Taxing Sunlight and Fresh Air? The Window Tax

Note: This educational blog post is based on:

The Hutsville Times, 27 Apr 1937, pg 7

During the American Revolution, Virginia faced financial pressure to support its war efforts against Britain. To meet these demands, the General Assembly enacted a series of taxes in 1781. One such tax was a tax on glass windows. Yes, sunlight became a commodity. Well, sunlight and fresh air!

The proposed tax on windows vs. a "real estate" tax in Virginia to recover the funding deficit from the Revolutionary War.

Hening's Statutes at Large, Volume 10: Virginia, FHL 007940049, It #2, pg 280

This emergency homeowners' tax was based on the number of windows in their houses. (Hening’s Statutes, vol. 10, p. 280.) It was to last three years, and it only counted windows with glass, which eliminated the lowest economic cohort that would likely have had only shutters because they couldn’t afford glass. Here’s the Virginia law: 

“A tax or rate of one shilling for every glass window shall be paid by the proprietor of each inhabited house within the commonwealth in the month of September 1781, and so on in each of the three next succeeding years.” The law goes on to list other taxes, calling them “urgent necessities of this commonwealth” due to the war.

Keep in mind, we were a newly formed nation in need of recovering from the costly war, so many states actually considered the Window Tax, but quickly squashed the idea because it was an England-based tax. Even the Virginia law was quickly appealed, before ever really reaching the implementation stage. 

Origin of This Tax - England? 

England Implementation of Window Tax

The Window Tax was a property tax introduced in England and Wales in 1696 (later extended to Scotland in 1748) under the reign of King William III. It taxed homeowners based on the number of windows in a building. The purpose was essentially a way to tax wealth indirectly—larger homes with more windows suggested greater wealth.

The 1798 Tax in the Colonies
However, there were later successful attempts in the USA to fund the War with France. In 1798, we know the real estate tax in America was based on windows, and Pennsylvanians were not happy about it. Listen here as Julie explains: 

 

Full Podcast: Unraveling Forensic Genealogy With Juli Whittaker

What You May Find

Pennsylvania, U.S., U.S. Direct Tax Lists, 1798 for William Scarlitt

• Name of the property owner or occupant

• Description of buildings (number of stories, materials)

• Number of windows and total property value

• Acreage and land valuation

• Sometimes even names of tenants or neighbor

Where to Find Records 
Use keywords: “1798 direct tax” + [State or County]

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 

Pittsburgh

, 

Pittsburgh

, 

4 Feb 1941

, 

Page 23

1. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
   Locate  original federal tax lists, assessment rolls, and schedules for many counties
2.  FamilySearch.org
    Digitized 1798 tax records for some states.
3. Ancestry.com
   “Tax, Criminal, Land & Wills” or “U.S. Direct Tax Lists, 1798”
   Indexed and digitized tax lists, especially for Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.
4. State Archives and Historical Societies
   I have had good luck finding these records in these states: 
   Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania State Archives
   Massachusetts: Massachusetts Archives
   Virginia: Library of Virginia
   
5. Library of Congress
   Federal tax documents, historical maps, and district valuations are accessible.
6. Reference Books
   The 1798 Federal Direct Tax: Pennsylvania and the Fries Rebellion"

Even later, though, this tax was not favored and quickly repealed with the help of a small insurrectionist against the U.S. Government led by John Fries, PA.

Fries's Rebellion led German-American farmers in eastern Pennsylvania to resist the tax. They viewed it as a violation of their rights. Although Fries was convicted of treason in 1799 - 1800, and was sentenced to death, President Adams issued a pardon. 

Aurora General Advertiser, Wed, Feb 13, 1805 ·Page 2

My thoughts go to the lyrics of one of Hamilton's songs (the musical): 

This financial plan is an outrageous demand

And it’s too many [darn] pages for any man to understand

Stand with me in the land of the free

And pray to God we never see Hamilton’s candidacy

Look, when Britain taxed our tea, we got frisky
Imagine what gon’ happen when you try to tax our whisky.

 Perhaps it should have said windows!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and blog.

