I met my cousin yesterday. I met her grandfather, my uncle, last year. My uncle R. L. One of the sweetest men on the planet. So it's no wonder that his granddaughter, Nicole, would be equally as sweet. Meeting new people is hard but meeting new family is wonderful and not hard at all.
I would probably never have met Nicole and her four wonderful children if I had not attended the National Genealogical Society's (NGS) annual conference this year. It is being held in Cincinnati. I have no reason (prior to knowing Nicole) to come to this part of Ohio. I didn't even know she lived here.
It seems I have family everywhere.
Meeting cousins is one of the side benefits of attending conferences. Sometimes we just learn a new research method or tools that enable us to find long dead cousins. Sometimes we hear about a "techie" tool like Facebook or Skype or Twitter that might help us meet living cousins. Every once in a while you'll be sitting in a classroom waiting for the lecture to start and you begin talking with the person to your right (or maybe your left) and your both in the same lecture on finding Ohio ancestors because you both have Ohio ancestors. Then you discover that they are the same Ohio ancestors. You've been talking with your cousin!
It happens.
Yesterday I had to miss the lecture my cousin Claire Bettag was presenting. I had to be in a meeting. (More about that later) Claire is a nationally known and respected lecturer. Earlier this year at Salt Lake Institute for Genealogy (SLIG) we discovered we were cousins. Distant cousins mind you. I think her 6th great grandfather and my 8th great grandfather are the same or something like that.
So yesterday was my day for cousins. I had to miss seeing one and I got to meet another.
Who knows maybe today I'll be sitting next to one I didn't know I had.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Sacramento Genealogical Society - Root Cellar
About a year ago I joined one of the local genealogical societies in my area. We are very lucky to have two superb genealogical groups here in the Sacramento, California area.
I joined Root Cellar (that's the name they go by, their "common name") they are officially The Sacramento Genealogical Society. It is probably the more active of the two groups and might be the larger. This group meets in the evenings which might have a bearing on that.
The other group is affectionately called GAS. They are properly known as The Genealogical Association of Sacramento. They meet in the afternoons and are struggling at the moment.
As I said I joined Root Cellar about a year ago and this year decided to get more involved so I ran for one of the offices. I'll let you know how that turns out. I don't believe in belonging to a group and not getting involved. You have to give back.
This June I will join GAS. I feel that both groups serve a purpose and have a lot to give. They meet the needs of different groups. By meeting in the afternoons, GAS allows those who are available at that time and perhaps don't like to drive at night or are early to bed types to get their genealogy fix. While Root Cellar allows those who work during the day to meet and mingle with their genealogy pals after work.
If you are interested in genealogy, and I'm guessing you are if you read this blog, then "get ye to a genealogy society." You'll find great people, and interesting lectures, fabulous tips and more of the wonderful world of genealogy.
I joined Root Cellar (that's the name they go by, their "common name") they are officially The Sacramento Genealogical Society. It is probably the more active of the two groups and might be the larger. This group meets in the evenings which might have a bearing on that.
The other group is affectionately called GAS. They are properly known as The Genealogical Association of Sacramento. They meet in the afternoons and are struggling at the moment.
As I said I joined Root Cellar about a year ago and this year decided to get more involved so I ran for one of the offices. I'll let you know how that turns out. I don't believe in belonging to a group and not getting involved. You have to give back.
This June I will join GAS. I feel that both groups serve a purpose and have a lot to give. They meet the needs of different groups. By meeting in the afternoons, GAS allows those who are available at that time and perhaps don't like to drive at night or are early to bed types to get their genealogy fix. While Root Cellar allows those who work during the day to meet and mingle with their genealogy pals after work.
If you are interested in genealogy, and I'm guessing you are if you read this blog, then "get ye to a genealogy society." You'll find great people, and interesting lectures, fabulous tips and more of the wonderful world of genealogy.
Friday, April 20, 2012
BIG NEWS
I have changed my business name! From now on my business will be known as "Seven Sisters Genealogical Services." What do you think? (Too bad, I'm not changing it.)
I also have decided to change the name of the blog. Y'all know you never remembered that big ol' long thing. So I think it will be easier to remember "Seven Sisters Genealogy" don't you?
And guess what? I've got a website. Yee Ha. Bet you can guess the name. "Seven SistersGenealogy.com" (you saw that one coming didn't you?)
I thought long and hard about my new name. Remember? I posted way back in October that I needed a new name. I even wanted to run a contest, but couldn't figure out how to run it. Well, the whole subject has weighed heavy on my mind for months now. Then one day it came to me.
I have seven sisters. They are a big part of why I do genealogy. (Them and my five brothers). Yes, I am including all of my brothers and sisters in that statement. (For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about go here and scroll down to the bottom, the very first post of this blog, entitled The Never Ending Story.) Even though we are a your's, mine, their's and somebody else's type of family, we are still connected. And I love each and every one of them.
