Dearman” for blogging about her fun upcoming genealogy trip to England to research our common Chapin ancestors."

___________________________________________

Geni.com gave a shoot out for a blog I wrote: Ashiya McReynolds Cunningham was kind of enough to let me know that
Geni.com posted a blog: Ruth Himan, blogger "Genealogy is Ruthless without Me" http://genealogyisruthlesswithoutme.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-genealogy-wish-list.htmlGenealogy is Ruthless without Me:
My Genealogy Wish List
genealogyisruthlesswithoutme.blogspot.com
I am trying to prioritize my genealogy wish list. I am writing a list to better identify the significant things to me about genealogy research. To understand what part of genealogy makes me happy and fulfills my individual goals for myself.

Fellow Blogging friends monaveluz, Barbara and Joan also liked this Wish List Blog.
_________________________________________________

A new fb friend; John Boggess on April 12 at 5:51pm commented on a blog at http://genealogyisruthlesswithoutme.blogspot.com/2010/04/Accuracy vs. Precision

John Boggess POSTED: Loved your article, and couldn't agree more!

Randy Seaver of Gena-musing also enjoyed this blog and awarded this blog one of the ten best for the week;

Best of the Genea-Blogs - Week of April 4-10, 2010

* Accuracy versus Precision by Ruth Himan on the Genealogy is Ruthless Without Me blog. Ruth suggests that the genealogy community adopt a standard for data quality, based on her life experiences and the state of online family trees.

All and all not bad for a week of blogging.

My Genealogy Wish List

2010-04-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

I am trying to prioritize my genealogy wish list. I am writing a list to better identify the significant things to me about genealogy research. To understand what part of genealogy makes me happy and fulfills my individual goals for myself.

Truthfully, regarding genealogy --- I want it all!!! And I want it NOW.

At some point in my life around the half century mark, I recognize I can not have it all and I can not do it all. I am realizing the same with genealogy. There are just so many hours in a day, so much money in the bank, and so much get up and go in this body.

Once the shock wore off that I can not have it all and could not do it all, I had to resolve how to cope with this new life cycle. (Did I mention my husband and I raised 7 children, worked full time, and were heavily involved with community activities?) The thought that someday we would no longer be able to work at that pace had not come to mind to us.

To muddle through with this new life cycle, I find myself becoming a list maker and a prioritizer. (Yes, I do make up words when it serves me)

When I make list , I first start just brain dumping and put everything down on a piece of paper. Then I come up with some kind of criteria to prioritize the list. Example "Things to Do"
criteria "Must dos versus Wish to dos" and
Urgent versus Not urgent.
MUST and URGENT get the highest priority. Unless I do not like the task and then it goes on my husband's NAG (oops I meant to say, my husband's to-do) list.

So My Genealogy Wish List:

Find more direct-line ancestors
Breakdown brick walls
Visit cemeteries and take photos of grave markers
Visit places of significance of my ancestors and take photos (their church, their residence)
Stay involved with my local genealogy societies
Continue to associate and learn from other genealogist
Meet new cousins
Meet historians of the interesting places my ancestors lived
Travel over seas
Attend all genealogy conferences
Read all genealogy and history books
Become proficient at several genealogy software programs
Scan all my family photos and organize them all
Write books ---I am now in the midst of 5 such books right now
Plan a trip to Texas
Plan a trip to Ireland
Plan a trip to France
Work more on my nephews Italian ancestry
Get more people in my family interested in genealogy
Structure and present orations
Join more genealogy societies (Texas, Lake co.Tenn., Chapins Foundation,
Read all the genealogy periodicals published.
Master Roots Magic
Prepare comprehensive maps for each lineage
Have family reunions

Okay for right now; that is my list Now I can group them;

Group 1:
Plan a trip to Texas
Plan a trip to Ireland
Plan a trip to France
Visit cemeteries and take photos of grave markers
Visit places of significance of my ancestors and take photos (their church, their residence)
Meet historians of the interesting places my ancestors lived

Group 2:
Structure and present a subject of interest
Join more genealogy societies (Texas, Lake co.Tenn., Chapins Foundation,
Attend all genealogy conferences
Stay involved with my local genealogy societies
Continue to associate and learn from other genealogist
Read all the genealogy periodicals published.
Read all genealogy and history books

Group 3:
Become proficient at several genealogy software programs
Master Roots Magic
Prepare comprehensive maps for each lineage
Scan all my family photos and organize them all
Write books ---I am now in the midst of 5 such books right now

Group 4:
Get more people in my family interested in genealogy
Meet new cousins
Have family reunions
Work more on my nephews Italian ancestry
Find more direct-line ancestors
Breakdown brick walls

Final Analysis:

Plan trips to include:
Visit cemeteries and take photos of grave markers
Visit places of significance of my ancestors and take photos (their church, their residence)
Meet historians of the interesting places my ancestors lived

My trip to Texas is planned for December 2010
My trip to Ireland is planned for August 2010

Group 1 in the planning!!!

Share my unique individual genealogy experiences with others
Structure and present subjects of interest
Join more genealogy societies (Texas, Lake co.Tenn., Chapins Foundation,
Attend all genealogy conferences
Stay involved with my local genealogy societies
Continue to associate and learn from other genealogist
Read all the genealogy periodicals published.
Read all genealogy and history books

I have several presentations on my Grandma's Geni Camp scheduled already.

Group 2 on it's way

Become proficient at several genealogy software programs
Master Roots Magic
Prepare comprehensive maps for each lineage
Scan all my family photos and organize them all
Write books ---I am now in the midst of 5 such books right now

Mastering Roots Magic and careful input disciplines will go a long way to allowing the maps, books, and photos organize themselves.

Group 3 possible with the help of Roots Magic.

and Group 4 I think will be a natural fall out of these activities.

So I have my long exhaustive list of 25 items narrowed down to 3 priorities:

Plan and take my planned genealogy trips
Perfect my Grandma's Geni Camp presentation
Master Roots Magic

and most of all have fun.......

Sarah J Parker

2010-04-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

Working on a lineage I was following a family from an Elizabeth "Betty" Parker B: 1753

I found she had a father named George Parker but the mother's name was just Sarah
the family lived in Maryland:

The mother "Sarah" was noted as being born in 1735 and died in 1772

imagination my surprise when searching history for this 1700 Sarah I kept getting an obituary page for

United States Obituary Collection
about Sarah Jessica Parker
Name of Deceased: Sarah Jessica Parker
Obituary Date: 5 Dec 2003

It also included

Other Persons Mentioned in Obituary: Matthew Broderick

If this was an isolated case ---- I probably would not copy it-----but I am constantly taken to very strange sites in Ancestry:

It almost seems Ancestry has something on "automatic" and not using what we have always called "bug finders" just groups of people set to find the non-consistencey, so someone could not just fix the occurance but find the root cause of the failure and fix the cause.

Compare With People From Your Family Treeabc Children (1)Elizabeth "Betty" Parker B: 1753

Sarah
B:1735
D:1772 in Worcester, Maryland, United States George Parker B:21 May 1734 in Somerset, Maryland, United States

Parents
UNKNOWN

UNKNOWN

You have saved this record to My Ancestry (Shoebox).
This record has been added to your shoebox.
United States Obituary Collection
about Sarah Jessica Parker
Name of Deceased: Sarah Jessica Parker
Obituary Date: 5 Dec 2003
Newspaper Title: Sun, The
Newspaper Location: Baltimore, MD, Us
Other Persons Mentioned in Obituary: Matthew Broderick

View full obituary

Save This Record
Attach this record to a person in your tree as a source record, or save for later evaluation.
Save

Source Citation: Newspaper: Sun, The; Publication Date: 5 Dec 2003; Publication Place: Baltimore , MD , Us..

Source Information:

Ancestry.com. United States Obituary Collection [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2006.
Original data: See newspaper information provided with each entry.

Description:
This database is a compilation of obituaries published in U.S. newspapers, collected from various online sources. Obituaries can vary in the amount of information they contain, but many of them are genealogical goldmines, including information such as names, dates, places of birth and death, marriage information, and family relationships. Learn more...
Page Tools

Accuracy versus Precision

2010-04-05T17:04:00.000-07:00

Although the two words can be synonymous in colloquial use, they are deliberately contrasted in the context of the scientific method.