If you wish to support the 501c3 TracingAncestors, Donate Here for our Summer Campaign.

The Tracing Ancestors Board, (formerly a3Genealogy)

Forensic Genealogy to Bash Brickwalls

Are you staring at a brick wall in your genealogy research? You know, the kind that refuses to budge no matter how many records you dig through? If so, it's time to bring in one of the big tools:

 forensic genealogy

Forensic genealogy goes beyond hobby research. It's the marriage of deep historical investigation, legal standards, and technology like DNA testing. These are all used to bring down your family brickwalls. So, the first thing to tackle is knowingg the different niches within this field? Each one holds powerful techniques that could help break through your toughest family mysteries.

We created the graphic to showcase the nine main niches of forensic genealogy, all of which offer clues, records, and strategies that you might not have considered.

Let’s explore how some of these specialties can help you overcome common brick walls:

1.  Heir Research and Probate Cases

Are you stuck on a family member who “disappeared” from records? Probate research can help. Forensic genealogists often locate missing heirs by reconstructing family groups using state and federal census records, land deeds and legal transactions, and court documents. These methods are accessible and mostly free. We start with familysearch.org or government bounty records. The only difference is that you can use that copy of the record to extract family names and transactions without paying for the certified document if you wish. But, be sure to cite your source with the link. 

2. Unknown Parentage and Adoptions
Whether you're adopted or trying to identify a mystery great-grandparent, this niche uses genetic genealogy and advanced DNA techniques to pinpoint biological relatives. We used the familiar DNA tests: familytreeDNA, MyHeritage, and Ancestry.com. With tools like GEDmatch, and chromosome analysis tools (my favorite is MyHeritage), you can map out hidden branches on your family tree.

3. Military Repatriation / POW-MIA Research
Do you have a brickwall in your family military research? Forensic genealogists often work with the government to identify unknown remains. These same skills—like tracking enlistment patterns, researching regimental histories, or locating descendants of service members—can help you connect missing pieces in your family’s military legacy. Plus, if your veteran did not utilize benefits, you may be able to give him a proper burial, and request his medals from WWI and WWII, etc. 

At Tracing Ancestors.org we have the Eternal Valor Network. Be sure to read about it. And if you get the urge, donate to the annual drive. 

4. Land and Property Disputes
I know I mentioned land records earlier, but I have to remind you...follow the money! If there's a lawsuit filled with community testimonies and the spilling out of family gossip, it is a property dispute. This is a great resource if you’ve hit a wall with property ownership or migration patterns. Land records can reveal long-lost family ties. Most often, forensic genealogists trace land transfers, boundary changes, and property disputes to identify rightful heirs. Same job, different purpose. Both are used to figure out where your ancestors went, and why. 

I had ancestors who left land in Rutherford County, NC because they had to escape with a two-day notice that the local KKK had plans to burn down much of the town, and they were targeted. They fled to Cocke County, Tennessee, in the middle of the night, and didn't sell their land until almost eight years later. They had chosen not to return to Rutherford but to settle in the newly opened lands in Kansas. Their entire story was in land records. 

5. Tribal Enrollment and Indigenous Descent
I know you have a grandparent who will promise under oath that your family has native heritage. Proving or disproving Native American ancestry often requires meticulous documentation and lineage tracking. This work also demands historical accuracy and understanding of the law at the time. At a3Genealogy Research we used to gather the documents for 6 to 8 of these cases a year! Even if disproven, you will be gathering a lot of data on your ancestors. Actually, I think the rejections are the best. There is a lot of information to include names, dates, and places of birth, in those back-and-forth correspondence letters and testimonies. Plus, I have yet to leave these research projects without uncovering a new family member, or finally uncovering a birth or death date.

We will discuss the other four (4) at a later time.

So How Can You Use These Niches?
You don’t have to be a forensic genealogist to benefit from their tools. Here’s how to start:

• Analyze your brick wall: Is it related to identity, location, military service, or a legal issue?
• Match it to a niche: Refer to the graphic above and identify which forensic specialty might offer solutions.
• Study their techniques: Read case studies, listen to forensic genealogy podcasts (like Hittin’ the Bricks with Kathleen!), and explore how professionals solve similar challenges.
• Use DNA smartly: Combine traditional research with DNA testing to validate and explore new relationships.

