The Genealogy Expert Blog

Tennessee Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-11-19T14:54:00Z

Tennessee, the “Volunteer State,” has no existing state censuses. There is a partial 1891 census of men over the age of twenty-one available through the Family History Library, http://www.familysearch.org/. For more information, contact the Tennessee State Library and Archives, http://www.tennessee.gov/tsla/.

South Dakota Research(2)

The Genealogy Page — 2009-11-12T14:54:00Z

Clan Diggers will be available for hands-on genealogy help on the second floor of the Fairview Park Library on Saturday, November 14th from 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon.

South Dakota, named for the Sioux or Dacotah Indians, is the next stop on our state resource tour. South Dakota censuses include an incomplete census in 1885 for what was at that time the Dakota Territory. There is also an incomplete 1895 census, as well as, complete censuses in 1905, 1915, 1925, 1935 and 1945. Researchers can find the 1905-1945 censuses at the South Dakota State Historical Society, http://www.sdhistory.org/. South Dakota has a special veterans census from 1885.

South Dakota Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-11-11T14:54:00Z

South Carolina Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-11-04T14:54:00Z

2009, the year to examine state resources, continues with South Carolina. The most comprehensive state censuses taken in South Carolina are from 1869 and 1875, although even these censuses are not complete. Check PERSI, an electronic resource available through the Cuyahoga County Public Library system for published censuses. Federal internal revenue assessment lists, 1864–1866 are also available. The largest newspaper collection in the state can be found at the South Caroliniana Library, http://www.sc.edu/library/socar/.

Rhode Island Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-10-29T14:54:00Z

The smallest state in the Union does not necessarily equate to the smallest collection of state resources. Rhode Island state censuses are available for 1865, 1875, 1885, 1905, 1915, 1925, 1935 and name all household members. Two valuable printed works: The Rhode Island 1777 Military Census, transcribed by Mildred M. Chamberlain and Rhode Island Freemen, 1747–1755: A Census of Registered Voters, by Bruce C. MacGunnigle can both be found in the genealogy collection at the Fairview Park Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library. The Rhode Island Historical Society Library, http://www.rihs.org/, is the official repository of state newspapers which date back to 1732.

Pennsylvania Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-10-22T14:54:00Z

Pennsylvania, the second state to be admitted to the Union, also known as the “Keystone State,” is the next stop on our tour of state resources. Although there have been no state censuses, taxpayer lists are a fine substitute. Taxpayer enumerations were taken every seven years beginning in 1779 and ending in 1863. Check with the Pennsylvania State Archives, http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bah/dam/overview.htm for availability. To access the most extensive newspaper collection, go to the State Library of Pennsylvania, http://www.statelibrary.state.pa.us/libraries/site/default.asp.

Hands-on genealogy help will be available at Fairview Park library on Saturday, November 14th from 9:30 to 12:00 a.m. A member of the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society “Clan diggers,” will be available to answer questions on a first-come first-serve basis. For hands-on genealogical help visit the second floor of the Fairview Park Branch library.

Oregon Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-10-15T14:54:00Z

All year we have been delving into state resources; focusing on state census and its’ substitutes. This week the great state of Oregon is the featured state. Prior to 1859, state censuses were numerous, but not complete. All state censuses both pre-1859 and after are partial, with just a few counties for each year. For details of holdings contact the Oregon State Archives, http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/. The University of Oregon, Knight Library, http://libweb.uoregon.edu/knight/ owns the most complete newspaper collection for the state, however, the Oregon Historical Society Research Library, http://www.ohs.org/ houses the major Oregon newspapers as well as, a clippings file.

Oklahoma Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-10-08T14:54:00Z

This week’s featured state was immortalized in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, “Oklahoma!” Although Oklahoma does not have a state census to work from the first Territorial census of Oklahoma was taken of lands other than Indian Territory in 1890. There have been many Native American tribal censuses taken as well. For more information, contact the Oklahoma Historical Society, http://www.ok-history.mus.ok.us/

Ohio Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-09-30T14:54:00Z

Our home state of Ohio is the focus of our survey of state resources. There has never been a state census for Ohio, although there was an 1803 schedule in preparation of statehood. There was also a voter survey taken every four years from 1803–1911, which enumerated white males over the age of twenty-one until 1863 when it included black males of age. For more information contact the Ohio State Historical Society, http://www.ohiohistory.org/. Researchers can also look for the “Special Enumeration of Blacks Immigrating to Ohio, 1861–1863 at the Ohio State Archives, http://www.ohiohistory.org/resource/statearc/. For an extensive newspaper collection, contact the Ohio Historical Society and Western Reserve Historical Society, http://www.wrhs.org/.

North Dakota Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-09-23T14:54:00Z

We head back out west for this week’s featured state in our tour of state resources. North Dakota was enumerated as part of the Dakota Territory in 1885. This 1885 census included names and ages of all family members plus occupation and birth place as well as the inclusion of agricultural, manufacture, mortality schedules and Civil War Veterans. There were additional state censuses in 1915 and 1925. For more information check the North Dakota State Archives and Library, http://www.nd.gov/hist/SAL.htm. North Dakota has a fine newspaper collection located at the State Historical Society, http://www.nd.gov/hist/.

North Carolina Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-09-14T14:54:00Z

Researchers in North Carolina may be challenged to find much in the way of state census and census substitutes for the Tar Heel State. There were no state censuses taken in North Carolina since the incomplete census of 1784–1787, although the county tax lists are a good substitute. Of interest to genealogists is the special collection at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, www.unc.edu.

New York Research(2)

The Genealogy Page — 2009-09-10T14:54:00Z

The state of New York is a shining example of state resources. There was a complete state census taken in the years: 1825, 1835, 1845, 1855, 1865, 1875, 1892, 1905, 1915 and 1925. The 1855 New York state census is particularly helpful because it recorded the county of birth and the length of stay in the current location. State censuses are kept at a county level, so consult county clerks for details. Many, but not all of the state censuses can be found at the New York State Library, http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/. New York State holds many large and important special collections. The Center for Migration Studies Library and Archives in State Island, http://cmsny.library.net/ and The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, http://www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org/ are among the highlights.

Members of the Greater Cleveland Genealogy Society will available at the Fairview Park Branch Library for free genealogy help on Saturday, September 12th from 10 am - noon. Look for the "Clandiggers" sign on the second floor near the genealogy collection.

New York Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-09-08T14:54:00Z

New Mexico Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-09-01T14:54:00Z

This week we’ll focus on the state resources for New Mexico. There are some Spanish and Mexican Colonial censuses in existence. These censuses are often incomplete. For availability, check the National Archives, http://www.archives.gov/ or the Family History Library, http://www.familysearch.org/. Some of the territorial censuses have been published in the New Mexico Genealogist; check PERSI, an electronic resource available through the Cuyahoga County Public Library System for more details.

New Jersey Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-08-26T14:54:00Z

Our survey of state resources continues with New Jersey, the “Garden State.” New Jersey conducted many state censuses. Incomplete censuses are in existence for the years 1855, 1865, and 1875. Complete censuses can be found for 1885, 1895, 1905, and 1915. Check the Family history Library website, http://www.familysearch.org/ for availability. For more information, check with the New Jersey State Historical Society, http://www.state.nj.us/state/darm/links/archives.html.

New Hampshire Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-08-20T14:54:00Z

This week we will look closely at New Hampshire, the “Live Free or Die” state. There were state censuses taken in New Hampshire, however, some substitutions exist. Two important substitutions can be found in book form at the Cuyahoga County Public Library. Genealogical Dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire by Sybil Noyes, Charles Thornton Libby and Walter Goodwin Davis and New Hampshire Residents, 1633–1699 by Jay Mack Holbrook are located in the genealogy collection at the Fairview Park branch library. There are large collections of historic newspapers at the New Hampshire Historical Society, http://www.nhhistory.org/ and the New Hampshire State Library, http://www.nh.gov/nhsl/.

Nevada Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-08-14T14:54:00Z

Don’t gamble with your state research. Search the Nevada State Archives, http://dmla.clan.lib.nv.us/docs/NSLA/ for census enhancers and substitutes. One state census was completed during the two year period of 1862–1863. Another state census was taken in 1875. To supplement your census research turn to the voter registers from 1865 and the federal internal revenue assessment lists 1863–1866.

Nebraska Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-07-29T14:54:00Z

I have declared 2009 to be the year to utilize state resources in your genealogy research. This week’s state is Nebraska, a word from the Oto Indians which means in “flat water,” which refers to the Platte River meaning “flat river” in the French language. “What does that have to do with my genealogy research?” you may ask yourself. Absolutely nothing! It does show the rich history and various backgrounds of those who settled in the Cornhuskers State. Nebraska has taken numerous state censuses; check the Family History Library catalog at http://www.familysearch.org/ for availability. Nebraska also conducted some supplemental enumerations, such as the school censuses from the second half of the nineteenth century and into the twentieth century. Look for the Nebraska school censuses at http://www.nebraskahistory.org/.

Montana Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-07-21T14:54:00Z

Half-way through our state resource tour of the 50 states brings us to Montana. Although the state of Montana approved a state census, none exists. The Montana Historical Society houses the strongest newspaper collection, as well as, several supplemental censuses. Among these special enumerations researcher might look for the 1864 listing of eligible voters, polling lists for some counties from about 1884–1914, or some school censuses for various counties in various years. For more details see the Montana Historical Society website at http://montanahistoricalsociety.org/.

