Vital records for deaths are an important part of genealogical research, but before the 20th century finding these can be difficult, especially in a state like Pennsylvania. Combing a cemetery might provide some information, but like death notices of the time, the information is often minimal, and may not be entirely accurate. Fortunately, some states, including West Virginia, started recording deaths at the county level in the mid 19th century. Continue reading
Author: tcbrown
Census Through the Years: Martha Jane Allen
When I began researching my paternal line, I asked my aunts and uncles about Jane and got the typically reply that they “did not know much about her.” Jane was mentioned as a sibling to my grandfather Charles Brown, though it was uncertain whether she was his full sibling. Jane lived in North Central PA and a few times an aunt or uncle paid her a short visit while passing through, such as the time my Aunt Mazie went up to Lock Haven to get married. They did not see Aunt Jane much, so aside from the names of her children, my aunts and uncles gave little detail about Jane. One vague comment I recall was one of her houses had a dirt floor in the kitchen, which suggested Jane lived a simple life with modest means. With little information to start, I turned to the census and other documents to solve some of the ambiguity surrounding Jane. Continue reading
Release of 1950 Census
The census is a wonderful tool for family research. Although it is conducted every 10 years, it takes a lifetime to view yourself in these documents. The government analyzes and shares general statistics about the population shortly after the data is collected, but the actual forms are not released to the general public for 72 years. Last month on April 1st the forms for the 1950 census were released into the public domain. Anyone who turned 72 before April 1 of this year should be able to find themselves in those census records. Continue reading
New Castle County DE Tax Rolls for James Blackston
One of my goals this year is to confirm the parents of my 4th great grandfather, James Blackston. According to family, James was a widower with a large family when he came to Westmoreland County PA from either Maryland or Delaware. After his arrival, James married Elizabeth West. A bill of sale in that county in December 1819 revealed James sold a mare, a horse and a cow harness. Continue reading
RootsTech 2022: New Tools For Brick Walls
The annual RootsTech conference, one of the world’s largest on family history, convened the first weekend in March. Over 1500 sessions were held covering 185 topics ranging from family research tips, available resources, DNA tests and research techniques, how to preserve family stories and heirlooms, and some quick promotional videos for specific websites and products. Although the event is over, the opportunity to watch recorded sessions and participate continues throughout the year; sessions from last year are available as well. All you need is a free familysearch.org account to begin viewing. Continue reading
Census Through the Years: Mary Clara Allen Walter
When I first started exploring my paternal family history, my Aunt Silveretta told me what she knew about her aunts and uncles. Silveretta knew that her father’s parents, John and Margaret, had children from previous marriages, but she was uncertain who the parents were for each of her father’s siblings. She mentioned several names, such as Jane, Claire, George, Francis, Dell, but knew few details about these paternal aunts and uncles. Silveretta had met most of them only once or twice when she was young and had no memories of them. Continue reading
New Year’s Resolutions
Each New Year, many people make resolutions of habits they wish to change or goals they hope to accomplish. Among my resolutions, I always include some genealogy tasks I’d like to complete. In the past organizing my information has often been on my list; last year, I finally organized and filed many of my paper files, so finding documents should be easier. With the start of 2022, I have begun compiling my list of objectives for the new year. Here are a few of the genealogy items I would like to accomplish during this coming year. Continue reading
Remembering Traditions
Looking back as the year draws to a close, it has been one of ups and downs. The continuation of the Covid pandemic made it difficult to easily visit with others until the rollout of the vaccine gave some protection for people to get together more safely. We were able to be with family and friends for some occasions and were especially grateful for time spent with my elderly in-laws, Joe and Rosemarie, who went into an assisted living facility last winter. This summer both of my in-laws passed away, three months apart, and will be missed this holiday season. Continue reading
75th Anniversary of Ray and Kay
This month marks the 75th anniversary of the marriage of my parents, Ray and Kay. When I think about my parents and their marriage, many thoughts come to mind. The overwhelming one is the respect they gave each other. In all my years of growing up I never saw my parents fight. They might disagree, but they never raised their voice to one another. They were true companions, and over the years they stood by their vows through the good and the bad. Continue reading
Census Through the Years: Zachariah Adam Deemer
Sarah Best was my second cousin three times removed on my Ludwick line. During the 1830s our mutual Ludwick ancestors, Abraham and Mary, moved to Jefferson County PA for almost 20 years before they returned to Allegheny County. Many of their children who grew up in Jefferson County chose to remain there and raise their families. Sarah, great granddaughter of Abraham and Mary, was born in 1837 and spent her entire life in Jefferson County. Continue reading
Relatively Speaking Blog 