It’s time to get serious about my family history research. Particularly when it comes to breaking down a brick wall that is preventing me from getting across the pond. Toward that end, for the past few weeks I’ve been devouring reading George G. Morgan and Drew Smith’s book Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques. A book I highly…
Friday’s plans included lunch with an old friend who recently bought a condo in Andersonville. Google Maps showed two options from the hotel to my friend’s new place. One route would bring us within blocks of Saint Adalbert Cemetery in Niles. “Wanna leave a little early so we can stop there?” “Obvi!” Saint Adalbert has…
While I pondered about a genealogical to-do list for my recent trip to Chicago, I submitted a question to the Rootsweb ILKane mailing list: “Hello all, My 3rd great-grandmother Helena (nee Åman) Tolf died 13 Jan 1901. According to her obituaries, she died in Batavia and is buried at West Batavia Cemetery. But neither Kane County nor…
On this day in 1774, my 4th great-grandfather François Schmitt was baptized. Especially exciting for me was that François’ father Claude signed the document. Here I am at my desk looking at the crystal clear signature of my 5th great-grandfather written 241 years ago. Is this a great time to be on the planet or what? But wait – who is the…
I’ve gotten pretty good deciding where to invest my genealogy dollars. Ancestry.com World Explorer provides resources I need when researching many of my ancestors and their FANS. ArkivDigital is my go-to site for Swedish records. My Hamilton County Genealogical Society membership keeps me connected to my Cincinnati ancestors as the Batavia Historical Society connects me to…
where2look4ancestors 