Missouri Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-07-15T14:54:00Z

As we continue our tour of state resources we turn to Missouri; the “Show Me State.” A few territorial enumerations can be found for Missouri, for location details consult the Missouri State Archives, http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/. State censuses for a few counties remain from 1844, 1852, 1856, and 1876 (the most complete). The Missouri State Historical Society, http://www.mohistory.org/ owns the largest newspaper collection.

Mississippi Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-07-09T14:54:00Z

Arguably the most fun to spell, Mississippi is this week’s stop on our tour of state resources. Researchers can find Spanish censuses from 1792 and 1797 at the Mississippi State Archives, http://mdah.state.ms.us/. Enumerations of Confederate soldiers and widow for 1907, and 1925–1933 are also available.

Minnesota Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-07-03T14:54:00Z

Every week of 2009 we have delved into research sources unique to each state. Minnesota, the “North Star State” is this week’s focus. Minnesota researchers should look for state and territorial censuses for taken in 1849, 1853, 1857, 1865, 1885, 1895, and 1905. Microfilm of the Alien Registration Records and the federal internal revenue assessment lists, 1862–1866 are also available. The largest newspaper collection for Minnesota as well as other records can be found at the Minnesota Historical Society, http://www.mnhs.org/index.htm.

Michigan Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-06-27T14:54:00Z

Michigan, our neighbor to the north, is this week’s state pick. Only a few of the Michigan state censuses have survived; for an index to check PERSI, available through the Cuyahoga County Public Library genealogy databases. Michigan’s 1888 enumeration of Civil War veterans is available. The Library of Michigan, Lansing, http://www.michigan.gov/hal, houses the most extensive newspaper collection in the state.

Massachusetts Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-06-21T14:54:00Z

Massachusetts is our next stop in our tour of state resources to enhance your census work. Massachusetts has a long history some of which is captured in two important printed works. The Pioneers of Massachusetts, 1620–1650 compiled by Charles Henry Pope and List of Freemen of Massachusetts, 1630–1691 by Lucius R. Paige are both available from the genealogy collection at the Fairview Park Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library system. The only Massachusetts state censuses to list names are the 1855 and 1865. Massachusetts is home to several important genealogical collections including the American Antiquarian society in Boston, an independent research facility which focuses on American Colonial research through the Civil War Reconstruction period, http://www.americanantiquarian.org/. The New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) is the oldest genealogical society in the country, http://www.newenglandancestors.org/. Most of the research opportunities are for NEHGS members. Them of course there is the Massachusetts Historical Society, http://www.masshist.org/welcome/.

Maryland Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-06-15T14:54:00Z

This week, we spotlight Maryland, home of the Star Spangled Banner. Although there are no statewide censuses available, researchers should look for Maryland Records: Colonial, Revolutionary, County, and Church: from original sources by Gaius Marcus Brumbaugh which includes the 1776 census and can be found in the genealogy collection at the Fairview Park Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library system. Maryland also has several extensive newspaper collection housed at the Encoh Pratt Free Library, http://www.prattlibrary.org/ and the Maryland State Archives, http://www.msa.md.gov/. The Maryland Historical Society, http://www.mdhs.org/ owns a special collection of materials important to family history researchers.

Maine Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-06-04T14:54:00Z

We have been discussing state resources all year. This week, we are focusing on Maine, home of Civil War great, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. There were no state censuses for Maine; however there was an 1837 census of which fragments of Bangor, Portland and some unincorporated towns remain. These can be found at the Maine State Archives, http://maine.gov/sos/arc/. Microfilm is available for militia rolls and rosters from 1820 – 1861 and the Federal Internal Revenue Assessment Lists, 1862–1866. The largest newspaper collection in the state can be found at the University of Maine, Orono, http://www.umaine.edu/.

Louisiana Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-05-27T14:54:00Z

Louisiana, this week’s featured state, has an interesting compilation of materials to unravel its complex history. It is the home of the Historic New Orleans Collection at Williams Research Center, http://www.hnoc.org/ whose mission is to promote Louisiana study. Researchers can also access The Territorial Papers of the United States. For information on French- and Spanish-period enumerations, look for the book, Louisiana Census and Militia Lists by Albert J. Robichaux (call number 929.3763 R55l) at the Fairview Park Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library.

Kentucky Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-05-21T14:54:00Z

The next stop on our state tour lands us in Kentucky. There were no Kentucky state censuses; however, there are school censuses for the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. For more details, contact the Kentucky Historical Society at http://history.ky.gov/. Kentucky is also the home of two important historical collections. The Filson Historical Society in Louisville is a nationally known research center dedicated to the history of Kentucky and the Ohio Valley. Go to http://www.filsonhistorical.org/ for more information. Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, http://www.wku.edu/, holds another notable collection. Look for digital guides to many collections in the state.

Kansas Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-05-13T14:54:00Z

Our 2009 review of state resources has brought us to Dorothy’s home state of Kansas. Although the first state census was conducted in 1855, that “census” was just a voter list. Kansas did conduct a state census every ten years beginning in 1865 and ending in 1925. To access the Kansas state census, contact the State Archives and the Kansas Historical Society at http://www.kshs.org/research/collections/documents/govtrecords/index.htm where you can also access an excellent newspaper collection. Kansas also conducted a variety of supplemental censuses. Researchers can find the Kansas Board of Agriculture enumerations from 1873–1924, 1926–1936 and 1950–1979. Other supplemental enumerations include voter censuses from 1855, 1856, 1857, and 1859 and Federal Internal Revenue Assessment Lists from 1862–1866.

Iowa Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-05-07T14:54:00Z

Iowa resources are the next to be discovered on our state resources survey. Iowa was first enumerated as a part of the Wisconsin territory in 1836. After the initial 1836 census, Iowans were enumerated many times between 1838 and 1925. Unfortunately, most of these censuses are incomplete. For more specific dates and locations of Iowa state censuses, access the State Historical Society of Iowa website at http://www.culturalaffairs.org/shsi/. Iowa also polled half the state in the Iowa Old Age Assessment Rolls, 1934–1938 which can be found at the National Archives, http://www.archives.gov/.

Indiana Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-04-30T14:54:00Z

Indiana is the next stop as we travel through the fifty states. Indiana’s state census is not as much of a census as it is a list of voters (men over the age of twenty-one). These voter enumerations were taken every six years beginning in 1853. Veterans’ enrollments for the years: 1886, 1890 and 1894; as well as the Federal Internal Revenue Assessment Lists for 1862–1866 can be found on microfilm through the National Archives. For more information on Indiana research, go to the Indiana State Library, http://www.statelib.lib.in.us/.

Illinois Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-04-22T14:54:00Z

This year we are touring the 50 States to enhance our state level research. Illinois is home to The Newberry Library in Chicago, http://www.newberry.org/general/generalinfo.html, a leading research library focusing on the humanities with strengths in local history, family history, Native American history and more. Specialized foreign-language newspaper collections can be accessed through the Center for Research Libraries, http://www.crl.edu/; as well as the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, http://www.uiuc.edu/. Supplemental censuses for Illinois include a Military census 1861–1863, and the federal internal revenue assessment lists 1862–1866. For more information on Illinois research, go to the Illinois State Archives at http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/archives.html.

Idaho Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-04-16T14:54:00Z

We continue our look at state resources with Idaho. Although Idaho had no state censuses, there was a poll of men in the state in 1863 and federal internal revenue assessment lists from 1865–1866 and 1867–1874. The most comprehensive newspaper collection can be found at the Historical Library and State Archives at http://www.idahohistory.net/library_archives.html. Idaho also has a reconstructed 1890 federal census!

Hawaii Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-04-06T14:54:00Z

Researching Hawaiian ancestors and can’t take a road trip? Check out these Hawaiian state research enhancers. Hawaii’s supplemental census and census substitutes are incomplete, although, researchers will find records for scattered districts on various islands. For more information on available microfilm, go to http://www.familysearch.org/, and search by location. Hawaii also has notable newspaper collection at the Hawaiian Historical Society, http://www.hawaiianhistory.org/ and the Hawaiian State Archives, http://www.state.hi.us/dags/archives/ or http://statearchives.lib.hawaii.edu/.

Georgia Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-04-01T14:54:00Z

If you are researching in Georgia State records, you’re in luck! Georgia’s state censuses were taken every seven years beginning in 1798 to around 1879. These Census Records have survived only in part. The existing fragments can be found through the State Archives at http://www.sos.georgia.gov/ARCHIVES/. Other records available through the archives include Confederate Pension Applications, Colonial Wills and more. Georgia’s supplemental censuses are interesting as well. Researchers can access Poor School censuses, a list of families who were supplied with salt from 1862-1874, and a list of men subject to military duty in March of 1862. To access microfilm to these supplemental census records, consult the Family History Library online catalog at http://www.familysearch.org/.

Florida Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-03-24T14:54:00Z

Every week we’ve been discussing genealogy research on the state level. Florida researchers have the opportunity to use an interesting variety of resources. The 1830 census is the earliest federal census available for Florida. Fragments exist for state censuses of 1825; 1855; 1867; 1875; and 1885. For more detailed information see National Archives microfilm roll M845 at http://www.archives.gov/ or go to the Family History Library at http://www.familysearch.org/. Also look for colonial censuses from 1783 – 1814 which are indexed by PERSI. PERSI can be access through the Cuyahoga County Public Library website, http://cuyahogalibrary.org/.

Delaware Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-03-16T14:54:00Z

Just as every genealogy research project is unique, so are the research opportunities for each state. Delaware, the next stop on our list, had no state census. Substitutions would include an article entitled “Delaware Settlers, 1693”, by Alice Reinders from National Genealogical Society Quarterly, 53 (1965):2005-2006 and Federal Internal Revenue Assessment Lists from 1862–1866.

