tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90626781435614981072024-03-12T19:42:30.656-07:00Midwest GenealogyBlog discusses various aspects about the Midwest and doing genealogical research for ancestors who lived in the Midwest.Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-33873252663219150442011-04-10T19:54:00.000-07:002011-04-10T19:55:34.065-07:00Updating Midwest Genealogy websiteBe sure to check out my newly formatted website for <a href="http://www.midwest-genealogy.com/home">Midwest & Beyond Genealogical Services</a>. There is some new information posted about my Sieckmann and Rippe lines. The Sieckmann family lived in Fillmore County Nebraska for many years. They arrived in the U.S. in 1870 and by the following spring they were settled on their homestead in Fillmore County. The Rippe family arrived in the U.S. in about 1857 and settled in Will County, Illinois. They later moved to Fillmore County, Nebraska in about 1880. Both families intermarried and their are lots of descendants of various lines of both of these families. If you are related I would like to correspond with you.Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-17725734116292983002010-07-24T07:49:00.000-07:002010-07-24T07:49:04.604-07:00Website updatesI have been busy updating several of the websites I maintain for genealogists researching in the midwest. You may want to take a look at some of them. I have added some photos to my <a href="http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nefillmo/photos.htm">Fillmore County, Nebraska</a> website. I also added an updated version to Sharon Lawrence's an excellent guide to <a href="http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nefillmo/Military.htm">researching in military records</a>. I have also made some updates to the <a href="http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mobuchan/">Buchanan County, Missouri site</a>. <br />
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I also maintain websites for the <a href="http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mohcapg/index.htm">Association of Professional Genealogists: Heartland Chapter</a> and <a href="http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~monwmgs/">Northwest Missouri Genealogical Society</a>.<br />
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I also plan to update the <a href="http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~moliving/">Livingston County, Missouri website</a> soon.Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-76053658007891039912010-07-18T15:53:00.000-07:002010-07-18T15:53:36.903-07:00MoSGA Awards 21st Century Fund Grant<div class="MsoNormal">The Missouri State Genealogical Association [MoSGA] recently awarded a grant of $996.95 to the <a href="http://morgancohistory.org/">Morgan County Historical Society</a> in Versailles, Missouri. The Historical Society will use the funds to purchase archival supplies to preserve, organize and display their county’s school records dating from 1846 to 1961. The records were recently donated to the society by the Morgan County RII School District.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">MoSGA’s 21st Century Fund was established in 2005 during the Association’s 25th Anniversary. The fund provides grants of up to $1,000 to Missouri societies, libraries and/or archives to promote preservation and publication of Missouri genealogical data.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">January 1, 2011 begins a new grant cycle. Grant applications and guidelines are available on MoSGA’s Web site <a href="http://www.mosga.org/">www.mosga.org</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Application deadline is April 30, 2011 with grants awarded prior to July 1, 2011.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The 21st Century Fund is supported by generous donations from the genealogical community. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you wish to make a tax deductible contribution, please send it to MoSGA, 21st Century Fund, PO Box 833, Columbia MO 65205-0833. Thank you for your continuing support.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Martha L. Henderson, Chair</div><div class="MsoNormal">21st Century Fund Committee</div><div class="MsoNormal">Missouri State Genealogical Association</div>Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-5389233532144342302010-07-17T06:48:00.000-07:002010-07-17T06:48:25.058-07:00More Genealogy Websites<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b>Not all websites are equal:</b></span><br />
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I thought I would take a bit of time here to jot down some of my favorite genealogy websites, but before I do, I want to remind you that not all information on websites is of equal quality. There are websites which offer free information. These are often databases with information transcribed from the source record and are often very helpful as finding aids, but you should always try to view the original source data or a copy such as a scanned image or photocopy yourself. There are beginning to me more websites that do publish images of the original source material.<br />
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Don't overlook Wiki Articles too. They often have helpful information about a geographic location, biographical information about a person. You can find almost any kind of information in Wikipedia. Again you will need to double-check the source of the information. Anyone can contribute to a Wiki so some are better than others.<br />
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The social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are also offering another way for family members to connect and share information. You might want to investigate if you prefer this way to connect to your family and genealogy friends. This is a good way to connect with relatives to share documents that might not be available from any other source.<br />
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There are also several subscription websites that generally do offer images of the source documentation and they provide search tools to help you search their extensive databases which connect you to the image link.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><b>Free Websites:</b></span><br />
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<ul><li><a href="http://www.sos.mo.gov/mdh/collections.asp"><b>Missouri Digital Archives</b></a> - death certificates, land patents, coroner's inquests, etc. New information added frequently.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.familysearch.org/">FamilySearch</a></b> - now starting to offer links to some documents; keep checking this site as it just keeps improving.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.findagrave.com/"><b>FindAGrave</b></a> - this website is also under constant revision; volunteers contribute cemetery listings and often include photos of the cemetery marker and biographical information.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.newspaperabstracts.com/"><b>Newspaper Abstracts</b></a> - new information from newspapers contributed daily.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.uscis.gov/genealogy">U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service</a> - </b>information about ordering U.S. Immigration service records.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.rootsweb.com/">Rootsweb</a> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">an old standby; this website has been around many years; consists of volunteer contributed information; databases; photos; historical and biographical information, much, much more.</span></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.genealogytoday.com/">GenealogyToday</a></b> - This site has both free and subscription areas. In the free area it contains reference articles, how-to information, good collection of funeral cards and other unique databases as well as links to less common genealogy websites and search engine that links to other well known genealogy sites.</li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><b>Foreign Record Sites</b></span><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/"><b>National Archives of Ireland</b></a> - census records, information about life in Ireland and more.</li>
<li><a href="http://limerick.ie/Archives/MountStLawrenceBurialGroundRegisters1855-2008/">Limerick Burial Records</a> - Limerick, Ireland burial records</li>
