The loss of the 1890 census created genealogy brick walls for many family history researchers. We share tips to help you find answers to extend your family history, despite record loss.What Happened to the 1890 Census?100 years ago, the 1890 U.S. Federal Census began its slow journey to almost complete destruction. On 10 January 1921 a fire was reported in the late afternoon at the Commerce Building in Washington D.C. where the population schedules of the 1890 census were stored in the … [Read more...]
Details in the Graves: Using Tombstone Symbolism to Unlock your Ancestor’s History
"What does the symbol on my ancestors' gravestone mean?" Our guide to gravestone symbols may just contain the answer you're looking for!This time of year, cemeteries hold a certain appeal due to their association with the macabre, but for the dutiful family historian, the tombstones of our ancestors can provide leads to untapped records. If you have yet to go and search for the physical gravestone of an ancestor and know where they might be buried, the effort spent locating them could be … [Read more...]