Connecticut Research(2)

The Genealogy Page — 2009-03-11T14:54:00Z

We continue our tour of state resources with the State of Connecticut. Researchers will find Federal Internal Revenue assessment lists from 1862–1866 to enhance census work. Connecticut researchers are able to access Connecticut newspapers from the two largest collections owned by Connecticut Historical Society and Connecticut State Library. To access both collections go to http://www.cslib.org/newspapers/. Once in the State Library site click on the link for “Find newspapers in the State Library’s catalog” or link to “Locating Connecticut Newspapers in Other Institutions.”

Colorado Research(2)

The Genealogy Page — 2009-03-02T14:54:00Z

State research in Colorado continues our theme for 2009. Colorado’s only state census in 1885 included family members and agriculture, industry and mortality schedules. Unfortunately the state census for Garfield County has been lost. For Colorado newspapers look on the Colorado Historical Society website at http://www.coloradohistory.org/. The Colorado Historical Society owns the most extensive newspaper collection in the state.

Connecticut Research

The Genealogy Page — 2009-02-24T14:54:00Z

Colorado Research

Genealogy Page — 2009-02-17T14:54:00Z

California Research

Genealogy Page — 2009-02-09T14:54:00Z

When your genealogy heads west, look for genealogy records in California. The only state census taken for the state of California was in 1852, two years after the first Federal Census of 1850. Because the Gold Rush was in full swing, the validity of the 1850 federal census came under question. The official was the 1852 state census which can be found through the California State Archives at http://www.sos.ca.gov/archives/archives.htm or the California State Library at http://www.library.ca.gov/. Researchers should also consult the California State Archives for early mission censuses from the 1790’s as well as, town/city censuses from 1897 forward. California is also the home of The Bancroft Library, http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/collections/rockart/citation.html. The Bancroft Library collects materials focused on the history of western North America and can be found in the University of California at Berkeley.

Arkansas Research

Genealogy Page — 2009-02-02T14:54:00Z

We continue our state tour with Arkansas, the twenty-fifth state to enter the union. Researchers of Arkansas ancestors will find a variety of tools to enhance their research. These tools cover a wide scope of interests such as the enumeration of Confederate pensioners in a special census of 1911-1912 and the Federal Internal Revenue Assessment Lists of 1865-1866. The University of Arkansas, Little Rock houses an interesting American Indian newspaper collection found at http://ualr.edu/www/libraries/. The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville owns a special collection of materials focusing on Arkansas history and oral histories. You can access an online catalog for this special collection at http://libinfo.uark.edu/specialcollections/.

Arizona Research

Genealogy Page — 2009-01-26T14:54:00Z

In keeping with the state theme, Arizona offers some interesting state resource offerings. Researchers seeking to enhance the Federal Census should look at the state censuses taken in Arizona on the even years between 1864-1882. During the territorial years several Mexican enumerations have been published (early 1800’s). For further information, visit the Arizona State Archives at http://www.lib.az.us/archives/ and the Arizona Historical Society at http://lista.azhist.arizona.edu/.

Alaska Research

Genealogy Page — 2009-01-20T14:54:00Z

The year 2009 is the year to concentrate on state resources. Alaska is a newer state with a long history. Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867 and did not become a state until January 3, 1959. Alaskan censuses were lists of natives of towns and islands. These can be found in the U.S. Serial Set. Use the U.S. Serial Set indexes to access information from the Congressional documents between 1789 and1969. To search the U.S. Serial Set index, go to the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s website at www.cuyahogalibry.org.
Then click on research and click on Subject research. Choose the Genealogy Page. Click on Premium Genealogy Resources and choose Heritage Quest. From Heritage Quest you can click on the U.S. Serial Set index.

Alabama Research

Genealogy Page — 2009-01-13T14:54:00Z

The first stop on our state resource tour is Alabama. Researchers with Alabama ancestors will find their census research enhanced by a few special enumerations. Researchers should look for the 1907 Enumeration of Confederate soldiers, as well as, a survey of veterans and widows in 1921 and 1927. For more information on Alabama, go to: http://www.archives.state.al.us/.

State Research

Genealogy Page — 2009-01-05T14:54:00Z

In the fall of 2008, I was asked to speak to a genealogy society about state research, a subject which I found to be a bit broad. While researching the broad subject of state research, I began to ponder the types of resources which might be specific to a state; the sometimes overlooked records that genealogists love to find and use. This year, we will be looking at each of the fifty states and the specialized records available to enhance your research. Of course, any discussion of state research should begin with the state research guides available through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints website, www.familysearch.org. The Family Search website outlines the research strategies for each and every state. To access research guidance for a state, go to: www.familysearch.org.

Heritage Quest Database

Genealogy Page — 2008-12-30T14:54:00Z

A discussion of freebie genealogy websites wouldn’t be complete without mentioning HeritageQuest. Typically a subscription database, HeritageQuest is available at no cost through any branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library. HeritageQuest offers access to the U.S. Federal Census, Revolutionary War pension files, U.S. Serial Set, and the Freedman’s Bank index. Digital images of thousands of family and local history books are also available. Perhaps the most exciting source HeritageQuest offers is PERSI, a surname and subject index to articles from local history and genealogy newsletters back to the 1800’s. HeritageQuest contains a wealth of information for genealogists

World GenWeb

Genealogy Page — 2008-12-18T14:54:00Z

The success of the USGenWeb project which began in 1996 was soon followed by the WorldGenWeb project. As the name suggests the focus of WorldGenWeb is to provide free access to genealogy queries, links and transcribed records. To access WorldGenWeb go to http://www.worldgenweb.org/.

International Genealogical Index

Genealogy Page — 2008-12-08T14:54:00Z

The International Genealogical Index (IGI) was touched upon in a previous week, but bears more detailed exploration. The IGI is a partial index to vital records from around the world, providing birth, marriage and death records from Africa, Asia, the British Isles (England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales the Channel Island and the Isle of Man", the Caribbean Islands, Central America, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Mexico, Norway, North America, South America, Europe, the Southwest Pacific and Sweden. Many of the names indexed were extracted from original records from the early 1500’s to the early 1900’s. To access the IGI go to http://www.familysearch.org/ click on the search tab and then on the link to the International Genealogical Index.

Before Ellis Island

Genealogy Page — 2008-11-03T14:54:00Z

Castle Garden was America’s first official immigration center. If your ancestor was one of the 10 million immigrants to enter the United States between 1830 and 1892, you’ll want to search the Castle Garden website at http://www.castlegarden.org/.

Geneanet Index

Genealogy Page — 2008-10-29T14:54:00Z

Geneanet, which started as a small French genealogy research site, has transformed into a research site with a worldwide focus. Geneanet indexes over 85 million names from website around the world. Although the primary focus is French ancestry, Geneanet is worth the look. To access Geneanet, go to
http://www.geneanet.org/?lang=en.

Geneanet(1)

Genealogy Page — 2008-10-29T14:54:00Z

Geneanet, which started as a small French genealogy research site, has transformed into a research site with a worldwide focus. Geneanet indexes over 85 million names from website around the world. Although the primary focus is French ancestry, Geneanet is worth the look. To search Geneanet, go to surnamesupersearch.com/surname/geneanet.htm.

Geneanet

Genealogy Page — 2008-10-29T14:54:00Z

Geneanet, which started as a small French genealogy research site, has transformed into a research site with a worldwide focus. Geneanet indexes over 85 million names from website around the world. Although the primary focus is French ancestry, Geneanet is worth the look. To search Geneanet, go to http://surnamesupersearch.com/surname/geneanet.htm.

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness(3)

Genealogy Page — 2008-10-20T14:54:00Z

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness exemplifies the freebie genealogy website. Over 4,000 volunteers from all over the world will perform free genealogical lookups and helps for others. Among other tasks, volunteers will videotape a cemetery or a visit to the county archives. You will be expected to pay any fees incurred by a volunteer such as copying fees, postage, parking or even mileage, but the benefit is well worth the price! To make a request, go to http://www.raogk.org/

U.S. Civil War Soldiers & Sailors

Genealogy Page — 2008-10-13T14:54:00Z

This week’s freebie genealogy site, U.S. Civil War Soldiers & Sailors, offers an index of United States servicemen who served in the Union or Confederate Army during the Civil War. Over 5 million names from over 30 states and territories are can be searched at no cost. The information provided is sufficient for requesting a National Archives file. Also included in the database are regimental histories and descriptions of 384 significant battles. To search the U.S. Civil War Soldiers & Sailors database go to http://www.civilwar.nps.gov/cwss/.

Cyndi's List

Genealogy Page — 2008-10-06T14:54:00Z

We can’t forget to mention Cyndi’s List when discussing freebie genealogy websites. Over 250,000 genealogy links have been categorized by the team at Cyndi’s list. These links are then organized by category or theme. Most of the links direct you to free genealogy websites. For example, if I searched the Cyndi’s List website for German Emigrants, I might find historical information along with links to free searchable sites indexing passenger lists. To search Cyndi’s List go to http://www.cyndislist.com/.

Clandiggers

Hands-on genealogy help will be available at Fairview Park library on Saturday, October 11 from 9:30 to 12:00 a.m. A member of the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society “Clan diggers,” will be available to answer questions Saturday, October 11th on a first-come first-serve basis. For hands-on genealogical help visit the second floor of the Fairview Park Branch library.

Obituary Central

Genealogy Page — 2008-09-29T14:54:00Z

Obituary Central is the place to begin your obituary search for the U.S. and Canada. Search your ancestors by surname through thousands of online cemetery inscriptions, obituaries, birth, marriage and death notices. To search at no cost, first choose a state, then a county. A search box will appear that search at no cost. Access Obituary Central at http://www.obitcentral.com/.

