Gratitude, Family, Thanksgiving, and Health Histories

 In the United States, the fourth Thursday of November is celebrated as Thanksgiving, gathering loved ones, family, and friends to share a meal reflecting upon the past year's events and the challenges and blessings received. Expressing gratitude has become a topic of scholarly study, and they have found that gratitude can improve physical and psychological health, decrease aggression, and enhance empathy, increase mental strength. One may wonder where the tradition began. Most children learn it started with the pilgrims; however, it didn't become a National Holiday until 1863, when President Lincoln made a proclamation commending the citizens of the war-torn nation for asking God to care for all those who were widows, orphans and heal the nation's wounds from the civil war. Thanksgiving was celebrated on the final Thursday in November until 1939, when President Franklin D Roosevelt moved the holiday up a week to assist with sales during the Great depression. The movement of the date by President Roosevelt met significant opposition, and two years later, in 1941, a bill was signed making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November.

Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings and an excellent opportunity to gather family stories, pictures, traditions, and other information. You may want to interview the older people asking about stories from their lives and the lives of their parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in your gathering.

You may want to consider creating a medical family history.  Your first thought may be, why? Why would I need to create a Medical Family tree? How does this help my ancestor? The simple answer is it really doesn't help your ancestors, but it can help you, your children, grandchildren, and descendants. FamilySearch has a helpful article regarding Family Health History you can access here. 

I created a Medical Family Tree you can use for ideas of questions you may want to record. If you are interested in receiving a downloadable file, please feel free to reach out to me through the Contact me page, and I will send it to you directly.

Record Your Family Memories

We are blessed in this modern age of technology where we can easily record and save our ancestor's oral histories, which will be preserved for your children, children's children, and down through the age. 

The Native Americans frequently taught each other their history by telling stories of their past. These stories are valuable in helping the children know who they are from and, as a benefit, allow them to know who they are. 

Now is the time for you to record your parent's and grandparents' stories. You will enjoy hearing them tell them in their own words once they have left this life. My family has recordings of my parents talking about memories from their life. They have all passed from this life, and it brings me joy to hear their voices. 

Consider talking with the oldest family members and recording them talking about their lives. We are also blessed with the cell phones that cannot only record audio, can also record video. The videos will be a treasure trove for your children, grandchildren, and throughout generations. 

Additionally, if you upload the videos or audio recordings using the FamilySearch Memories Mobil App, which can be found in app stores, and they will be preserved for your children, grandchildren, and on down through the generations. The Memories app can be downloaded from the Google App Store using your computer or phone or Apple App Store using your iPhone or iPad. 

 

COVID 19 Pandemic and Genealogy

It has been a long time since I have posted anything as I started a new job back in 2017 and have been busy learning my new position. You may wonder about the title of this post and it's relationship to COVID 19 and why I am now posting. Let me explain. With everyone staying isolated/quarantined in their homes due to the COVID 19 pandemic, there is a number hours to fill especially if like me, you have been furloughed or laid off from work.

I have done several tasks/chores I wanted to complete within my home that I have put off from doing because of work. Well, I have accomplished many of these things and have been feeling a yearn to do something else. Now what?

A fun option for me and possibly for you would be the 21-day Connection Experiment/Challenge.  The challenge was initiated by two women by the name of Olivia and Sydney. They have created various 21-day Challenge calendars based up on what you would like to focus on.  The calendars include: Family Plan, Teenage Plan, About me Plan, "My Tree is All Done" Plan, and Build Your Own Plan. The calendars are being shared at no cost to anyone.

Each day provides you ideas on how to focus on your family, yourself or others by completing a simple and not so simple task. I have chosen to Build My Own Plan.

Today, I started by texting my siblings and asking them to participate with me by responding to a question once a week about something simple. My first question to them was: What qualities in your friend do you admire most? My answer was short and sweet: I admire in my friends kindness, thoughtfulness, honesty and integrity.

You could do this challenge through email, texting, Marco Polo, FaceTime, What'sApp. etc.  You just make the challenges your own if you are doing the Build My Own Plan.

