Regarding my highschool friend starting genealogy...

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!!!!!

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

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

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

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

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?

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......