Forensic genealogy isn’t just for solving cold cases or identifying unknown soldiers. It’s for anyone who wants to go deeper, think smarter, and uncover the stories hiding behind a brick wall.

Ready to learn more? Subscribe to our podcast, and keep exploring (linktr.ee/hittinthebricks).

Update:
Yes, after 3 years, you will be finally get the new (no so new) look.

The a3Genealogy blog has been donated to TracingAncestors.org (2023).

Tax Records and Genealogy

Georgia Commercial Tax Digest and Directory, 1851, ancestry.com 

What Can Tax Records Add to Your Elusive Ancestor's Story?
Using Tax Lists for genealogy is not new.  We even run into them on Ancestry for our ancestors. But it appears to be an underutilized tool. Perhaps, we don't know the depth of information hidden in these rather simple taxes. Plus, applied taxes were not uniform, so for every ancestor, you needed to know the laws of the time in "that" locale. 

• Place of residency and location based on years can fill in the census gaps. Tax lists provide exact locations, including townships or counties, year by year. In areas where census or church records are missing, tax rolls may be the only surviving documentation placing your ancestor in a time and place.
• Economic Status & Property Ownership. We must corroborate data to prove we are tracing the same person with a common name (ie, Ann McMahan, John Smith, Samuel Thompson). What is an easier way to do this than proving property ownership via descriptions? Tax records provide a rough outline for our research plan. Often, tax records list land acreage, number of livestock, slaves (in the South), or household goods that can be cross-referenced by agricultural records and proven in tax records. It also gives insights into your ancestor's wealth or social class and may distinguish the planter Samuel Thompson from the small farm renter of the same name.
• Uncovering Age Hints.  In colonial and early American communities, tax lists often show militia service, civic roles, or jury duty by association. A poll tax list may indicate those eligible for voting or military service, which often provides an age range. Following tax lists year to year may pinpoint when a son became of age. 
  The "tick mark census records paired with tax records, can assist in identifying children, specifically males in the household. It may also prove or disprove a suggestion that multiple families were living in the same house. I love analyzing poll taxes for this purpose. 
• Family Connections. Families often appear together or near one another on tax rolls, helping you link relatives or identify neighbors who may be kin by marriage or association. It can also identify or suggest your ancestor's religion based on the community they settled in or their migratory path. As we analyze tax records annually, changes over the years (e.g., son replacing father on tax lists) can hint at deaths, inheritance, or generational shifts.
  
• Occupation or Trade. Some taxing records specify types of property or licenses (like mills, taverns, or distilleries), shedding light on how your ancestor earned a living.

6 Types of Tax Records
(but there are more!)

Tax Checklist for a3Genealogy

Recently, Heather Jenkins, a guest on Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen, the brickwall genealogy podcast, gave listeners an overview with examples of how she uncovers information in tax records. So let's talk about the ones she covered. She suggests you begin with the following: 

1. Poll taxes
2. Land taxes
3. Property taxes

Colonial Times' Taxing Practices. For Colonial Times, you will want to check out the local jurisdiction at that time. I find poll taxes very useful, especially in colonial times. Prior to the USA stripping women of voting rights, women were able to vote in early colonial times. Here's a blog post that discusses this: Genealogy Hints on Poll Tax & Voter Registration Docs, 5 Nov 2024

      4. Colonial Personal Property Tax Records, 1782 - 1786
      5. Tithable Taxes and Rent Rolls pre 1782.

1760 Memorandum List of Tithables

    6. Excise Tax: Again, this tax was since colonial times.

Podcast: Heather Jenkins mentioned billiard tables,

ancestry.com, Connecticut, U.S., Excise Tax Lists, 1865-1874 for Elite Billiard Rm.

