Tax records have three distinct advantages compared with pre-1850 U.S. census records. Many tax records: Are produced annually; Predate the 1790 census; and Possess more than a list of names. Tax records are often sidelined in our genealogy research because censuses are more widely available and have been popularized because of their availability. Compared toContinue reading “Tax Records are Better than Early Census Records”
Tag Archives: McMasters
New Full-Text Search at FamilySearch Uses Artificial Intelligence
Last week at Rootstech, FamilySearch announced a new experimental feature to search several unindexed collections. This enhancement harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) and optical character recognition (OCR) to quickly search several valuable record collections. It has the potential to not only drastically cut search time, but it may also help break through brick walls. Full-text SearchContinue reading “New Full-Text Search at FamilySearch Uses Artificial Intelligence”
“Y” Gift DNA? Unwrapping Paternal Ancestry
We’re all looking for the perfect holiday gift for our loved ones, but what if the gift could be enjoyed by you as much as by them and perhaps others as well? A Y-DNA paternal line ancestry test is the perfect gift for someone who has everything – and by everything, I mean they alreadyContinue reading ““Y” Gift DNA? Unwrapping Paternal Ancestry”
Create Genealogy Maps Using PowerPoint
Have you ever wanted to create a map for your genealogy research but been overwhelmed by the process? Did you find a software program to help you but found it expensive or difficult to use? I’ve discovered an affordable and easy way to create your own customized maps using Microsoft’s PowerPoint. Yes, PowerPoint. In myContinue reading “Create Genealogy Maps Using PowerPoint”
Ancestry Travel Debrief: My Visit to Northern Ireland
Last month, I visited County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland to discover more about my Wilson ancestry. I’m still on a high having exceeded my ancestry travel goals. I met my Wilson cousins who still farm the same land from 400 years ago. I visited 17th century castles, 18th century estates, and ate like a king. IContinue reading “Ancestry Travel Debrief: My Visit to Northern Ireland”
Scottish Migration within Colonial New Jersey: A Book Review
Even if you do not have Scottish ancestors who spent time in New Jersey, you’ll enjoy this book review. It will help you understand why and when your Scottish ancestors moved from town to town and with whom they did so. While researching my own Scottish ancestors, who lived in New Jersey and Pennsylvania inContinue reading “Scottish Migration within Colonial New Jersey: A Book Review”
Why Create a Location Guide for Genealogical Research?
For some reading this post, its title may seem rhetorical – a forgone conclusion. Of course, genealogists create location guides. But why don’t more of us do it? I consider myself a “good” genealogist. I’ve broken down many brick walls, but I’m also impatient and easily excitable. I’m perhaps too quick in following newly discoveredContinue reading “Why Create a Location Guide for Genealogical Research?”
How to Use City Directories to Resolve Genealogical Questions
If you’re like me, you probably know what city directories are but couldn’t imagine how to really use them in your genealogical research. Sure, city directories list a person’s name, occupation, and address, which we can trace annually through time. But what else can we do with that information? Can you use it solve challengingContinue reading “How to Use City Directories to Resolve Genealogical Questions”
Don’t Trust Derivative Records for Genealogical Research
Errors in transcripted records can cause us to miss relevant documents or send us on an eroneous search. This post exemplifies the importance in locating original records #ancestry #familyhistory #genealogy
DNA and Google Maps: Breaking Through Brick Walls to Reveal a Love Story
Our DNA holds the answers to many of our family history mysteries, and simple tools like Google Maps can help make the task of breaking through these brick walls easier. See how my cousin learned the identity of his great grandfather.
#ancestry #familyhistory #ancestrydna #genealogy #ancestors @ancestry
Crowdsourced Genealogy
Crowdsourcing is an under utilized family history research tool. Social media tools can make it difficult to search and archive information. Other tools fail to reach large numbers of people online. A research problem is presented for crowdsourced assistance as inspiration for the capabilities of true crowdsourcing.
Genealogical Evidentiary Networks: A Tool for Presenting Indirect Evidence
Organizing and presenting indirect evidence can be a challenge. Using the Genealogical Evidentiary Network diagram can help you write overcome these challenges. #ancestry #genealogy #familyhistory
Poor Ancestors are not Invisible: Part 3, Debtor Records
Courthouse debtor records can provide valuable insights into understanding the plight of our ancestors and may also discover important vital statistics. Several case studies highlight the rich information found in these sources. #ancestry #genealogy #familyhistory
Poor Ancestors are not Invisible: Part 2, Poorhouse Records
Poorhouse records can provide valuable insights into understanding the plight of our ancestors and also discover important vital statistics. Several case studies highlight the rich information found in these sources. #ancestry #genealogy #familyhistory
Genealogical Indexes: Friend or Foe?
Indexes of genealogical records can be a researcher’s best friend helping us quickly locate relevant records. Yet, indexes can also cause us to misinterpret information. #ancestry #genealogy #familyhistory
Land Deed Witnesses: Clues to Family Relationships
Land deeds provide more information than the locations of where our ancestors lived. Witnesses can help break through stubborn genealogical brick walls. #ancestry #genealogy #familyhistory