One of our researchers, Katy Barnes, provides valuable tips on how to research an ancestor who migrated alone. Katy traces the migration of David Trout, an unmarried laborer, who migrated to Dallas County Texas in the mid-1800s. Dallas County, Texas The population of Dallas County, Texas, in 1880 was just over 33,000 (notable, since the 2020 figure is now above 2.5 million). A query of the 1880 census shows (in rough numbers) over 3,000 Dallas County residents that year were reportedly born … [Read more...]
From Spit to Screen: The Journey of a DNA Sample
One of our researchers, Paul Woodbury, describes the journey of a DNA sample from the instant the sample is taken until it is analyzed in the laboratory. The following article is a reprint from the July-September 2020 issue of the National Genealogical Society Magazine and is published here with permission. How does DNA testing actually work? How can spitting into a tube result in an ethnicity estimate, a list of genetic cousins, and other DNA data? This article reviews the technology … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Onsite: Tips for Maximizing Leads in Chilean Genealogy Research
Legacy Tree Genealogists works with researchers from across the globe to access records for our clients. In this article, one of our researchers discusses ways to maximize leads and get around brick walls in Chilean Research. Overview of Chilean Research Records in Chile can be very informative. For the most part, the municipal and civil records are full of information and leads - if everything you are looking for is after the year 1887. The Chilean government started keeping more … [Read more...]
How can DNA Solve Unknown Parentage and Break Down a Brick Wall?
One of our researchers uses her own family tree investigation as an example to explain how DNA can be used to break down brick walls, solve an unknown parentage case and uncover surprises in genealogical research. Important Female Ancestors Who are the important female ancestors you would like to honor in your life? Sometimes finding historical records about our female ancestors is not enough. Sometimes, all you can do is send in a DNA test, hoping that somehow, some way, you will find a … [Read more...]
Using Newspapers Around the World to Make Family Tree Connections
One of our genealogists discusses how newspapers worldwide can connect family lines and associate ancestors with particular places, especially when vital records are not available. Newspapers! Газети! A window to the Past Newspapers can be invaluable in proving family connections in periods when birth and death records might not exist. They can also show relationships between two different places. And most importantly, newspapers are found throughout the world. Those with roots in the … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Onsite: Hiroshima, Hometown of Japanese Emigrants
Legacy Tree Genealogists work with researchers from across the globe to access records for our clients. We asked one of our onsite researchers located in Japan to give some insight into researching Japanese emigration in the city of Hiroshima. Another Face of Hiroshima When you hear the name "Hiroshima," what image comes to mind? The Atomic-bomb Dome, the Peace Ceremony on August 6, or maybe the legend of the thousand paper cranes? The building called the Hiroshima Prefectural … [Read more...]
Using Facebook to Research Family History
One of our researchers explains how Facebook can be used to find hidden gems in the form of videos, photos, and information for your family research. Your family history can be found in the most unlikely places. I’d like to share a few success stories I’ve found locating my family and also learning about the lives, times, and locations they come from. A great place to start is Facebook. It is the perfect place for the local historian who is looking to share their work or for those who are … [Read more...]
A Journey Through Life
One of our genealogists shares a tribute to her father-in-law and the cherished book of memoirs he created. We also share tips for writing your life story. It’s “a little bit drama, a little bit comedy, and a lot documentary.” A warning notes “Dates are generally accurate, but some may be subject to memory flaws.” It took more than 20 years to create and fills a 4-inch thick three-ring binder. And it is now a family treasure: A Journey Through Life. For 20 years my father-in-law … [Read more...]