We know about the molasses, rum, and sugar in the Sugar Act of 1764. It also included alcohol (Whiskey Rebellion, PA 1794), tobacco, luxury items like salt, and carriages. We can even see billiard tables, as Heather mentioned on the podcast! (FHL #007846292)

Billiard Tables, FamilyHistory

We see what is deemed luxury and taxed later: playing cards, cosmetics, gunpowder, etc. Imported goods from India and Europe were also taxed. We also see luxury taxes placed on playing cards, cosmetics, and gunpowder.

You may uncover Excise Tax lists from online databases (familysearch.org, ancestry.com, or fold3), but these records may also be found in the NARA (RG5 8), State Archives, and Historical Societies. And don't forget the Library of Congress.

Unfamiliar and need a primer?
Here are a few great information articles:

• Using Early Tax List for Genealogy in KY, VA, and TN
  (If you see broken links, just let me know.) 
• Historical Tax List at Ancestry Family History Learning Hub

Researchers may also see "Rent-Rolls." Even within a colony, tithables were not consistent. Some included free African Americans householders, others did not; some colonies used the head of household, but others used different criteria. Tithables per colony, and even within the colonies, were not applied uniformly. Here are a few resources:

Georgia, U.S., Property Tax Digests, 1793-1892
Pennsylvania, U.S., Tax and Exoneration, 1768-1801
Tennessee, U.S., Early Tax List Records, 1783-1895
Ohio, U.S., Tax Records, 1800-1850

 

8 More Revolutionary War Resources

American Revolutionary Museum 

1. 6 Steps Revolutionary War Era Research
   https://blog.a3genealogy.com/2024/09/who-are-parents.html
   
   
2. Women Legally Voted in Revolutionary Era
   https://blog.a3genealogy.com/search?q=revolutionary
   
   
3. 1-2-3 Researching Revolutionary War Veteran - Virginia / Kentucky
   https://blog.a3genealogy.com/2015/05/1-2-3-researching-revolutionary-war.html
   
   
   
   
4. Identifying Revolutionary War Era Parents
   https://blog.a3genealogy.com/2010/08/back-to-basics-on-identifying.html
   
   
5. African American Revolutionary War Soldiers
   https://blog.a3genealogy.com/search?q=revolutionary&updated-max=2018-03-20T10:24:00-05:00&max-results=20&start=6&by-date=false 
   
   
6. Canadian Connection to American Revolution? (Loyalists) 
   5 Resources to Researching Your Loyalist (Tory)
   https://blog.a3genealogy.com/search?q=revolutionary&updated-max=2018-03-20T10:24:00-05:00&max-results=20&start=6&by-date=false
   

   

   
   
7. Revolutionary War Research - Ridiculous Mistakes
   https://blog.a3genealogy.com/2024/03/revolutionary-war-research-ridiculous.html
   
   
8. Revolutionary War Era Artifacts
   https://blog.a3genealogy.com/search?q=revolutionary&updated-max=2013-02-28T13:32:00-06:00&max-results=20&start=14&by-date=false
   
   
   

 

Partners: Forensic Genealogy & Neuropsychology

 

In 2023, I joined a groundbreaking think tank exploring the intersection of forensic genealogy and neuropsychology. How do these two distinct fields work together to solve complex cases and to better understand human behavior?

            

 Early clinical, neuropsychological and imaging findings
                     Brain, Volume 123, Issue 5, May 2000, Pages 975–991

Brain

Forensic Genealogy has revolutionized how we uncover identities, solve mysteries, and tell forgotten stories. 

Neuropsychology, on the other hand, focuses on the brain’s relationship to behavior and cognitive function. At first glance, these two fields may seem worlds apart.  Most people "cock" their heads with bewilderment, as to how these two displines intersect. But, in today’s world of interdisciplinary collaboration, their intersection is both natural and necessary.

By combining the precision of DNA science analyzed by forensic genealogists with the insights of brain science, we can approach forensic challenges with greater sensitivity, accuracy, and humanity. It's not just about solving puzzles; it's about doing so in a way that honors people and the families affected.

Where the Fields Meet

1.  Memory and Identity:

This book connected me with one of my favorite neuropsychology cases. As mentioned, it was a think-tank. The first lesson learned as the forensic genealogist on the team was 

"Psychogenealogy is NOT Neuropsychology plus Genealogy."

