4 Ways Your Confederate Regained Citizenship

Citizenship After the Civil War
When the Civil War ended, most ordinary Confederates were not permanently barred from regaining U.S. citizenship. During the Confederacy, the concept of "denaturalization," or the process of revoking a person’s citizenship, did not exist in a formalized way as it does today.

However, the secession of Southern states and the establishment of the Confederate States of America created a unique situation regarding citizenship and loyalty, which raised questions about the legal status of individuals in the Confederacy. The term “denaturalization” raises an important question.

 Strictly speaking, denaturalization is the legal process of revoking the citizenship of naturalized immigrants. Naturalized immigrants are those who gained citizenship through legal procedures, not by birth. Since nearly all Confederates were U.S.-born, they were not technically denaturalized. Instead, the secession crisis created a legal gray area: the Confederate States treated them as Confederate citizens, while the Union viewed them as U.S. citizens in rebellion. Their loyalty and rights were suspended rather than formally revoked.

Finding Ancestors in Amnesty and Oath Records

After the Civil War, Confederates regained U.S. citizenship through several overlapping legal and political measures. Here are the four ways: 

1. Oath of Allegiance: Most ordinary soldiers and citizens simply swore loyalty to the United States to be readmitted. This was the most common route back into the Union.
2. Amnesty: Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson issued amnesty proclamations. These blanket acts forgave groups of former Confederates, though Johnson’s versions often excluded high-ranking officials, wealthy planters, and officers until they applied individually.
3. Pardons: For those excluded from general amnesty, Johnson offered personal pardons. Confederate leaders or men of wealth had to petition him directly, often writing letters of contrition and requesting forgiveness.
4. Congressional Acts: Later legislation, including the Fourteenth Amendment and subsequent laws, clarified or restored political rights, though lingering restrictions meant not all citizenship rights were immediately equal.

Together, these steps meant that while ordinary Confederates rejoined the Union quickly, elite leaders often navigated a more complex path of petitions, oaths, and presidential discretion.high-ranking political and military leaders, however, faced stricter terms. President Andrew Johnson’s amnesty proclamations (1865–1867) opened the door for many former Confederates, and Congress’s Amnesty Act of 1872 restored citizenship rights to the majority.

Where Are the Records?

• Oaths of Allegiance – available at the National Archives, state archives, and some county courthouses.

• Presidential Pardon Applications – case files (NARA, RG 94) from individuals excluded from general amnesty.

• Southern Claims Commission Records – proof of loyalty claims from Southerners seeking compensation (Ancestry/Fold3).

• State Archives – collections of postwar oaths and pardon lists, especially in former Confederate states.

• Military Service and Parole Records – Confederate service files and parole records at surrender sites often include signed oaths.

Denaturalization Under the Law
Though the Confederates were not legally denaturalized, the practice has existed in U.S. law at other times. In the early 20th century, denaturalization became a tool of the federal government, particularly during the Red Scare and World War II. Naturalized citizens accused of disloyalty, communism, or subversion risked losing their citizenship. Cases appeared even in the 1940s. One example was reported in the Press of Atlantic City. These proceedings took place in September 1942.

Press of Atlantic City, Atlantic City, New Jersey, Sep 9, 1942

Citizenship in the United States has often been defined not only by law but by shifting ideas of loyalty and national identity. 

Black Ancestors in The Tick Mark Census

Did You Know?
Free Black People Were Noted, by Household, before 1850 Census. 

Free "Coloreds" were noted - by name of the head of household -  in the early census records. Early census records are those from 1790 to 1840. These early black people were most often landowners, but not necessarily. Some bought their freedom, and some earned their freedom through their war efforts:  Revolutionary War, American- Indian Wars, or War of 1812. Others were emancipated by their enslaver. Some of these enslavers, the white biological fathers of enslaved children were the ones who emancipated their mulatto offsprings. Those who were legally claimed in Wills were often transported out of slave states, or sent to integrated schools like Oberlin College. 

Yes, there are many cases where the biological white father, claimed their children and educated them. I'll share that example, from Mississippi, in another blog post this month.