Imagine my dismay when I listened to Ancestry.com explain their criteria for accepting data to post when they used the word ACCURACY. I think this is the core of my problem with Ancestry.com. This is probably a flawed side effect from working with engineering configurations for over 30+ years.

My suggested solution for Genealogist as a whole is to adopt a modified ISO 8000. Which is the international standard for data quality.

There are several well-known authors and self-styled experts, with Larry English perhaps the most popular. In addition, the International Association for Information and Data Quality (IAIDQ) was established in 2004 to provide a focal point for professionals and researchers in this field.

The standard governs data collection with several considerations including but not limited to:

1. Rules management
2. Metadata Verification and validation
3. Database sanitation including redundancy
4. Data Profiling

Rules management: Many genealogy software programs have set internal rule engines. Rule engine software is commonly provided as a component of a business rule management system which, among other functions, provides the ability to: register, define, classify, and manage all the rules, verify consistency of rules definitions. Examples Mothers must be at least 13 years of age. People do not have children over the age of 80. Parents do not marry their children.

Metadata Verification and validation: Assess whether metadata accurately describes the actual values in the source database.

Database sanitation including redundancy: Understanding data challenges early in any data intensive project, so that late tree project surprises are avoided. Finding data problems late in your research has caused more than one "professional level" genealogist to dump an entire lineage. (I purposely omitted the names here to protect the guilty, but you know who you are!!)

Therefore I call this data sanitation a phrase I made up when I was asked to analysis large data bases with data not monitored and controlled by myself. My boss would ask when would the report be ready --- depending on the missing data, incorrect data, typos, the answer would vary. Some genealogy programs help with this process by running "possible problem reports" for you. But each "suggestion must be examined carefully and evaluated as to how any changes would effect dependent joined data.

Rather than using any family tree on Ancestry.com or independent web sites. I have found it less time consuming to start from scratch and enter data independently. I often find by the 50th entry I run into a "not possible, probably not correct" data point.

Data Profiling: Several genealogy software programs helps with this by setting up quick easy to read charts and reports. Giving us for examples
Frequency counts: most of my ancestors should be in United States; I have no one born in Japan in my family database history so the largest number of occurrences of code should be USA. I should have no one born in Japan.

Although this seems bogus I have seen Names of Cities mistakenly entered as name of countries,
Statistics:
Minimum value: such as youngest person at death
Maximum value: example oldest person at death
Mean value (average): average age at marriage
Median value: All Civil War veterans lived within 1860----1870 or longer
Standard deviation

As in many scientific disciplines popular opinion does not make it FACT. When I realize "the experts" are basing their findings on popular vote (i.e. One of the Worse Offenders ONE WORLD CONNECT)I am reminded of the story of The Emperor's New Clothing.

It takes every muscle in my body to clamp my mouth shut. My Dearman and Chapyn lineage agree with no other lineage I have seen posted yet. And further more I am okay with that.

In the fields of engineering, industry and statistics, the accuracy of a measurement system is the degree of closeness of measurements of a quantity to its actual (true) value. The precision of a measurement system, also called reproducibility or repeatability, is the degree to which repeated measurements under unchanged conditions show the same results. Ergo if all family historians researched their own data, copied from Family Bibles, land deeds, census records, birth and death records we could use that data to do just as Ancestry.com suggests. Calculate precision based on reproducibility and repeatability. BUT if 20 family historians go in and copy unvalidated, unverified, family trees and then use loose rules of Design of Experiment. We have a very unstable database to almost being to the point as useless.

Then for the LDS to indicate that this will be the basis for their WORLD TREE.......HELP definition of stress: the energy used to prevent myself from screaming at these presentations!!!!

Los Angeles Library, with Chula Vista and San Diego Genealogy Society

2010-04-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

We all met and traveled in a comfortable plush bus to Los Angels to visit the library. The bus was only about half full (approximately 25 people) and so not crowded and very comfortable.

Los Angeles Library, with Chula Vista and San Diego Genealogy Society
March 20, 2010,

I had never been to this library before so I was amazed at the size and architecture of the library. Four Floors down and Four Floors up!! The last fourth bottom floor was the genealogy floor. A guide met with the new comers and explained the layout of half of the bottom floor. We were instructed to the way to get periodicals, closed case books, copies and find micrfiche, films and reference books.

Virginia kindly found a table for four and we sat to study.

Susi Pentico met with a cousin from the Foulk/Myers line and shared data.
Her cousin Julie arrived, pulled up a chair to the table next to Susi and they discussed FOULK and MYERS, MEYERS, MOYERS the entire time we were there until the trip end. Susi had a lot to share with this cousin and they found new data also.

The library is large enough to have food stations. We ate at a Chinese fast food found right inside the library for lunch and returned later in the day for a yogurt dessert.
From Susi's blog I copied:
Virgina learned some great information and Ruth found a plat map with Dearman,
Shirley learned some clues also in her lines.
Ruth got the maps copied and we made the bus on time.

Book Review : Who Do You Think You Are?: The Essential Guide to Tracing Your Family History,

2010-04-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

Last February it was announced
"Ancestry.com and NBC Team Up to Introduce New 'Who Do You Think You Are?' Series

This series was a big hit in UK. Lisa Kudrow, the former "Friends" star, is not only the subject of one of the episodes of "Who Do You Think You Are?" but one of the executive producers. She was captivated by the original British version of the show.

"I fell in love with the show," she said. "I thought it was fantastic and wanted to know why we don't get to have that in the U.S."

The series of 7 celebrities interviewed as they find their ancestors is very well written and researched. Not only are we treated to seeing these celebrities find their families------we are introduced and treated to meeting the true heroes (IMHO)of this series the well known, educated, devout, dedicated genealogist from all over the world.

In the episode with Emmett Smith ---yes the big hunk of a football player meets with
Megan Smolenyak!!!

As these stars, producers, genealogist collaborated to create this great series ---- Of course it followed that Megan Smolenyak with her easy, smooth contemporary style helped us out with a companion book to this very demanding and sometimes confusing subject of genealogy.

In the Genealogy Community Daily family researchers were anxiously anticipating their book arrivals. The genealogy blogs, facebook, and twitters were ablaze with praise for this book. So it was ironic when Megan posted recently:

Megan Smolenyak: Could I ask y'all a favor? If you've read my #WDYTYA companion book, would you mind sharing a review on Amazon.com? Thanks! #genealogy

Did we forget to tell Amazon how much we appreciated the book??!?? That was very amiss of us. Amazon.com was faithful to early efficient delivery. We did not have long from release date of the book to the airing of the first episode of "WDYTYA" to get our copies in our hot little hands.
Why were we so excited to receive this book? and Who is Megan? I copied the following from Megan's website.......

http://www.honoringourancestors.com/aboutus.html

Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak (yes, that's her real name) is a genealogical adventurer who loves solving mysteries, making unexpected discoveries and pushing the boundaries of conventional genealogy. Since 1999, she's worn many hats in the family history world, including Chief Family Historian and spokesperson for Ancestry.com the largest genealogical company in the world, creator of RootsTelevision.com a pioneering online channel of free videos and winner of four Telly Awards and founder of UnclaimedPersons.org a volunteer group that assists coroners and medical examiners.

A popular writer, speaker and TV guest, she does all she can to get the g-word out there and inspire others in their quest for roots. Megan is a Huffington Post contributor, and was determined to be the most influential Twitter user on the topic of genealogy. Her most recent book is

Who Do You Think You Are?: The Essential Guide to Tracing Your Family History, companion guide to the NBC series.

Meagan's companion book to this series allows the reader/viewer a more thorough understanding to the introduction of genealogy. Megan uses a straightforward gentle approach to a study that can be very demanding and confusing.

Many genealogy resources are dry, technical and presumptuous. I have for years been reading and digesting pompous outdated, and difficult to comprehend accounts of family historians written over the last four centuries. In my particular case, especially my REED family, either wrote in such a pompous, higher than almighty manner explaining how we can trace our lineage to Noah (no I am not kidding!!!) or the back country language of the previous centuries. This companion book was a refreshing welcome respite from my heavy reading.
This book is a basic, measured variation written for the contemporary reader.