 (Whatever you do, don't confuse these terminologies with neuropsychologists in the room.)

The warning was strong and repeated about 5 times in the first meeting. I kept thinking, "Are you sure?" What's with the repeated warnings? They were VERY adamant and consistent in sharing: 

Psychogenealogy is NOT Neuropsychology plus Genealogy."

It appears Psychogenealogy was too foo-foo for this group. I get it. But, I was fascinated anyway. Personally I see both the reason for the merging tendency and the fascination of both. 

Case #1: Trauma and Lost Memories
Neuropsychology helps us understand how memories are formed, stored, and sometimes lost. In forensic genealogy, especially in cases of adoption, unknown parentage, or trauma, understanding the workings of memory can offer crucial context for missing or fragmented family histories.

Imagine Maria, a 52-year-old woman searching for her birth parents. DNA testing led us to several strong matches, but Maria had very few childhood memories, and almost none from her early years in foster care.

Neuropsychology teaches us that early trauma can disrupt memory formation. Therefore, gaps in her recollections are expected. In this case, forensic genealogy leaned heavily on genetic triangulation and archival research to reconstruct her family story, while neuropsychological insights could guide therapeutic approaches to support Maria’s emotional processing of her newly uncovered history.

The forensic genealogist builds the external factual story using DNA matches, documents, and genetic triangulation to reconstruct Maria’s biological family. The neuropsychologist interprets internal cognitive patterns (e.g., why Maria doesn’t remember things, or why recalling them now causes distress).

Usually, the next question asked is: How do these two disciplines interact as a team in Case 1? 
They’re directly collaborating: the genealogist informs therapeutic work, and the neuropsychologist guides how genealogical findings are introduced. The neuropsychologist might request specific genealogical findings (like birth order, early caregivers, etc.) to fill in emotional gaps that help memory recovery or therapy.

Case #2: Trauma and Family Secrets

BBC, Aug 2024

Families often bury difficult histories. 
Let's take James, a 30-year-old man, as an example. James came to us after finding a mysterious DNA match listed as "half-sibling." His family had never mentioned another child. Digging deeper, we found that during a particularly stressful time in James’ mother's life, a period marked by severe depression,  she had placed a child for adoption.

The forensic genealogist confirmed the biological relationship and uncovered the adoption history through DNA analysis and records. Due to James' and his family's reaction when he reached out to the forensic genealogist (me), a neuropsychologist was engaged to support James' and his family's emotional reactions while the genealogist provided the verified facts.

This is part of the forensic genealogist's job. We don't just "hand over" shocking information. We may have to coordinate with a neuropsychologist to prepare the family emotionally. In James' case his mother had suppressed that time in her life. 

Case #3: Cognitive Bias and DNA Analysis

What we learned early with DNA, is the attachment people have to their "presumed" heritage. "I'm Native American." "I'm Irish." "I'm German." "There's no way I'm Jewish, I was raised Catholic." Oh my, we've heard it all. So let's review the case of Robert, who believed he was Irish. His DNA results placed him with a high percentage of Eastern European ancestry. Yes, Robert struggled emotionally to accept the graphic! It didn't help that it was in March!

As genealogists, we work with data. Of course, there are theories of how biases are formed, but we look at historical documents, cultural and community influences, and political and social impacts for a sketch of our ancestors' choices. Neuropsychologists, on the other hand,  are experts at examining how cognitive biases form. 

 

In the case involving Robert,  I interpreted this new evidence through the lens of what I already believed. Our neuropsychological partner shifted my practice to better present our genealogical findings to Robert and others who were loyal to their family's "folklore." The strong suggestion was to focus on the fascinating story behind migration patterns rather than simply proving Robert was wrong. 

Whereas the forensic genealogist who identifies and documents ancestry based on genetic evidence and historical data, our neuropsychologist partner advised us on cognitive biases causing Robert's resistance. It took Robert's case to recognize the level of identity people hold due to folklore. It's real! So, instead of pushing raw facts, we integrate new information.  