Clandiggers

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness(2)

Genealogy Page — 2008-09-23T14:54:00Z

Clandiggers

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness(1)

Genealogy Page — 2008-09-23T14:54:00Z

Clandiggers

Afrigeneas

Genealogy Page — 2008-09-15T14:54:00Z

This week’s freebie genealogy website is not to be missed by researchers with African-American ancestors. AfriGeneas is one of several excellent African-American genealogy resources. A surname database, slave manifests, deed abstracts, and slave bills of sale are among the many fine databases that can be searched at no cost. There is much to be found on this site including research guides and tutorials, historical newspaper articles, and images. Clicking on the “Resources” link will take you to even more databases. Check out this site by going to http://www.afrigeneas.com/library/.

Clandiggers

Native American Ancestry

Genealogy Page — 2008-09-08T14:54:00Z

This free Native American Indian Genealogy site includes information on many Native “American Indian tribes, an online index to the Final rolls and tips for searching Native American census records. This week’s freebie Genealogy website can be found at http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/.

Free Genealogy Help

HIspanic Roots

Genealogy Page — 2008-09-04T14:54:00Z

Researchers with Hispanic roots will want to take a look at this week’s freebie genealogy website. The U.S. Library of Congress offers a free searchable database indexing The Enciclopedia Heraldica Hispano-Americana. The 88 volume set covers Spanish Heraldry and includes genealogies of over 15,000 names. To submit a search go to www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/geneal/index_gc.html.

Spanish Heraldry

Genealogy Page — 2008-09-04T14:54:00Z

GenCircles

Genealogy Page — 2008-08-27T14:54:00Z

Another free website for finding and posting a family tree is a new site called GenCircles. Over 32 million surnames can be searched, however, expect that number to increase quickly. GenCircles is becoming more and more popular. A real bonus is the “matching technology’ available. If you post a family tree, you can use the technology to match the people in your pedigree to those already posted. To search or post on GenCircles go to http://www.gencircles.com/.

Research Advice

Genealogy Page — 2008-08-18T14:54:00Z

The FamilySearch Website of the church of the Later Day Saints is more than just a collection of free searchable databases. The Research Guidance section includes helpful research strategies for regions within the United States and for countries around the world. A research outline might describe records that can be used to research your family history as well as include free maps, timelines, letter-writing guides and research guides. To look at the FamilySearch helps, go to http://www.familysearch.org/ and click on Helpful Research Guidance.

Family Search Research Advice

Genealogy Page — 2008-08-18T14:54:00Z

Digital Library of Virginia

Genealogy Page — 2008-08-11T14:54:00Z

Researchers with early American ancestors might want to check out the Digital Library of Virginia. This free digitized collection contains more than two million original documents, photographs and maps. To search the site go to http://www.lva.lib.va.us/whatwehave/.

Library and Archives Canada

Genealogy Page — 2008-08-05T14:54:00Z

If Canadian research is your cup of tea, you’ll be interested in this week’s freebie genealogy website. inGeneas Database is a free searchable database for Canadian passenger and immigration records from 1750 to 1900. This site also houses the only electronic version of the free Library and Archives Canada Miscellaneous Immigration Index. The free search will provide you with a list of records which meet your search criteria. If you’re interested in a particular record, you can order a transcription from inGeneas. To visit the inGeneas Database go to http://www.ingeneas.com/.

inGeneas

Genealogy Page — 2008-08-04T14:54:00Z

If Canadian research is your cup of tea, you’ll be interested in this week’s freebie genealogy website. inGeneas Database is a free searchable database for Canadian passenger and immigration records from 1750 to 1900. This site also houses the only electronic version of the free National Archives of Canada Miscellaneous Immigration Index. The free search will provide you with a list of records which meet your search criteria. If you’re interested in a particular record, you can order a transcription from inGeneas. To visit the inGeneas Database go to http://www.ingeneas.com/.

Newspaper Abstracts

Travel Page — 2008-07-29T14:54:00Z

Interested in finding your ancestors in the news? Newspaper Abstracts is a free genealogy website that focuses on historical newspapers from the United States published prior to 1923 and from outside the U.S. published prior to 1900. This site is 100% supported by volunteers. Not only can you search this site for your ancestors, you can also sign up to submit information. To search historical newspapers go to http://www.newspaperabstracts.com/

GenForum

Travel Page — 2008-07-22T14:54:00Z

This week’s freebie genealogy website can offer a wealth of information. GenForum is noted for its active message boards, allowing you to post, search and read queries. Membership is not required until you want to post a query or receive email notifications; at that point you will need to complete the FREE registration form. Check out GenForum at http://genforum.genealogy.com/ .

Bygones

Genealogy Page — 2008-07-14T14:54:00Z

Bygones is a freeware software program used by genealogists to take and keep research notes on a laptop or desktop computer. The current version is a full working version, but currently doesn’t include technical support. For further details go to http://home.utah-inter.net/bygones/.

Ohio Historical Society

Genealogy Page — 2008-07-07T14:54:00Z

Not to be missed on our tour of 52 freebie genealogy websites is the Ohio Death Certificate Index. Search over two million death records for Ohio deaths 1913-1944 from those records held by the Ohio Office of Vital Statistics. This free database is hosted by the Ohio Historical Society at http://www.ohiohistory.org/. Access the Ohio Historical Society’s website and choose Death Certificate Index from the Find it Fast Box and you’re ready to search!

Pennsylvania Archives Records

Genealogy Page — 2008-06-30T14:54:00Z

The Pennsylvania Archives Records Information Access System has digitized over 600,000 records including the Revolutionary War Military Abstract Card File, the Mexican Border Campaign Veterans’ Card File and the Civil War Veterans’ Card File to name a few. The search is free and the results are fabulous digital images of original documents! To search the Pennsylvania Digital Archives go to http://www.digitalarchives.state.pa.us/.

Lost in Translation

Genealogy Page — 2008-06-17T14:54:00Z

Need help translating a document? Don’t miss this week’s freebie genealogy site, Free Genealogy Translations. Although hosted on the FranceGenWeb site, in French, it is easy to use. First select “traduction” then select the language you need translated from a list of 27 languages. Then click “Recherche” to receive a list of volunteers, with contact information, who are willing to translate. Check out this website at http://www.francegenweb.org/traduction/

JewishGen Family Finder

Genealogy Page — 2008-06-10T14:54:00Z

If you are of Jewish ancestry, don’t miss JewishGen Family Finder, a website dedicated to connecting researchers worldwide. Its’ primary components are the JewishGen Family Finder which indexes over 400,000 surnames and towns, the JewishGen Discussion group and the JewishGen’s Family Tree of the Jewish People. Spend some time in this comprehensive site by going to http://www.jewishgen.org/

U.S. GenWeb Archives

Genealogy Page — 2008-06-03T14:54:00Z

The USGenWeb Archives site offers free images or transcriptions of genealogy records including deeds, wills, census records, cemetery transcriptions, historical newspapers and more. This week’s freebie site is available because of the efforts of thousands of volunteers. To search the records of USGenWeb Archives go to http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/.

RootsWeb Surnale List

Genealogy Page — 2008-05-27T14:54:00Z

RootsWeb Surname List (RSL) is a freebie site not to be missed. RSL is a listing of over one million surnames from around the world. Expect to find dates, locations and submitter contact information for each surname. Not only is searching the RSL free, but adding your own surname is free as well. To look into your surname, go to http://rsl.rootsweb.com/

UK Census

Genealogy Page — 2008-05-18T14:54:00Z

This week’s freebie genealogy website offers a free searchable index to the 32 million names in the Census for England and Wales in 1901. Information may include the individual’s name, age, place of birth and occupation. This site also links to an index of birth, marriage and death records from 1837-2004. Although searching is free, viewing the digitized images require payment. To look further into English and Welsh records, go to http://www.1901censusonline.com/main.asp?wci=welcome.

Candadian Genealogy Center

Genealogy Page — 2008-05-14T14:54:00Z

The Canadian Genealogy Center is one stop shopping for Canadian researchers. The Canadian Naturalizations database and the Upper and Lower Canada Marriage bonds are among the fully-searchable databases available. Go to http://www.collectionscanada.ca/genealogy/index-e.html to investigate these Canadian resources.

Olive Tree

Genealogy Page — 2008-05-06T14:54:00Z

Our review of freebie genealogy websites wouldn’t be complete without the old standby, Olive Tree Genealogy. Olive Tree Genealogy has over 1,500 databases. More than 1,000 of these databases are ship passenger list transcriptions; however, researchers will find a variety of additional databases, such as, a specialized Mennonite database, military records, and links to other websites. To explore Olive Tree Genealogy, go to http://www.olivetreegenealogy.com/index.shtml.

Daughters of the American Revolution

Genealogy Page — 2008-05-01T14:54:00Z

Researchers who suspect their ancestor participated in the Revolutionary War will find this week’s genealogy freebie site of interest. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) offer a free lookup of individuals, both men and women, whose service is recognized by their National organization. The DAR Patriot Index may provide information such as dates and places of birth and death, name(s) of wife(s) or husband(s), rank, type of service, and the State where the patriot lived or served. To request a free lookup, go to http://www.dar.org/.

Cousin Connect

Genealogy Page — 2008-04-23T14:54:00Z

If you’re looking for a free genealogy site to connect with other researchers, try Cousin Connect. You can search by surname or locality to find genealogy queries posted by other researchers. Cousin Connect also lets you post free genealogy queries of your own. Go to http://www.cousinconnect.com/ to search for or post a query.