Thank you Megan for bringing it all down to the basics and writing this wonderful companion book. There is a lot of technicality that went into the "telling of these histories". You did a great job of helping us to enjoy and share this series even more.

The study of genealogy leads us to many other fascinating studies;

2010-03-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

The study of genealogy leads us to many other fascinating studies;

Among the subjects we dabble in includes but is not limited to:
history, geography, politics, computer science, photography, journalism, are just a few of the studies we are exposed to on a very regular basis-----

I am not an expert on any of these subjects for any other family history line except for mine.

I know my on-site computer websites based on my education and experience with computers, the equipment I have, the subscriptions I have sign up for etc.

I know a lot of general world history, a lot of American and English History, Some European history as it related to American or English History, Far less Asian history, and even less Mid-Eastern History except as it relates to Biblical times and Israel post 1945,

As I study mine or any of the other family histories I am involved in--- I learn the geography, politics, laws, culture, traditions of the time and place of the individual family I am researching.

I am learning alot about photography, restoring old photos, on-line photo shop like applications and storing of photos.

I am constantly trying to hone in my journalism skills.

I am learning a lot about legal documents, organizing data, medical diseases, cemeteries, and bureaucracy.

I enjoy open conversation and exchange of ideas on these subjects. With that said.... I invite my colleagues to communicate, comment, share, and engage me in like conversation.

A very nice thing happened to me the other day---- I received a private message regarding one of my posted blogs. The individual suggested I change a sentence to have correct noun/verb agreement, pointed out a few words I used in correctly, I wrote passed and meant past.

I am very grateful to that fellow genie blogger. It spoke volumes to me that they did indeed read my blog, thought well enough of it to want to make it better, and treated me as a colleague ..... Thank you special person..

I also enjoy sharing my experience and "genealogical tools" with others. I know not everyone has the time, equipment, access that I have been acquiring in my old age.....lol So I am enjoying sharing my education, experience to help others solve genealogy issues. Not as an expert on their family, their collective histories, but more of the how tos, what is available as resources/tools/access to write their own family history---- even as to include actually finding and showing documents, photos, grave markers, town histories, census, neighbors of those individuals families.

Who Do You Think You Are? shows excellent cues to how to lead someone to their history, not interrupt, pass judgement, or read into it more than there is-----

There were people in the program interchange that did show their "opinions" but every incident, every revealing, had several ways to interrupt it----allowing the "student of his own genealogy" absorb, process, and act upon his/her own discoveries as an individual. This observation of watching the individuals processing their discoveries is part of the fascination of this teaching people genealogy.

Seekers are given a box of puzzle pieces. Each piece of the puzzle is precious and unique.

You watch some clutch the data sheets to their hearts and smile as if they are hugging long lost friends.

You see some pull out the parts and immediately start building trees. Pulling extra parts from all over and making a bush instead of a well structured tree.

You see some tuck it away as though the looking at it is too painful to bear.

In each case; You realize your work is not done; a long road has just begun. So you wait, you listen, and you help your fellow traveler down the next bend in the road, because you know there is always another bend in the road.........

Escondido Family History Fair

2010-03-08T09:22:00.001-08:00

March 6, 2010 The LDS hosted a lovely fair. The boy scouts provided treats throughout the day and lunch as a fundraising activity. The stage was set with interesting artifacts.

Many Chula Vista Genealogy Society Members carpooled together and took turns greeting and meeting visitors to the Chula Vista Genealogy Society Information Table. Sweet Grace came by to say Hello to CVGS Board Member Randy Seaver.

There were 5 hours of instructions setup throughout the day. With 5 possible classes for each hour for a total of 25 possible classes to choose from----and admission was free!!!

There was also plenty of time to visit and network.

Here I am with Tom Underhill, Tom is the go-to guy to capture your "real" family story. The story of who your ancestors are beyond the birth/death dates and locations.

Here I am with the lovely Margaret Lewis. She is a very knowledgeable woman in many areas of genealogy. Including naming of children, name changes, and naming of Afro_American after emancipation. A subject very near and dear to my heart.

This very tall young man is Zachary. Besides being a collector of Confederate Memorablia, Zachary also travels all over the nation doing Civil War reenactments. He did tell me when he is in the South, he changes the color of his wools to Union Blue because everyone else wants to be Confederates in Southren reeactments. The other gentleman is an advisor for the enactments.

Here I am with the lovely Joan Lowrey. Joan shared her extensive experience and resources regarding Germany Genealogy on the Internet. She and I were able to spend some quality time together. We reenforced each other about the importance of Genealogy work and why it is so important.

I visited the Son of the American Revolution table.

What did I think was so funny while visiting with Jean Hibbens and Ann Diffley? The family quilt on display was an absolute "Hit" at the Fair.

The Bells were presenting and answering questions about the ever more popular resource on-line site FOOTNOTE.COM I just love and appreciate site developers and masters approachable and kind to "users".

THE CHALLENGE: RATE YOURSELF FOR GENEALOGY MATURITY

2010-03-06T20:29:00.000-08:00

IMHO---My two cents---and no I do not give change. (lol) ---
I think Ancestry Insider's post title can be misleading. The reason I say this is because my definition of a mature genealogist is more encompassing than this post suggests.

When we think of the internet as only the tip of the iceberg, and family tree data only 10% of that iceberg. This rating system encapsulates a very small segment of the mature genealogist standard.

I think a more appropriate title would be "Rate your Maturity to on-line Family Tree Entries." Based on this title change --- this is an excellent article to very elementary genealogy work. This article is an excellent view of the learning curve to on-line family tree entry but not genealogy as a whole.

Saying this ----- To further the excitement of genealogy I would have been much more interested in learning and exploring When he states he really is descended from an Indian princess.

The "Ancestry Insider" is part of the genealogy community of ideals and learning collarborations.

The Ancestry Insider lists his
Gender as Male
Industry as Internet
Occupation as Genealogy
Location in (fabulous and research wealthy) Salt Lake City : Utah : United States

According to ProGenealogists; The Ancestry Insider pens one of the "25 Most Popular Genealogy Blogs,". The Ancestry Insider focuses on the two big genealogy organizations, Ancestry.com and FamilySearch. And he states he really is descended from an Indian princess.

Mr. Insider posted a blog challenging people to rate themselves against a grid created by the Insider.
http://ancestryinsider.blogspot.com/2010/03/rate-your-genealogical-maturity.html

THE CHALLENGE: RATE YOURSELF GENEALOGICAL MATURITYS

THE RATING SYSTEM:
Sources
# Level Sources Check
1. Entry Typically relies on compiled genealogies.

2. Emerging Mostly relies on compiled genealogies and online sources.

3. Practicing Uses a limited number of record types and repositories. Mostly relies on online and microfilmed sources.

4. Proficient Uses a wide variety of record types. Often contacts record custodians to obtain copies of high-quality sources.

5. Stellar Insightfully pursues research at multiple, targeted repositories, making use of a plethora of records and record types. "Burned counties" are not roadblocks.

Citations
# Level Citations Check
1. Entry Captures URLs for online sources and citations for published sources.

2. Emerging Increasingly captures necessary information for manuscript sources.

3. Practicing Typically produces complete source citations.

4. Proficient Gives complete and accurate source citations including provenance and quality assessment.

5. Stellar Overcomes limitations of genealogical software to create well organized, industry standard reference notes and source lists.

Information
# Level Information Check
1. Entry Typically does not realize the need to judge information quality and has no basis for doing so.

2. Emerging Emerging realization that information quality differs. Muddles evaluation by thinking of primary/secondary sources instead of primary/secondary information, leading to muddled evaluation when sources contain both.

3. Practicing Judges information by source type, informant knowledge, and record timing. Applies "primary/secondary" to information instead of sources.

4. Proficient Additionally, learns history necessary to recognize and evaluate all explicit information in a source.

5. Stellar Additionally, utilizes implicit information in a source. Finds information in cases like illegitimacy that stump most researchers.

Evidence
# Level Evidence Check
1. Entry Limited understanding of evidence and the role it plays. Typically ignores conflicting evidence.