Robert was eventually able to accept a new self-narrative.

Case #4. Ethical Implications in Unidentified Remains Cases
At a3Genealogy we do not work to identify "Jane Doe" or on cold cases. We are, however, familiar with neuropsychologists who have worked on these cases. 

Our forensic genealogy work is concentrated on working with lawyers, bankers, and investigative agencies. Our forensic genealogy work allows us to evaluate the accuracy of facts and to identify genealogically related holes in legal cases before the lawyers go to trial or court. 

One such case involved two sisters who wanted to prove they were fathered by an extremely wealthy man. Their mother had worked for this man's family business, and their DNA proved they were not their "father's" daughters, but DNA pointed them to this business owner. However, the family of impressive wealth smelled a "rat" and would not take a DNA test to prove or disprove they were half-siblings. We could see a family relationship using DNA, and they were connected to 2nd cousins,  but the law is explicit. The attorneys needed to prove, without a reasonable doubt, that they were fathered by the one brother who worked with their Mom (whom they suspected). The DNA cousin matches proffered was not within the constraints of the law. Any of the four brothers could have fathered the sisters. 

Note: Most jurisdictions require that inheritance rights be proven through close relatives - spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, and their descendants. 

Forensic genealogists don't just "solve the case"; they work alongside neuropsychologists to ethically and compassionately deliver results that profoundly affect real people's lives.

Original 27 Jun 2023

Article Sep 2024

Updated 1 May 2025

White Slavery Law: The Mann Act Records

The Mann Act, also known as the White-Slave Traffic Act, is a United States federal law passed in 1910. Its original purpose was to combat human trafficking, particularly the transportation of women across state lines for prostitution or other "immoral purposes." It is also said The Mann Act prohibited the transportation of any individual across state or international borders for the purpose of engaging in not only prostitution, but also "debauchery." Today, it's used primarily to prosecute sex trafficking, child exploitation, and similar offenses

You Asked...Here's More on Aunt Bird
The ancestors are so much fun. Aunt Bird, as we called her when I was young, lived in Wichita, Kansas. She was actually my great Aunt, Great-grandpa Roy's sister. 

AncestryBlog, ancestry.com

She died at the age of 100 in Tulsa, OK., just short of her 101 birthday.  The Arrow Rock, Saline County, MO 1900 census has her born Dec 1891. She was not the ideal wife or mother, so it seems. But, she was a wonderful great-aunt. 

Aunt Bird, Bertha Tumbleson
Pratt (Ks) Union, 30 Apr 1914  

The Pratt Independent

Wed, Apr 29, 1914 ·Page 7

Since posting this podcast 14 March, people have asked for pics of Aunt Bird. Well, here she's seated on the far right at age 90. I was eleven at the time! She died 10 years later 18 Oct 1981, after I graduated from College. So I remember her well!

The Pratt Union, 29 Jul 1895, pg 4

Aunt Bird, age 90
Wichita Beacon 1971

Wichita, KS
18 Oct 1981

Charles and Bertha (Aunt Bird) did have a son, James Tumbleson. We will talk about The Murderers and The Murdered in a later blogpost. 

a3Genealogy, now under the TracingAncestors.org Umbrella

Newsletter 1QT 2025 - Jan to March

Recap 1st Quarter 2025

This is a Recap of the Recent Blog articles and podcast episodes.  Our most recent podcast went out
4 April 2025.

Revolutionary War: Muskets to Manuscripts

On April 12, I will be presenting The Revolutionary War: Muskets to Manuscripts at Midwest Genealogy Center. This day of fun is sponsored by the Missouri State Genealogical Association (MoSGA), My topic is the Revolutionary War. This is a free hybrid class, but Registration is required.

Accessing the Handout

The handout for this presentation is provided at linktr.ee/hittinthebricks (email subscription to the site is required to access the presentation handout; so subscribers only). Know we do not send out ANY publication or emails, but it does provide us with stats so we can learn if you are appreciating topics.

