Court records are an invaluable source of information about our ancestors. I have successfully used court records to discover family associations, personal property descriptions, information about crops and livestock, financial details, and names of neighbors.
death Blog Posts
Strength
I sometimes wonder at the personal strength my ancestors must have had to face the many adversities in their lives. Particularly when I discover the death of a spouse or child. I suspect many found strength through their faith and the practical aspects of their lives.
Tragedy
I consider the tragedy of my 3rd great-grandmother, Mary Hebble 1812-1851, and the impact her illness and death had on her immediate family.
Health
Finding genealogical records pertaining to the health of our ancestors is rare. Death certificates are the most common, but there is the occasional newspaper article.
Loss
What was the impact of the loss of a wife in the mid19th century? My 3rd great grandfather was left to care for two very young children after the loss of two wives by 1850. He was a farmer and laborer, how did he cope?
Water
My mother tells a story about her maternal grandfather asking her to bring a cold cup of water from the well.
Nearly Forgotten
When I research an ancestor who has very few identifiable records, I think how sad that they are lost to history, or nearly forgotten. George Koontz, 1806-18??, is one…
Family Disaster
A family disaster can happen in the blink of an eye. The tragic loss of a parent can change everything for a child, and their descendants.