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Monday, July 29, 2024

Chasing Counties:Use County Formation Maps

 


In 2010 I first learned of the magic of using  County Formation Maps. I was so excited then. I still have a special love affair with them now. After 2.5 years of working on the Thompson project, I have finally been able to make sense of the all our notes, thanks to tracing ONE Kentucky patent of 1461 acres across four states and 6 (or 7) counties in KY,  3 generations tied up in the same lawsuit in early Virginia to KY to Indiana; and for the heck of it, throw MO in where they finally settled, I now have the hints and a opened portal to continue my 1700 research. 

The best part of colonial research are the copious mounds of land patents, land deeds, lawsuits over lands, land inheritance, and family fights over land. This year alone, (and it's only July), we have unblocked, the Nichols, the Thompsons, and the Scotts using these early American litigious filled records. The key is to find them. So you must ask yourself: "Has every portal been opened, no matter how small or how far?" 

That's the same question I asked in 2010. The Thompson family is not closed, I still have no idea which Samuel is the correct one, and, the DNA of course wouldn't dare be a Thompson (it's Taylor and Mulligan); but I at least have a USA papertrail that matches the 1920 biographical sketch of who the Thompson man should be. 

The first step of preparing for your research is educating yourself on the region.  When was eachstate/county formed? From which counties or territories were new counties created? And, what was going on politically that may have affected records for your time period? 

County Formation Maps
Do you see it below? The original Thompson 1461 acre land patented in 1791 is the same land of Thompson (deceased) in 1821. Now the heirs were back in court. This court case did not settle until 1840s.  However, it's the county formations that I had to chase. The acres and players in the lawsuit was secondary. 
 

Keep in mind, just because a county changed, or a new one was created, doesn’t mean the records migrated. Some records were passed to the new county's repositories. Others stayed in the old county. Yes, you may have to check all of the counties formed from a starter county.

Chasing Your State and County Records 
Understand that we start with the present and go back with genealogy research. So sure, you can pinpoint your ancestor when they are enumerated in the county and have land in that county. But one of our questions is, but how did they pay for the land? Who paid for it? What does a land trace tell you about When the the land became into your family?  And, Where did the land lie when it was originally acquired in Which county?

You can see above, what the county looked like in 1798. But count the counties just 4 years earlier in 1794.  In 1780 and before the same land was actually in VA. I'm sure the client was exhausted as I weaved through the same 1461 acres across the states and several counties. But what a true way to bridge generations in this case.

Westward Expansion
Like counties, boundaries of states were transformed through history. Kansas gave some of its boundaries to Colorado. Missouri extended its already large state by acquiring the Platte Purchase in 1836; and Virginia split in 1863 creating West Virginia.

The Territories Too
And let’s not forget the western state of Idaho that was treated like an unwanted burden.  First it was part of the Oregon Territory; then divided between the Washington Territory and Oregon Territory.  Then when Oregon became a state, what would become Idaho was attached to Washington. With the discovery of gold, and a extreme political maneuvering, Idaho finally became its own territory in 1863.  Whew, and that was the short version.

The goal here is to verify the surrounding states and counties. So dont forget political reasons that may have influenced the moving of your records.

a3Genealogy
Accurate, Accessible Answers
a3genealogy@gmail.com




Saturday, July 27, 2024

July 2024 Newsletter


Last Days for this sale. Now is the time to stock up. 
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Feedback and Suggestions Welcomed.
We are gifting an ancestryDNA kit for one lucky August "suggestion/feedback" giver.

Shorts Featured on YouTube July and Podcast 2024
A media/writer client was looking for a needle in the haystack. We determined that the story we were looking for was salacious enough to hit an obsure South Asian newspapers. but obtaining this American Samoan dual translated newspaper for every publication for the two plus years needed was not easy. Finally I found a source that had every issue.  Listen in to what the NY Public Library did.

Moving in Place (<5min)
They stood still, and yet moved. That's why their records can be found in unexpected cities, counties & even states (i.e. NC to TN or VA - earlyKY). They didn't move their records did! Chewey's Mystery explains it best
For a more detailed explanation visit the Article: Chasing Counties: Use County Formation Maps.
July Podcast Featured
As we always say "Your ancestors wanted their secrets to go the grave with them. But their secrets don't have to go to the grave with you." Our featured author, David W. Jackson  has contributed to over 60 titles. He is the founder of the Orderly Pack Rat.

He even covers the free publishing tool of Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and their offerings and services. It seems to be his favorite, for now.
For the Professionals - Another AI Chat GPT Test
Although this presentation has already been launched to colleges/universities, I was most excited on our use in applying AI as a tool. This month has been about writing, and publishing. With that, we must hone in on our marketing skills too. Check out our July Podcast topics above. 

Plus you asked how can AI help a speaker. Check out this case using AI-  
History: Powered by Her Story

Our Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen hosts was featured in the VoyageKC magazine article
 Daily Inspiration: Meet Kathleen Brandt. Use link for full article.

July 2024 Featured Genealogy Articles
We do blogposts to 1) complement our podcast episodes 2) for those who want the how-to instructions fleshed out 3) researchers just looking for the Resources Needed 4) believe it or not, everyone has not yet jumped on the podcast / Youtube bandwagon. I myself have not yet figured out Tiktok. Thats ok...we need to put the instructions and resources in writing for future references anyway. 

Plus, we are dedicated to helping the DIY genealogists and family historians. Each of our podcasts have an associated blog post article. Matter of fact, even our YouTube channels have associated podcast episodes. Just subscribe to our one stop Genealogy Reference Guide (linktr.ee/hittinthebricks) for both the podcast and a3genealogy associated articles.  

Following are the topics featured in July






Where to find these posted how-to articles? We give you choices:
1) All of our how-to articles since 2008 can be found on our a3Genealogy site.
2) If you are only looking for the longer explanation and cast studies for our podcast, just go to our Hittin' Bricks with Kathleen tab.
3) If you want everything written on a topic, either cleak on the tabs in gray, or there's a search bar in the upper left-hand corner. Just type in your topic or keyword (i.e. Civil War, that we narrow down all the titles that are under Military/NARA).
We do suggest you bookmark, follow or subscribe to your preferred method.   

A Bit More Under ther Umbrella: 
Looking for a One Stop Shop? linktr.ee/hittinthebricks 
Have watched our HTB YouTube 1 Minute Shorts?
Help our Fund Grow: tracingancestors.org

Feedback and Suggestions Welcomed.
We are gifting an ancestryDNA kit for one lucky August "suggestion/feedback" giver. 

Kathleen Brandt & The Board of Tracing Ancestors

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

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





Friday, July 19, 2024

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                  











Wednesday, July 17, 2024

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 


    1. 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. 

    Kathleen Brandt
    a3Genealogy

    Friday, July 12, 2024

    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. 
    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

    Sunday, July 7, 2024

    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 19th 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 SocietyClosed 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