2. Emerging Captures direct, supporting evidence and increasingly depends upon it.

3. Practicing Additionally, captures directly conflicting evidence.

4. Proficient Additionally, recognizes and captures indirect, supporting evidence.

5. Stellar Additionally, recognizes and captures indirect, conflicting evidence.

Conclusions
# Level Conclusions Check
1. Entry In the absence of analysis, reaches conclusions by instinct.

2. Emerging Learning to evaluate the quality of sources, information, and evidence. Emerging ability to resolve minor discrepancies.

3. Practicing Additionally, resolves conflicting evidence or uses it to disprove prevalent opinion. Usually applies correct identity to persons mentioned in sources.

4. Proficient Additionally, when necessary creates soundly reasoned, coherently documented conclusions utilizing direct and indirect evidence.

5. Stellar Additionally: Publishes clear and convincing conclusions. Teaches and inspires others.

Conclusion Trees
# Level Conclusion Trees Check
1. Entry Merges or combines individuals in trees without evidence.

2. Emerging Growing hesitancy to merge or combine individuals without evidence.

3. Practicing Never merges entire compiled genealogies into own tree. Contributes or changes community trees only with evidence.

4. Proficient Manages evidence separately from conclusion tree. Not interested in trusting high quality conclusions to a low maturity community tree.

5. Stellar Publishes highly respected conclusion trees.

Review the categories and pick one to work on. See what you need to do to advance from your current level to the next level. Make that your goal. Don’t try and work on all categories at once. Baby steps. Don’t try to skip levels. Baby steps. Commit to yourself and focus your efforts on that one, little goal.

Once you’ve accomplished that goal, come back and pick another area for improvement.

What Level Are You?
This next exercise is optional. It is a non-scientific method of determining your “genealogical maturity.” Write your level number in the table below for each category above. Add up all the numbers and write the total in the last row.

Category Level
Sources
Citations
Information
Evidence
Conclusions
Conclusion Trees
TOTAL

In the table below, find the range that includes your score. Your genealogical maturity is listed on the same row.

Range Maturity Level
6 - 11 1. Entry
12 - 17 2. Emerging
18 - 23 3. Practicing
24 - 29 4. Proficient
30 5. Stellar

The Rating system I give myself:

What the Ancestry Insider calls stellar --- I call genealogy maturity minimal.

Minimal:
Sources
"Burned counties" are not roadblocks.

Citations:
Gives complete and accurate source citations including provenance and quality assessment. Overcomes limitations of genealogical software to create well organized, industry standard reference notes and source lists.

Information
Judges information by source type, informant knowledge, and record timing. Applies "primary/secondary" to information instead of sources.
Additionally, learns history necessary to recognize and evaluate all explicit information in a source.

Evidence
recognizes and captures indirect, supporting evidence. Additionally, recognizes and captures indirect, conflicting evidence.

Conclusions
when necessary creates soundly reasoned, coherently documented conclusions utilizing direct and indirect evidence.
Additionally: Publishes clear and convincing conclusions. Teaches and inspires others.

Conclusion Trees
Never merges entire compiled genealogies into own tree. Contributes or changes community trees only with evidence.
Manages evidence separately from conclusion tree. Not interested in trusting high quality conclusions to a low maturity community tree.
Publishes highly respected conclusion trees.

Saying this ----- To further the excitement of genealogy I would have been much more interested in learning and exploring When he states he really is descended from an Indian princess.

Comparing Getting Started with Genealogy: Who are you------have to have list....

2010-03-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

Always on the look out for advice consultation from "the experts" I am finding this month has produced some interesting lists ---- of "have to have" genealogy tools.

I have a genealogy budget and want to get the most benefit for my money. Genealogy can get expensive.

I realize I should probably wait until I finish my comparison before I blog about this ----

but did I say ---my day is full and that two hours ago I should have been off the computer??????

To tickle you curiosity --- I am linking 2 of the 5 blogs I will be evaluating and assessing ---- but right now ---- sorry I gotta go --- finish getting visuals for
the Escondido, California Family History Fair---- then all day will be spent at the Fair------

I am making an extensive list and comparison chart. I subscribe to most of these sites. I can tell you my personal experiences with the sites. Strengths and Weaknesses. and try to come up with my own
"Where to put my genealogy dollar to support my research"

and a beginner's list of where to put dollars, to get started.

http://blog.dearmyrtle.com/2010/02/10-things-genealogists-cant-live.html

http://blog.genealogybank.com/2010/03/genealogy-boot-camp-get-to-know-your_7700.html

Very Therapeutic

2010-03-04T04:45:00.000-08:00

"I find genealogical research and related organizational tasks to be very therapeutic."

My links to this blog do not appear on my preview---but please refer to Creativegene's blog;

This blog is a response to
Creativegene's post Genealogy As Therapy.
A very lovely post that certainly has followers commenting. I am up, it is 4:30 am, The house is still dark except for the glow of the PC monitor, the house is hush except for the hum of the hard drive, the refrigerator running, and the tap tap tapping of the keyboard. Occasionally a hear a car on another block of an early worker. I am reading genealogy blogs.

This part of my day is like reading long rambling heart felt letters of dear friends far away.

The genealogy research part is like reading books. Sometimes mysteries, sometime family saga, sometimes history. All my favorite kinds of books.

My husband enjoys me being in the same room as he, while I do my genealogy. Comforting, instead of two old people sitting while the woman knits, this old lady yarns tales.

The writing, the remembering, the recalling of things, events or people of the past that you had not thought about in year, the sharing these memories with others also is so revealing.

Even the taxing of your brain to learn new software, review and compare documents, search for resources stimulates and focuses the brain.

Great post to share

Following Friday Everything's Relative - Researching Your Family History

2010-03-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

AHA Moments are often described in these blogs

Military Mondays is a regular in this blog ---that I am very interested in following. Sounds like fun. and a good review for me as I share our family history with family and friends.

A typical day in this Genealogist's Life.........

2010-02-22T09:12:00.000-08:00

It is 9 am and my day thus far.........
Tony is at work, kitchen is clean, hair is combed-------
so starting at 6 am-----I carefully reviewed my genealogy emails, requests, inputs, and data this morning. Reviewed and Added to my todo list, prioritized my genealogy tasks. Focused on two areas of study.
Reviewing this data I concluded that

1. the Jonathan/Thomas Anne/Solomon Dearman issues is very confused on about 15 online trees.

2. That my Dikes/Dykes data is all over the place. It appears as if 5 different (zillion piece) puzzles were dumped in to a barrel and I am to pick and choose the pieces for my one puzzle!!!!

------ started the day with two goals-----

1. complete documentation and back up data to repute Dearman history being populated on the net in preparations for my aunt's visit.

2. Start a machine gun effect on my Dikes data and records, map, timeline, family group everything in hopes of putting the puzzle together.
Prepared desk space and files to work on said tasks.

Had a long talk with myself about staying focused and completing tasks. Said a little prayer to the focus angels.

Feeling pretty good, rather focused, and ready to go----

8 am
I Opened my FACEBOOK and found Gini's blog....

Gini Webb: Friend of Friends ~ Honoring the Slaves of the Beal Ijames Plantation ~ Part 1 of the 2nd Generation

Gini Webb: Friend of Friends ~ Honoring the Slaves of the Beal Ijames Plantation ~ Part 1 of the 2nd Generation

It is written beautifully and with so much love.

and Thomas's new carnival

Carnival of African-American Genealogy
Restore My Name – Slave Records and Genealogy Research
Type: Other - Carnival
Start Time: Friday, February 19, 2010 at 12:00pm
End Time: Friday, March 12, 2010 at 11:00pm
Location: http://ourgeorgiaroots.com/

DescriptionRestore My Name – Slave Records and Genealogy Research, will kick-off this African-American themed carnival intended to be a gathering place for the community to share and learn about African-American genealogy.

Luckie and Thomas put this together and the interest in this research and study has been escalating

-----and I am side tracked.

(sigh).

So off I go to review the Carnival Events and Notice several events and write and enter

two completely different Carnivals

Posted at 8:30 am Genealogy is Ruthless without Me: Carnival of Genealogical Societies is: Doin' Things Right!genealogyisruthlesswithoutme.blogspot.com

The topic for the March 2010 edition of the Graveyard Rabbits Carnival is: Forgotten Cemeteries.
This idea came from Tina Michael Ruse, who authors the blog In the Dark of the Moon Graveyard Rabbit.
I submitted about the Deerman Cemetary.

