So What's Next ?

On Friday I wrote about how I finally had the paperless office!  Took me a year and I will admit I still have images to crop, link and transcribe on the flash drive.  While that all was in process I started to look at the information that I do have.

I've come to the realization that there are quite a few things I need/want to do in my data base.  In doing all this linking & transcribing you see holes.  Sometimes in places you really don't want to see them.  Like maybe in the direct line.

I've always told the people who attend my talks that doing your "census homework" was a primary to do for working in genealogy.  While I was cropping & linking I was adding to my to do list.  Simple things like a death certificate here,  an obituary there....  and then it hit me!  So many were still missing some of their census.

I follow all the lines of my ancestors, not just the direct line down to me, but the siblings of my ancestors and their down lines as well.  I find so many times that when I can't find MY ancestor if I go looking for his siblings or other relatives that I find the ancestor as well.  Although I don't consider the census primary (that's another discussion!), I do consider it important.

So my next project is to get on top of all the census I need for those who are missing them.  This should be interesting!

Happy Researching!
  Karen

Are You Serious? Really?

I'm always leery when I go poking around on Ancestry.  It's been so long since I've found anything there worth really considering even noting in my files. 

Its a love hate relationship.  I'd love to be hopeful that someone there has original work but I hate the fact that if there is original work there I haven't yet found it.

Late yesterday I went looking for a family there just to see what I could find.  There were four trees that matched the family I wanted.  Interesting - four sources.  Okay we'll look at this one.  Hmmmmmpppphhhhh  four sources, all census, didn't really tell me anything I didn't know.  So this person has images of wills but the stuff in the wills doesn't match what is on the charts.  Numerous questions with no answers posted - ok maybe it was in a private conversation. 

BUT if you can source with a census why not tell us where you got the birth date and your statement that he was born in Scotland?   How can you show his will but have the wife dying in 1856, but she's very clearly named BY NAME in the will as being very much alive (1865) at that time?   Why are ALL your dates 01 JAN XXXX ...   I know that's a default for most genealogy software, but even when you are estimating on the death you still have a birth date with 01 JAN.  

While we're discussing the things on this entry, lets talk about the marriage that you have in Indiana in 1741, you know, when Indiana wasn't even a place yet?  I doubt this couple even ever left West Virginia or Virginia but marrying in Indiana?  REALLY? 

I used to think that if I could find a tree that had some sources maybe there was hope.  This one made me truly doubt that.  I left questions in the comments, lots of questions.  I guess the real question is will this person even try to answer?   Seriously?  Really? 

Tricks & Tips Thursday

When viewing names on the census or other handwritten forms and you find you can't read a letter(s) in the names, take a minute and look around the page and see if you find the same letter(s) used in another name.

You may find that another name that shows the letter done totally different and its not what you thought it was.

For example, to see how the person writing did the letter "S" I look for names that are clearly Smith.... For "J" I look for Jones or John...  many times just finding the letter(s) in another area, where maybe the handwriting is so scrunched or garbled brings the letter(s) into clear view.

I've found this tip to be very useful especially on census forms.  Good luck & happy hunting!

Tricks & Tips Thursday

One of the best tips I can give you is simply - "spelling don't count".  Yep you heard me correctly.  Time and time again I've heard,  "that can't be my family the name isn't spelled the way my grandmother always said it was spelled".  

While I can appreciate grandma's attention to detail and wanting the family name spelled what she believed was the correct way, I also understand the logistics of having a German talking to a Swede, or an Italian, or vice versa. 

Working for Mr. Brown Eyes in the tax business that we own, I've come to understand more clearly the census takers issues.  We have alot of different ethnic backgrounds coming to our service and when they call, try as I may, the name gets spelled the way I hear it.  Often times its not close to what ends up on the tax return.  Luckily for me they don't see how badly I can scramble their names.  Its not intentional, but it does happen.  I'm sure the census takers in the early years had the same issues. 

When you think of the situations when the census taker was in the field, perhaps it was raining, storming, snowing or who knows what else.  Maybe the couple he was interviewing had 10 kids all of them running around wanting attention.  Perhaps the couple was reluctant to give information so you got what you got.  Who knows? 

Whatever the reasons, no matter how badly butchered, spelling don't count!  So keep that in mind next time you are searching for your ancestors on the census or in other records. 

Tricks & Tips Thursday

Be sure to look at each & every family on a census page.  You never know who is living down the page or even next door.

Missing a daughter?  Watch for other females with the same given name living nearby.  When you find them use local marriage records to confirm the relationships.

