What are the rules? Who gets what? Each state maintains its own laws as to which family members will receive an inheritance from a person who has died “intestate.” What does it mean to have "died intestate"? The person who has died is called “the decedent.” To have “died intestate” means the decedent died without a valid will in place. The decedent’s assets belong to their “estate” until the probate process is complete. Who gets what when there is no will? The assets of intestate estates … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Onsite: Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Legacy Tree Genealogists works with onsite researchers around the globe. Our editor, Christy, recently traveled to Indiana for a genealogy conference and didn't miss the opportunity to research at this fantastic repository while there. Check out her thoughts! Fort Wayne, Indiana is home to one of the largest genealogical libraries in the country. The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is most well-known in genealogical circles as the home of the Periodical Source Index (PERSI), an important … [Read more...]
Divorce and Your Ancestors: Tracing the Split
Marriage records are a core, basic record type in American genealogy, and one that even the most beginner of researchers usually knows to look for. Useful for creating a timeline, learning a woman’s maiden name, identifying family members, and a host of other possibilities, marriage records are also the most common and oldest type of American vital record in most parts of the country. Though statewide registration of births and deaths did not begin in most states until the early 20th century, … [Read more...]
9 Tips for Interviewing Relatives
My grandma June was a lively, intelligent woman who loved to share memories of her past. Back in college as I worked on my degree in Family History, I came to her house one day to interview her about her life history. She told wonderful stories about her childhood, her parents and siblings. I am so glad I captured everything on a cassette tape and was required to transcribe it for my project. I did this with several other relatives as well to fulfill various assignments. Many years later, my … [Read more...]
The Basics of Czech Research
The first challenge in beginning Czech research is figuring out that your ancestors actually came from what is now the Czech Republic. The area now known as the Czech Republic was historically two different lands (Bohemia and Moravia), which later became provinces under the same names as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and then changed hands several more times in the 20th century. So, your ancestor might have been recorded as a citizen of Austria, Austro-Hungary, Czechoslovakia, or even … [Read more...]
Give the Gift of Heritage This Holiday Season!
Family history as a gift always proves to be a cherished and memorable surprise for the recipient. Consider giving the gift of heritage this holiday season! Only 11 Days Left to Order Christmas Research from Legacy Tree Genealogists with NO Rush Fee! Imagine your loved ones' surprise this Christmas when they receive a custom printed family history chart or custom designed binder detailing their heritage! Through the years we have loved providing special holiday gifts for our … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Onsite: Archives in Adelaide, South Australia!
Legacy Tree Genealogists works with researchers all across the world to access records for our clients. We asked Benjamin from Park Holme to give us insight into doing archival research in South Australia. Check it out! As we mentioned in a previous post, South Australia is blessed with so many major archives located in close proximity to each other. That article contained a discussion of the Lutheran Archives located just outside of the Adelaide city limits. Presented here is a rundown on … [Read more...]
German Evangelical Church Records Online: Archion.de
If you have German ancestry, this resource is for you! Archion.de is an online resource for German evangelical church records. Church records, which can include baptisms, marriages, burials, confirmations, and in some areas family books, are some of the most commonly used resources for German genealogical research. For those with German ancestors of the Protestant Evangelical faith, accessing church records from many areas of Germany has gotten easier over the last several years. In … [Read more...]