<li><a href="http://www.limerickcity.ie/Archives/ReligiousSocietyofFriendsQuakersLimerick/ReligiousSocietyofFriendsQuakersLimerickPapers/">Limerick Quaker Record</a>s - Meeting minutes from the Society of Friends (Quakers) in Limerick, Ireland</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><b>Subscription Websites</b></span><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><b><a href="http://ancestry.com/">Ancestry.com</a> - </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">my favorite genealogy website</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://footnote.com/"><b>Footnote.com</b></a> - also excellent source for images of original records</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://newspaperarchive.com/"><b>NewspaperArchive.co</b>m</a> - this is a good website for find newspaper articles</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://genealogybank.com/">GenealogyBank.com</a> - variety of valuable information</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://worldvitalrecords.com/"><b>WorldVitalRecords.com</b></a> - collection of databases; good finding aid</span></span></li>
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Watch for updates to this post!!Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-20620750232398408282010-06-01T20:06:00.000-07:002010-06-01T20:06:47.853-07:00Genealogy Blogs: A wealth of informationThere are several excellent blogs filled with tips to help you find your midwestern ancestors. How do you find these blogs. One of the easiest ways is to use Google and put in the name of the state genealogical society in the search bar. The links below are just a few of the Midwest state genealogical society blogs. <br />
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<ul><li><a href="http://mosga.blogspot.com/">Missouri State Genealogical Association Blog</a> - interesting articles about a wide variety of topics</li>
<li><a href="http://ilgensoc.blogspot.com/">Illinois State Genealogical Society Blog</a> - covers a variety of topics for the Illinois researcher</li>
<li><a href="http://indgensoc.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html">Indiana State Genealogical Society Blog</a> - very active blog with many genealogical events in Indiana</li>
</ul>It is also a good idea to check to see if the state historical societies in your state of interest have a blog. A couple of state historical society blogs of interest are:<br />
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<ul><li><a href="http://blog.nebraskahistory.org/?tag=nebraska-state-historical-society">Nebraska State Historical Society Blog</a> - lots of interesting information</li>
<li><a href="http://ihspress.blogspot.com/">Indiana State Historical Society Blog</a> - great way to keep informed about Indiana historical events</li>
<li><a href="http://ohiohistory.wordpress.com/">Ohio State Historical Society Blog</a></li>
</ul><div><br />
</div><div>Besides these organizational blogs there are many other people blogging about genealogy. Use your search engines to locate links to blogs that are of interest to you for great ideas.</div><div><br />
</div>Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-17219517163549767532010-05-29T12:58:00.000-07:002010-05-29T13:00:15.552-07:00Lesson 5: Major Record Groups for Genealogy Research<div class="MsoNormal">This article will be an overview to the various commonly used records for genealogical research. The order in which they are presented in this article is a general listing of the order I generally use to research a family when starting from the beginning.</div><h2>Family Papers</h2><div class="MsoNormal">This record group was discussed in this blog previously in Lesson 2: Gathering Records for Your Genealogy. Don’t overlook starting with this type of records and information. The family papers provide a foundation and clues to use to assure that you are researching the correct line. They will generally provide some information about names, geographic locations, interesting stories about individuals that may provide the necessary clue to connect you to other documentation. Most people can find some information about family members in their family files or by talking to relatives.</div><h2>County Histories, Family Histories and Biographies</h2><div class="MsoNormal">These sources are much like the Family Papers. They will provide clues as to where family members lived, who they married, names of their children, their occupations, religious affiliations, other memberships, military service, political affiliation and much more. Not everyone will be lucky enough to find a biographical sketch, family history or a county history about their family.</div><h2>Vital Records</h2><div class="MsoNormal">These records provide documentation about three facts for individuals:</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Birth</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Marriage</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Death</div><div class="MsoNormal">Vital records are records kept by government agencies to document life events. In the U.S. the state is usually the government body that maintains the records and most states did not start keeping vital records until the early 1900s. So before ordering a vital record for your ancestor make sure you check the particular state for the dates which their records cover.</div><h2>Census Records</h2><div class="MsoNormal">Governments collect information about their residents mainly for tax purposes, however, this record group is one of the most helpful for genealogists researching families between 1850 and 1930 in the U.S. The U.S. government collects census information every 10 years and has since 1790 – 2010, however, due to privacy issues only makes publicly available those census records prior to and including 1930. Census records prior to 1850 do not name each household member by name. They are still useful though and should not be overlooked for ancestors that lived in this time period.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes the individual states also collected census information. Examples of states that collected information include: Kansas, Iowa, Florida, Minnesota and others. You will need to investigate this further for your particular geographic interest.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Watch this blog for more on Census Records!! This is a very important source of information and will have a more detailed article in the future.</div><h2>Land Records – Patents and Deeds</h2><div class="MsoNormal">What is the difference between a patent or a deed documenting the ownership of land. Patents were issued to individuals when the land was transferred from a government (federal or state) to an individual. Examples include: military bounties, cash entries, land grants from governmental acts, etc. Deeds are legal instruments that document the transfer of ownership from one private party to a second party. The parties can be people or businesses. Deeds are usually filed in local government repositories such as courthouses whereas patents are usually filed at the state or federal level. </div><h2>Obituaries and Death Notices</h2><div class="MsoNormal">Local newspapers often document the death of citizens in their area. These can be a short death notice in the classified section or in the Brevities / Public Records section or they can be an obituary located anywhere in the newspaper. </div><h2>Cemetery Records</h2><div class="MsoNormal">Some cemeteries have records available that tell who is buried in the cemetery. Other cemetery records may be part of the church records if the cemetery is located on the church grounds. Other cemeteries are family plots or rural cemeteries that are no longer maintained and records are difficult to find for these cemeteries.</div><h2>Probate Records</h2><div class="MsoNormal">These are one of the most helpful types of records if you can find them for your ancestor. If your relative left a will it may give you an understanding about who and what was important to that person. There are two types of estate settlements: Testate – for those who left a will and Intestate for those who did not leave a will. If the person died with property one of these methods is used to distribute their property at the time of death and to care for minor children. These records are generally filed in the location where they owned property or where their minor children resided at the time of their death. Often the estates were settled where they resided at the time of their death and are filed with the county government in the court that had jurisdiction during the time period when your relative died and their estate was settled. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Estate files usually contain the following types of information, time and place of death, will, codicils, inventory of estate, list of beneficiaries, sale records, deeds, guardianship information, accounting reports and information about the final distribution of property after payment of debts.