Dear Myrtle

Genealogy Page — 2008-04-14T14:54:00Z

Dear Myrtle’s website, http://www.dearmyrtle.com/, is a free genealogy website offering genealogy lessons, pod casts, and an advice column. Dear Myrtle’s site is excellent for beginners and a fun way to learn more about genealogy research.

Archival Research Catalog

Genealogy Page — 2008-04-07T14:54:00Z

The U.S. National Archive’s website ARC (Archival Research Catalog) offers researchers a chance to browse through a variety of digital databases. You will find databases such as the World War II Draft Registration, the Dawes Rolls, Criminal Case Files plus much more. Most genealogists should find something of interest in the ARC database, found at http://www.archives.gov/research/arc/topics/.

Surnames

Genealogy Page — 2008-04-01T14:54:00Z

Occasionally I’m approached by patrons who want to research their family history, who have absolutely no information with which to start. A good place is the surname. S surname is a known commodity. Glossary of Last Name Meanings & Origins is a free website profiling hundreds of surname meanings, origins, and variant spellings and related family trees. To search this website and others, Google “last name meanings”.

Last Name Meanings and Origins

Genealogy Page — 2008-03-31T14:54:00Z

Occasionally I’m approached by patrons who want to research their family history, who have absolutely no information with which to start. A good place is the surname. S surname is a known commodity. Glossary of Last Name Meanings & Origins is a free website profiling hundreds of surname meanings, origins, and variant spellings and related family trees. This fun website is found at http://genealogy.about.com/library/surnames/bl_meaning.htm

Distant Cousin

Genealogy Page — 2008-03-24T14:54:00Z

Our ongoing search for free genealogy websites takes us to Distant Cousin, a site that offers free searchable databases including city directories, ship passenger lists, cemeteries and vital statistics. The whole site surname search makes is easy and efficient to use. To search the Distant Cousin website, go to http://www.distantcousin.com/

FreeBMD

Genealogy Page — 2008-03-14T14:54:00Z

FreeBMD is a website devoted to vital records from England and Wales. Volunteer transcribers are indexing the Civil Registration index of births, marriages, and deaths from 1837 to1983. This is a valuable but ongoing project, one that has not yet been completed. It’s aim is to complete the indexing of an invaluable resource to genealogists focusing their research on England and Wales. You can search this free website at http://freebmd.rootsweb.com/.

Freebie Software

Genealogy Page — 2008-03-09T14:54:00Z

Are you ready for a genealogy software program but are unsure which to choose? This week’s freebie website might solve that problem. Legacy Family Tree offers a free Windows based genealogy software program. You can download the free standard version from the Legacy website at http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/.

Social Security Death Index

Genealogy Page — 2008-03-03T14:54:00Z

What list of freebie websites would be complete without the U.S. Social Security Death Index (SSDI)? SSDI is one of the largest genealogy databases containing records of U.S. citizens who have died since 1962. Useful for finding the next of kin and possible maiden names for female ancestors, the SSDI remains one of the easiest genealogy databases to search. Go to http://ssdi.rootsweb.com/ to search the Social Security Death Index.

Genebios

Genealogy Page — 2008-02-25T14:54:00Z

Geneabios is a free biographical website found at http://www.geneabios.com/. Thousands of biographies posted by genealogists around the world are indexed and searchable. A simple surname search can result in a biography of ordinary men and women, possibly your ancestor or family! This is a small but fun sight with links to major online biographical sources.

Immigrant Ships

Genealogy Page — 2008-02-18T14:54:00Z

Last week I mentioned the Ellis Island website for locating passenger lists. This week’s freebie is another passenger and immigration focused website. The Immigrant Ship Transcribers Guild is made up of volunteers who have transcribed more than 5,000 passenger lists, all of which are available online at their website at http://www.immigrantships.net/. From the ISTG Compass link you can access more information about immigration links.

Ellis Island Research

Genealogy Page — 2008-02-11T14:54:00Z

Another freebie standby is the Ellis Island website at http://www.ellisisland.org/. Over 20 million Americans came through Ellis Island and your ancestor could be one of them. The Ellis Island records website provides a searchable database of passenger records from 1892-1924. Once you’ve found your ancestor in the database, you can view and print a digital image of the record and a photo of the ship on which they sailed. It is necessary to register as a user (at no cost) before searching the database.

Family Search

Genealogy Page — 2008-02-04T14:54:00Z

A year long tour of freebie genealogy websites would not be complete without the Family Search Internet site. This database, from the Latter-day Saints (Mormons), includes some census information for the United States, British Isles and Canada as well as user posted pedigree charts. Also available through Family Search is the online index to the International Genealogical Index (IGI) and an online catalog of print and nonprint resources owned by the Mormons. Login to http://www.familysearch.org/ to begin your search.

Books We Own

Genealogy Page — 2008-01-28T14:54:00Z

Another great free genealogy research website not to miss is the Books We Own site. Over 1,500 volunteers provide look up service in various genealogy books and resources that they have access to. To search Books We Own go to http://www.rootsweb.com/~bwo/ and search by locality or surname.

Online Cemetery Records

Genealogy Page — 2008-01-22T14:54:00Z

Interment.net is a website offering free cemetery records online. Over 3 million records from over 8,000 cemeteries throughout the world are searchable by surname or locality. The database includes actual cemetery transcriptions and links to other cemetery transcriptions available worldwide. Go to http://interment.net/ to search for your ancestor.

U.S. Federal Land Patent Records

Genealogy Page — 2008-01-14T14:54:00Z

Continuing with the 2008 year of the freebie genealogy web site, the U.S. Federal Land Patent Records is an important addition. More than an index, the Bureau of Land Management offers free online access to Federal land records for Public Land States, along with digital images of title records issued between 1820 and 1908. If you find your ancestor’s land patent, you can order a certified paper copy directly from the Bureau of Land Management. To search the Federal Land Patent Records, go to http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/.

Family Tree Magazine's Charts and Forms

Genealogy Page — 2008-01-07T14:54:00Z

The year 2008 might be the year to organize your genealogy research. This week’s freebie genealogy website will help you rid yourself of the dreaded sticky notes. The Family Tree Magazine website for genealogy charts & forms offers a variety of free forms downloadable in text or PDF format. Whether you need a cemetery transcription form or a vital records chart, Family Tree Magazine has them plus many more. Click here to download the charts and forms you need to start organizing!

Free Genealogy Websites

Genealogy Page — 2008-01-02T14:54:00Z

As more and more subscription genealogy databases pop up, it seems that free genealogy sites will soon be just a memory. We begin the New Year, highlighting some of the wonderful free sites available, to remind us that free genealogy websites that are alive and kicking. With that thought in mind, the year 2008 is here by dedicated to the freebie. Login every week to learn about a new freebie site or become reacquainted with an old freebie standby!

We’ll ring in the year with the Rootsweb World Connect Project. Not only is Rootsweb the oldest and largest free genealogy website, the World Connect Project contains over 3 billion names! Users are able to upload, link and display their family trees and share their work with other researchers. Go to http://wc.rootsweb.com/ to
search or contribute to Rootsweb’s World Connect Project.

Google Continued

Genealogy Page — 2007-12-26T14:54:00Z

Our final Google search installment should keep genealogists busy clicking away at their keyboards. To assure yourself that you’ve seen all of the genealogy sites available include allinurl:genealogy to your search. It will bring up every site with genealogy in the URL. A word of warning! There are over 10 million sites with genealogy in the URL. You can narrow that search by combining allinurl:genealogy with other search terms. For example, allinurl:genealogy can be combined with a locality (Indiana County, Pennsylvania) or with a surname (Bauer) for a more focused search.

Beyond Google

Genealogy Page — 2007-12-17T14:54:00Z

For the past few weeks we’ve looked at Google search methods to help the genealogy researcher. Google can also be used to find living people and street maps. Using the basic search box and searching by first and last name, a city and a state will retrieve a phone number. Or, if a phone number is all you know, Google will retrieve the name and address for that phone number. If you’re looking for a map, type an address in the Google search box to find a street map.

Beyond Google Basics

Genealogy Page — 2007-12-10T14:54:00Z

Beyond the basic Google search techniques, searching without stops can be useful for genealogy research. Stop words are words that Google ignores when searching. These words are usually small, common and meaningless to most searches (i.e. and, if, be, will, the, about…). However, there are situations when you wouldn’t want a particular word ignored. For example, if you were searching for the will of Henry Banks, you wouldn’t want Google to ignore the word will. To search without stops you could search in one of two ways. You could search Henry Banks +will or (Henry Banks will). Either method will tell Google that the word will is important and may lead you to an important discovery!

Google Search part 2

Genealogy Page — 2007-12-04T14:54:00Z

Last week we learned to add quotation marks and plus or minus signs in a Google search to narrow search results. Another way to narrow search is the use of the word OR. Linking your search terms together will give you more flexibility. You could search Wexford genealogy OR family OR cemetery to retrieve results containing Wexford and any of the other three words in the text.

You can, of course, combine search options (i.e. Crosby –Bing genealogy OR family history). A word of warning; by limiting too much you might be missing out on some great results! Next week, we’ll investigate Google searching in further detail.