The Tick Mark Censuses
Let's get rid of this myth before we begin. "Free-Coloreds" were enumerated in the early tick-marked Census Records, 1790-1840, even in the South. 

Many of the Hittin' the Brickswall with Kathleen podcast listeners will remember John's meltdown on the tick mark census records. If you want to go directly to the beginning of the Tick Mark conversation check out the episode Off The Wall: Making Sense of the U.S.Census,  and start at the 8 minute mark to about 12:20.

Let's Look At An Example:
Here are my own Free - "Colored" ancestors in the 1830, 1840and 1850 censuses.  I have them earlier but this would then be a book, not a blog. So bear with me.

Louisa Griffin, my 3rd Great-grandmother was born free in 1817. Her freedom was gained through her great-grandfather's Revolutionary War Service. 

Our Rev. War Veteran ancestor, Louisa's great-grandfather, was Ned Griffin. His service promised "him and all of his heirs" their freedom. You can read about Ned here. Revolutionary War Research - Ridiculous Mistakes. 

Kathleen --> gf Cecil -->2nd g-gf Wiley "Tobe"-->3ggp Louisa Griffin Morris --> 6g-gf Ned Griffin
1960                 1904                    1838                                     1817                                     1760's

Note: Basic timeline from Kathleen to Revolutionary War Soldier. All generations are not noted 

Free-born Louisa had a total of five children fathered by my 3rd g-grandfather Wiley J. Morris, the elder. Wiley, born in 1807, was enslaved by his biological father. As a blacksmith he swallowed to work and paid $2000 family for his emancipation in 1855. 

In the meantime, the five (5)  Morris-Griffin children born from 1838 - 1850 were all born free following their mother Louisa.  They were enumerated as Griffins in 1850 census records. In 1860 they were able to use their father's surname of Morris since he had succeeded in purchasing his freedom. 

Yes, it was matrilineal. If Louisa would have given her children the Morris surname, they could have legally been enslaved by their white grandfather, James Morris, Sr. So their early years enumerated them as Griffin's, even though everyone, the white Griffins and the Morris knew Wiley was the father. d

1850 Rutherford, NC
Louisa with her Griffin Children
fathered by enslaved Wiley J. Morris born 1807

In 1855, however, and $2000 later, they were Morris's, the whole family! Wiley J. Morris was finally free, and enumerated as such in 1860 with his family.  

1860 Rutherford, NC

Wiley with Wife and Children

(Previously seen as Griffin)

So, Where Was Louisa in 1830?
Louisa was born free in 1817. She had one brother, Richard, who was named in their father's Will. In 1830 "free-colored" Louisa was enumerated in the household of William L. Griffin (white). His ancestors originally enslaved the Rev War soldier Ned, the mulatto. Wm. Griffin, the enslaver, was also an advocates and key witness to guarantee the freedom of Ned Griffin after the Rev. War.

In 1830 Louisa was in a form of "apprenticeship." We see a "tick mark" for Louisa in the William L. Griffin household. The tick mark designated her between the age of 10-23. Our family bible, scribed by her in 1838-1840 gives her birth year as 1817, so she was about age 13 in 1830. Here is the Tick Mark Census in 1830:

1830 US Census. 

As you saw above, she was noted as Head of Household in the 1840 Federal Census. The tick-mark censuses was enough to place Louisa exactly where I needed her - in Rutherford County, NC. And they held the key to uncovering her parents, Peter and Betsy Griffin, and identifying her brother Richard. 

More on free Colored Griffin in 1817, Rutherford County, NC

Peter Griffin, NC Land Acquisition, 1817

Peter Griffin (A Man of Colour) of the County of Rutherford was the father of Louisa Griffin, and a landowner in 1817. Louisa's mother was Betsy Griffin. In 1817 Peter wrote his will, naming his minor son Richard. This Will was witnessed by James Morris, the (white) father of the enslaved Wiley Morris, born in 1807. James Morris owned Fox Haven Plantation of Rutherford, NC. 

Rutherford Deeds 1816-1822 #007517766

It's through the tick-marked census that you can take note of family sizes, neighbors and communities, and your ancestor's movement if comparing and analyzing the various early census records. 