Many times when I find someone in my direct line in a township I go line by line thru the township (unless its hundreds of pages) and see who  can find that might possibly be lurking there as welll. 

You'll be surprised at what you find.

Happy Researching!
Karen

A Little Done..

Research trips are such fun!  Especially when you combine them with vacation time, some shopping and some fun time with your main squeeze!  I'm blessed that Mark enjoys the thrill of the hunt... aka researching almost as much as I do!

I've been working on the data entry from that last trip.  I've gotten all the deeds & wills from the two days in Raleigh, North Carolina scanned and on my flash or thumb drive as they are sometimes called.  And yesterday I finally finished recording all the marriage records I pulled in Medina County, Ohio.

I've still got tons of obits to get done, both from Medina County, Ohio and from Miamisburg, Ohio - and I've got to get those wills & deeds transcribed from North Carolina. 

With the census count down to 1940 in full swing and only about 296 days (Depending on when you read this!) to go I've got some census work I want to complete as well.  Then there's all the prep work for my trip the first week of July.  I've got the two cemeteries in Kentucky printed off that we need to photograph - over 200 headstone entries to chase, and then all the other work back in Ohio to get printed and bound as well.

The new cousins would love a copy of the genealogy I've done on the family so that needs to get printed and ready to go as well. The fun never ends eh?  

The two oldest grandsons are here all weekend and we've a wedding to attend so I don't know how much I'll get done this weekend.  Promise you, It will all be right here on this desk where I left it come Monday morning!

Happy Researching!
Karen

Have YOU Done YOUR Census Homework?

Did you ever take a minute to look at my sidebar?  You know - that little side strip that runs down the right side of my blog?  Did you notice the blue box at the top - the census countdown?

The top thing listed there is the countdown to the 1940 census.  I was doing some work on the blog a few days ago and I noticed that the countdown was right at a year (keep in mind most of my blogs are done a few days or so before you see them!).  I was shocked!

I still have people to find on the 1930 census!   Wasn't it just yesterday that all the genealogists got all excited about the 1930 coming out and here we are already about to have another census year to dig thru & ponder?

In my genealogy talks I tell people to make sure they do their census homework.  Track their ancestors on all available census,  follow them across the township, the county, the state or the country, but be sure you track those census.  I've still got a few that just refuse to be found. 

I'm not sure I'm ready for the 1940.  Do you think I could use that old excuse about the dog eating my homework??

What's YOUR excuse for not being ready for the 1940??

Wisdom Wednesday - Have You Done Your Census Homework?

Many times as genealogists we get so caught up in the search for the vital records on our ancestors we overlook one of the best tools we as genealogist have.  The census!

When clients come to me asking for just about any sort of research at all, one of the first things I ask is, "have you done your census homework?"  They often look at me like I'm speaking greek or something.

Finding your ancestors on all census available for their life span is a vital part of researching your ancestors. Recording that data in your software can offer all sorts of clues to not only their family & descendants, but also their (and yours too!) ancestors.

Place of birth, ages, relationships, occupation, and how many children born are just a few of the details offered.  Many people get frustrated when ancestors can't be found.  Look at the past years you have found them, pay attention to who is next door, sometimes searching for them instead of your ancestor can lead the way.  Did you record the address if it was noted in the side margin? 

In the 1920 census for John Krugman and his wife, I knew they were in Lorain County, Ohio but no search of the family proved fruitful.  No variation of Krugman I offered led me to them! I was sure that they had not returned to Germany, so where were they?  Finally I referred back to my source & notes and found the address.  When I went and found the address on the 1920 they were there, right were they had been 10 years ago.  They were listed as Kauffman's.  A far cry from Krugman for sure!

Some tips for researching the census -

• Spelling really doesn't count (if you think it does, I know a really quaint little quilt shop that could use the business!)
• Record as much info in the source for where you found them, including an address if possible.
• If you can't find them remove the township or city.  If that doesn't work, remove the county, perhaps the boundaries changed in the area you are searching.
• Using the most unusual child's name can be a real plus when you are unable to locate a family.
• Don't get hung up on precise ages.  Birthday's didn't seem to be quite the deal they are now. You don't know who gave the ages so its possible they could be off.
• Be sure to note the columns for physical & mental disabilities, military service, occupation & schooling. All of those things can lead to other resources for information.
• If your ancestor is still not found, look back & see who the neighbors were. A few quick searches for them might lead you to your ancestors (unless they moved of course!)
• Don't give up!  Yes, It is possible that people did get skipped,  it did happen. But until you've exhausted all options, keep trying!

