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...]
A Guide to Pre-1850 US Federal Censuses
This guide will discuss what kinds of information you can expect to find in pre-1850 US Federal Censuses and how to use those documents in your own research. US Federal Censuses are critical to genealogical research in the United States. The later censuses—those after 1850 and especially those after 1880—offered more genealogical information than earlier ones and are frequently used by hobbyists and professional genealogists alike. Censuses before 1850 are more difficult to use because they … [Read more...]
Ancestors and Their Pets: All Creatures Great and Small
The Legacy Tree team loves animals, and recently some of them shared stories of ancestors who had pets, or worked with animals, and even had close encounters with dangerous beasts!A cousin’s pet calfMany of our ancestors lived on farms, or in rural areas, and grew up around livestock. This photograph from Washington state in the 1930s clearly demonstrates a family member’s attachment to one of the calves. Unfortunately, this friendship had to end when times became tough (or perhaps simply … [Read more...]
Top 3 Resources to Trace Your Ancestry in Guatemala
Legacy Tree Genealogists works with researchers from across the globe to access records for our clients. We asked one of our onsite researchers located in Guatemala to share an overview of the top 3 resources for tracing your Guatemalan ancestry.A journey through Guatemala history is essential to understand the nature of Guatemala genealogy records. Guatemala, like the rest of the Central America countries, was colonized by the Spaniards, who arrived in 1524 and conquered the native … [Read more...]
Digging Into Your Chinese Ancestry: Chinese Repatriation of Bones
Learn about the Chinese repatriation of bones and how you can uncover records related to your Chinese ancestors.The Chinese people were one of many cultures who immigrated from their homeland seeking better opportunities. Beginning in the mid-19th century, Chinese immigrants sought their fortunes in the Gold Rushes of the United States, Canada, and Australia. They significantly contributed to the labor forces by building railroads, working in mining and agriculture, and establishing … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Onsite: Using the Bulgarian State Archives in Family History Research
Legacy Tree Genealogists works with researchers from across the globe to access records for our clients. We asked one of our onsite researchers located in Bulgaria to share an overview of the various record collections available at the Bulgarian State Archives for family history research.The Bulgarian State ArchivesBulgaria, officially the Republic of Bulgaria (Република България), occupies the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe. The national record keeper is the … [Read more...]
Pandemonium and Family Reunions: The Best Laid Plans
Planning a family reunion? We've created a list of activities for planning the perfect family reunion - whether that's in-person or virtual!This has been a crazy and difficult year! Even if work has been stable and consistent, the kids have been out of school a lot more than usual and things at home have been chaotic. But in between the stress and the online homework, there have been happy moments too: reconnecting with those closest to us and finding ways to get together through technology … [Read more...]
DNA to the Rescue! Solving an Irish Genealogy “Brick Wall”
A case study that demonstrates how to use document evidence in conjunction with DNA evidence to resolve an Irish genealogy "brick wall". *Shared with client permissionResearchers with Irish ancestors have often thrown up their hands in despair when they learn about the massive record loss on that small island. Knowing one’s birthdate or even one’s age was not an Irish cultural value until well into the 20th century, which further complicates Irish research. “Crossing the pond” to document … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Top 10: Best Family History Blog Articles from 2020
A countdown of the best family history blog articles from 2020.Another year has come and gone, and what a year it has been! Before we usher 2020 out the door, we want to share our countdown of the best family history blog articles from the past year. Did your favorite make the list?10. There’s a Degree in That?? Genealogical Education Opportunities9. Third Cousins Twice Removed and Consanguinity: Figuring Out How You’re Related to Your Relatives8. Understanding Your AncestryDNA … [Read more...]
Secrets of Murder: Uncovering a Family History Mystery
People often ask professional genealogists why they chose genealogy as a profession. What was the catalyst that started their journey into family history? Mine was simple: my grandparents grew up during the Great Depression in rural Alabama, and they chose not to relive those experiences and never passed on their family history to their children or grandchildren. I had been interested in my family history from a young age, but efforts to glean any information about my grandmother Marie’s … [Read more...]