Went to the Afro-Am Carnival posted on the Wall

the Carnival already had 29 confirmed guest and 39 maybes

I am very excited but then I realized I had time to do a good job on this blog.
So I will shelf this important blog until I can really focus on it.

Reviewed and answered some more emails and facebook.

Called to be sure my flowers were delivered and said a prayer as my family prepares to attend my cousins funeral (sigh) in the state of WASHINGTON.

Bringing us to 9 am when I started this blog. One hour ago.

10 am Lord, help me to stay [Look! A bird!] focused on one thing at a time.

I have a headache, I am going to go lay down for awhile.

Oh my original goals for the day..........hhuh??? Will I ever get anything done ?!!!!

Carnival of Genealogical Societies is: Doin' Things Right!

2010-02-22T07:28:00.001-08:00

First a little background for this blog:
I belong to several Genealogy Societies, some I attend in person, some on-line, and others through mail correspondences. At different times these societies will have contests, carnivals, or paper calls. I use this blog to record my work in genealogy study. ERGO: Sometimes the blogs may seem disjointed and "what in the world is she blogging about that now?"

So I like to introduce sometimes to what carnival/contest/ response I am referring to for this blog.
This blog is in response to a call of papers for:
Carnival of Genealogical Societies, 1st Edition
Doin' Things Right!
Type: Other - Carnival
Start Time: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 6:00pm
End Time: Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 11:00pm
Location: http://blog.californiaancestors.org/

Description Call for Submissions! The topic for this inaugural edition of the Carnival of Genealogical Societies is: Doin' Things Right! Shine a spotlight on a specific program, project, or publication at a genealogical society and tell us why it worked. Tell an anecdote about how you benefited from a particular genealogical society service. Share a success story and be specific! The deadline for submissions is March 7, 2010.

Submit your blog article to the Carnival of Genealogical Societies using the the submission form (http://blogcarnival.com/bc/submit_9134.html) provided by Blog Carnival. Please use a descriptive phrase in the title of any article you plan to submit and/or write a brief introduction to your articles in the "remarks" section of the form.

http://www.cgssd.org/#newsletter

The Computer Genealogy Society of San Diego (CGSSD)SM

That all genealogists become computer genealogists.

In particular the ROOTSMAGIC USER CLASS meets the third Saturday of the month. This gives me a whole month to try out new information given at the group. Often I confuse myself with the previous class, so I have lots of questions for the next class. I enter the room and it is seldom the same each month. The room to meet has changed, teacher changed, topics changed, students attending changed. I follow some of the class --- A lot of it goes over my head because of different applications and set ups from the students. I try to take notes.

So why do I like the class?------ There is always "something" I learn or want to try out. The loose structure allows for all those different applications and set ups from the students.
Genealogy is an INDIVIDUAL Sport with support groups and societies to glean what you can for your work. As in most individual sports each athlete/student learns the basics, learns from others, but in the end "does it her or his way". What I learn from the ROOTSMAGIC class is there are lots of bells and whistles to ROOTSMAGIC and people are applying this software in various ways to their work.
In specific, I completed an updated version, neat, concise, clear, organized and securely saved of all 210 family groups in one day using ROOTSMAGIC. Of course it was a very long day -- 16.3 hours! But what a treasure for easy reference. Family Group Sheets is a tried and true basics. ROOTSMAGIC is an easier and faster way to complete this seemingly tedious task.
So if I was looking for a comprehensive step by step lesson for ROOTSMAGIC (which I originally was seeking by attending this class) this group would have been a big disappointment and very confusing. But I relaxed and understood more the dynamics of the group. The dynamics of this group is Individual ROOTSMAGIC users sharing and learning from each other. I do learn something each and every month. I meet other users and share new discoveries with the software. The class is followed up with a key presentation regarding software. All the presentations I have attended have been extremely informative and well organized.
All in all I am enjoying my association with this group a great deal.

On the side, I usually carpool with a friend. We usually continue to make a day of it with trips to the beach, or shopping, or visiting cemeteries. We "play hooky". It is not unusual for me to leave home to attend a 9 am Rootsmagic class, followed by a Presentation over by about noon, and get home after 10 pm at night!!! Our families have decided that we "girls" at the age of grandmas are worse than teen agers when we get together.
Tee Hee!!!

Researching William Dikes leads to Texas History Lesson

2010-02-13T16:17:00.000-08:00

In my genealogy research meetings, I was sharing some of the history of towns I was researching as I was looking for my great great grandfather;
As some of you know I am hunting down Mr. William Dikes circa 1830-1875 Texas. Census records, children's birth records, land deeds have identified cities in Texas to continue my research for vital records on this gentleman. One city I have Mr. Dikes living in 1870 presumably 6 years before his death is:Burnham, Ellis, Texas
This being the last known address I have on the gentleman. I began researching the city for land deeds, burial information, newspaper articles of why he died at such a young age.

The 1870 census indicated:
1--- Mr. Dikes real property in this area was worth 1500---
2--- That little Charlie down there is Grandma Etta May's father
3--- Yes I know his wife was named Abigail--- this is just a translation problem ---it appears from several records that she was known as Abby.

Name: William Dike
Birth Year: abt 1837
Age in 1870: 33
Birthplace: Texas
Home in 1870: Burnham, Ellis, Texas
Race: White
Gender: Male
Value of real estate: View image
Post Office: Cummins Creek
Household Members: Name Age
William Dike 33
Ann Dike 26
William Dike 11
Jonathan Dike 8
Lena Dike 5
Charles Dike 4

In looking for articles and records of Burnham ---I found this interesting bit of Burnham history. It appears Burnham, Ellis, Texas was set to be the Texas headquarters for the Houston and Texas Central Railway. But another city was chosen for the economic growth promised by railroad success.

Per The Portal of Texas History
http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth33018/m1/?page=4

Ennis, Texas was:
Named for Col. Cornelius Ennis, a railroad official of the Houston and Texas Central Railway, Ennis was established in 1871. 647 acres were purchased by trustees for a land company in 1872 and the townsite was selected in May of that year by. Capt. W. G. Veale. Theo Kosse platted the town.

Angry citizens from the bypassed town of Burnham, Texas attacked Ennis - killing one hapless citizen and wounding several others.
and

Per Handbook of Texas on line http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/EE/hje11.html

Citizens of Burnham, a small town to the south, responded violently to being bypassed and attacked the new community, killing one man and wounding several.

The references and newspaper articles are fascinating to read. I certainly got a flavor of the WILD WEST and the COWBOY WAY.

Another city I am researching for records for Mr. Dikes is Gonzales, Texas. Again this Rough Cowboy town had a history that I found very interesting

Gonzales is the site of the first battle in the revolution for Texas to revolt against Mexican rule.

Per Gonzales, Texas
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In 1831, the Mexican government gave the settlers a small cannon (believed to actually have been a swivel gun) for protection against Indian attacks. At the outbreak of hostilities, a contingent of Mexican soldiers was sent from San Antonio to retrieve the cannon. On 2 October 1835, they were met by Texans under the command of John H. Moore. The Texans had fashioned a flag with the words "Come and take it". The Texans successfully resisted the federal troops in what became known as the Battle of Gonzales.

Gonzales also sent men to the Alamo--- but the Come and Take It Battle
was first.

A Photo of the flag:

I think of the hours and hours of work I have stacking up to record and verify all this data and then I get side tracked with stories like this. There is a lot more to investigate about Mr. Dikes in these cities, and I am planning a research trip to the area this year. Also interesting is to note: Ebay sales small replicas of this flag: I thought that was so cool. But if I started purchasing all the cool artifacts I come by --- I would need another house to store it all.

OK I need to not beat myself up for getting side tracked ----- this is a hobby -- not a government contract!!! So I will relax and enjoy the journey.

More to follow---- Aunt Ruth

Location Location Location

2010-02-12T10:51:00.000-08:00

Fellow Genealogist Linda Robbins posted a question to genealogist today----

I would like to know for fun with a sampling of how people spend their evenings watching TV. Please respond if you have your laptop with you while you watch TV. Also, what is your favorite laptop activity while you use it in front of the TV? I'll start: check email, read Facebook entries and respond, and check for gene...alogy information. Do you use a split screen or 4google?

