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
Conn
The Will of John C. Fowler
Locating documents to verify life events is an important part of family research. Even when one is lucky enough to find a birth or death certificate, finding other supporting sources is beneficial. Records for my ancestor John C. Fowler can be found in the Monongalia County courthouse in West Virginia. These documents, especially those concerning his death, have provided significant information about John and his family. Continue reading
Misc. Tax Rolls–Fayette County PA
This year for tax month—extended to May 17—I have extracted some property tax records for Georges Township, Fayette County, PA. The focus is on the Conn family beginning in 1815 with George Conn, listed in February’s blog, and his sons over a 25 year period. Tax records can provide clues about residency, land ownership, death of a land owner, as well as indicate the potential age of men who become adults and were then taxed for an occupation. Continue reading
The Deeds of George Conn
Recently I have been going through papers I had set aside some time ago for “review at a later date”. These include documents I have accumulated on various genealogy trips to courthouse, libraries, as well as online research. As I read over some of these I have found a few forgotten gems that are buried in these papers. In this stack were several deeds from 1817 for George Conn in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Continue reading
Anniversary of the Armistice
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. At that precise moment in 1918, the armistice to end the fighting of World War I went into effect, with the official peace treaty signed months later in Versailles. The war had raged in Europe for over 4 years, with most of the combat occurring in eastern France and western Russia. Regarded by many Americans as a European dispute, the United States maintained neutrality until the spring of 1917 when it entered the fray and declared war on Germany. Continue reading
Relatively Speaking Blog 