History: Powered By Her Story

New Speaker Series

In 2014 I gave two presentations at Stephens College, a fabulous woman's university (1833) in Columbia Mo. on just this topic:"Her Story!" It's amazing how ten years past reflects today, how history reflects today. The presentation titles at the time were 1) You Are a Pioneer 2) The Invisible Staircase. I have presented these titles for ten years for corporations, colleges, and for associations and societies. 

I was justing thinking I need to update and offer a NEW title for today's environment to remind us how we got here for the Revolutionary War to today. Not a history lesson, but the power of women ensconced in history; forgotten in history books and texts. Yesterday,  I received an inquiry that generated this NEW Title, and NEW presentation: HISTORY: Powered by Her Story

However, I'm always around authors. You probably heard that on our Hittin the Bricks with Kathleen two part podcast with David W. Jackson. Somewhere along the line artificial intelligence (AI) eventually comes up in writing conversations as it did on this episode. So I thought I'd give it a try to check my preface for accuracy and to make sure I incorported a little something for everyone! Here's the AI ChatGPT review. And, yes, I knew and purposely added a perspective-driven angle. It's my presentation about "Her Story!" It's designed to be fun and informative. All stories shared in the presentation are true cases, with historical proof.

My Request was for  to "Please analyze this for accuracy." I then just copied and pasted the text above. Of course, we can't rely 100% on ChatGPT, but it did what I asked with high accuracy. This is the unredacted review.

ChatGPT Review 

"Here's an analysis of the text for accuracy, focusing on the biological and historical claims made:

Biological Claims

1. X-Chromosome Inheritance:

   • Accurate: Both males and females inherit an X-chromosome from their mother.
   • Accurate: Daughters inherit an X-chromosome from both parents (XX), while sons inherit one X from their mother and one Y from their father (XY).

2. Essential Nature of the X-Chromosome:

   • Accurate: The X-chromosome is essential for life. Individuals with at least one X-chromosome can develop normally.
   • Accurate: The Y-chromosome, which determines male sex, is not essential for life since females (XX) do not have a Y-chromosome.

3. Role of Men in Reproduction:

   • Accurate: Men are necessary for fertilization since they provide either an X or a Y chromosome, determining the sex of the offspring.

4. X-Chromosome from Ancestors:

   • Accurate: The statement about the X-chromosome being passed down from maternal ancestors is correct, though it's more complex in genetic terms, involving recombination and inheritance patterns.

Historical and Social Claims

1. Role of Women in History:

   • Subjective: The role of women in history has often been underrepresented or dismissed. The text encourages recognition of women's contributions, which aligns with modern efforts to highlight their historical significance.

2. Power of Women in Reproduction:

   • Subjective: The text emphasizes the biological power of women in reproduction. This viewpoint is valid but reflects a perspective that celebrates women's roles rather than strictly scientific evidence.

3. Superior Design:

   • Opinion-Based: The notion that women are "designed to power the human race" is more philosophical or opinion-based rather than a scientific fact. Biological roles do not imply superiority.

Summary

The text contains accurate biological information about X and Y chromosomes and their roles in human reproduction. It effectively highlights the importance of the X-chromosome and acknowledges the essential role of both sexes in reproduction. However, some statements about women's "design" and "power" are more philosophical and subjective, reflecting a viewpoint that seeks to celebrate and recognize women's contributions and importance in both biological and historical contexts. These should be understood as perspective-driven rather than empirical claims."

I love feedback. Especially constructive feedback. Feel free to drop me a note. 

Kathleen Brandt

a3Genealogy

a3Genealogy@gmail.com    

Non-Immigrant Aliens

Just because your ancestor came to America does not mean they held a passport from their home country. Every once in a while you will note a stamped "Non -Immigrant Alien" on a ship manifests in lieu of a passport number. These immigrants into the USA still exists today. Like passport laws and other Visa types, the laws and restrictions for non-immigrants have changed over the years. We mentioned this in our Secrets Revealed podcast. This podcast has generated LOTS of questions from listeners. Of course, we love that so here's a primer!