I responded today with

hee hee we have three tvs but my husband thinks: me on the puter and him watching his tv (in the same room) counts as "together" time!! I use laptop on occasion but prefer desk top---near printer, with note books open, taking notes, trying to remember where and when I found data for my genealogy.

And the reason I posted this is because today I am working on location location location ---- as different lines of my family migrated west from the east coast --- I see how the families sometimes criss crossed paths, were within 200 miles a part but were not brought together until they all migrate to California.

I have been working names, dates, location. I am at a place in my family studies that would benefit with a road trip. But if I go to these places I want to be as efficient and effective as possible. So instead of following one lineage I want to get all lineages within a 100 miles radius done at one time.

The Scottish in me wants the full value of her nickel. And the crazy in me wants to do it all!!!

I am in the process of developing new folders by locations:

a folder for my Hayley lineage:
Lake County Tennessee
Ennis County, Texas
Sulpher, Oklahoma

a folder for my Reed lineage:
Howell Missouri
Springfield Mass.
El Paseo, Texas
Okema, Oklahoma

a folder for my sister-in-laws Cancimella lineage:
Ohio
New York

Making detail notes to identify all families at these location, dates and all land deeds, addresses on census records, location of children's birth, and marriages, from where the parents came, etc. For each location/for each lineage/for each family group to identify and provide a designated folder. These folders will be used to fill with newspaper articles, documents, photos to bring home and record and file as required.

To plan for this trip (as explained above)-----My pc, dining room table, and floor around my desk is surrounded with atlases, family group charts, notebooks, airline destination maps, contact people locations maps, and contact information. A good way to review this would to be to make common sized maps, print them to overlays, and compare maps. This would help to plan my trip.

Next I will add this data to an excel file: with data by location, town/city to visit, family group, family location data, what I am looking for, and finally results. I will follow up with blogs as I develop my trip(s). I will let you know how many line items I added to my excel file. After developing a spreadsheet, maybe I will guesstimate a success level to complete my results column.

OK you may say ----- this seems a bit time consuming but this is a piece of cake for me. I use to plan for camping trips, trips to Hawaii, and just daily life with 7 very active children. Mapping out is how I tried to put everything in a family trip. This is also why most of my children hate any vacation too much planned!!!!

My children are teaching me to relax a little. By over planning sometimes I would miss the awwwwwww of the trip. I must design in my plan more tolerance for just being there time. When other genealogist share their awwwww times, I realize in my very task oriented way I have missed the awwwwww of some of this work.

But we live and, if we are smart, we learn. Learn about our past, or future, and hopefully how to live and enjoy this life more fully and enjoyably.

Happy Journey Everyone, Ruth

2010-01-27T19:20:00.000-08:00

Today I attended a very stimulating and informative genealogy presentation by Susi Pentico (a known genealogist and teacher);
The presentation was comprehensive about the past known genealogy methods, the inclusion of the Internet and it's effect on genealogy research and some of the new opportunities but also possible downfalls with future genealogy studies.

A lot of data was covered as an overview to a very broad subject. But as in most great presentations, there was something for everyone from beginner historian to very contemporary and informed professional genealogist. Anytime I can learn or glean one great idea from a presentation I feel blessed by the presentation: So I am in a

genealogy happy dance

as I feel motivated and enriched by the presentation when I found three key points I want to include in my genealogy studies.

In summary the three key points I picked up were:

1--- the "Cold Calling" idea. I must admit I never would have thought that would be a good way to find family. The idea of getting a city directory and just cold calling people with same surnames was just a new concept for me. Yet I can see if I have a city location and strong indication that this person could possibly be related ---maybe I will try it.

2--- the loss of libraries, historic books, and court records as so many cities, states are down sizing. The state library of Michigan was mentioned. The decision to close a state library seemed almost impossible to imagine. Someone also mentioned Pennsylvania public libraries are in jeopardy. Pennsylvania is an original colony and holds many founders records. There seems a need to make people aware and move people to act before court records, libraries, and historical documentation are loss.

3--- the third idea that Susie presented that motivated me to possibly rethink and put more focus on --- is the need to add the reason for death, health issues, and family genetic make ups-----enough illnesses can be genetically traced, that to have family health history could be very valuable to the future generations. Family health history is a valuable tool used by the medical to quickly and accurately diagnosis serious illnesses.

I follow Susi's blog as she continues her genealogy journey. To learn more about Susi and find times and places you can attend her presentations or classes I am enclosing her blog spot addy:
Susi's Chatty Performances on Genealogy
http://susischattyperformances.blogspot.com you can learn more about Susi and her passion for genealogy at her blog site.

52 Weeks To Better Genealogy Week 3 Assess Yourself

2010-01-17T08:53:00.000-08:00

52 Weeks To Better Genealogy - Week 3 - Assess Yourself!

I am very fortunate to have many letters and family stories written by previous ancestors. I have always been so grateful for these glimpses in the peoples lives. Also I was a letter writer at a young age. My grandparents encouraged me to write by writing me in return each time I posted them a letter.

I was always aware of trying to record my life, my work, my family, my spiritual growth, my children, my grandchildren etc. When my kids were young and they would get sad, mad or just plain bored. I would encourage them to write. I saved many of their writings. I have binders full of my writings.

When Tony and I attended marriage encounters I saved all those notebooks. I went through a crisis in 2001 and it was very difficult for me. I could not speak the words, I could not legibly hand write my grief. But I did email and received email. I saved all those emails. I always thought if I could get past the experience that those emails would demonstrate and help others through the grieving process.

Every time I started a new job, moved, or had some profound changing experience I would always start a new chapter.

I also have unfinished novels in my papers. Stories that developed over the years.

Work publications, awards, education certificates and samples of my work are also among those papers. Photos of rooms of my house that I would decorate are included. and of course mountains of photos ----

So I continue to record my life. It is interesting to review my past and my growth.

I save all correspondences of my grandchildren. They are precious. I also encourage my grandchildren to write to me by returning each post with a letter. This habit of writing to my grandparents continued throughout their entire lives. There is something very healing and loving having a letter writing relationship with grandparents. I have several friends that I email regularly. But we often hand write to each other-- because although email is quicker and easier. There is just something special about receiving a snail mail in your mailbox from someone you love.

Of course if you look for documentation, and try to piece my life together you could come up with a series of records and deeds, but I dare say you will not see me.

Reading letters from my ancestors about their everyday lives and believes and relationships speaks far more to me than all the land deeds, birth certificates, Bible records ever could.

Sunshine Gal is Awarded Happy 101 Award in Blogger Community

2010-01-10T03:54:00.000-08:00

Happy 101 Award which has been making the rounds among the genealogy bloggers this week.

I want to say thanks to Suzi Pentico of Suzischattyperformance@blogspot.com for giving me this award - I really appreciate it! One of the duties one accepts when also accepting the award is to list 10 (only 10??!!??) things that make me happy.

1-Knowing an Awesome God.
2-Having the perfect* husband. (* he might not be perfect to everyone but he is perfect for me.)

3-The memories of my family, friends, and a simpler time.

4-The understanding and encouragement I receive to work in genealogy.
5-Sipping a hot cup of tea in a bubblebath.

6-Grandkids
7- Nature: The beach, The mountains, Sleeping outside,

8-Animals: Cats, Dogs, Bird watching, Observing animals and fish, and most reptiles.

9-Being creative; playing guitar or piano, singing a song, sketching a portrait, painting a landscape

10-Girlfriends rather they are my daughter, my granddaughter, my aunt, my daughter in law, classmates, co-workers, fellow genealogists. Communicating with and doing girly things with women.