Feel free to provide us with feedback using the linktr.ee/hittinthebricks site.
We also randomly issue gifts to our linktree subscribers and to donors to TracingAncestors.org. This year, we will be giving away AncestryDNA kits. Know that the Hittin' the Bricks podcast is sponsored by TracingAncestors.org.

Tools to Explore
Are you using the familysearch digital library of books and more?
Check out the FamilySearch Library Catalog

ChatGPT
What Can ChatGPT Do? Scour the internet. Where Familysearch scans the holding within the familysearch collection, ChatGPT can quickly scan the internet. Here's an example of the wonders of ChatGPT while working with a Revolutionary War Soldier case.

You will recognize this example if you attend the Musket to Manuscript Course offered 12 April 2025. 

What was wonderous? Who would have thought that my biggest clue to open this research would come from a 1929 newspaper article?

Boolean, Boolean, Boolean
When we are doing searches (newspaper, AI, ChatGPT, text, ancestry.com and familysearch.org, Knowing how to use Boolean operators is a major advantage for genealogists! It supercharges their search abilities and helps them sift through tons of information more efficiently. 

You can ADD, or NOT, include information. Boolean operators (like AND, OR, NOT, and quotation marks for exact phrases) help genealogists narrow or broaden search results when using databases, archives, or even Google.

Properly creating a Boolean search can save you hours!

Be sure you are familiar with Boolean searches.  Here's a chart to get you started, but I suggest taking a free online course or use ChatGPT to help you out.  

Embrace AI
(The following is a reprint)

Yes, AI is now a genealogist's tool! Tool. Analysis and the burden of proof is on you! But, AI is a tool, like the old dewey decimal card catalog was in my day! I loved those days of researching and typing papers on my red typewriter that I still have.

But I digress. I will demonstrate in the Musket to Manuscript Presentation how to effectively and responsibly use the the AI feature under "Experiments" on Familysearch. It will truly ccelerate colonial / Revolutionary War era research as you make quick family trees to get to that 5-8 great-grandfather who was your Rev War Veteran.

Here is an overview for you. 
(Reprint from Jun 2024 Newsletter)

Step 1: Log in using your free familysearch.org accout.

Step 2. Go to the home page by clicking on the Family Search logo on the upper left-hand coner.


Step 3. Scroll down to the far right bottom of the page and find VIEW EXPERIMENTS. Keep in mind it is in beta, so the image placements may change, but the wording has so far been the same.

Step 4. In the middle of the top row, you will see this image with Expand your search with Full Text. And Go to Experiment. Feel free to try all the buttons, but this is the one you were asking about after the last podcast.


Step 5. Start Your Search using Keywords. Trying to find relationships?





This gave 5545 returns. With both names in quotes it translates just find ever occurence of Thomas Baird and/or Polly Baird. This would allow me to gather places, timeframes, names, etc. But it's AI, I can narrow that if I need to.

Now the Search Tips give you little to work with, but here are a few suggestions.



Are you needing to narrow your search? In my wide search, I learned there are several Thomas Bairds and several Polly Bairds in Ohio. I need the correct 1) Polly Baird 2) I need to confirm her relationship with Thomas, 2) I need her to be married or widowed to a Samuel Thompson. Of, course there are times when we have to widen our search. For example, Wonder how many Thomas and Polly Bairds there are in Ohio?But I want only documents that have both names in it and the bonus if S. Thompson is also named in the same document. You can put all three in your search, but for our purpose (and my need to narrow down one step at a time), I'm showing yu how I do it.

So, I add the "+" sign before each person of interest with the "quotes.. This translates to I want all the occurences of these names in the "same" document.


Wow!That gave only two documents with them together and both documents are in Hamilton Ohio. That was a big lead for me. I wasn't sure where they had moved to/from.

Big Bonus...
These documents answered all my questions. It not only named Polly, it confirmed Thomas was her father and Samuel was her husband.


Oh...and I learned the cause of my confusion

Polly Baird was the daugther of Thomas Baird by his first wife, Jane Kilgore, the daughter of Charles Kilgore of County Knox, Indiana Territory. Here's a link to the document: bit.ly/45ydxW1

Now do you see why I love these AI tools?