</div><h2>Social Security and Railroad Retirement Board Records</h2><div class="MsoNormal">These are good sources of information about your ancestor during their adult life. The person had to complete an application form to obtain a number within these systems. For Social Security the form is called an SS-5 Application Form. It includes name, birth date and place, name of employer, address at time of application and their signature. Social Security also maintains a death index which is available online. It is known as the SSDI or Social Security Death Index. A simple Google search on either of these terms will produce links to sites with access to the SSDI and is very helpful in determining approximate date of death and place of death so additional research can be conducted about the person.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is similar to Social Security and maintains similar record types. They may have more information than SSA if your ancestor worked for the railroad. For more information Google Railroad Retirement Board or RRB.</div><h2>Military Records</h2><div class="MsoNormal">Many of you will have ancestors that served in the military. Records are often available for their military service or when they applied for a pension due them for military service. The most useful genealogical information generally comes from the military pension applications and files. Not only the person who served can have a record, but their eligible survivors may also have filed for a pension on behalf of their service. The type of information found include proof of military service, affidavits about eligibility by associates, proof of marriage or birth of children, payment records and date / place of death.</div><h2>Church Records</h2><div class="MsoNormal">Many of religious groups keep records about their members. Some of the common records include: birth, baptism, confirmation, marriage and death records as well as membership rolls, attendance records, tithing records, minutes from the governing groups in the church. Sometimes you can find copies of church bulletins in genealogy societies, church newsletters, denominational newspapers, membership directories with photos. These are only a few of the examples of the types of records that may be available from churches that can help with documenting your ancestor. Some of these records have been microfilmed by the Family History Library and are available on microfilm through your local Family History Center. Some microfilmed church records are available from State Historical Societies and Archives or they may be available from the church regional headquarters.</div><h2>Mortuary / Funeral Home Records</h2><div class="MsoNormal">Some mortuaries and funeral homes are willing to help genealogists by making copies of their records available to genealogy societies in their region and also to individuals who write for a photocopy of their ancestor’s record. Remember that the Funeral Home does not have to share their records with you as they are not public record. These records generally document the name, date of death, date and place of burial, who paid for the final arrangements, and other miscellaneous information that helps you know more about your ancestor. They may record religious affiliation, spouse’s name, etc.</div><h2>Immigration and Naturalization Records / Passport Applications / Passenger Lists</h2><div class="MsoNormal">If your ancestor was born in a foreign country or traveled to a foreign country these records may be available for your ancestor. These records can be helpful to establish where in a particular country they came from before coming to the United States. The amount of information found in these records depends on the time of immigration, the particular record type, the particular log and other factors.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Watch for future articles about each of these record types and how to find them.</div>Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-23499451317671388992010-05-26T04:02:00.000-07:002010-05-29T13:08:04.932-07:00Lesson 4: Document, document, document!!<h2>Kinds of Sources</h2><div class="MsoNormal">Once you have the information written down on the form or entered into your genealogy software program you will need to document the source of the information in the various documents. Sources can be classified in various ways:</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 37.45pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Primary source – a source that is recorded at or near the time of the event and the information is provided by someone who was an eyewitness to the event.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 37.45pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Secondary source – a source that was recorded some time after the event and / or the information is provided by someone that did not witness the event.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 37.45pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Direct evidence – a document that states the information directly. It directly states the information such as the date and place of birth or death.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 37.45pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Indirect evidence – information when taken as a whole allows one to draw a reliable conclusion.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 37.45pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Original source – a genuine document in which the information was documented at the time the event took place such as a marriage license or certificate; a baptism record written by the official performing the sacrament at the time of the event; a land deed signed by the grantor.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 37.45pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Derivative source – is not the original document recording the event. It can be a transcription, a photocopy, a photograph, microfilm or other reproduction of the document.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 37.45pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Transcription – is an exact copy of the document; word for word, including punctuation, misspellings, and is not altered from the original or copy of the original.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 37.45pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Extract – is a summary of the information in the document and may include word for word copies of pertinent information.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 37.45pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Abstract – describes the content of the original source, but only includes what the person abstracting the information believes is essential information.</div><h2>Formatting of citation information</h2><div class="MsoNormal">There are two excellent books on citing your genealogical sources. The first book is the currently accepted practice of source citation:</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace</i> by Elizabeth Shown Mills, Genealogical Publishing Company, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-8063-1781-6.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Evidence: Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian </i>by Elizabeth Shown Mills, Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997. ISBN: 0-8063-1543-1.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Both books are worth having. The older book is easier to carry along with you to repositories so you can write the proper citation on any records you are photocopying. The “Good Practices of Genealogical Citation” rule is to put the citation on the front of the copy of each page so that any subsequent copies will have the citation.</div><h2>Links to articles about Genealogical Citation</h2><div class="MsoNormal">Free e-book by Emily Anne Croom: <a href="http://www.unpuzzling.com/Guide%20to%20Documentation.pdf">http://www.unpuzzling.com/Guide%20to%20Documentation.pdf</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why should I cite my sources – more information: <a href="http://www.progenealogists.com/whatcite.htm">http://www.progenealogists.com/whatcite.htm</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">How to do citations: <a href="http://www.progenealogists.com/citationguide.htm">http://www.progenealogists.com/citationguide.htm</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Genealogy Reference Sheet: <a href="http://www.geneabloggers.com/Citations_Quick_Reference.pdf">http://www.geneabloggers.com/Citations_Quick_Reference.pdf</a></div>Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-16819160083751173972010-05-23T06:03:00.000-07:002010-05-23T06:03:05.782-07:00Lesson 3: Entering information into forms or database<div class="MsoNormal">There are two commonly used types of forms for documenting family history:</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Family Group Sheet</li>