I also have the privilage to pass the award on to other bloggers - and here are my choices:

1. Santa Fe's African American Graveyard Rabbit http://africanancestryinsantafecemeteries.com/

2. My Big Fat Cajun/Irish/ Scottish/English/German/ French/Southern Family Blog

http://mybigfatfamilyblog.blogspot.com/

3. Nutfield Genealogy

http://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/

4.Gerry's Genealogy Blog

http://gerrysgenealogy.blogspot.com/

5. A Twig in my Tree

http://twiginmytree.blogspot.com/

6.Like Sand Through An Hourglass

http://gcchat.blogspot.com/

7. Granite in My Blood
http://granite-in-my-blood.blogspot.com/

8. In My Life
http://anaharcockermom.blogspot.com

9. DeadFred
http://www.deadfred.com/blog/

10.GeneaDiva's History, Genealogy and "Stuff"
http://geneadiva.blogspot.com/

DearMYRTLE's Genealogy Blog: Pre-1500 lineages: serious genealogists usually won't buy 'em

2010-01-04T16:07:00.000-08:00

DearMYRTLE's Genealogy Blog: Pre-1500 lineages: serious genealogists usually won't buy 'em

Pre1500 lineage, I concur with Dear Myrtle in general, but like all good laws and rules there are exceptions to the rules/ Dear Myrtle seemed to limit her exceptions to http://www.progenealogists.com/greatbritain/medievalgenealogy.htm and Chinese lineage.

I dare say Korea for one, the French, the Spanish the Jews, the Persians and Russia have "kingdom" documents to "prove" the lines. As Dear Myrtle stated land was a big issue-----but there were (in one of my family's case) careful records kept because the French (although changeing their name and hiding) always thought they would be able to return to France and reclaim their land and most importantly their positions. Ergo some families have extensive records ----- baby baptismals, were often specially secretly coded as to indicate the witnessing of the babies lineage. The coding was secret as to identify but protect the child from kidnappers or those wanting the family to be found. French would change their last names and sign babies baptismal with new Anglo-Saxon names. But very careful records were always kept that verified the child's royal lineage.

Royality would keep their own records and lineage papers. And the document referenced in these cases refers back to King so and so books page and number and the lineage. In one of my families case (Dearman) this is the ancient books of Chateauvieux.

I liken this to what is happening now: All over the world regarding leadership in Iran----the Shah has passed away and his family exiled for decades---but the Iranians (some prefer to call themselves, Persians) are keeping very close documentation and following families very closely. In the event the Shah's son is ever returned to Iran.

This was indicitive of the ruling of England during the War of the Roses----- proving lineage. but was practiced long before this in older civilizations.

This has been a truth known in my family dating back to my mother's great grandmother. It beckons back to many other culture practices that have been exposed in Westren media as barbaric and unnecessary. But that is an entire different bit of history not necessary to explore now. LOL

2010 goals

2010-01-04T11:49:00.000-08:00

I published and believed I was not going to make any 2010 goals for genealogy. I planned to : "Just free follow my ancestors, enjoying the journey along the way". Because to publish prioritize and develope my todo list was becoming cumbersome. It is an idea I have pushing around in my head for about three months now. And for some reason---maybe the 10-16 hour days I have been working on my research more and more people (living and not), data, reading, maps, citations, resources, databases came tumbling down into my world!!

My "todo" list is filled with brick walls, lost documentation, and depending on others for data!! Needless to say genealogy had stopped being fun for a while. That is why I said no to my "can't find list" and adopted this method that some genealogist write about as in : being led by the ancestors.........

uggggg! using thinking like "free following of ancestors" and because I have inherited a wealth of information not previously shared before ------- Ancestors are coming out of the woodwork asking for my help. I feel like Whoopi Goldberg in "GHOST".

I need to group and delegate some of this stuff out. So my 2010 goal must be for me is to set up my "network team", review my people resources, define my location/interest parameters, clearly define projects, and better manage my history-----And accomplish that --that I can ------and stop chasing my own tail for data not-yet-ready-to be-discovered-by-me.

So out comes the old Microsoft Project Planner and instead of trying to "DO" my genealogy ---- I am going to try to "Manage" my research and study. I will let you know how it goes --- and how this approach is going to help me.........

Organization Organization Organization

2010-01-01T11:35:00.000-08:00

I use colored acid free sheets for each lineage to print family group sheets, pedigrees, stories, resource sheets, and research study sheets. If I do not have the correct color sometimes I use white paper with colored ink. It works.

Color Acid Free Paper in anti acid protector sheets treated with a humid resistant spray are placed in color coordinated binders. Yes, that is a closet shelf.

Notes, Index Cards, Sheets (if I do not have the correct color immediately available)----are identified with a color corner----highlighter, marker pen, crayola, whatever is handy and matches and placed in color coordinated temporary folders.
__________________________________________________________________

As "Location Location Location" becomes a mantra to business owners and real estate agents; "Organization Organization Organization" is the battle cry for genealogist. Ergo the title of this blog Genealogy is Ruthless without Me. My career in Quality Management helped prepare me for this challenge of organizing genealogy data.

NOTE TO READER----(skip to Section B -- this is just an exhaustive explanation of how I came up with the idea)

As a Quality Manager, I found a clever way to expedite my job. I used colored folders and color paper. Here was my methodology. Most certifications were based on Product/Process Improvement so we encouraged "Do it better".

The process included several steps;

1. Identify a problem or as we in Quality control like to call it "Opportunity for Improvement".

2. Prepare a suggestion for improvement. "Corrective Action" CARs.

3. Update all documents, training, trail period for the suggested improvement. "Engineering Change Order." ECOs

4. Update the approved documents. "Updated drawings, instructions etc. " SPECS

Each step along the way required engineering evaluation of feasibility, impact studies, vendor changes, inventory issues, customer interchangeability issues, and multiple other considerations. Ergo many engineers, department managers, and specialist needed to "sign off" on the Improvement.

It was my job to process all these changes: needless to say getting sign off --- was ridiculous! Documentation Release and Control was Ruthless!!! without me. lol

I am very visual and linear in my thinking process. So I adopted a color code process------ CARs were orange---- printed on orange paper traveling in orange folders, ECO were on yellow paper traveling in Yellow folders, Specs were green Document Change Orders traveling (you guessed it) in green folders. Kind of like orange (danger), yellow (a fix), green (GO). So as I passed Engineer or Manager's desk ---I could easily identify if my document had left their desk without bothering them.

___________________________________________________________________

Section B: Using this same kind of thinking I developed a method to organize my genealogy work.

Here I will outline the problems I was having to organize my work:

1. Although I would set out to focus on one line of my ancestors---- I often was side tracked with another lineage. Example: I approach my computer ready to review my Chapin lineage and notice I have an email regarding my Carter lineage. I start to enter data in my Carter lineage and notice a surname that is in another lineage. OK --- by this time I have folders, notes, books, family group sheets all over the place.

2. I come across a surname I recognize but can not remember to which lineage it belongs. Lacy--- now I try to remember, who had a wife surname Lacy---- I go to my name list, do not recognize her husbands name to a lineage, work down the lineage until I find the link. Doing this several times a day and I am thinking there must be a better way. Doing this several times in the same week and I am beating myself up for not having a better memory than demonstrated.

3. Now I need to do something else besides genealogy or the mess I have made has caused me to be exhausted just to look at it!!! So I must clean up---- I need to either each piece of paper to decide which folder it belongs, or pile it all together and deal with it later,

So I color code.

Surname Hayley is RED. The list is the list of surnames associated with just one ggg grandfather only; ggg grandmother has her own list!

I stopped beating myself up when I realized exactly how many names I was really trying to manage in my head. Just going back to my Sweet 16, I am averaging 32 names per name. That is 520 names and I go further back than this when the names get fuzzy!

And all this color coding is followed through with my migration trails also.

Clean up and putting away is so easy for me now----- but better is the going back to where I was a lot easier. Using the color coordinated paper; I can journal the date/ activities for each lineage --- and not have it all on one page. I do not have to read through days of notes to figure out what I had researched.

This method may not work for everyone--- but for me right now----I love it.

Now computer files are totally different --- and another blog.........

Why is Aunt Ruth all of a sudden Fascinated by Cemetaries.

2009-12-31T20:13:00.000-08:00

Why is Aunt Ruth all of a sudden fascinated by cemeteries.

Cemeteries are wonderful for validating and verifying data. Imagine the thrill when you research records, gather vital data, shift through documents and then to be able to actually go to a place that validates all you have researched. An example of this would be, identifying Joe Dow as born this date, died this date and married to Sue Sue. Then to be able to visit a grave site and lo and behold there is a marker with Joe Dow's birth and death date buried right before you next to his wife Sue Sue. No matter how many times you researched the data, to see it right before you, just gives you a sense of closure and satisfaction that you have indeed closed any doubts of your research.