Google Search

Genealogy Page — 2007-11-26T14:54:00Z

Google has become a favorite search engine among many genealogists. It’s great for searching surname queries. For the next few weeks we’ll be looking at Google search techniques to further your family history research. To be super successful with a genealogy Google search, follow these important ground rules:
1. Use quotation marks around any two words in a name or phrase to limit your search to those results where the words appear together. For example, if you searched for Mary Bradford your result list would include pages where Mary Smith was found and pages where Harold Bradford was found. When you add the quotation marks “Mary Bradford,” you will limit your search to those results where Mary and Bradford appear together.
2. Use a plus sign before those words which are critical to your search. If you only wanted to look at a Mary Bradford who lived in England, searching Mary Bradford +England would limit your results.
3. Use a minus sign before words that you don’t want included in your search. When your search contains a common name, you can limit the results with a minus sign. For example, if you searched the surname Jefferson –Thomas, you would avoid looking at all of the results with Thomas Jefferson.

Tracing Female Ancestors

Genealogy Page — 2007-11-20T14:54:00Z

Tracing a female ancestor can be a challenge when you don’t know their surname. Some records tend to be more useful than others when trying to locate a maiden name. Marriage certificates, cemetery records, land records and census records are the most obvious tools for determining a maiden name. Additionally, the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) can also be helpful. Several of the free online SSDI databases allow searches without a last name but including information such as birth or death dates. To find a maiden name, you could search for every woman born on November 3, 1945 with the first name of Florence. Another search method that might offer you clues would be to search for every woman who died in Michigan with the first name of Vivian. Of course, your results will vary depending upon how common the given name is that you are searching, but an uncommon surname will probably give you a manageable amount of possibilities to pursue. The next time you’re searching for a female relative, give the Social Security Death Index a try.

Freebies

Genealogy Page — 2007-11-12T14:54:00Z

Periodically Genealogy-Bank offers interesting freebies on its site. These are collections that can be viewed without subscription. However, you will need to provide your name and email address to view the free content. Currently, you can download a digital image of the US Passenger List for 1819-1820 or Naturalizations printed in the Fort Wayne, Indiana News Sentinel in 1922. Free is always nice and you never know what you might find. To access the Genealogy-Bank freebies, go to http://www.genealogybank.com/free/

New Book Display

Genealogy Page — 2007-11-03T14:54:00Z

Check out the Genealogy New Book Display on the second floor of the Fairview Park Branch Library. The display is located near the genealogy desk, facing the windows. New books and upcoming local area events will be displayed. The "New Book" area will be of interest to beginning genealogists and experienced researchers

Research Tool Kit

Genealogy Page — 2007-10-22T14:54:00Z

Going on a research trip? ? Be prepared by packing a research tool kit. Here are just some of the items I have in my tool kit: coins and dollar bills for the copy machines and microform reader/printers, lined paper for note taking, plenty of pencils and an eraser, stick-on notes, paper clips in a variety of sizes, a small stapler with staples, a highlighter, an 8 ½" x 11 sheet of bright green or yellow paper to lay on microform reader screens to improve contrast, white gloves, tissues, a magnifying glass, a digital camera, my USB drive and a writable CD. What do you keep in your research tool kit?

Women vs Men

Genealogy Page — 2007-10-15T14:54:00Z

Did you know you are descended from more women than men? How can this be? I would think that there are an equal number of men and women hanging from the branches my family tree. According to Roy F. Baumeister, a Social Psychologist at Florida State University, fewer men than women had descendants. Men typically were more adventurous, going off to war or leaving home to explore new worlds. DNA studies show that today's population is descended from twice as many women as men. Approximately 80% of women reproduced and only 40% of men reproduced. So, if you don't believe Mr. Baumeister's theories, I challenge you to count your ancestors!

Men vs Women

Genealogy Page — 2007-10-15T14:54:00Z

Researching at Fairview Park

Genealogy Page — 2007-10-08T14:54:00Z

A local Genealogical Society recently asked me to deliver a program to their group on the topic of "Researching at the Fairview Park Branch Library's Genealogy Collection." In preparation for this program, I looked at the topic through the eyes of a patron who had come to the Fairview Park branch to research, possibly for the first time, and what that patron might find in their search. I didn't have to imagine this scenario; it happens every day. Recently, a gentleman approached the genealogy desk with a few names and dates scribbled on a piece of scrap paper. His search started with the census. After a couple of hours, the gentleman found his grandfather in the census which lead him to an Ohio county. After consulting a few of the indexes and abstracts for the county and consulting a county history, he was able to trace his family back three generations! Not a bad days work for a genealogist! I can't say I was surprised, you never know what you might find in the genealogy collection at the Fairview Park Branch Library. Visit soon to find out what we have to offer!

Polish American Heritage Month

Genealogy Page — 2007-10-01T14:54:00Z

There is an estimated ten million Americans of Polish descent, making Poles the sixth most populous ethnic group in the United States. October is Polish American Heritage Month during which Poles celebrate Polish customs and history, as well as the 399th anniversary of the first Polish settlers' arrival at Jamestown in 1608. Visit the national Polish American Center website for Polish family history research links, children's activities, celebration ideas, and much more.

What's New at Linkpendium

Genealogy Page — 2007-09-24T14:54:00Z

Linkpendium is known as the definitive directory of genealogical resources on the web. During the past year, Linkpendium has added an average of 80,000 links per month and has now surpassed 6 million links! If you haven't done so lately, take time to investigate the resources linked through Linkpendium. You can find a link to Linkpendium through the Genealogy Page at www.cuyahogalibrary.org. Click on Research, then Subject Areas, then the Genealogy Page. At the far right, under Online Resources, follow the link to Genealogy beyond Cuyahoga County to access Linkpendium.

Mortality Schedules

Genealogy Page — 2007-09-09T14:54:00Z

In the years 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880, federal census enumerators were required to compile supplemental schedules listing individuals who died within the 12 months preceding the census taking. These lists are known as "mortality schedules." The mortality schedules typically include the required census data on each individual plus the date and cause of death. Many of these schedules are now searchable online. You will find a free index to these schedules at www.mortalityschedules.comand a more complete index through Ancestry Library Edition. To access Ancestry Library Edition stop in at any branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library.

That's My Old House

Genealogy Page — 2007-09-04T14:54:00Z

Growing up in a century home with the knowledge that five generations of our family have lived in that same house has offered me a degree of security and a sense of place in this world. When I came across a website that focuses on homes and hometowns, it really spoke to me. ThatsMyOldHouse.com offers people a place to share information about the home or hometown in which they grew up. This website allows researchers to find out more about the house or town they may be living in now or that an ancestor once called home. ThatsMyOldHouse.com is designed as a website for sharing stories that revolve around place. To share a memory or story, users answer twelve questions such as family name and fondest memory of growing up in the house or hometown. There is also a place to upload photos. So far, the site has close to 1600 entries with more being recorded every day. Maybe your entry will be next!

PA Genealogy Day

Genealogy Page — 2007-08-27T14:54:00Z

Researchers with Pennsylvania ties might be interested to know that the State Library of Pennsylvania will celebrate Genealogy Day on Saturday, September 29, 2007. Genealogy Day will be a day of exhibits, learning and research; featuring information sessions on a variety of topics. The State Library of Pennsylvania is located in the Forum Building at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Walnut Street, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. For more information about this event contact Marc Bender at the State Library at 717-705-6272 or marbender@state.pa.us.

National Archives Fee Increase

Genealogy Page — 2007-08-20T14:54:00Z

The long awaited National Archives price increase was announced recently. As appeared in the Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 159 / Friday, August 17, 2007; the National Archives "is revising its fees for reproduction of records and other materials in the custody of the Archivist of the United States." As of October 1, 2007, the fee for copies of Civil War pension files for a full file, regardless of page count, up to 100 pages, will be $75. Pages beyond 100 will be charged at a rate of $0.65 (65 cents). The customer will have the option of ordering the remaining pages or declining to order them. The fee for pre-Civil War pension files will be raised to $50 regardless of page count. For further information contact Jennifer Davis Heaps at 301-837-1850 or fax at 301-837-0319 or on the web at http://www.archives.gov/.

Google Alerts

Genealogy Page — 2007-08-11T14:54:00Z

Google.com has long been a valuable search engine for genealogical research. Lately, I've been having a lot of fun with Google Alerts. Google Alerts are email messages that are automatically sent to you when Google's search engines find a match according to the criteria which you submit. For instance, I created a custom search to notify me whenever Google encounters my ancestor's surname, "Thomas Stophel" with the place name "Pennsylvania." Whenever a match is found, (sometimes daily), I am automatically notified. In this case, I was notified that my ancestor, Thomas Stophel, was buried in the Old Strongstown Cemetery in Pennsylvania. A few days later, I was alerted to a deed of sale for land which abutted my Thomas Stophel's. Some of the information I've received has been irrelevant and some has pointed me in the direction of my next search. To create your own custom Google search go to the Google Alerts page at http://google.com/alerts.

Black Sheep in the Family

Genealogy Page — 2007-07-30T14:54:00Z

Every family has stories they hand down from generation to generation. These stories often involve a family relation to someone famous: a prince, a billionaire, or an actor. Many beginning genealogists have dreams of finding proof that Grandpa's story is true; he really is a direct descendant of George Washington! Most of us will never find that link, but you might find a family relation of a different sort. Blacksheepancestors.com is a website to help genealogists track down their rogue ancestor. You know the one-he's the scoundrel that hasn't been mentioned for generations; his misdeeds too heinous or embarrassing to acknowledge. Black sheep ancestors have become so popular, professional genealogists have created the International Black Sheep Society of Genealogists: http://blacksheep.rootsweb.com/. Membership is restricted to those who can prove a direct family line to all manner of miscreants. For further help in finding your black sheep, visit your local library and check out Rhonda McClure's book, Finding Your Famous (& Infamous) Ancestors: Uncover the Celebrities, Rogues, and Royals in Your Family Tree.