<li>Pedigree Chart</li>
</ul><br />
<h2>Family Group Sheet</h2><div class="MsoNormal">The family group sheet is used to document a family unit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It includes vital information about a man, his wife and children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may also include the names of his parents and his wife’s parents and may include the names of his children’s spouses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The usual information entered about family members includes the following facts:</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Given name and surname</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Date of birth</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Place of birth</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Date of baptism (sometimes included)</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Place of baptism (sometimes included)</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Date of marriage</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Place of marriage</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Date of death</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Place of death</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Date of burial</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Place of burial</div><div class="MsoNormal">The information you will be recording about yourself and your family members should be recorded consistently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will be recording the same type of information about many individuals and should use a consistent format to document the facts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><h2>Names</h2><div class="MsoNormal">Record the full name if known even if they did not use their full name, but used a nickname.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may indicate the nickname in quotation marks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Benjamin Andrew “Bennie” Jones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For married women always record their maiden name instead of their married surname.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do not know their maiden name you may use some method to distinguish that the surname was not their birth name such as Martha Ann Jonesmrs may be used to indicate that Martha was Mrs. Martha Ann Jones.</div><h2>Dates</h2><div class="MsoNormal">Genealogists use a consistent format for recording dates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may choose which format you prefer, but once you decide you should use it consistently throughout your work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Generally, most family historians use two digits for the date followed by the month written in full and followed by four digits for the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Example:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>21 September 1984.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you prefer you may record the date 09/21/1984 or 21 Sep 1984 or 21/09/1984.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever format be sure to use it for recording all dates.</div><h2>Locations</h2><div class="MsoNormal">It is also important to record the geographic location where the event occurred in a consistent format.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In general, you should record the town, county, state and country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Example:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saint Joseph, Buchanan, Missouri, USA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may use the two-letter abbreviation for the state if you prefer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saint Joseph, Buchanan, MO, USA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not necessary to write the word county when you use a consistent format.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do not know all of the information for the location use commas to mark the designation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Example:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, Buchanan, MO, USA or Saint Joseph, , MO, USA.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is also important to record the location as it was known at the time the event occurred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prior to the end of the Civil War the state of West Virginia did not exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should record the location as Virginia prior to 1865, but after 1865 the location would be West Virginia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A person may not move, but the location of an event in his / her life may be different than a previous event that occurred at the same location just due to a change in boundaries.</div><h2>Pedigree Chart</h2><div class="MsoNormal">The function of the pedigree chart is to document the lineage from one generation to the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It starts with an individual and shows his / her parents; their parents, grandparents, great grandparents and so forth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They help to document a direct line of ancestors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The information should be recorded consistently on the pedigree chart as it was on the family group sheet.</div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span> <div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-53291938774967965932010-05-22T04:04:00.000-07:002010-05-22T04:04:19.223-07:00Lesson 2: Gathering Records for your Genealogy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What are the types of records you will need to collect to document the facts in your family tree?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To document your own life you will want to obtain a copy of your birth certificate. If you were born in the United States you should be able to obtain a copy of your birth certificate from the bureau of vital statistics of the state in which you were born. How do you find out where to write for your birth certificate? The Center for Disease Control website provides the agency and address along with instructions for obtaining birth and death certificates as well as marriage and divorce records: </span></span><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm</span></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These records are known as Vital Records and are issued by government agencies and they record milestone life events. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Even though you may have a vital record to document births, deaths, marriages and divorces you will need to analyze the information for the quality of information. For example: a death certificate will contain the person’s name, date, place and cause of death and is considered to be the official record for the death and is considered to be a </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">primary source</span> </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">for the death information. In addition, the death certificate may contain information about the person’s parents, date and place of birth, but the death certificate is considered to be a </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">secondary source</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> for the birth information.