Defiinition of "Non -Immigrant Alien Visas" 

There are two categories of U.S. visas: immigrant and nonimmigrant. 

Immigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to live permanently in the United States. Nonimmigrant visas are for foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States on a temporary basis - for tourism, business, temporary work, study, or other similar reasons. It was often used for performance artists for shows and venue bookings. 

 

To listen directly to the Non- Immigrant Alien case study discussed on the Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen podcast, go to the 8:31 - 12:51 minute mark. 

Where Are The Documents?

Of course, if your ancestor did not have passport or other emigration record for his native country, the next best document to obtain may be his Visia Application from the home country that was registered and presented upon entry to America. But, these records were not considered essential, and many were destroyed. 

From NARA Presentation, Elizabeth Burnes

              🠊🠊🠊

We can often get administrative information about the period your ancestor travelled to the USA, and the ship data, but as stated above "individual case files for 1914 - 1932 were destroyed by the Depart of State."

Well, best I told you now, than endless hours looking for paperwork that was destroyed decades ago!

Kathleen Brandt

a3Genealogy

a3Genealogy@gmail.com                  

More WWII Digitized Morning Reports COMING

We know about 80% of Army records from Nov. 1 1912 to Jan. 1 1960; and 75% of all Air Force records from 25 Sep. 1947 to 1 Jan 1964 were destroyed in the fire of 1973 at the St. Louis National Personnel Records Center. So how can you obtain information on your veteran for those years?

 Answer: Morning Reports

With Morning Reports researchers may be able to trace their veteran's service from their starting date to their discharge. Even if your veteran was transferred from one unit to another, which was quite common, that would be noted in the morning reports. 

Recreating Burnt Military Files? 2 Great Military Resources

1. The NARA, St Louis, microfilms of Morning Reports from 1944-1946 are being digitized and will be available on line at the National Archive website: archives.gov
   
   Learn more about Morning Reports from our NARA Expert Lori. If you want to go directly to the part about Morning reports, start at 17:05 - 24:14 minute mark in the podcast.
   Read more at National Archives will soon offer more World War II Army records online 
   
   
   
   
   
2. Ancestry.com has already uploaded Draft Registration Cards from 1948 - 1959 available online.  Thanks to the NARA partnership with ancestry, both grandpa's draft card was among the 10 million. Neither was eligible to serve due to health reasons, but the information on the card has been valuable: Where was he born? Where was he working? Where was he living at the time? I only new about the farm in Buhler, KS. Clearly, Mother did not speand her first 5 years on the farm since they lived in town at least until 1940.. Mother's childhood memories were all about the farm. Now, that was a detail she left out. 

Read full announcement: National Archives Expands Joint Digitization Effort with Ancesstry, 15 Jul 2024. 

Kathleen Brandt

a3Genealogy

a3Genealogy@gmail.com  

Southern Militia Ancestors Hiding in the Bush

 

The Militia - A Forgotten Resource to Solving Brickwalls
How can we forget the center? In the Bush Family episode of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen we cover with our guest Bonnie the importance of tying land deeds to the Cherokee Removal Act military service in Indiana and Missouri. If you are overlooking these records in researching your ancestors from Ohio, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin, you may be overlooking exactly what you need. 

I mean really, was there ever a time when the military or militia did not exist in America's history? Wars, conflicts, or "Indian Removal" (1795-1846) records, such as the Cherokee Removal efforts, often undertaken by the military or the state militia, hold the ties needed to break through our brickwall. Remember, even in the midwestern states of Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, land grants were issued to those who served in the militia.

We know the state militias joined the federal troops in efforts to remove the Cherokee from their ancestral lands. Militias were not granted land explicitly as payment for their services, but the broader context of land redistribution and economic gain was a significant motivating factor the removal of the Cherokee people. Just know, it’s possible that the state or federal government offered lands as part of a larger strategy to populate and develop the western territories following the removal of the Cherokee and other tribes. This would align with the broader goals of westward expansion and consolidation of U.S. territory during the 19th century.

Brickwall? Where Else to Look?

Keep in mind that early guard units merged with the states' milita. These records can be located at the State level. 