Lineage Societies

Genealogy Page — 2007-07-23T14:54:00Z

First Families of Ohio is one of three lineage societies available to direct descendants of an individual who settled in the area that is now the State of Ohio. To become a member of First Families of Ohio applicants must be a direct descendant of an individual who settled in Ohio by the end of 1820. Another lineage society, Settlers and Builders of Ohio, is open to applicants who are a direct descendant of an individual who settled in Ohio between 1 January 1821 and 31 December 1860. The Society of Civil War Families of Ohio is the third lineage society. Its members must be a direct descendant or a collateral relative of any person with a tie to Ohio who served in the Civil War, for the Union or the Confederacy. Additionally, the person must have lived or died in Ohio or served in an Ohio unit. Also eligible for membership in this society are "Squirrel Hunters" and "Spies," male or female. More information on these Ohio lineage societies is available on the Ohio Genealogical Society website (OGS) at www.ogs.org.

DNA Proof

Genealogy Page — 2007-07-16T14:54:00Z

For the first time ever, a lineage society has accepted DNA evidence as proof of descent. Recently, The Mayflower Society has accepted proof of descent from a Mayflower passenger based on a Y-chromosome DNA study. Surely, this is a sign of the times to come.

Ancestry.com vs. Ancestry Library Edition

Genealogy Page — 2007-07-09T14:54:00Z

Have you ever wondered what you might be missing by using the Ancestry Library Edition database as opposed to the Ancestry.com subscription database? As it turns out, you’re missing very little. The differences between the two are actually very few! The outline below lists the 6 collections available through the paid subscription database which are not offered through the Library Edition:

One World Tree−this is a computer generated pedigree database.

Ancestry’s Historical Newspaper and Obituary Collections−this is a database of full-text articles newspaper articles from over 1,000 historical newspapers across the U.S. and a compilation of obituaries from newspaper published in the U.S.

Ancestry’s Families and Local Histories Collection−this is a collection of searchable books. These books are available through the HeritageQuest online database.

PeopleFinder−this is database of public records to locate living people.

Filby’s Passenger and Immigration Lists and Gale’s City Directories−Filby’s is an index to passenger and immigration lists which can be found in book form at the Fairview Park Branch. FPR also has City Directories from around the U.S. in microform.

Biography & Genealogy Master Index−this is an index to those individuals who have been profiled in the Who’s Who biography collections.

One World Tree−this is a computer generated pedigree database.

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness

Genealogy Page — 2007-06-25T14:54:00Z

Another partnership recently announced was that of Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness and FamilyLink.com. Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness is a volunteer organization which provides free genealogy related services for researchers who are not able to physically complete the research themselves. This global volunteer organization has partnered with FamilyLink.com, a social networking site for genealogists. This partnership should allow the volunteers to expand their good works as well as bring attention to the resources available at FamilyLink.com.

Do You Know What's in Your Attic?

Genealogy Page — 2007-06-19T14:54:00Z

Every genealogical search begins at home. When begin looking into your family history search for clues in your safe, attic or basement. Diplomas, letters, scrapbooks, life insurance papers, tax forms and awards are just a few of the helpful resources you may find at home. The most helpful home resource for any genealogist is a living relative. So, interview your grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. When interviewing, remember to ask open ended questions, refrain from interrupting, and, if you can, tape the interview with permission. So before you plan your next research trip, ask yourself, What’s in Your Attic?

What's in Your Attic?(1)

Genealogy Page — 2007-06-19T14:54:00Z

Heritage Quest

Genealogy Page — 2007-06-12T14:54:00Z

Most genealogists have used Heritage Quest’s census index, but are you aware that HQ offers another valuable index for genealogists? Every researcher should search PERSI (Periodical Source Index), a subject index to over 20,000 articles appearing in historical and genealogical periodicals from 1847 on.

Genealogical society members comb through archives, cemeteries, and courthouses, gather information specific to the county in which they research and then publish articles based on their findings. A researcher using PERSI might find a portion of a tax list, an index to marriages in a particular year or a list of land grants. These articles are then indexed and searchable by surname, subject or place name.

Don’t discount what genealogical treasure you might find through PERSI, you might just find a clue leading you to something wonderful! Other indexes in Heritage Quest include Revolutionary War Pensions, Bounty-Land Application Files, and the Freedman Bank Records.Most genealogists have used Heritage Quest's census index, but are you aware that HQ offers another valuable index for genealogists? Every researcher should search PERSI (Periodical Source Index), a subject index to over 20,000 articles appearing in historical and genealogical periodicals from 1847 on.

Don't discount what genealogical treasure you might find through PERSI, you might just find a clue leading you to something wonderful!

Ancestry Library Edition

Genealogy Page — 2007-05-09T14:54:00Z

Ancestry Library Edition is not Ancestry.com! The library subscribes to the Ancestry Library Edition database, makes it available to you on library computers, and does not charge to view and print the records you'll find to grow your family tree. This is a vast, must-try resource for genealogists. Ancestry's always on the move—it just updated its Social Security Death Index to include all records as recent as last year.

»To access Ancestry at the library, go to Online Resources near the top right of the screen, and click on Premium Genealogy Resources.

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Leigh Klekar — 2007-03-06T14:54:00Z

I hope everyone has been enjoying the blogs. Please check in soon to read some very interesting blog posts.

Cemetery Records

General Reference Page — 2007-02-19T14:54:00Z

Searching for vital records and not having any luck? Don't discount a substitute. If you can't find a death certificate for your ancestor, try one of the following substitutes: estate records, cemetery records, church records, obituaries, memorial cards, Social Security Death Index, military pension and service records, census mortality schedules, funeral home records, land records, tax records, reunion records, and of course the family bible.

Of these substitutes, Cemetery Records can provide the genealogist with a range of valuable information. Cemetery records, sometimes called Internment records, typically can include the name of the plot owner, the exact location of the plot and the plot purchase price. You will also find the name of the deceased, and possibly his/her birthplace and dates, doctor's name, cause of death and date, names of parents and spouse's name, religion and military service.

The Genealogy collection at Fairview Park Branch Library houses many resources that may help you locate a substitute record. We have print and microfilm versions of indexes to cemetery records, wills and military pension records. Our newest acquisition is the Fairview Village Cemetery Index File which provides photocopies of the cemetery cards found at the Fairview Village Cemetery. No matter where your search may lead you, check out www.interment.net, which publishes transcriptions in the United States and the United Kingdom. At present, you'll find links to over 3 million headstone transcriptions with more being added.

So, if your search for a death record is unsuccessful, allow the cemetery record to provide you with another clue. Look past the name of the deceased, who paid for the lot or the funeral expenses? This may be a relative who should be researched.

Japanese Internment Camps Anniversary

General Reference Page — 2007-01-22T14:54:00Z

As the 65th anniversary of the Japanese internment camps approaches, it brings to mind the importance of this time period to family historians. Japanese-Americans were interned on American soil as a result of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066. From February 19, 1942 through January 2, 1945 over 110,000 Japanese-Americans lived in camps in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. Those genealogists who are researching their Japanese-American heritage or for those who would like to take a closer look at a piece of American history may want to visit the genealogy collection at Fairview Park Library. The Cuyahoga County Public Library's genealogy collection houses microfilm for all seven camps. Expect to find family group sheet type of information for each entry including birth dates, marital status, whether their internment was voluntary, citizenship status, final departure dates and much more.

Federal Land Grants

General Reference Page — 2007-01-09T14:54:00Z

My father used to tell me that "the best things come in small packages" and my father was rarely wrong! As I was looking through the new books received for the Genealogy collection, I came across a small, but oh so valuable, guide to researching homesteads. It reminded me what a rich genealogical resource homestead records could be.
Most information to be found regarding Federal Land Grants is that found in land claims filed in 1820 or later. Although any land entry to be found is valuable, the information found varies. It is the homestead records that offer the most information for genealogists. The homestead files not only contain the name and address of the entryman, but also those of his family and those living and working on the land. Homestead records also contain a description of the land. Often the file will contain naturalization or citizenship papers (which usually include the elusive Port of Entry). Quite a find if your ancestors lived in a public land state! Thirty states, including Ohio, are public land states.

For more information on Land Grants visit the Genealogy collection and look for one of these helpful sources:

Barsi, James C, The Basic Researcher's Guide to Homesteads & Other Federal Land Records, Nuthatch Grove Press, 1994.

Kirkham, E. Kay, The Land Records of America, Stevenson's Genealogical Center, 1972.

Greenwood, Val D., The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy, Genealogical Publishing Company, 1990.

Hull, Lise, Tracing Your Family History, Reader's Digest, 2006.

Update on Ohio Death Records

General Reference Page — 2006-10-31T14:54:00Z

Sometime earlier this year the Ohio Division of Vital Statistics handed off a large chunk of its death certificates to the Ohio Historical Society. In many ways, this is a good thing, because the OHS charges a lot less for copies of records than does the Ohio Vital Stats Division.

Death Records & Certificates:

1908—1953. Ohio Historical Society Library. $7.00 per copy.
OHS also has the Ohio Death Certificate Index, 1913—1944, an excellent tool to help determine place and date of death.

1954—present. Ohio Department of Health. Division of Vital Statistics. $16.50 per copy. Only “certified copies” are available.

Also, Cleveland City Hall, at the Office for Vital Statistics, holds death records dating from 1908 to the present for deaths occurring in Cleveland and some suburbs. Hours are 8 to 4, Monday thru Friday. An appointment is suggested. Call 216-664-2317.