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Other records that can be used to document birth, marriage & death information are:</span></span><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Church records documenting baptisms or christenings</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Family Bible records</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Newspaper clippings</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Baby books</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Family letters</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wedding albums</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Funeral cards</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Passports and naturalization papers</span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Don’t overlook the possibility that some of your relatives have already recorded some of the family history already. Also, many of the counties have published local histories that often include biographical sketches that can be used to provide information for your genealogy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Less common sources:</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Besides these documents there are other less common places to look for information such as:</span></span><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Engraved silverware or jewelry</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Embroidered samplers</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Quilts</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Plaques</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Personalized souvenirs</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Heirlooms</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pictures</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cemetery markers</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Don’t forget to look inside the picture frames to see if anyone may have put a note with information in it about the people. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There may be old letters, land deeds, marriage certificates, and other information about your family stored away in the attic, suitcases, boxes, drawers, basements or other places where things are stored.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Don’t forget to interview your elderly relatives too. They may be able to provide you with helpful clues and information that will lead you to the records to document your family’s history. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Attend family reunions and other family gatherings; take pictures and a notebook to record notes from conversations with your relatives. </span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Once you have collected this basic information for yourself, your parents and grandparents you will need to spend some time recording and organizing the information.</span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span> <br />
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</div>Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-83951935403221414772010-05-13T17:26:00.000-07:002010-05-29T13:21:57.070-07:00How to Get Started with your Genealogy - Lesson 1For those of you who have not started working on your family history because you don't know where to begin this lesson should provide you with some helpful pointers. You will need to record the information that you already know. It is best to start with yourself and your immediate family. You can find free genealogy forms online to help you keep the information organized. A good source for a variety of free genealogy forms can be found at the following website: <a href="http://www.genealogysearch.org/free/forms.html">http://www.genealogysearch.org/free/forms.html</a> or if you would like to record the information on your computer there are several free genealogy software programs that will help you to keep your information organized. The following links will take you to some of the popular genealogy software sites and online family trees:<br />
<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.genealogysearch.org/free/freeware.html">http://www.genealogysearch.org/free/freeware.html</a></li>
<li>Legacy also offers a free version of their popular software - <a href="http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/">http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/</a></li>
<li>RootsMagic - also has a free version - <a href="http://www.rootsmagic.com/">http://www.rootsmagic.com/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ancestry.com/">Ancestry.com</a> - has an online family tree that users may record their family information</li>
<li>MyHeritage: <a href="http://www.myheritage.com/?gclid=COH8kuOt0KECFQdS2godvSWxIA">http://www.myheritage.com/?gclid=COH8kuOt0KECFQdS2godvSWxIA</a></li>
<li>FamilyTreeGuide: <a href="http://www.familytreeguide.com/">http://www.familytreeguide.com/</a></li>
</ul><div>There are several other excellent programs and online family tree sites. </div><br />
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The forms or the software will prompt you for the information you need to record about yourself and your parents. Once you fill in the blanks about yourself and your parents you will have already completed the first and second generations of your genealogy. <br />
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You are then ready to start collecting information from your family papers. Most families have some memorabilia and family scrapbooks or photo albums that help to provide genealogical information. Gather things like obituaries, wedding announcements, funeral cards, newspaper clippings, birth and death certificates, graduation announcements and other such papers.<br />
<br />
Look through the family papers and record as much information as is given in the documents for the appropriate family member. Once you have done this you will have a very good start on your family history. Be sure to record the information on the forms available at the above websites or on your computer in the genealogy software program or online website.Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-84244688407001397062010-04-03T07:59:00.000-07:002010-04-03T07:59:14.846-07:00Visit midwest-genealogy.comI would like to encourage all of you to visit my updated website. I have reformatted the pages, added new information and hope that you will find this updated website to be helpful. The URL is <a href="http://midwest-genealogy.com/">midwest-genealogy.com</a>.<br />
<br />
Please feel free to comment on the appearance, content, etc. of this updated website. It is your feedback that helps me improve the content of the website and this blog.Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-27885085240545324432010-04-01T20:08:00.000-07:002010-04-03T08:00:46.185-07:00Genealogy Conferences a good way to learn about researching your family history!<strong><span style="color: #990000;">Midwest Genealogical Events</span></strong><br />
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<div></div><ul><li>April 10, 2010: Greater Omaha Genealogy Society Spring Workshop. Speaker will be Dr. Gerald Haslam from Brigham Young University. Website with more information: <a href="http://www.gogsmembers.wordpress.com/">http://www.gogsmembers.wordpress.com/</a> </li>
</ul><br />
<div></div><ul><li>April 17, 2010: Iowa Genealogical Society's Spring Conference. Speaker will be Stephen S. Barthel and 8 other speakers. Website with more information: <a href="http://www.wsgs.org/">http://www.wsgs.org/</a> </li>
</ul><br />
<div></div><ul><li>April 16-17, 2010: Wisconsin State Gene-A-Rama Speaker will be Geoff Rasmussen Website with more information: <a href="http://www.iowagenealogy.org/">http://www.iowagenealogy.org/</a> </li>
</ul><br />
<div></div><ul><li>April 22-24, 2010: Annual Ohio Genealogical Society Conference. There will be several featured speakers. Website with more information: <a href="http://www.ogs.org/conference2010/">http://www.ogs.org/conference2010/</a> </li>
</ul><br />
<div></div><ul><li>April 24, 2010: Topeka Genealogical Society 38th Annual Conference. Speaker will be Michael John Neill Website with more information: <a href="http://www.tgstopeka.org/conference.html">http://www.tgstopeka.org/conference.html</a> </li>
</ul><br />
<div></div><ul><li>Missouri State Genealogical Association Annual Conference - August 13-14, 2010 in Jefferson City, Missouri. Speaker will be Roger Minert, Ph.D. For more information see: <a href="http://www.mosga.org/conference2010.html">http://www.mosga.org/conference2010.html</a></li>
</ul><br />
<div></div><span style="color: #990000;">Other Events of Interest to Genealogists</span><br />
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<div></div><ul><li>April 28-May 1, 2010 National Genealogical Society Family History Conference - for more information <a href="http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/conference_info">http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/conference_info</a> </li>
</ul><br />
<div></div>Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-21072679555500036952010-02-11T17:16:00.001-08:002010-02-11T17:19:32.143-08:00St. Joseph, Missouri: Online Genealogy Databases through the St. Joseph Public LibraryIf you live in or near St. Joseph, Missouri and are interested in genealogy you don’t want to forget to sign up for access to the online databases through the St. Joseph Public Library. You need to check with the librarian at the branch nearest you to activate your online access. You can find the opening page showing the general databases that are available and of interest to patrons in general at this page:<br />