This is just a slice of American History told through my Revolutionary War Veteran, a "Free Colored" since 1784. Legal documents are plentiful to support, the family folklore, the family bible, and early bibliographies of descendants of Wiley Morris, born free in 1838. Will share later. 

Kathleen Brandt
a3Genealogy

Tracing Sharecroppers & Tenant Farmers?

The Columbus Ledger Columbus, GA, Feb 3, 1964, pg.Page 7

Researching your farmer ancestors can be challenging, especially in the South, post-Civil War. NO,  President Jimmy Carter was not born yet, but he, too, had ancestors, artifacts, diaries, data, and books. Check out the holdings at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum. 

Why consider the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library? Because our Ancestors were Farmers! And well, Jimmy Carter, born in 1924, revealed a lot about our ancestors' rural lifestyle. President Carter implemented policies and supported initiatives during his presidency (1977–1981) that aimed to improve the lives of rural Americans, including the descendants of post-Civil War families

Where to Start?

With a family tree like that one we first must ask "Really?" Yes really. When researching family history, we often turn to archives, historical records, and libraries to uncover the stories of our ancestors.

           

           

FamousKin.com

Now remember Presidential Libraries are specialized and you aren't going to find vital records - birth marriage deaths, but you may find ancestors like "Why did the rural farmer lifestyle of our ancestors need so much attention? We can find who, what, when, and where in genealogical databases and many deeds and records; but what about WHY? 

Researchers will find a wider view of ancestors through any President's papers. These repositories of history, preserve records from the president’s administration, personal papers, and materials related to their era. The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library is no exception. While it primarily focuses on Carter’s presidency (1977–1981), it also houses resources that can enrich your understanding of your family’s past, particularly if they lived in Georgia or the South during the late 20th century.

Researching Tenant Farmers and Share Cropper Ancestors?
If your ancestors were farmers in the late 19th or early 20th century begin with gathering the following:

• Land Records: Check historical deeds or tax records to determine if they rented land (tenant farmers) or worked as sharecroppers.
• Census Data: U.S. Census records from the late 1800s and early 1900s often note whether a person was a “farm laborer” or a “farmer” and whether they owned or rented land.
• Local Histories: Explore local archives or oral histories for information on land ownership and agricultural practices in your ancestor’s community.

In the aftermath of the Civil War, new paths were made for landowners to maintain labor on their farms without the enslaved workforce. Mostly those who struggled tried, without success, to get out of poverty being a Sharecropper or Tenant Farmer.

Sharecroppers were farmers who worked someone else’s land in exchange for a share of the crops they produced, typically half or more. A tenant farmer might rent 20 acres, plant corn, and pay the landowner 20% of the crop as rent, keeping the rest for their family or sale.

Tenant Farmers rented land from a landowner and paid rent, usually in cash or a smaller percentage of their crops. A sharecropper might grow cotton on a landowner’s property. At harvest, they’d turn over 50% or more of the crop as payment, leaving little for their own needs.

Sharecroppers and Tenant Farmers were common in the South, particularly among African Americans and poor whites who lacked the resources to buy land. Over time, both systems contributed to the persistence of poverty and inequality in the region. But what did Jimmy Carter know about this. Well, we are talking the southern practices and here is a 1970 article on just that: 

Ledger-Enquirer, Columbus, Georgia, Sep 17, 1970, pg 19

Finding records of sharecroppers or tenant farmers can be challenging but rewarding. These individuals often didn’t own property, so traditional land records may not apply, but there are alternative resources that can reveal valuable details about their lives.

What's at the Library?
While the library doesn’t house vital records like birth certificates or marriage licenses, it provides rich historical context that can complement genealogical data. For example, understanding the challenges of farming in the 1970s or the impact of federal housing policies can help you piece together your ancestors’ experiences.

What You Might Find

• Federal Records: Studies on Georgia’s economy, farming trends, or housing developments.

• Photographs and Media: Images of Georgia communities, Carter’s campaign stops, or significant events.

• Policy Papers: Documents detailing how federal programs influenced local communities.

