Family history societies, also known as genealogical societies, are organizations where members benefit from their love of genealogy by connecting with others to share research, experience, and knowledge. They are especially helpful because of the access to records and resources that they provide, such as birth, marriage, death, migration, and other biographical information. Societies typically have a focus and range from very small, local organizations to others with hundreds of thousands of … [Read more...]
Celebrate the Women in Your History
One of the challenges genealogists find when researching female ancestors is the lack of resources that document their lives. Legacy Tree Genealogists’ Allison McCord helps celebrate Women’s History Month by showcasing three women born in the mid-1800s, documented through the 1900 U.S. Census, which required more detailed information than any previous census. As Women’s History Month is celebrated in March, have you been wondering about the history of the women in your family tree? Women’s … [Read more...]
Looking Back: The 1950 U.S. Federal Census is Coming Soon!
Legacy Tree Genealogists' Sarah Gutmann talks about the soon-to-be-released 1950 United States Federal Census and how it can be used to further genealogical research. She also explains when and how the database will be available online and searchable.Put on your poodle skirt and throw on an episode of I Love Lucy because we will soon be able to look back at the 1950s! On 1 April 2022, the National Archives will release the 1950 Census to the public.As is standard practice, precisely 72 … [Read more...]
Finding Genealogical Information and Clues in the Freedman’s Bank Records
Legacy Tree Genealogists' Elyse Hill specializes in African American and Southern States research. In this blog, she provides information about a private savings bank established in 1865 in emancipated communities. In addition to inventory lists included in wills and probate records of enslavers, these bank records can be a valuable source to find an ancestor’s name and other information.The Freedman’s Bank, also known as Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company, was established in 1865. The … [Read more...]
Using Town Records in Colonial New England Research
If your ancestors came to America prior to the Revolution, unique research methods are often necessary to locate information to trace Colonial American ancestry. Legacy Tree Genealogists’ researcher Kristin Britanik shares information about using town records to overcome some of the challenges when tracing ancestors from Colonial New England.One common assumption about genealogy research is that the further we go back in time, the more difficult it can be to find records documenting our … [Read more...]
Ask a Genealogist: Indigenous Peoples & Native American Research
In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Legacy Tree Genealogists’ Kate Eakman discusses her interest in this area of research and some of the challenges in tracing Indigenous and native cultures in the United States and around the world.Q: Would you tell us about yourself and your view of genealogy?A: I'm Kate Eakman, Legacy Tree Genealogists' British research team manager and a former history professor.I look at genealogy as a branch of history. It's a very personal history, but it's … [Read more...]
Tracing Cherokee Ancestors with DNA, Tribal Citizenship, and Cherokee Rolls
As genealogists, we’re often asked to research the likelihood and details of a client’s Native American heritage. Legacy Tree Genealogists' researcher Michelle Carroll digs deeper into her journey and successful strategies when tracing her Cherokee ancestors.If you believe that you may have Cherokee ancestors and have always wanted to know more, let me encourage you to leap into discovering your Native American heritage. Learning about my own Cherokee family has been one of the most … [Read more...]
Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861–1865
Legacy Tree Genealogists' Adrienne Abiodun provides information about the Daughters of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861-1865, and offers some tips on how to become a member. She uses her own personal experience to explain how joining a lineage society can be a rewarding way to honor one's ancestors.Between 1861–1865, the War Between the States, more commonly known as the Civil War, was the longest, bloodiest, and costliest conflict that divided the United States of America. An … [Read more...]
Was Your Ancestor a Outlaw in the Wild West?
Legacy Tree researcher Melissa Finlay takes you back to the old west to find your "Most Wanted" ancestors to determine if they were outlaws, bandits, or rustlers. Did your ancestors ride with notorious outlaws or did they obey the law of the land in the old west?Jesse James, Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Doc Holliday, Billy the Kid. You may have heard about some of these famous outlaws of the Wild Western United States. But have you ever wondered if your ancestor was a criminal in the … [Read more...]
Tips for Researching Ancestors Who Migrated Alone
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, TexasThe 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...]