<a href="http://sjpl.lib.mo.us/index.php?sitearea=general&areapage=searchpage&id=23">http://sjpl.lib.mo.us/index.php?sitearea=general&areapage=searchpage&id=23</a><br />
Those specifically of interest to genealogists are:<br />
Ancestry Library Edition – available only at the library<br />
Heritage Quest – contains:<br />
• Revolutionary War Pension Files<br />
• Census images<br />
• Freedman’s Bank<br />
• Persi<br />
• Books such as genealogies, county histories, etcSharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-48082145350785783642010-02-11T14:45:00.000-08:002010-02-11T14:58:48.026-08:00Illinois State Archives – Online Records<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIy3TE21Dsu3QR3zJuiIAdA9B4XiguRiRhSson5FoPDZAlweZiCmNFlPTc1OGRDYw6-_z1KdiEBuzSIvn9b6R-DX5nTf7bq7wUu-RfO7dgGOM5PD7iyPOo9UfHlCbmz9MmceLRpkAVCQ4/s1600-h/IL_StateArchives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIy3TE21Dsu3QR3zJuiIAdA9B4XiguRiRhSson5FoPDZAlweZiCmNFlPTc1OGRDYw6-_z1KdiEBuzSIvn9b6R-DX5nTf7bq7wUu-RfO7dgGOM5PD7iyPOo9UfHlCbmz9MmceLRpkAVCQ4/s320/IL_StateArchives.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Illinois State Archives has had an online presence for many years. It is a must for researchers who have Illinois ancestors to check out their website for information. They also have an excellent series of “Pamphlets” for new researchers needing to know what to expect to find in the various genealogical record groups that they archive. In addition to the records they archive they several very useful online databases. </span><br />
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Frequently asked questions and answers about the Illinois State Archives:<br />
<br />
Q: Where is the state archives located?<br />
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Illinois State Archives<br />
Norton Building<br />
Capitol Complex<br />
Springfield, IL 62756 <br />
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Q: How do I contact the Illinois State Archives?<br />
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Telephone: (217) 782-4682<br />
Fax: (217) 524-3930 <br />
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Q: What are the hours of operation?<br />
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A: The archives is open:<br />
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Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.<br />
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1st Saturday of month: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (except holiday weekends)<br />
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Q: What type of records can you expect to find in the Illinois State Archives?<br />
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A: The state Archives is the official depository of public records for the State of Illinois. They also archive records for local governmental agencies too. You can find:<br />
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• Land sales records<br />
• Probate records<br />
• Military records<br />
• Census records<br />
• Death Records<br />
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Q: What don’t they have?<br />
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A: They do not archive:<br />
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• Manuscripts<br />
• Newspapers<br />
• Non-official documents<br />
• Published genealogies<br />
• Church records<br />
• Cemetery records<br />
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Q: What is IRAD?<br />
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A: IRAD is the Illinois Regional Archives Depositories. It is made up of 7 regional sites that are located on the campuses of state universities around the state of Illinois. The local and county records such as deeds, wills, and marriages are archives by IRAD.<br />
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Q: Does the Illinois State Archives have online databases?<br />
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A: Yes – there are several online databases that are very useful to genealogists researching Illinois ancestors. Some of the most useful databases for genealogists are:<br />
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• Vital Records: Marriage Index 1783-1900<br />
• Vital Records: Death Index Pre-1916<br />
• Vital Records: Death Index 1916-1950<br />
• Public domain Land Tract Sales<br />
• Illinois Servitude and Emancipation Records<br />
• Illinois Veteran’s History Project<br />
• Illinois War of 1812 Veterans<br />
• Illinois Black Hawk War Veterans<br />
• Illinois Mexican War Veterans<br />
• Illinois Civil War Muster & Descriptive Rolls<br />
• Illinois Civil War Veterans serving in the U.S. Navy<br />
• Illinois Spanish American War Veterans<br />
• 1929 Illinois Roll of Honor<br />
• Illinois Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home Residents<br />
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To learn more about the holdings of the Illinois State Archives and the 7 regional depositories check out the Home page and other links for the Illinois State Archives. <a href="http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/archives.html">http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/archives.html</a>Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-61629285132046633572010-01-26T04:48:00.000-08:002010-01-26T04:48:21.858-08:00Iowa: Two Repositories You Must Check out!!<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI)</span><br />
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The first is the State Historical Society of Iowa. If you have ancestors from who lived in Iowa, you will definitely find this repository helpful. The Society has two locations. One is located in Des Moines, Iowa and the other is in Iowa City. The State Archives is operated by the SHSI and houses many records commonly used by genealogists. Some of the microfilmed county records they maintain are:<br />
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• birth & death records<br />
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• marriage records<br />
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• county court records <br />
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• land deeds<br />
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• naturalization papers<br />
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• military records<br />
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• land office records <br />
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• homestead records<br />
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• census records<br />
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o U.S. Census records from 1840 through 1930<br />
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o Iowa state census records for 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915 and 1925<br />
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o Special census records for 1838, 1844, 1846-1847, 1849, and 1851-1854. <br />
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o Mortality, agricultural, industrial, and social census records are available for selected years. <br />
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In addition to the above records this repository houses a variety of other useful items for family history researchers. They have a collection of books and periodicals that include:<br />
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• county histories<br />
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• yearbooks<br />
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• biographies and memoirs<br />
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• plat maps<br />
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• city directories<br />
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• all of the journals published by the SHSI<br />
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• periodicals from many other societies<br />
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• Sanborn Fire Maps for several Iowa cities<br />
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They also have a valuable manuscript collection that contains personal papers, diaries, letters, scrapbooks and various other records and materials that have been donated to the Society. If you are looking for obituaries and other news items, the Society houses an excellent collection of many of the newspapers from each of the counties in Iowa. Another great benefit is that the Society also includes access to NewspaperArchive.com which is the premier website for online newspapers.<br />