• Exhibits and Oral Histories: Stories from Carter’s contemporaries, potentially including people from your family’s region..

9 Research Tips

1. Census Records.

• Post-Civil War through the early 20th century, especially 1870–1940.  The 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 censuses often specify whether a person owned or rented their farm or home.
• Occupation listed as “farmer” or “farm laborer.”
• Indications such as “R” (rented), “O” (owned), or “F” (farm) in property columns.
• Agricultural schedules (available for some years like 1850–1880), which may list crops produced or acreage worked.

2. Local Land Records

• Tenant farmers and sharecroppers often entered into contracts with landowners.
• County Courthouses: Lease agreements or rental contracts might be in land records or probate files.
• Historical Societies: Some local organizations have preserved ledgers or documents related to farming arrangements.
• Tips: Search for records of the landowner. Tenant agreements may be filed under their name rather than the tenant’s.
• Look for deeds or tax records that describe land usage rather than outright ownership.

3. Freedmen’s Bureau Records
For African American ancestors after the Civil War: The Freedmen’s Bureau (1865–1872) helped formerly enslaved people transition to freedom, often brokering labor contracts between freedmen and landowners. Look for the following: 

• Labor contracts, particularly in Southern states.
• Complaints or disputes filed by sharecroppers or tenants.

4. Tax Records
Local tax records can reveal clues: Tenant farmers may appear in personal property tax rolls (for tools, livestock, or crops) even if they didn’t own land. Check the County tax assessor’s office or archives.

5. Agricultural Extension Records
In the early 20th century, state agricultural extensions and federal programs worked with sharecroppers and tenant farmers. 

6. Plantation and Landowner Records
If your ancestors worked for a specific landowner, plantation or large landowner records might include tenant or sharecropping agreements and/or lists of workers or correspondence.
Be sure to check out University libraries or special collections focusing on Southern history and local historical societies.

7. Oral Histories and Local Histories

Oral histories can provide personal accounts of tenant farming or sharecropping.
Sources:Library of Congress’s American Memory Project.
Local archives or historical societies.

8. Court Records
County or state court archives may hold these records.

• Disputes between landowners and tenants often ended up in court. Look for the following:
• Lawsuits over unpaid rent or disagreements about crop shares.
• Probate cases that mention tenant arrangements.

9. WPA Slave Narratives and Rural Life Accounts
These narratives may be found online through the Library of Congress or genealogical websites.

• The Works Progress Administration (WPA) collected interviews in the 1930s, including
• accounts of former enslaved people and their descendants, many of whom became sharecroppers or tenant farmers.
• Stories of rural life that may mention local systems of labor and farming. 

Thank You, President Carter

Kathleen Brandt

1890 Census Lost? 8 Resources to Recover the Data

1890 Federal Census Records weren't lost, they were Substituted 
Genealogists are forever lamenting the destruction of the full 1890 Federal Census. But, why? There are so many great substitutes.

In case you didn't know, most of the 1890 US Federal Census records were destroyed by water due to a 1891 fire at the Customs Building in 1921. Only 1233 pages or fragments survived. This means of the 62,979,766 people enumerated only 6,160 pieces of data survived

We talk about the uniqueness of the 1890 census here:

Where to Start to Locate Substitutes to These Lost Records?

1.  Fragments. Ancestry and FamilyTree.org also digitized copies of the 1890 United States Federal Census Fragment. 

2.  State or local repositories may have reconstructed the data or have originals of the original 1890 census. Idaho, one of six new states joining the 1890 census for the first along with North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Washington, has reconstructed mc of their 1890 census.

Idaho 1890 Reconstructed Census

3. One Place Studies:  Off The Wall: Making Sense of the U.S.Census (begins at 16:16minute)

One Place Studies are finally catching on in the USA.  They are effective and can be used to recreate the place and people in a location (county, township, state_ for your timeframe (i.e. 1890 in Comanche County). As of today, 21 states have at least one village, town, or county involved. Listen about One Place Studies and get your community of interests involved. Be sure to complete the free register so others know you exist. 