Yes, he was in the North Carolina Militia,
but the land granted for the military warrant was in Missouri.

Land Applications

National Archives Catalog: Land Patents, 1789 - 2012
Eastern States Land Patents

Although the land patents 1789 - 2012 Eastern States are not yet avaialable online, they are located in RG 49:Records of the Bureau of Land Management. Here is a great place to start Indian Bounty Land Applications

Land Lotteries and Distribution
In states like Georgia, land that was formerly occupied by the Cherokee was redistributed through land lotteries. These lotteries allowed citizens, including militia members, to acquire parcels of land at little or no cost. This redistribution of land served as an indirect reward for those who supported or participated in the removal process.

New Jersey National Guard records

If all else fails, contact the Adjutant Generals' office. They can guide researchers to the archived records.

Kathleen Brandt

a3Genealogy

a3Genealogy@gmail.com

Court Record Hierarchy for Research

By scouring county and state court cases, and court appeals family researchers may have luck with their brickwall project. Using Indiana as an example, here's a basic hierarchy to the court systems. Each state though has it's nuances.  Listen in to the case of Benjamin!

Need an example? Listen in to a brickwall case using court records. 

5 Answers via Court Cases

Here are recent brickwalls annihilated using court records dating from 1797 in Delaware to a more recent 19^th century Indiana death:

1. A wrongful death (often caused by company/railroad neglect), providing a death date and details of the incident.
2. Names of a family unit that can be used to unscramble common names.
3. Immigration, settlement and estate details most often come to the forefront when discussing land and property cases.
4. Unearthing your colonial ancestors.
   
5. Slave research holes and slave holder names (and sometimes slave parent names), manumission dates, etc.  The Delaware Reports that reviewed cases decided through appeals proffer answers (and questions) of the fate of a few slaves.

Where are the Court and Legal Records?

Let's take a look at Indiana, but know that every state has the same types of record groups. Just know that some states have court records with other names: Prothonotary, Court of Common Pleas, Chancery, etc. 

3 Tips for Genealogy Travel

1) Remember some state repositories are closed Mondays or Saturdays. 

2) Some repositories require appointments. Set those up in advance

3) Scour online catalogs and digitized materials early. Send your repository archivist/librarian your wish list in advance. They can often have records pulled in advance. 

4) Assign your repositores and sites you wish to visit a Tier Level. Tier 1: must go to, Tier 2, Any recommendation provided while on site, or if Tier 1 was a bust, quality research spots to support your genealogical questions, etc. Tier 3: what can you visit off hours (cemeteries, public libraries that close late, etc. 

For example, if I were to go off to Indiana (which I am this summer), I've organize a few essential repositories to visit. I have three areas within abt 60 minutes fo hotel that I will be visiting: Marion County (Indianpolis); and Delaware County (Muncie), and maybe Hendricks County.

Marion County - Indianapolis

Indiana State Archives and Records Administration. Open Mondays.  Request in advance so docs can already be pulled. If you work with an archivist, get the their name. Networking is great. Most of the information is in boxes, and some documents may be cheaper to pay for them to send to you in advance of your trip. State Archives and Records have state and federal records. Make an appt for the reading room in advance. You'd hate to be on your trip and unable to visit a Tier 1, because you forgot to make an appointment.

Indiana State Library has mostly books, but may have references on Tier 2 or Tier 3 sites that can guide you. They do cover the whole state! They are open Mondays. They also have some special collections, and microfilm collection.  If possible, access microfilms from home. You may have to visit a familysearch library to access many of Indiana court records.

Indiana State Historical Society. Closed Mondays. They have mostly personal papers and manuscripts. 

Delaware County - Muncie

Muncie Carnegie Public Library. They have the Delaware County court records (circuit, recorder, probate and divorces); not state records.

Genealogical Society of Marion County For full access know that man genealogical societies are supported by paying members. Non-paying visitors can access a limited number of resources.  Just keep in mind, if they can assist you, be sure to support their efforts.  

