Legacy Tree Genealogists works with researchers all over the world to access records for our clients. We asked Mike, onsite in England, to share his experience with using the resources at the British Library in London to locate British ancestors in India. In the course of your family history research into your British ancestors you may find that some of them lived and worked in India during the period of British rule. The British were first in India in the early 1600s, when Queen Elizabeth … [Read more...]
Bridging Generations Through Heritage
I remember being a young girl and sitting at the kitchen table with my great-grandfather. It must have been a Sunday because he was wearing his suit and the smell of meatballs filled the air of my grandmother’s kitchen. I remember asking him question after question about life in Italy, about our family members who were still there, what it was like coming to America and seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time, why we always got together on Sundays and ate macaroni, and on and on. … [Read more...]
Disease, Epidemics, and Your Ancestors
It does not take long delving into the world of genealogy to see that death and high mortality rates were more intimate and frequently encountered facts of life for our ancestors than for us in modern times. Lacking much of the knowledge and technological advancements of later eras rendered even everyday life more dangerous, and learning about disease and its impact on history can provide great insight into our ancestors – their habits, fears, superstitions, diets, religious beliefs, and … [Read more...]
Four Historical and Geographical Tips to Help You Trace Your Irish Ancestors
Irish research can be difficult. Although the island is small--about the same size as the state of Indiana--its violent history and many divisions makes research complicated. In addition, many United States records simply report that our ancestors were from Ireland with no indication of the county of their birth. However, knowing a little bit about the history and geography can provide the necessary clues. Here are four tips that can help you trace your Irish ancestors from the United States … [Read more...]
The Myth of the 240-Year-Old Photograph
All of the images included in this article are used with the permission of their owner, Zane Healy. A bemused friend recently contacted me about a posting on a memorial page website. According to the memorial, the gentleman in question was born in 1752, served in the American Revolutionary War, and died in 1845. Attached to the memorial were three photographs: the ancestor's tombstone, the cemetery in which he was buried, and a photograph of the deceased. In the photograph the gentleman looks … [Read more...]
All in a Day’s Work: Using Apprenticeship Records to Trace Your Ancestors from the United States to England
Making the leap backward from the United States to England during colonial times can be difficult. There aren’t those lovely modern passenger lists to use to determine the identity of the family left behind, places of birth, and family or friends who have already immigrated. But, if you are fortunate, and know one or two key pieces of information about that colonial ancestor, Findmypast has some great databases which can help you to make that leap across the pond. Let’s imagine your ancestor … [Read more...]
RootsTech 2017 Rundown
Legacy Tree Genealogists had the opportunity to participate this week in the largest genealogy conference in the world – RootsTech 2017. Held in Salt Lake City, Utah, RootsTech offered hundreds of classes taught by leading genealogists on topics including how to develop a research plan, utilizing various record collections, genetic genealogy and genealogy research methodology. Join us as we recap some of the highlights from Legacy Tree Genealogists' experience at RootsTech 2017! New for … [Read more...]
You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers: Understanding DNA Testing
Let's face it. DNA testing can be confusing. There seems like a plethora of DNA testing options available--autosomal, mitochondrial, Y-DNA, etc. Our clients often have many questions: What does each test determine, and which test is the best one for me to take in order to accomplish my research goals? Which family members do I test, and why? Once testing is complete, what do all the numbers mean, and where do I go from there? DNA testing for ancestry is increasing in popularity because of the … [Read more...]