4.  Surviving 1890 Census Records 
First, know that the following 1890 census records survived:
->Alabama - Perry County
->Alaska - Logbook of Frank Lowell
->District of Columbia - Q, S, 13th, 14th, RQ, Corcoran, 15th, SE, and Roggs streets, and Johnson Avenue
->Georgia - Muscogee County (Columbus)
->Illinois - McDonough County: Mound Township
->Minnesota - Wright County: Rockford
->New Jersey - Hudson County: Jersey City
->New York - Westchester County: Eastchester; Suffolk County: Brookhaven Township
->North Carolina - Gaston County: South Point Township, Ricer Bend Township; Cleveland  County: Township No. 2
->Ohio - Hamilton County (Cincinnati); Clinton County: Wayne Township
->South Dakota - Union County: Jefferson Township
->Texas - Ellis County: S.P. no. 6, Mountain Peak, Ovila Precinct; Hood County: Precinct no. 5; Rusk County: Precinct no. 6 and J.P. no. 7; Trinity County: Trinity Town and Precinct no. 2; --Kaufman County: Kaufman.

5.  Census On the Five: (i.e. 1885; 1895)

Many states, like Kansas, Nebraska, Florida, Colorado, or in the territories of New Mexico and Dakota enumerated their citizens on state five-year schedules.

But widen your search.  Eighty-six counties of Kansas aren't listed on this ancestry.com listing, but they are digitized on familysearch.org.

This is where I traced my own NC - TN - KS -OK ancestors.  Here is my 3rd Great-Grandmother Louisa in the home of her daughter Sarah and son-in-law Willis. Ages are slightly off. Louisa was actually born in 1817 according to the original Tennessee family Bible, but again, we don't know who gave the information.  

6.  1890 Veterans Schedule

The 1890 special Census for Civil War Union veterans and widows of veterans are intact. This head of household census was originally an enumeration for Union veterans; but in some enumerations, you may also uncover your Confederate veteran.

It is here that by 1890 Willis had left Kansas and was removed to Hennessey, OK. It is also through these records that I learned the alias used by Willis Cox. It was Willis Mills. His USCT Civil War military records explained the surname change.  

 

7.  1890 Oklahoma Territorial Census

• Logan County
• Oklahoma County
• Cleveland County
• Canadian County
• Kingfisher County
• Payne County
• Beaver County

8. Others.  Don't forget City Directories, Land Records, Court records, marriages, etc that are held at the County Level. 

Happy Holiday Season. 

Kathleen Brandt

Honoring Veterans: Eternal Valor Network

Highlighting Salus Populi of Missouri
All across America, in large cities, suburbs, and rural towns, the watchful eye can spot war memorials honoring our veteran ancestors. Some are dedicated to a specific war or troop, and others provide a running list of town veterans or those who lost their lives serving our country. These not-so-known memorials most often display veteran’s names, but some are structures of “salute” inviting the community to learn more about local troops. Check out these few highlighted Kansas City memorials on Can You List Your Area Memorials?  Another wonderful celebration of veterans is The Final Salute held in Des Moines, IA. We most recently shared the exciting work of Salus Populi in Missouri. 

The Eternal Valor Network - A Consortium 

Tracing Ancestors, a 501c3 organization, has recently learned that, with great, intent and purpose, each of the organizations are working in isolation. So, Tracing Ancestors has established The Eternal Valor Network (EVN) -  a collaborative initiative dedicated to preserving the memory and honoring the military service of unclaimed Veterans and local fallen Veterans. 

EVN, a Tracing Ancestors Project, brings together coroners, medical examiners, funeral homes, Veteran organizations, and local cemeteries to ensure no Veteran is forgotten. We believe, not only should military history be preserved, but veterans must be honored.

This coordinated consortium streamlines the process of identifying unclaimed veterans' remains, providing dignified burials, memorials, and celebrations to commemorate their service. Through partnerships with local communities, state agencies, and Veteran advocacy groups, the Eternal Valor Network embraces our communities' shared responsibility to honor those who served. 

