Family History: How Far Back Can You Go? As professional genealogists one question we are often asked is, “How far back can you take my pedigree?” While we’d all love to have a pedigree documented back to the beginnings of mankind, this just isn’t possible. And creating an accurate, documented and sourced family tree cannot be completed in the span of an afternoon--answering one of our other most frequently received questions--How Long Does It Take to Build a Family Tree? Genealogical … [Read more...]
A Genealogist’s Letter to Santa
A genealogist's letter to Santa--what we really want this year! Dear Santa, I have been a good genealogist all year. My research always conforms to the Genealogical Proof Standard: my research is reasonably exhaustive, my citations are complete and accurate, my analysis is thorough, I correlate records and data fully, I resolve conflicting evidence or offer some valid explanations for the conflicts, and my conclusions are soundly written. In addition, I use outside-the-box thinking to … [Read more...]
Voter Registration: Another Useful Tool for Your Genealogy Toolbox
An often overlooked resource in genealogy are voter registration records. We'll show you where to find and use these helpful records in your family history. Genealogists have many resources available to them to aid in their research. Census records, church records, city directories, land records, and probate records are just a few of the more commonly used resources. Many of them are available online, thanks to web sites such as MyHeritage, FamilySearch, and Ancestry, making research possible … [Read more...]
Using University Special Collections for Family History Research
If you're not including university special collections in your genealogy research arsenal, you may be missing out on finds that add valuable context to your ancestors' lives. The Civil War diary of my first cousin, five times removed, detailing his experience at the battle of Vicksburg. The original botanical sketches for my great-great-grandfather’s work on South African flowers, including his handwritten notes. Advertisements for the barbering business of another … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Honored as One of Utah’s 100 Fastest Growing Companies for the Third Year in a Row
Legacy Tree Genealogists has been named to MountainWest Capital Network’s (MWCN) 2019 Utah100, the annual list of the state’s fastest-growing companies. This is the third year in a row the company has made the list, this year being ranked at #56. MWCN’s exclusive awards program brings together investors, entrepreneurs and professional service providers while recognizing Utah’s 100 fastest-growing companies and the economic and business impact they bring to the state. Founded in … [Read more...]
Genealogy Sleuthing Part II: Using Women’s Fashion to Date Old Photos
In Part II of our two-part series on how to date old family photos, we discuss how to use women's fashion to date old photos you encounter in your genealogy research. Sometimes, there are no clues within the photograph or imprinted on it. In those situations, we need to rely on an understanding of the fashions of the 1850s through 1900s, both hair and clothing, to accurately determine when that particular photograph was taken. At least one of the three key aspects of women’s fashion—hair, the … [Read more...]
Holiday Traditions from Ancestors Around the World
Holiday traditions can be simple or intricate, but when passed down through generations they become sweeter and help shed light on the way our ancestors lived and celebrated. It is the stories and traditions of our ancestors that turn our hearts to them and help us feel we are part of something greater than our individual selves. For many families the most enduring traditions have been made and kept around the holiday season -- especially Christmas. Out of my eight … [Read more...]
Beginner’s Guide to Swedish Genealogy Research
Don't be intimidated by patronymic naming patterns! We'll walk explain the basics of Swedish genealogy, and where to find the records you need to extend your Swedish ancestry. Foreign language obstacles and patronymic naming patterns are commonly cited reasons for avoiding Swedish genealogy research. But with an understanding of a few basic concepts, Swedish genealogy research can be simple, fun, and successful! What is a patronymic name? A patronymic name is one that is created when a … [Read more...]