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

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

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.

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

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.

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!!

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???

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.