Welcome to Family Finds
An Adventure in Genealogy
In addition to stories about my ancestors, I share tips for conducting online family history research. Genealogy is a great pastime, join me on my journey to uncover and document my ancestors lives.
Family Gathering
Genealogy is all about family gathering. This week I describe finding two of my unknown 4th great-grandparents. I discovered them by gathering a variety of data together.
Preserve
This prompt is a call to action, “Preserve public records!” The preservation of land records has helped me to break down another brick wall and discover a 4th great-grandfather.
Step
This week I broke down a brick wall by taking a step back and identified the parents of a 3x great-grandmother.
Technology
It’s easy for me to recognize the impact of technology in my life, I was an engineer at a technology company. But what about my ancestors?
Achievement
For many years I have wanted to apply for a Veterans headstone for my great-grandfather’s cemetery plot. I finally did it this year and I consider it an achievement.
Language
I am learning a foreign language intending to translate an old letter. If you are looking at foreign language records, you could try it too.
Heirlooms
This week I highlight two heirlooms I recently inherited: the pocket watch that belonged to my great-grandfather, and my mother’s childhood doll.
Immigration
Immigration is a huge part of the American narrative. This week I attempt to place all my immigrant ancestors into a table, or two…
Earning a Living
Prior to 1900, most of my ancestors were earning a living as self-employed farmers. For the past 100 years, very few members of my extended family are earning a living as farmers or in agriculture.
Witness to History
I have researched ancestors who possibly witnessed historical events. They were present or close by, and I wonder how their story became lost to my family.