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For more information, the hours of operation and directions to get there check out their website at: <a href="http://www.iowahistory.org/libraries/location-and-hours.html">http://www.iowahistory.org/libraries/location-and-hours.html</a><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong>Iowa Genealogical Society</strong></span><br />
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Across the street from the State Historical Society is the Iowa Genealogical Society Library which has an excellent collection of materials to help you research your Iowa ancestors. Over time the members of this Society have built a collection of family history materials consisting of over 20,000 volumes of hard copy materials and 15,000 microforms focusing on Iowa, the United States and even materials for those whose ancestors came from abroad. The library is well equipped with plenty of work space and microfilm readers. If you want to use online subscription websites, the IGS has computers for accessing Ancestry.com. A more detailed description of their holdings can be found at this website: <br />
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<a href="http://www.iowagenealogy.org/research_resources/index.htm">http://www.iowagenealogy.org/research_resources/index.htm</a><br />
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The library is open during the winter at the following times:<br />
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<strong>Winter Hours: November 30, 2009 to March 31, 2010</strong><br />
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Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. AND Tuesday & Thursday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.<br />
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If you are in the Des Moines area and interested in researching your family history you will want to plan your trip to have time to visit both of these great repositories.Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-33568067147674932262010-01-13T03:43:00.001-08:002010-01-13T03:43:58.475-08:00Nebraskans --- Your Archive is closed for Renovation!!The state archive in Nebraska is the Nebraska State Historical Society, located in Lincoln, Nebraska. It is located at 1500 R Street on the University of Nebraska campus. The NSHS closed in January 2009 and was closed all year and is still closed as of the writing of this blog.<br />
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For more information check their website:<br />
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<a href="http://www.nebraskahistory.org/">http://www.nebraskahistory.org/</a>Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-60124181854255280152010-01-12T05:08:00.000-08:002010-01-12T05:13:21.646-08:00Kansas Researchers - You won't want to miss the Kansas State Historical Society - State Archives and LibraryFor those of you with Kansas ancestors don’t overlook using the Kansas State Historical Society – State Archives and Library located in Topeka, Kansas. The address and business hours are shown below: <br />
Address and Telephone Number:<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;">6425 SW 6th Avenue</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;">Topeka, Kansas 66615</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;">Phone: 785-272-8681</span><br />
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Hours:<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;">9 to 4:30 Tuesdays through Saturdays; closed Sundays, Mondays and state holidays</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Records at this repository:</span><br />
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This repository has an excellent collection of records. Some of the things they have archived there include: <br />
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• <a href="http://www.kshs.org/genealogists/localgovt/microfilm/index.htm">County records on microfilm</a> – This collection is varied for the different counties, depending on what each county has submitted. Some of the record types in this record group include, but are not limited to: marriage, naturalization, probate case files, wills, deeds, cemetery, school, poor house, civil and criminal court dockets and various other county government records.<br />
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• <a href="http://www.kshs.org/genealogists/vital/marriages.htm">Marriage records database 1854-1861</a><br />
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• <a href="http://www.kshs.org/library/news.htm">Newspapers</a> from many counties and various time periods<br />
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• <a href="http://www.kshs.org/genealogists/directories/index.htm">City Directories and telephone books</a><br />
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• <a href="http://www.kshs.org/genealogists/census/index.htm">Census records</a><br />
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• <a href="http://www.kshs.org/genealogists/military/index.htm">Military records</a><br />
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• <a href="http://www.kshs.org/genealogists/archivalrecordsforgenealogicalresearch.htm">Penitentiary records</a><br />
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• <a href="http://www.kshs.org/research/collections/documents/photos/index.htm">Photographs</a><br />
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• <a href="http://www.kshs.org/research/collections/documents/maps/sanborn/index.htm">Sanborn Fire Maps</a> for Kansas towns<br />
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• Other – check out their website<br />
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This group is also very helpful and for some records you may borrow microfilmed records through interlibrary loan by contacting your local library. Don’t overlook this excellent repository for your Kansas research!<br />
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The Kansas State Historical Society also has other locations around the state with a variety of things on display about Kansas. Be sure to plan to visit the sites closest to your ancestors.<br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Note also located at this site is the Kansas Museum of History – Also a very interesting place to visit to learn in general what your Kansas ancestors life was like!! Plan to visit both when you are in Topeka.</strong></span></em>Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-49244025418142981382009-12-31T18:36:00.000-08:002009-12-31T18:37:08.457-08:00One of my favorite repositories in Missouri ~~ Missouri State ArchivesI want to tell you about one of the best repositories in Missouri. Many of you are aware that this repository has an excellent and award winning website on which they post searchable databases with links to digitized images. The archive that I am referring to is the Missouri State Archives.<br />
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• Location: 500 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102; <br />
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• Phone: 573-751-3280 <br />
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• E-mail: archref@sos.mo.gov; <br />
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• Website: <a href="http://www.sos.mo.gov/records/">http://www.sos.mo.gov/records/</a><br />
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Why is this repository my favorite one in Missouri? This repository is an excellent place to find Missouri records. They are the official archive for the state’s historical records. Below is a list of just a few of the types of records they house:<br />
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• County records (on microfilm) including: Court records (circuit, county and probate); county assessors and collectors records; deed records; county birth and death records between 1883-1893<br />
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• Civil War records (Office of the Adjutant General) - excellent source of records for state militia; court martial papers; some confederate and union materials; and U.S. Colored Troops muster rolls and service records<br />
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• Missouri census records<br />
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• Missouri State Penitentiary records – various records ranging in time from 1836-1892<br />
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• Supreme Court of Missouri case files – original case files ranging from 1804 to 1896<br />