My seven sisters are: Victoria Lynn, Jorja Lynn, Suzanne Ruth, Deborah Sue, Loretta Gail, Elisabeth Ann, and Gerrianne Teresa.
So to them I dedicate my new website and business name.
I also have decided to change the name of the blog. Y'all know you never remembered that big ol' long thing. So I think it will be easier to remember "Seven Sisters Genealogy" don't you?
And guess what? I've got a website. Yee Ha. Bet you can guess the name. "Seven SistersGenealogy.com" (you saw that one coming didn't you?)
I thought long and hard about my new name. Remember? I posted way back in October that I needed a new name. I even wanted to run a contest, but couldn't figure out how to run it. Well, the whole subject has weighed heavy on my mind for months now. Then one day it came to me.
I have seven sisters. They are a big part of why I do genealogy. (Them and my five brothers). Yes, I am including all of my brothers and sisters in that statement. (For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about go here and scroll down to the bottom, the very first post of this blog, entitled The Never Ending Story.) Even though we are a your's, mine, their's and somebody else's type of family, we are still connected. And I love each and every one of them.
My seven sisters are: Victoria Lynn, Jorja Lynn, Suzanne Ruth, Deborah Sue, Loretta Gail, Elisabeth Ann, and Gerrianne Teresa.
So to them I dedicate my new website and business name.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Grandma Theaux's Letter - Page Seven
3 she had no furniture
no She gat lots of help they
would call and say what they
had and she told what she
needed he her baby was sleeping on
a chair. Thank God I did it
I did get lots of heart brake
but I would think about the B. V. [Blessed Virgin]
One time this is with the
deaf. I had made up my mind
that I would get my deaf people
a place to pray and meet.
I can not explain all but
this I will never forget I forgive
yes but forget no because
to this day I can see my
self in agonie as Jesus.
This lady wo was rich and
the kind to Boss we gave a
party I was not much for
that but I gave in, always remember
my husband was not for that and
he will never know my suffering
the dance was on saturday I
went she had me like her
little dog. I obed but I [ ]
I'd never again get in that.
agance my husband will, I went
to help clane, [clean] it was freezing
cold she stood there and
put all the blame on
me insulted me right in
the face, Thank God I had the
courage and faith. If no where
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Grandma Theaux's Letter, Page Six
Feb _ 1976 2
and his disable back pay?
All in in all he will have
over $4000. In the L.B.A. on
7 year compound interest he get
what he got befor and get a
monthly check. $1.76 per month.
Live and have faith
God never forget a good deed
That is why I am so happy
in my old days. I always
enjoyed helping and my good
old man he wanted to help
but was always afraid to
be involve, me I dont coud not care
less, I can just sit and laugh
at myself to see all the silly
things I did.
I did not dare put my husband
on to my tricks befor I could
do my act but after it was
done there was nothing
get out of the mess.
Thank you old man.
Now one of my act I am still
proude of. I visited a plase
on time the lady had 8
children, I did not have
money to help but where there
is a way will there is a will way
I put an add on the paper for
that lady with 8 children
I gave some of my friend phon #
Sunday, March 11, 2012
RedBook
My favorite book on my shelf is Ancestry's RedBook. I use this book on almost a daily basis. I will never get rid of my hardback version, even though you can now view it for free on Ancestry.com.
Every time I try to view the online version of RedBook I find that I can not read the section where the column format was used. That's the part I use most often. It will tell you when a county was created and what the parent county was. It will tell you from what date Birth, Marriage, Land, Death etc. records were kept. And it will tell you where to write for those records.
The other part of the book that is formatted in the regular paragraph type formatting comes through my computer just fine. But I use that part less often.
Every time I try to view the online version of RedBook I find that I can not read the section where the column format was used. That's the part I use most often. It will tell you when a county was created and what the parent county was. It will tell you from what date Birth, Marriage, Land, Death etc. records were kept. And it will tell you where to write for those records.
The other part of the book that is formatted in the regular paragraph type formatting comes through my computer just fine. But I use that part less often.
Friday, March 2, 2012
SLIG and Why You Should Consider Going
This year, in late January, I attended my second class (or track) at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. (SLIG)
I believe that if you want more than a quick overview of subject matter the institutes are the way to go.
I would like to encourage my readers (if you are interested in Family History research) to consider attending one of these wonderful institutes.
Last year (my first year) I chose the class track organized by Paula Stuart Warren called American Records. Within the first day of this amazing learning opportunity I knew that I would be coming back again and again. This year I attended the track organized by Dr. Thomas Jones entitled Advanced Research Methods.
There are three "Institutes" offered in the United States for a face to face, intense, concentrated, classroom experience.
SLIG is offered by the Utah Genealogical Association every year about January. Next year the Institute will be held beginning January 14, 2013 in Salt Lake City.
The Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh (nicknamed GRIPitt) will make it's debut July 22, 2012 and runs through July 27. (There are still a few spots open)
There is also the Samford Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research held every year in June in Birmingham, Alabama. (called either Samford or IGHR for short)
While conferences offer a smorgasborg of classes to the attendee the Institutes allow you to learn about a single subject in a concentrated format.
