Archive for » June, 2010 «

29
Jun
Street Names and Census
Debby

Reading names on a census record can be challenging, but what is even more frustrating is when you know the family should appear and you cannot find them.  If you know the street address for the family at the time of a census taking, check the enumeration district (ED) descriptions to find out what streets are included; even better is if you have a house number.

I recently helped someone find their family in the 1930 census (complete mess of surname on the census) by using information from a will listing the address of the family.  We were able to determine three EDs where the street was listed and by scrolling through each page looking for the street name and house number, we were able to find the family.  Using a current map and attempting to follow the census taker’s footsteps we were also able to determine when we were scrolling too far in any direction from where the house was located.

We were pleased when we found the family and then were able to go back to the online indexes and provide them the correct spelling of the surname for future researchers.

For more information on Census Enumeration Districts, read Your Guide to the Federal Census by Kathleen W. Hinckley.

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15
Jun
Interviewing
Debby

Growing up I heard a lot of stories from older family members about our ancestors and at the time I never wrote down the information.  Now I try so very hard to remember some of those stories as I do my research to help fill in the blanks.

It is time now to start recording your family history.  Interview those family members who still recall information.  Ask the simple questions: full names of people, location names, and dates (even approximate dates can help).

Not sure what questions to ask, The UnPuzzling Your Past Workbook, by Emily Anne Croom, has blank interview forms for Pre-1930 Period, Depression – 1930s, World War II and the 1940s, and many more that can provide guidance.

I recommend using a recorder to catch all the information for oral interviews.  It is more important to encourage the interviewee to expand on their answers than trying to keep up with what they are saying at the time.

Take the time to ask the questions now before the information is lost.

Category: Genealogy  Tags: , ,  5 Comments
12
Jun
Did I already ask this?
Debby

Sometimes my brickwalls need resting time and when patience or new ideas pop-up, I will pull out a brickwall file and start working on it again.  In my earlier research years, I did not keep great records on all the relevant queries.  Those lack of records, and memory, now force me take the time to review what has been posted on Rootsweb message boards, so I don’t ask the same question twice.

One of the nice features of Rootsweb message boards is the ability to do advanced searches on “posted withing” time frame.  If I would like to know what has been posted in the last six months, or even last year or example, it is possible.  This has helped me narrow down what new posts have been made since the last time I looked at the file, versus having to start all over again.  The date of my last search is one of the items I capture in my research notes.

The Official Guide to Rootsweb.com, by Myra Vanderpool Gormley, discusses the search fields for message board entries.

Category: Genealogy  Tags: , , , , ,  6 Comments
10
Jun
Education – Take a class
Debby

Learning the ins and outs of any topic in genealogy takes time.  From reading articles, asking questions, to trial and error, there is always something new to learn.

As much as one can learn alone, there is a great benefit to take a class.  There are many opportunities for individuals to take classes online, correspondence, and in person.

My preference is face to face training, where you can ask questions and see examples as well as learn from fellow students.  Topics offered range regional, methodology, computers, and so much more.

Professional Genealogy, editor, Elizabeth Shown Mills, has information on both in person and other forms of educational opportunities.

Category: Genealogy  Tags: , , , ,  One Comment
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