Preparing for Inaugural Event
Tracing Ancestors will host the inaugural Eternal Valor Network event Spring 2025. This gathering will equip EVN partners with resources and feature an inspiring lineup of keynote speakers, including:

• Lanae Strovers, The Final Salute
• Michelle Cook and Riley Sutherland, Missouri United States Colored Troops (USCT) Salus Populi Project
• Lori Berdak Miller, genealogist and military researcher from the National Archives in St. Louis, representing Redbird Research
• Lyle Gibson: (tentative) Veteran Air Force, Genealogist / Filmmaker

Donations

Thanks to your donations, Tracing Ancestors is on track to funding our 2025 Eternal Valor Network Inaugural Event. Help us meet our goal!

If you wish to donate, here's the link: Eternal Valor Network.  Be sure to check out Tracing Ancestors 2024 Successes.

Kathleen Brandt
President of TracingAncestors.org

September - October 2024 Newsletter

Why Are the September and October Newsletters Combined?

We know that combining the September and October Newsletter is unusual, but hear us out! We are always celebrating our ancestors. Hispanic Heritage Month is honored Sep 15 to Oct 15. It began in 1968 under President Johnson. At the time it was a week-long celebration. However, it was expanded to a month celebration 20 years later in 1988 by President Reagan. So, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! It's a perfect time to uncover your Hispanic family's history and trace your ancestral roots.

 September - October Happenings

Thank You Donors! 

Let's begin with why September is so special. It was birth month! For my birth month, Tracing Ancestors received generous donations from Tracing Ancestors and a3Genealogy followers, listeners to HTB podcast and readers of the Tracing Ancestors Newsletters and a3Genealogy blog posts. Donations received were from $5.00 to $500 dollars and the Board of Tracing Ancestors would like to thank all of our donors. This fundraising campaign kickstarted our 4th quarter financial goals.

Note: if you missed the opportunity to donate, visit tracingancestors.org. All donations are tax deductible (501c3). Visit TracingAncestors.org.

September - October Highlight 

Thank You Civil War Veteran Joseph Chedester

60 Second Soundbite

Many of you may have seen, via social media that I was honored to accept the military flag and dogtags for Civil War Veteran Joseph Chedester. This memorial event, The Final Salute was in late September in Des Moines, Iowa. Be sure to listen to the associated podcast: Honoring Veterans: The Final Salute. 

Prior to going and joining family and representatives for the other nineteen (19) veterans (WWI, WWII) and five of their spouses, I found this article posted by Military OneSource to be helpful: What to Expect During Military Funeral Honors.

September - October: Hispanic Heritage Research 

Here are the 5 tips to uncover your Hispanic heritage.

1. Vital Family Records: Begin by gathering vital records like birth certificates, marriage records, and immigration papers. 

2. Church Records: These may cover baptisms, marriages and deaths. In many Hispanic cultures, Catholic Church records are a goldmine for genealogy. Baptismal, marriage, and burial records often date back centuries. Many can be accessed through church archives or online databases like FamilySearch.org.

3. Immigration and Naturalization Records: These records can reveal when and where your ancestors entered new countries. Ancestry.com and the National Archives are excellent resources for U.S. records, while similar archives exist for countries across Latin America.

4. DNA Testing: Genetic testing through MyHeritageDNA, FamilyTreeDNA,  and ancestryDNA can provide insight into your ancestral origins and connect you with distant relatives for up to 5 generations.

5. Hispanic Genealogy Groups: Online communities and genealogy groups specifically focused on Hispanic ancestry can offer support, share resources, and help overcome language barriers.

And don't forget to interview the elders in your family for both personal and family stories. Oral histories can provide valuable leads and stories that might not be documented elsewhere. Curious how to talk to family. Listen in to this NY -Puerto Rican Genealogy Case. Plus, there's a review on DNA too. 

All Souls Day

In America we celebrate Halloween, 31 Oct. It is celebrated the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day . "All Hallows Eve" or Halloween is of  Christian origin. As in Christmas Eve, it was traditional to celebrate the eve of a holiday. This would be the eve of all Hallows' Day, also called All Saints' Day (1 Nov).. 