And furthermore...the Ancestry Library Edition database (accessible only on library computers) offers "Ohio Deaths, 1908-1944 and 1958-2002." This index of over 5.3 million names may be your key to determining your ancestor's exact date and place of death. In some instances, it also provides age, birth date, and father's name.

HeritageQuest will terminate remote access

Genealogy Page — 2006-09-01T14:54:00Z

Citing financial losses, Proquest announced it is ending remote access to HeritageQuest for members of genealogical and historical societies. About 40 societies in the U.S. will be effected when their contracts expire, and Ohio Genealogical Society is among the 40. For the full story, check out the October issue of Family Tree Magazine. Fortunately, Ohio public library cardholders will not lose home access to the great HeritageQuest resources like census, Revolutionary War and Freedman's bank records, and the Periodical Source Index.
If you do not yet have a library card, apply for one now, from this website, and continue your home access to HeritageQuest. And, while you are at it, try out some of the other great electronic resources available from the library's website.
Thanks for stopping by.

YouTube for genealogy?

Genealogy Page — 2006-08-16T14:54:00Z

Of course! Imagine telling the story of your life, in your own words, in your own home, in your own time, and broadcasting it from YouTube. That is precisely what Peter, a 78 year old widower, living in the countryside in Great Britain, UK, did last week. His story begins, "I am a widower living alone in the county in the middle of England UK. My life has been very varied but my love of motorcycles has remained with me all of my life."

This may not read like much, but to view it is incredibly compelling. In fact, he has captured the attention of 468,284 YouTube subscribers and was the most-viewed video this week. (Source: YouTube website)

To see and hear his personal history, go to Peter's profile page, and look for "Telling It All" under the videos section. The story has several parts, and it looks like more will follow. YouTube includes all types of uploadable video. It is free and easy and the first step to preserving and sharing your own personal history in this amazing new way.

Thanks for stopping by.

Free genealogy charts

Genealogy Page — 2006-07-27T14:54:00Z

Family group sheets, pedigree charts, and research logs are keys to your genealogical success. Using them helps you organize the information you already have as well as identify the areas you still need to research. I am happy to announce that by clicking on the links below, you can print as many genealogy forms as you dare from this website, for free. My colleague/web-guru, Kathy, created these beautiful renditions, so lets show our appreciation by clicking and printing the files frequently. Or, send me your comments to share with Kathy.

Thanks for stopping by.

101 Best Genealogy Websites 2006

Genealogy Page — 2006-07-03T14:54:00Z

I look forward to this edition of Family Tree Magazine every year. Unfortunately, it takes an inordinate amount of time for me to finish the article. Not known for patience, I log in to the sites as I read them instead of holding off until the end.
The winning sites are staff-selected, and preference is given to sites which are a) free and b) provide opportunities for "real research." Unlike years past, the editors chose to divide the '06 pack into categories, so I cannot announce the #1 website at this writing, but you can check out a copy of the August 2006 Family Tree Magazineat many Cuyahoga County Library branches. Thanks for stopping by.

A freebie, from Ancestry

Genealogy Page — 2006-06-21T14:54:00Z

Ancestry is celebrating the completion of the 1930 census index and offering a free 3 day trial of the 1930 database throughout the month of July. Altogether, Ancestry.com has uploaded more than 540 million Census entries, and they are marking the completion of this vast project, beginning Thursday, with free, three-day trials of the 1930 Census database. Usually, annual subscription rates start around $155.40, so don't miss this chance to dig for your roots - or anyone else's - at no charge.
ABC News.com ran an interesting article about census research titled, Tom Hanks' Squirrelly Past: Celeb Family Secrets . Check it out, and thanks for stopping by.

Heritage Quest from home

Proof Reader — 2006-06-09T14:54:00Z

Fellow researchers, Thank you for your patience with respect to Heritage Quest. Since the launch of our new website on May 1st, technical issues have prevented you from searching Heritage Quest from home. We continue to work towards a solution that will allow you to connect to HQ from this website. Until then, use the OPLIN website as your connection point. From the OPLIN site, click on the "Research Databases" option listed on the left side of the screen, then search for Heritage Quest.

Heritage Quest is a great tool for family researchers. It contains most of the U.S. Federal Census records, more than 20,000 family and local histories, PERSI (the mega-index to genealogy and local history articles), Revolutionary War-era pension applications, and the Freedman's Bank records which provided assistance to newly-freed African-Americans following the Civil War.

You can still access HQ within any of the 28 Cuyahoga County Library branches, and we are always glad to see you, so drop in for some genealogy today.

Thanks for stopping by.

HeritageQuest from Home

Kathy Schnell — 2006-06-09T14:54:00Z

Fellow researchers, Thank you for your patience with respect to Heritage Quest. Since the launch of our new website on May 1st, technical issues have prevented you from searching Heritage Quest from home. We continue to work towards a solution that will allow you to connect to HQ from this website. Until then, use the OPLIN website as your connection point. From the OPLIN site, click on the "Research Databases" option listed on the left side of the screen, then search for Heritage Quest.

Heritage Quest is a great tool for family researchers. It contains most of the U.S. Federal Census records, more than 20,000 family and local histories, PERSI (the mega-index to genealogy and local history articles), Revolutionary War-era pension applications, and the Freedman's Bank records which provided assistance to newly-freed African-Americans following the Civil War.

You can still access HQ within any of the 28 Cuyahoga County Library Branches, and we are always glad to see you, so drop in for some genealogy today.

Thanks for stopping by.

Census tip

Genealogy Page — 2006-06-02T14:54:00Z

You've tried everything: you've enhanced the color, you've diminished the color. You've reduced the image, you've magnified the image. You've turned it up, down, sideways, and back. You've asked your spouse to take a guess, and even SHE cannot decifer the census taker's handwriting. Here is a tip: Compare the census image with the householder's directory (usually the last section) of the city directory for that same year. The householder's directory lists every street and where the street intersections occur. It lists numerically every location on each street, naming the householder or business at each number and whether the person rents or owns, and it should square with the listing of names on the census sheet. An elegant solution to a chronic problem. Thanks, Bill!

If you have a tip to share, send me an email, and thanks for stopping by.

Property Research

Genealogy Page — 2006-05-23T14:54:00Z

Today's blog comes to us courtesy of Dan and Abby (fellow librarians) who sleuthed the answer to this question - "How can I find out what happened to my aunt who used to live in Cleveland on xyz Street? I am in town from Indiana, and I haven't seen or spoken to her in several years. I drove by the house, but it looked empty."
First stop - a current telephone directory. When neither of these located Auntie, Abby checked local death notices and the Social Security Death Index on the hunch she might have passed. Strike two. Meanwhile, Dan decided to run Auntie's last name through the Cuyahoga County Recorder's Office site, and the deed he located revealed that Auntie had recently transferred the home to another relative. Our Indiana researcher then looked for this name in the telephone book and found one listing. He intends to contact her to inquire about Auntie.
If you haven't used property records in your genealogy, you just hit the lottery. Deeds and other land records may provide evidence of family relationships (check out the names of the witnesses), the names of neighbors, maiden names, dates of death, and much, much more.
For property research in Cuyahoga County, Cleveland Public Library provides a great step-by-step checklist, and this is the best way to start. Next, the Cuyahoga County Archives houses most of the historic documents you will need, so check out their website before visiting. Property research is by appointment only. Must-see, and FREE, resources are the Cuyahoga County Recorder's Office site and the Cuyahoga County Auditor's Property Appraisals website.

Nice work, Dan and Abby. If you have a challenge to share, send me an email, and thanks for stopping.

What happened to the death notices and obituaries?

Greg Weller — 2006-05-13T14:54:00Z

Thanks for the question, Bob! The three big resources for locating death notices and obituaries in Cleveland are the Cleveland Necrology File (1850-1975; full text), the Cleveland News Index (1976-present; index only), and Cleveland.com (current+3 months). From this webpage, look for a section named 'Online Resources.' Select 'Resources in Cuyahoga County' and you will find links to all three resources. OR . . . you can use your Greater Access Library Card to connect through the Cleveland Public Library.

Death notices are fantastic resources for genealogists. Usually free, they contain things like the full name and address of the dead person; names of spouses, children, siblings, and sometimes even parents; names of churches, cemeteries, and funeral homes. Family researchers owe a great debt to the Cleveland Public Librarians who had the foresight to create the Necrology File and the News Index and the fortitude to maintain them.

Cleveland.com is a free resource which can be Googled or linked to from this sight (see above).

Send me another question, and keep exploring the new website.

Thanks for stopping.

Where's Ancestry?

Genealogy Page — 2006-05-02T14:54:00Z

I hope you are enjoying County Library's new website. Have you tried the very-cool Find Engine yet? Have you relocated Ancestry? Ancestry (Library Edition) and the other fine, subscription databases for genealogy are just a click away. Look to the right of this sentence for an icon named The find engine (Premium Research Services) and click on the image. You will be routed to the databases.

Further down the "Premium Research Services" list, you will see HeritageQuest, a product you can search from home. Usually. At present, a technical issue is preventing home use of HQ from this site. Try connecting through the OPLIN website, and thanks for your patience.

Since we are all learning how to use the website together, why not send me your questions so that I can answer them on the blog? That way, we all benefit :-)

Thanks for stopping by.

webpage launch

Genealogy Page — 2006-04-27T14:54:00Z

Welcome! In honor of our upcoming Irish genealogy program, test your knowledge of all things Irish-American.

Here is your first question(check back here soon for the next question):

What two famous sports teams, one pro and the other collegiate, have Irish names?

(Answer tomorrow)