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• State records – includes various state government department records, governors records and secretaries of state records; vital records<br />
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• Sanborn Fire Maps for Missouri<br />
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• Plat Maps for all counties<br />
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To make sure you find the records you are looking for when researching your Missouri ancestors a careful study of the Missouri State Archives website is essential. Be sure to check out these links:<br />
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• Missouri State Archives Homepage: <a href="http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/">http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/</a><br />
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• Collections: <a href="http://www.sos.mo.gov/mdh/collections.asp">http://www.sos.mo.gov/mdh/collections.asp</a><br />
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• Missouri History: <a href="http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/history/">http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/history/</a><br />
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• Genealogical research: <a href="http://www.sos.mo.gov/mdh/browse.asp?id=8">http://www.sos.mo.gov/mdh/browse.asp?id=8</a><br />
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• Maps: <a href="http://www.sos.mo.gov/mdh/browse.asp?id=12">http://www.sos.mo.gov/mdh/browse.asp?id=12</a><br />
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• County records on microfilm: <a href="http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/county/croll.asp">http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/county/croll.asp</a><br />
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This is one repository you will not want to overlook when researching your Missouri ancestors!Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9062678143561498107.post-66009766443150334682009-12-29T16:05:00.000-08:002010-05-29T13:06:42.801-07:00New Blog about doing Genealogical Research in the Midwest<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfD95AluAuRJKWnCz0zuTxibBn1VnffN7g5knlhXwjnupaOwEKf85Je7Vrcy4cicnilmxTFuKGu8IntECnN5ZA2OsCHQ5rQxh3UErSji0aPQOXvd5KV0J6GS1BdJ07OBPmN9JKAbKFV5k/s1600-h/midwest_outline_color.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420875360610113298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfD95AluAuRJKWnCz0zuTxibBn1VnffN7g5knlhXwjnupaOwEKf85Je7Vrcy4cicnilmxTFuKGu8IntECnN5ZA2OsCHQ5rQxh3UErSji0aPQOXvd5KV0J6GS1BdJ07OBPmN9JKAbKFV5k/s320/midwest_outline_color.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 246px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<br />
<span style="color: #000099;">I have decided to add a blog to my websites. This blog will contain general information about researching in the midwest, short blognotes about the midwest, news of genealogical events happening in or about the midwest and other items of interest. The blog is also open to others who would like to share what they know about researching in the midwest. It can be used to post questions and share ideas. </span><span style="color: #000099;">I hope you will find it a welcome addition to my websites. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #000099;">As an opener let's define what is considered the "Midwest" ~ </span><span style="color: #000099;">The United States Census Bureau divides the United States into 4 geographic regions:</span> <br />
<ul><li><span style="color: #000099;">Northeast</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">South</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Midwest</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">West</span></li>
</ul><span style="color: #000099;">The Midwest consists of 12 states: Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. For more information describing the Midwest see this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midwest#cite_note-0">wikipedia site</a>. The order of entry of the Midwestern States into the union is shown below:</span><br />
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<ul><li><span style="color: #000099;">Ohio - 17th state admitted in 1803</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Indiana - 19th state admitted in 1816</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Illinois - 21st state admitted in 1818</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Missouri - 24th state admitted in 1821</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Michigan - 26th state admitted in 1837</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Iowa - 29th state admitted in 1846</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Wisconsin - 30th state admitted in 1848</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Minnesota - 32nd state admitted in 1858</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Kansas - 34th state admitted in 1861</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Nebraska - 37th state admitted in 1867</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">North and South Dakota - 39th & 40th states both admitted in in 1889</span></li>
</ul><br />
<span style="color: #000099;">Early settlers began coming into the area known are "the Old Northwest Territory" at the turn of 19th century. Settlers of Scots-Irish origins poured into the area from Virginia, Kentucky and Pennsylvania to purchase land. Another stimulus to settling the area were land warrants issued to Revolutionary War soldiers, who were mainly from Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey. The construction of the Erie Canal and later the railroad helped to bring new settlers into the area.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000099;">Some major factors affecting the settlement of the midwest include:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="color: #000099;">Northwest Ordinance in 1787</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Establishment of roads such as the National Road, Braddocks Road, Cumberland Gap, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Louisiana Purchase in 1803</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Building of the Erie Canal</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Steamboats</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Building of the railroads</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Platte Purchase of 1837</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Trails west including Oregon, Santa Fe</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Gold discovered at Sutter's Mill in California 1849</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Homestead Acts of 1862 and 1866</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Treaties with Native Americans</span></li>
</ul><br />
<span style="color: #000099;">This is just a brief synopsis of the opening of the Midwest to settlers and those who are our ancestors. If you want to learn more about this there are many many links on the internet that can help you.</span><br />
<span style="color: #000099;">Some links I find helpful include:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="color: #000099;"><a href="http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/modules/westward/index.cfm">Westward Expansion</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;">Wikipedia - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midwestern_United_States">Midwestern United States</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;"><a href="http://www.history1700s.com/page1777.shtml">18th Century History - Midwestern United States</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000099;"><a href="http://www.census.gov/geo/www/us_regdiv.pdf">U.S. Census Bureau Map</a></span></li>
</ul><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: 85%;">If you would like to share any sources of information you have that would help others learn more about the settlement of the Midwest please feel free to add a post to this Blog!</span></strong><br />
<em>Stay tuned -- more about the Midwest to come in the future.</em><br />
<em>Sharlene Miller, CG</em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: 78%;">CG and Certified Genealogist are service marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists used under license by those who have passed BCG's periodic examination process.</span></em><br />
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<span style="color: #000099;"></span></div>Sharlene Miller, CGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039529519259419749noreply@blogger.com0