Happy Researching!
Karen

Fearless Friday...

Back in the fall Mark and I were discussing the genealogy file one night over dinner.  What alot of people don't realize is that Mark researches with me.  I know alot of men, or significant others who really have no interest in the genealogy research being done in the household.  I am blessed in that Mark also enjoys researching!

He isn't a researcher in that he contacts courthouses for documents but he is a "point & shoot" type guy.  Give him a specific thing to chase and he's off & running.  His favorite thing to chase?  Census records!

Okay, you say, he loves to chase census records...  but he also loves typing them in!  I love the "thrill of the hunt", and I can spend hours chasing long lost ancestors on the census.  But I absolutely despise the typing in of those records.  Mark on the other hand does both & he does them VERY WELL!

He truly is fearless, no surname is too daunting, no bad handwriting (who better to read bad writing than someone with bad writing? LOL) is too bad, after all he is on the hunt. 

Having a husband who loves to type census....  it's a VERY GOOD THING!

Happy Researching!
Karen

1890 Census

I think that most of us are aware that the 1890 census was destroyed by a fire & only miniscule parts survived. What a great loss that was for genealogists!

Today's blog is going to share a great replacement for the 1890 to some degree. There are several replacements out there, two of my favorites - the Kentucky School Census for 1890 and the one I am going to highlight today - the 1890 Surviving Soldiers, Sailors & Marines & Widows Schedule. They came up with that name not me! Anyway, this is a great resource IF your ancestor served in any military capacity before 1890.

Keep in mind that it doesn't give the family members in the household with the veteran only the information on the veteran. It is done by county & state just like the regular census. The information contained on the census includes military rank, name of regiment, date of enlistment & date of discharge. Also to be found are a column for listing of any disability incurred during service & a column for remarks. I especially have found great stuff in the remarks column -things like transferrred from, re-enlisted dates, battles fought etc.

Remember that you can click on the above image to enlarge it & use your back button to return to the blog. This image was from the Ancestry collection. Note that you will have to follow the number to the bottom of the page to get to the comments & other information.

Happy Researching!

Karen

Four Things To Remember...

Do you want me to say it again? They say the average person has to read or hear something SEVEN - yes, I said SEVEN times before it is actually retained in the brain. Boy are we dense or what? There are FOUR things in genealogy that I think need to be restated as many times as possible - some people still won't get it. But hey, at least I am trying...

1. Spelling don't count


2. Review Review Review


3. Do your census homework


4. Cite your sources

Those four things will carry you far IF you take them to heart - let me explain.

1. Spelling don't count - in the world of genealogy spelling names exactly as your remember them doesn't matter to much to people of different ethnic backgrounds who may or may not be able to successfully interpret what it is your ancestor is telling him. Krugman becomes Krockman when a German talks to a Scot. No where on the census form does it give the ethnic background of the person taking the census so trying to guess how your surname may have been written can be a real challenge. So if you are really hung up on the correct spelling of your ancestors surname, ask me about the quilt shop I know of. They'd love for you to come in and take up quilting.


2. Review Review Review - no matter how hard you try, no matter how hard you work, there is ALWAYS going to be some little detail that maybe just doesn't work in your file right now. But next year or the year after it fits perfectly! In my file organization project I am finding obits & other documentation - each paper is being reviewed, each tiny detail being checked against my data base. Its amazing the tiny details that are overlooked in our excitement at finding the document. You will find yourself going back to reread, review, recheck those documents over & over. I promise!


3. Do Your Census Homework - No, I am not kidding! Each and every direct line ancestor should be located on every census available for his lifetime. The amount of information that can be gleaned from those census records is so understated. Tracing the paths of your ancestors tells you where to look for records regarding his life, his family and more. How do you know where to search for those records without knowing where he lived? Census takers were given rules on how to enumerate, but often they stepped outside the box, adding full birth dates or county names and other tidbits. Without taking the time to locate your ancestors on the census its like leaving Christmas presents unopened under the tree. You wouldn't do that would you?


4. Cite Your Sources - I know you've got tons of excuses of why this doesn't apply to you - but it does? Its simple, doesn't require rocket science brain to do it, there are some excellent books out there on sourcing, find something that works for you & USE IT! I see ads for companies wanting people to write children's books (fairy tales) all the time. If you are not sourcing your material perhaps you should apply for one of those positions - after all genealogy that is not sourced is nothing more than a fairy tale!