For example: The National Genealogical Society's annual conference will be held in Ohio in May. For about four days I can sample classes from more than 200 different choices. (approximately 8 classes every hour for 8 hours a day for 4 days). Each hour I choose from around 8 different classes offered that hour. Each day I go to about 8 hours of classes. (Or until my brain gives out) Every hour a different subject ranging from Elements of a Research Plan (for new genealogists) to Expanding Your Genealogical Skills Through Education (for everyone) to Migration Patterns: An Alternative for Locating African Origins. Or you could choose from On-site Research in Poland, Beginning African American Research, Researching Your Irish Here Before Going There, Organizing Your Research: The Overlooked Step, Canadian Immigration Records and about 200 others.
At an Institute you pick on track from the 10 or more tracks offered. Every day for a week you go to that one track of classes. Eight hours on one subject. You get to study in depth, not just a quick overview.
This year's tracks at SLIG included: Advanced Genealogical Methods, American Records, Beyond the Library: Using Original Source Repositories, Welsh Research, Problem Solving, Midwest U. S. Research, Swedish Research, Advanced Research Tools: Land Records, Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum, and Advanced New England Research.
Next year's tracks include: American Research and Records, Bridging the 1780-1830 Gap: From New England to the Midwest (and Points In Between), Researching Your English Ancestors: Beyond the Parish Register, Advanced German Research, Researching in Washington D. C. without Leaving Home,
A Genealogist's Guide to the Internet Galaxy, Hanging out a Shingle: Genealogy Marketing and Business Practices, Producing a Quality Family Narrative, Advanced Genealogical Methods, Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum, Principles of Forensic Genealogy, and Problem Solving.
Go to the IGHR web page here to learn about what classes are being offered. Click here for this year in June at Samford, and click on the following link for what classes are being offered for 2013.
Both the conference method and the Institute method are excellent ways to get your education. Combined with lectures in your home town, webinars and online classes, you'll be an expert in no time.
I believe that if you want more than a quick overview of subject matter the institutes are the way to go.
I would like to encourage my readers (if you are interested in Family History research) to consider attending one of these wonderful institutes.
Last year (my first year) I chose the class track organized by Paula Stuart Warren called American Records. Within the first day of this amazing learning opportunity I knew that I would be coming back again and again. This year I attended the track organized by Dr. Thomas Jones entitled Advanced Research Methods.
There are three "Institutes" offered in the United States for a face to face, intense, concentrated, classroom experience.
SLIG is offered by the Utah Genealogical Association every year about January. Next year the Institute will be held beginning January 14, 2013 in Salt Lake City.
The Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh (nicknamed GRIPitt) will make it's debut July 22, 2012 and runs through July 27. (There are still a few spots open)
There is also the Samford Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research held every year in June in Birmingham, Alabama. (called either Samford or IGHR for short)
While conferences offer a smorgasborg of classes to the attendee the Institutes allow you to learn about a single subject in a concentrated format.
For example: The National Genealogical Society's annual conference will be held in Ohio in May. For about four days I can sample classes from more than 200 different choices. (approximately 8 classes every hour for 8 hours a day for 4 days). Each hour I choose from around 8 different classes offered that hour. Each day I go to about 8 hours of classes. (Or until my brain gives out) Every hour a different subject ranging from Elements of a Research Plan (for new genealogists) to Expanding Your Genealogical Skills Through Education (for everyone) to Migration Patterns: An Alternative for Locating African Origins. Or you could choose from On-site Research in Poland, Beginning African American Research, Researching Your Irish Here Before Going There, Organizing Your Research: The Overlooked Step, Canadian Immigration Records and about 200 others.
At an Institute you pick on track from the 10 or more tracks offered. Every day for a week you go to that one track of classes. Eight hours on one subject. You get to study in depth, not just a quick overview.
This year's tracks at SLIG included: Advanced Genealogical Methods, American Records, Beyond the Library: Using Original Source Repositories, Welsh Research, Problem Solving, Midwest U. S. Research, Swedish Research, Advanced Research Tools: Land Records, Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum, and Advanced New England Research.
Next year's tracks include: American Research and Records, Bridging the 1780-1830 Gap: From New England to the Midwest (and Points In Between), Researching Your English Ancestors: Beyond the Parish Register, Advanced German Research, Researching in Washington D. C. without Leaving Home,
A Genealogist's Guide to the Internet Galaxy, Hanging out a Shingle: Genealogy Marketing and Business Practices, Producing a Quality Family Narrative, Advanced Genealogical Methods, Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum, Principles of Forensic Genealogy, and Problem Solving.
Go to the IGHR web page here to learn about what classes are being offered. Click here for this year in June at Samford, and click on the following link for what classes are being offered for 2013.
Both the conference method and the Institute method are excellent ways to get your education. Combined with lectures in your home town, webinars and online classes, you'll be an expert in no time.
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