Delaware County Genealogical Society This collection is located in the Delaware County District Library; Open only Thurs and Sat. with limited hours. They may have county resources that others do not have, like the Delaware Gazette and other Delaware newspapers

Don’t Overlook the Following

Although most court records and cases can be located in the local courts, state archives or state historical societies, you will want to expand your court case search to the following:

·         Google Search. A simple google search may yield answers to your ancestors' (or his heirs') court cases.  We were able to find answers using the Reports of Cases Argued and Determined in the Supreme Court of Judicature of the State of Indiana, GoogleBooks.com for details of a railroad accidental death. This case also provided proof of (sibling) orphans, and grandparents’ names, taking our research back one more generation.  For this search we gathered hints, but not details, from the newspaper: The Indianapolis Journal.

·         National Archives, County Record Group 21 (RG21). Records of District Courts of the United States: If the researcher is looking for a trial court for federal jurisdiction, begin your search with RG21 (Record Group).  Remember these records are housed by regional National Archives. Here is an idea of what can be found at the National Archives at Chicago.

Kathleen Brandt

a3Genealogy

a3Genealogy@gmail.com

A Gem: Southern Claims Commission Case Files

I would be remiss if I did not share a favorite presentation of a3Genealogy entitled Claim It! which highlights the Southern Claims Commission Case Files. I also wanted to provide a few updates, for example, I learned recently, many did not know there was a Master Index on ancestry.com.

That should get you started.  But you will want to really scour the archives.  By the way, just because your ancestor did not make a claim, or mentioned in the index, does not mean he (or she) is not mentioned in the neighbors' claims. I have a tendency of reading quite a few claims in the community to unscramble relationships. 

Why Research Southern Claims Commission Case Files?

This record collection can lead the family researcher / genealogists to uncover more on their ancestors, as it holds a wealth of historical information on the community, kinships, and proof of applicants’ claims.

Kinship	Plantation conditions
Vital records	Location of residence(s)
War service	Property ownership
Name changes	Manumission
Slave ownership: often with names	Slave loyalty

 Making a Claim: Who, What, When, Where & How  

Q: Who could make a claim?  And, Who did it? 

A: Union Loyalists / Supporters. This included property owners during the Civil War, former slaves and free born coloreds.  Basically, if it was your ancestors’ property, and they allowed for the Union Army/Navy to use their property, and can prove it, many filed a claim. There were 22, 298 claims and about 220,000 witnesses.  Witness may have been a slave or ‘free-colored.” 

Q: What could be claimed?
       A: Property. This was a property Reimbursement procedure put in place.

 
Q: When could the union loyalists/supporters make the claim?
     A: 1871-1873

 Q: Where (or Which) states were eligible?
       A: 12 southern state

     Q. How to make a claim?

     A: With proof and most often witnesses. Researchers will find proof in the form of a petition accompanied by testimonies; depositions of witnesses and reports penned by special agents.

 Slaveholder, Ex-Slave, Free Coloreds

As mentioned, the claims were based on reimbursement for the Union to use property (horse, mule, food from storage, slave, etc. But, the claims were a bit different to prove 1) ownership 2) proof of value.

 Slaveholder had to provide proof of …

• Being an abolitionist or union supporter
• Owning a plantation and having a loss
• Claimant information to prove kinships
• Places of residences
• Wills and probates if pertinent to the claim (ownership)

 Free- Coloreds had to provide proof of …

• Legally manumitted: manumission papers proof
• War Service
• Proof of kinship, inheritance

Slave: Ex slaves could also claim but had to prove...

• Slaveholder information
• War Service (contraband)
• Name Changes
• Property Ownership

Where are the Records
These records have been digitized on ancestry.com and fold3.com The originals and microfilmed versions are held in NARA Record Group 217 for the approved / settled claims.  For more information read NARA Southern Commission Case Files and Approved Case Files, 1871 - 1880 

Disallowed (failed to prove), and barred claims (often because they did not meet the deadline of 3 Mar 1873), can be found in RG233, House of Representatives or at Fold3 partially digitized. (We've had 100% success of uncovering the counties for our clients on Fold3.  But some county records may notbe included here and only located at NARA. 