In many Latin countries, ancestors celebrated All Soul's Day, to remember the ancestors.  This holiday is not restricted for the Catholic church, as many other Christians oberseve the holiday. It's a celebration that genealogists dream of: family, cemeteries, family tradiditions, and the ancestors! 

This holiday is filled with traditions:

• Mexico, many create private altars for their ancestors. The alters are decorated with photographs, flowers, candy skulls, and candles. 
• Guatemala, people fly kites. There's even a festival, Barriletes Gigantes Festival, or Giant Kites Festival. These kites may be up to 65 feet across! Just write a note to your ancestor and tie it to the kite’s tail. It is said your ancestor can read iit n heaven.
• Peru, families share a sweat bread called loaf of t’anta wawa with a friend or relative. T’anta wawa is baked into the shape of a doll or small child.

As mentioned, others celebrated Allhallowtide  - the 3 days of 31 Oct - 2 Nov. 

Did you ancestor celebrate any of these Allhallowtide?

September - October: Research Tip 
 FamilySearchWiki

Have You Used the FamilySearch Wiki?
When in doubt turn to the FamilySearch.org Wiki on all genealogical topics. This resource will give you tips on beginning your research, record types that are available, and it even points you to other research resources.  There are maps, digitized resources, and guidance on best practices. 

You can use it for your Irish, German, Native American, African American research project. ...you get the point. 

Since it is Hispanic Heritage Month, and we have been flooded with relevant genealogical questions. We have been directing family researchers to this FamilySearch site: Hispanic Family History Resources. First of all it in English and Spanish which helps to bridge generations. Here are just a few of the other features we love:

     1) Online Databases that hold additional information

     2) Records organized by country
      3) Country Maps that can assist with not only the regions but parishes.

These types of outlined resources are available, as mentioned, for a plethora of topics. Don't forget this free resource. It's free. All you need is to set up a user login/password, and plunge in. 

Under the Umbrella
Looking for a One Stop Shop? linktr.ee/hittinthebricks
Help our Fund Grow: tracingancestors.org
Donate Here:

  Zeffy for Hittin' The Bricks with Kathleen
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Kathleen Brandt & The Board of Tracing Ancestors   

August 2024 Newsletter

 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.

Get Started with This Free ancestryDNA Kit 
We are gifting an ancestryDNA kit for one lucky September "suggestion/feedback" giver. All entries must be submitted by 30 Sep 2024. Free? Yes, the Feedback and Suggestions Campaign

Or You Can Use this Link to Purchase. AncestryDNA $39

The Woman Citizen

The Woman Citizen was one of the most influential of the American women’s suffrage periodical. UC Berkeley Library owns some print copies of both periodicals, and most of the issues of both publications are available online via the HathiTrust.

Underutilized Research Records

 Did You Know....?

There Were Laws Just For Women?

Use these laws to further your family research.

We know our female ancestors are hard to trace. But, on the otherhand, they can be our biggest clue to solving a family brickwall. They may have unexpected document that connects a couple generations.

                     Read
Our Ancestor's Love Cost Them Their Citizenship
5 Tips Using Misogynistic Laws to Solve Brickwalls. 

Where to find posted how-to articles?

We give you choices. We do suggest you bookmark, follow or subscribe to your preferred method.

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).

August Highlights
It was all about your ancestors' athletic dreams - high school to Olympian. We grabbed the popcorn and glued ourselves to the Olympic Games in Paris
26 Jul - 11 Aug 2024. It also raised family questions. Was Grandpa really that good at downhill skiing? Where's the scrapbook that we used to go through at Grannies' house? Were those families stories inflated? How can I research these ancestors? 

Podcast:
Researching Your Athlete: High School to Olympian

Article: Need step by step tips? Here's the accompanying article:              

6 Tips to Tracing Athletic Ancestors 

Under the Umbrella

 Looking for a One Stop Shop? linktr.ee/hittinthebricks

Have You Watched the HTB YouTube 1 Minute Shorts?

Help our Fund Grow: tracingancestors.org

Donate Here: Zeffy for Hittin' The Bricks with Kathleen by TracingAncestors                                                       

Kathleen Brandt & The Board of Tracing Ancestors