Cemetery visiting is not as common today as it was in the past. Just as we learn how to eat with manners, the visiting of a cemetery have some formalities.

A cemetery is an off shoot of the church. When visiting the Arizona on Oahu they reminded us that this was in fact a cemetery and we should act accordingly.

If you are not visiting a cemetery to attend a funeral, it is best to pick a time when there is no funeral being conducted. This is in respect for the family. But if this is just not possible, do not interrupt, join in or disturb in anyway the funeral taking place and don't get in the way of funeral processions.

First thing to do when visiting a cemetery is to go to the cemetery office if open. It is proper to introduce yourself and state the purpose of your visit. Many times you can save yourself a lot of time and bother. Many caretakers are pleased to help you find your location or information. The most important reason to go to the office is to find out the rules of the cemetery site. The rules should be placed in plain view and easy to read. If there is something you do not understand ---- ask. Never interrupt an employee on the phone or speaking to another person. Just wait. Then without exception: Follow the cemetery rules. Most have a sign near the entrance stating hours, rules about decorations, etc. Obey these rules. Rules about decorations must be followed. Most cemeteries are open from dawn until dusk. Try not to remain in the cemetery after dark. If the cemetery says, "Closed dusk to dawn," get permission to visit it after hours. If you inadvertently stay past dusk, remember that you are breaking the law; leave cheerfully and quickly when you realize your mistake. Likewise, if the gate is locked, it just might be a hint that you're not allowed into a private cemetery. Stay out!

Don't litter. Do not leave any trace of you being there. Do not sharpen a pencil and leave the sawdust. Do not leave a Kleenex, a gum wrapper or worse the gum any where on the grounds. Carry it out with you.

Don't bring pets to a cemetery, or if it's necessary to bring them, make sure to keep them on a leash, make the animals stay on the paths and come prepared to clean up after them.
Follow the roadways and don't drive or walk on the grass. Drive slowly and obey any speed or parking signs posted in the cemetery. You do not have the right of away.

Keep children nearby and don't let them run across the grass, play on any of the monuments, or take the flowers or articles off the grave sites. It is correct they are children and do not know better but you need to be in control of the children. While it is good to get children used to paying respects at a cemetery, they often don't fully understand the meaning of everything in the cemetery.

Keep voices down and respectful. Don't use bad language. Respect this tranquil place in which to mourn. Don't be overly friendly and talk to strangers because they may want to be alone in peace. It's best to speak in subdued tones, and not approach strangers unless they initiate conversation.

Don't touch any monuments or gravestones. These belong to the families who placed them there. Some older memorials might be in disrepair and might fall apart under the slightest touch. Protect what's in the cemetery. Do not lean on fragile headstones, much less sit on them. Don't use shaving cream to reveal inscriptions; many of them contain perfumes or other ingredients which contribute to decay. Acid rain has already done enough damage! A halogen flashlight at a sharp angle will reveal nearly as much--and sometimes more--than shaving cream would. Step carefully on graves. Leave plants, markers, badges, ribbons, and so on, exactly where you found them. Do not pick anything, even autumn leaves from the trees. However, if you find empty soda cans or fast-food wrappers, you can help the cemetery caretaker by putting them in the trash.

Don't take photos of other people or other funerals. Turn your cell phone off. Cemeteries are wide open spaces and voices tend to carry.

Cemeteries are solemn places with clear rules of etiquette.
Ask before you do any gravestone rubbings due to decaying stones.

Dead jokes are inappropriate. If someone starts joking, stop them immediately or leave the cemetery. We've seen jokers suddenly twist an ankle, or encounter other odd problems. Hmmmm, Obey the laws.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the cemetery. Step outside the cemetery if any of these pastimes are necessary.

Deerman Cemetery

2009-12-31T18:47:00.000-08:00

Nothing happens by accident, we are the sum of the parts of the puzzle assembled, we weave our lives but at the end we have a beautiful and well balanced tapestry and all those other innuendos. Being a very busy mom, one of my biggest escapes were books. People thought it was funny that I would plant myself under a tree and read a book.

I would read wonderfully written family sagas by authors James A. Michener, Elizabeth Jane Howard, Nora Lofts, and Susan Howatch as fast as they were released in paper book or became available at the library. I seldom paid full price for the hard copy. I was always impressed with the families that had a family burial plot. Little did I know at the time that my own family story is a wonderful family saga waiting to be written.

And we have family cemetery plots!! More than one!! The GenWeb has set up a marvelous volunteer network that is documenting and identifying the cemeteries around the world. Small family plots are having websites dedicated to them. I have written about the Mooring cemetery in Lake County, Tennessee in another blog but this blog is about the Deerman Cemetary.

The cemetery back ends to a farm.

Overview of steps that once led to the chapel.

A woman by the id MargaretCheney has posted on the ancestry message boards about the deerman cemetery .The old Deerman's Chapel & Cemetery is located about 7 miles south of Steele, Al. on old Highway 11. It was founded by Mary Deerman, widow of Solomon Deerman, after she moved to the area (Monroe County, Mississippi Territory) in 1816. She died in 1823 and is buried there. I feel sure others were buried there earlier. Henry Deerman, her son, died Sept 16, 1857, and is buried there.During World War II a large military base, Camp Sibert, was built on land which included the chapel, which was torn down and a new church was built across the highway. A fence was erected around the cemetery. Probably there were no markers for most of the older graves. The family of Mary Deerman lived nearby for many years and knew personally who of the Deerman family were buried there without a marker and where they were located. In 1984 several of Mary's gggggrandchildren contributed money for the purchase of a marker. I'm not sure but they may have purchased markers for other Deerman graves also.After Daniel Davis Deerman's death (he left three children), Rebecca Jane Pickens Deerman married George Washington Davis, son of Wilay Davis and Polly Broyles. Wiley Davis was a brother of Margaret, wife of Richard Deerman, brother of Daniel Davis Deerman.If you can locate a copy of the book "Ancestors and Descendants of the Dearman/Deerman Families", it contains the above info and a list of graves with markers believed to be related to the Deermans. I don't believe there is a history of the church or an official list of the graves in a repository anywhere.You probably already know that Rebecca Pickens Deerman moved with the Pickens family to Texas after Wiley's death, and married G. W. Davis in 1854 in Cherokee Co Tx, where she died in 1885. She and G.W. had ten children. She was born in Athens, McMinnville, Tennessee.

and here is the data of the Dearmans buried here found on its own website called "Magnolias and Peaches"

Deerman Chapel Cemetery
Saint Clair County, Alabama

Top Ten Genealogy Moments in 2009

2009-12-30T17:04:00.000-08:00

Top Ten Genealogy Moments in 2009
Lisa Alzo, who writes The Accidental Genealogist blog, posted her Top 10 Genealogical Moments of 2009 and invited other genea-bloggers to write about theirs too.

Top 10 Genealogical Moments in 2009:

Chronilogically?? or by Importance??

ok 10 in no particular order.

1. A moment of genealogy community acceptance by being asked to be the Sunshine Person for the Chula Vista Genealogy Society. Does it sound like a made up position? Well it is ---Shirley Becker came up with the post and I was accepted annoumiously.

2. A moment of surprise when the LATimes called to interview me regarding my Grandma's Geni Camp that I conducted for a week with my grandchildren.

3. A moment of accepted family connection meeting "new" cousins Martha Jane Good Caswell, Preston Bell, Lonnie Potter, and David Reed.

4. A moment of accomplishment receiving Eliza Jane Mooring Hayley Works pension application regarding the great grandfather my father never knew, Captain John William Hayley.

5. A moment of feeling that somebody-out-there-understood-what-I-really-wanted-in-a -software-program ROOT MAGIC 4

6. A moment of collaboration with my Aunt Helen showing her that we had over 200 relatives that are ready to be presented for temple.

7. A sense of being a part of history: Connecting the Needhams and the Hayleys in Jamestown 1640 and realizing their off springs (my g-g-parents) marry in 1850.

8. The moment of devastation I felt when I realized what my family survived during and post Civil War.

9. A moment of validation connecting with so many genealogist verifing, and relating to my family history.

10. A moment of responsibility and purpose when I realized that I am the Family Historian and need to complete this work to the best of my ability.