Slave Compensation Claims

Although this will require a separate blog, let’s not confuse the Southern Claims Commission Case Files with the Slave Compensation Claims which was compensation for loss of slave’s free labor.

Slave Compensation Claims allowed loyal slaveholders in the Boarder States, think Kentucky, Missouri, Delaware, Maryland (and some neighboring states), to be compensated for permitting their slaves to enlist in the Union efforts ($300); or were drafted ($100).

More to come on Slave Compensation Claims.

America's History is Our History!

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Military Records Lost in Fire? Let's Reconstruct Them!

 All Is Not Lost. What Are the Next Steps

The July 12, 1973 fire at the St. Louis National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) destroyed approximately 80% of Army personnel records from 1 Nov 1912 to 1 Jan 1960; and, 75% of the Air Force records from 25 Sep 1947 to 1 Jan 1964. In all, between 16 to 18 million military service files, including those for WWI and WWII, were destroyed. However, this loss should not discourage researchers from uncovering an ancestor's military experience.

With a bit of perseverance and legwork family researchers can rebuild an ancestor's military service history using alternative sources. The result may be confirmation of military service dates, troop activities, discharge data, a list of awards and decorations, and perhaps even a peek at your veteran's medical information.

Getting Started
To begin the process of reconstructing your veteran's military experience, first gather vital information, such as birth date and place of birth, as well as death date and social security number (if applicable). Your veteran's unique service number may also be needed. Through the use of ledgers from enlistment stations and service number indexes, the NPRC can usually determine your ancestor's service number.

This information will be used to complete the Request Pertaining to Military Records, Standard Form 180 (SF-180) Military Record Requests Using Standard Form 180 (SF-180) .

With the help of state and federal agencies, the NPRC has been diligently reconstructing veteran personnel files. Fire damaged records are stored in a climate-controlled area and treated for mold by NPRC preservationists' technicians. It is possible that your veteran's entire service file was salvaged, or has been partially restored or reconstructed. When received, the NPRC will use the SF-180 form to retrieve available documents or may inform the researcher that the veteran's file is in the process of being reconstructed.

Useful Resources
Upon discharge, each veteran is presented with papers that outline their military service including unit information, rank, dates of service and discharge. These discharge papers, now referred to as Report of Separation (DD214), may list date and place of entry into active duty and home address at time of entry. It provides any battles and campaigns that the veteran participated in, as well as decorations, medals, citations and campaign awards. It also lists service outside Continental US specifying the destination, date of departure and arrival. The reason for separation and the home address after separation is also included. For more information on DD214 reference About Military Service Records and Official Military Personnel Files .

Copies of discharge papers were stored in the veteran's personnel file and few were saved after the 1973 fire. Although it is possible to locate copies of the originals held by employers, funeral homes, or within the Adjutant General records, most likely the researcher will have to use Last Pay Vouchers, Veteran Affairs (VA records), Passport Applications, and naturalization records as alternate sources to finding vital information held on the DD214. Reconstructing this information is the key to rebuilding your ancestor's military service file.

Last Pay Voucher

A collection of 19 million final pay vouchers is available and may be used as a primary source for reconstructing military service records lost in the 1973 fire. Often the SF-180 response to a researcher's inquiry will verify the existence of a veteran's Last Pay Voucher. If available, the NPRC will provide ordering instructions (usually a fee of $20.00) for the researcher to obtain a pay voucher. Even this lone record can reveal a military footprint of your ancestor's service history.

Although this last pay voucher may appear to be a sheet of scribbles and numbers, a keen eye may uncover some interesting hints. If the service number was not known prior, it can usually be found on the voucher. Place and date of enlistment, along with rank, company and regiment may be named. The discharged date and any information where the veteran was stationed will be specified. Itemized payments allocated for overseas service will also be itemized on the final pay voucher.

If the veteran received any decorations - medals or ribbons - this too will be listed and replacement medals and ribbons may be ordered. For ordering information visit Military Awards and Decorations.

