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 calf Many 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...]
Better Living Through Statistics: What Are The Odds?
The What Are the Odds DNA tool is a free resource to help you compare the probability of relationships with your DNA matches. The advent of consumer autosomal DNA testing has allowed genealogists to use DNA results to break down seemingly impenetrable genealogical brick walls. Whether your research question is “who is my biological father?” or “who is my third-great-grandmother?”, autosomal DNA can be used to find answers about your origins. Suppose you’re looking at your DNA match list … [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 Archives Bulgaria, 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...]
Family Reunion Activities to Connect in Person and Virtually
Planning a family reunion or gathering? We've created a list of activities for planning the perfect family reunion - whether that's in-person or virtual! Family gatherings and reunions are an excellent time to learn more about one another and connect both in person and virtually. If you are looking for some great ways to connect with family, here are a few of our favorite ideas. In Person Family Reunion Activities We all know the drill. You figure out your budget, decide when and where you’re … [Read more...]
100 Years Without the 1890 Census: Tips for Researching Through Record Loss
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...]