I challenge all of you to take a minute and think about those four things and how they affect YOUR genealogy. As I work on this file reorganization project here in my office at the Krugman castle - I too am finding holes in my work, Sources missing, Census missing, little details overlooked when picking apart articles etc., so I'm not saying I'm perfect, but I am acknowleging that even someone who has been researching for 20 years still faces some of the same issues YOU DO!

Happy Researching!

Karen

Top image is view from our living room garden window - Sept 2009

Have You Done Your Census Homework?

I'm always amazed at the people who say they do genealogy but they are clueless about the census. How can you do genealogy & NOT use the census?

Today, I'd like to cover some of the reasons that I believe doing your census homework is an essential part of doing genealogy as well as cover some little known facts about the US Federal census!

• Tracking your ancestors



• relationships



• Wife's maiden name



• ethnic background

As you can see there are at least four really good reasons (I'm sure I could come up with more if you want to sit here all day and do nothing but read this blog!) that you should be using the census. I'll touch on them briefly then I have some little known points of interest to cover.

First of all how do you know where all your ancestor has lived without tracking them on a census. A woman came to me to have some research done. She claimed her ancestor had NEVER left Michigan, but in my research I found his obit in two (2) Chicago papers. If she had done her census work she would have known he was living in the Chicago area for over 20 years of his life.

Granted not all census show relationships but the ones who do - mainly the 1900-1930, do say things like "wife", "son", "Daughter", "grandchild". Pretty good things to know eh? Yeah I know not all census show all the people living in the household, for whatever reasons people do get left off. But I believe that is the exception rather than the norm.

There are times in the census when you will see other relationships defined in the census besides just that of wife, son, daughter etc. Many times other relatives living within the household for a period of time do manage to get enumerated and give clues to the wife's maiden name. Often her sister or brother or perhaps an elderly parent will be found residing under the same roof.

With the birthplace of the parents being given on the later census records, this makes it possible to at least get a hint of where one's next generation was born. Many times this reflects area's outside of the United States. Ocassionally if one is lucky a village name may appear rather than a country. This can lead to many more exciting discoveries!

Some little known facts about the census -- Census Day - was NOT the day that the census taker visited your house. Instead Census day is the day that all information should be focused on. All information given on the census boils down to "Who was living on the house on Census day of that year"? If the person was alive on Census day he/she was to be enumerated on the census, even if he died before the census taker actually arrived at the house. The date for the year is usually found above the column for the name in the header field. For reference the dates are:

1790,1800,1810,1820 - 1st Monday in August

1830-1900 - was June 1st

1880 Indian Schedule was October 1st

1910 - April 15th

1920 - January 1st

1930-1960 April 1st

So when babies or other relatives are not listed perhaps the reason is the Census day. Take a good hard look at this when people are not where they should be.

The 1840 federal census included a space to list Revolutionary War Pensioners or military service. Its located on the second page of the census after the slave schedules.

1850-1880 Agricultural Schedules - if found can give great details on the lives of those who lived on rural farms. With details such as acreage, types of crops & livestock, it opens the doors to the amount of work that was involved just for these hard working folks to survive.

1850-1880 Mortality schedules provide information on persons who died during the year preceeding the census enumeration. Usually it covers more along the lines of June 1, 1849-June 1, 1850. Persons listed on the mortality schedules were NOT to be listed on the regular census forms. However, as does many other things regarding the census, it depended on the census takers wish, desire or ability to follow the guidelines set down.

This one I must admit I do know of, but have not seen. This is the 1880 Defective, Dependant, Delinquent Schedule. This is for persons who were residents of various asylums, prisons, poorhouses etc. Many of these do appear on the regular census - however you would have to check with your local library or historical society to locate copies of this hard to find schedule.

Keep in mind that the 1890 census was destroyed and only fragments survived. There have been attempts to come up with substitutes but that totally depends on your area. There is an 1890 Union Vets & Widows census but this census covers only a limited area, has very limited info pertaining to civil war service. It is not complete and many area's cover only fragments of the population.

There are also Military & Naval census that cover from 1900-1920 and a census of "territories" that also covers 1900-1920. Also there are slave schedules done for 1850 & 1860, but they do not cover all states.

Also keep in mind that many states did their own state census usually on the off years - by combining use of the both the state & federal census you really have a wealth of information at your fingertips. Not all states did the state census so you will have to check with your local genealogy library or historical society to see if your state did.

As with all materials made or composed by humans there are bound to be errors, but with documenting and backing up your census finds with other sources, using the census to help build & prove your genealogical tree, you should be well on your way to a well rooted & documented family tree! Do your census homework - you'll be glad you did!

Happy researching!

Karen