Be sure to note if travel pay was granted. Where the veteran chose to reside upon discharge is normally noted with the travel pay allocation. This information may assist the researcher in locating a copy of the DD214 held at the state's Adjutant General's office.Adjutant General Records

The Adjutant General, appointed by the state Governor (except for Vermont, Washington, D.C., and South Carolina), is the state's senior military officer and "de facto" commander. The Adjutant General's office has historically held military records for the state. Upon discharge, veterans were instructed to register their military service with the local VA offices. This information was filed with the state Adjutant General's office. If the military discharge was registered, the Adjutant General's Office may hold copies of the original separation or DD214 papers.

To solicit a copy of your veteran's DD214 from the Adjutant General's Office you may need to submit the SF-180 form. Due to archival space, Adjutant General's archived records, up to WWII, may be held at the State Historical Society or within the State Archives.Department of Veterans Affairs (VA Records)

Many of the veteran service records were on loan to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) prior to the fire, leaving them intact. If the veteran or beneficiary filed a claim before July 1973, the VA may have information. If the VA claim was made after 1973, the veteran had to prove military service, so the VA office may already have a partially reconstructed personnel file and may be able to aide the researcher in locating claim files.

While searching for a veteran's file, the VA was able to determine which Veteran's Record Center was holding the record I needed. In this case it was the VA Records Center in Dayton, OH. The file revealed an unknown medical condition to the family, plus, a medical discharge letter explaining the "Certificate of Disability for Discharge."

Local VA offices may also be of assistance. To verify VA information call toll free number at 1-800-827-1000.Medical-Related Alternate Records

In 1988, a collection of computer tapes containing ten million hospital/treatment facility admission records was transferred to the NPRC. To initiate a search of Medical-Related Alternate Records complete Form 13055, Request for Information Needed to Reconstruct Medical Data, PDF here . This is the most comprehensive collection to reconstruct military medical records.Death Certificate/Funeral Records

Funeral records and death certificates should be checked for additional veteran's information. These records may hold copies of separation papers or the DD214. Death certificates may specifically list injuries or illnesses caused during military service. For burial benefits, additional veteran information may even be scribbled in the margin.Morning Report

When reconstructing a veteran's service record, information on troop activities, actions, and daily routines can be helpful. This can be found in daily Morning Reports. Army Morning Reports are available at the NPRC for 1 November 1912 to 1974. Air Force Morning reports are available from September 1947 to June 30, 1966. For detailed information on availability see Morning Reports and Unit Rosters.

Morning Reports are available on microfilm and are not indexed by individuals. They list activities such as promotions or demotions, those killed, wounded or missing in action. Service personnel being assigned to a unit, or leaving a unit; and those going to a hospital for treatment are also specified by name.

In order to access a Morning Report, the veteran's exact unit of assignment must be known including division/regiment and company name that can be obtained from the Final Pay Voucher, Separation Papers or VA information.

Other Helpful Sources
Local newspapers clippings may be used to fill in the missing pieces. Area newspapers often reported on those wounded during military service. They also may give additional genealogical information (i.e. a parent's name). Be sure to also check with hometown military museums as they often chronicled local veteran's military service.

Regiment associations or alumni group records, books, and diaries may provide additional troop activities. These records often list veterans by name.

Two resources often forgotten when rebuilding ancestral military service are naturalization and passport applications. Naturalization papers may have military service data, especially if your immigrant ancestor was naturalized while serving in WWI or WWII.

While researching a veteran recently, I found extensive military information on a passport application, specifying the veteran's WWI service in France, complete with dates of overseas service and where the veteran was stationed!

Recreating the Complete Picture Piece by Piece

By compiling the information recorded on Last Pay Vouchers and Adjutant General Records, the researcher will begin to rebuild an ancestor's DD214 data. A thorough analysis of information provided by VA records and death and funeral records, and a bit of midnight oil, will be able to recreate a detailed look into your veterans' service experience.

More Information

Be sure to listen to Lori, of Redbird Research, on the Researching Military Records: Meet Expert Lori episode of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen Podcast. She offers more ideas.

Kathleen Brandt
a3genealogy@gmail.com