They have developed a questionaire with questions about how you are feeling when you first start the experiment. Then after 21 days, you complete the questionnaire again to see if there has been a change. The thought behind this experiment is to see how working on genealogy can change your life. The questionnaires are not mandatory to complete the challenge, but it would be fun to see the results. If you would like to join in, click here to get your calendar and to learn more.

What Clues Can Your Surname Provide?

What is a name?  Way back when, people were given a first name and the last name was typically noted as  the son or daugther of the father.  For example, John nee Harris, Mary nee Harris, Bertha Marie Pedersdautter or Neils Pederson.  All these names have a word that indicate they are the son/daughter of Harris or Peder.  The customs of surnames is variable depending upon your heritage; for example, the hispanic culture has in the past included the father and mother's surname in the child's last name.

As the population of the various countreis began to emigrate to new countries world wide, the immigrants would frequently change their surname to mask their origins, or their name could have changed due to the lack of the ability of the person taking down the information to understand the person providing the name, or due to the inability to spell.

We have all been given surnames (last names). Have you ever thought about what/where your last name came from? Surnames could reflect a person's occupation, locality, or origin.  You probably are asking, so what is the big deal?  We all have last names.  How is understanding my surname (last name) going to be of any assistance in researching my family history?  The answer is knowing and understanding your surname (last name) can give you clues into where your family may have lived and their occupations. Additionally, you can possibly discover new relatives.

One mistake almost every new genealogist makes, is to assume that the way your last name is presently spelled is the only correct spelling.  So for example, if your last name was Harris,  the spelling of Haris, Harries, Harris, or any other name, could not be related to you.  It is possible the person with the different spelling is not related, but don't write them off to quickly, as they could be related to you and they just spelled their last name differently.  Family Search has a brief and to the point article about the spelling of surnames here.

I came across a website titled Forebears.  This site provide a search engine for names where you can type in the surname, see a meaning behind the name, origin and distribution map for the name, and possible alternate spellings of the name. If you would like to research the meaning of a surname, click Forebears Surname.  Have fun!

Genealogy on a Mac

I wanted to share with you all my thoughts about the availability genealogy programs for the mac.  My PC died in September of 2013 and as a result I have decided to try and do my genealogy strictly on a Mac.  This has provided many challenges including deciding on a program to use and importing the data from a PC to a Mac based environment.  Needless to say, I am still working through the change and have not been very happy with the options.

The Mac programs that I have tried included:
Ancestral Quest (Using Cross Over)
MacFamily Tree
Heredis
Reunion

First of all, I attempted to use Cross Over and run Ancestral Quest. I really like Ancestral Quest in the PC environment and was hoping that Cross Over would be the solution to my dilema. The program ran in Cross Over, but I had problems with the program running smoothly and allowing for me to sync with FamilySearch.  Ancestral Quest frequently froze using Cross Over resulting in having to close the program or restart my system.  I have not tried to use RootsMagic in crossover, so this may be an option for those that have RootsMagic.  I would recommend you try the free trial of Cross Over to see if it will work for you.

I also downloaded the trial versions of Heredis and Reunion.  Both of these Mac programs have been developed nicely, however, they do not sync to FamilySearch.  For many people, this may not be a concern, but for me, I wanted to be able to move my data freely between FamilySearch and my Family file on my computer, therefore, I chose to stick with MacFamily Tree.

I decided to try and learn how to use MacFamily Tree, as I had already purchased the program when I first got my MacBook Pro, but really hadn't spent much time working with it seriously as I was still using my PC for the bulwark of my genealogy research, before my PC crashed. At first I found the updated version to be a little tricky to work with as I was not familiar with the program.  There are many intuitive aspects to this program that I liked; however, I wasn't sure about the FamilySearch aspect of this program. I must qualify this statement with the caveat that I usually try to figure out the program without going to the manual.  I finally caved and went to the manual on how to have MacFamily Tree work with FamilySearch and have found it works well and I have used it several times and like it's functionality.

Another nice feature of MacFamily Tree is it allows for one to geocode the important events in a person's life.  The one drawback that I have found with this, is the fact that names of places and their locations have changed over the years as have the boundaries in which a location may be found. This is the result of changing of country, state, county, and city boundaries and therefore, the accuracy of the locations are not rock solid as the program uses current names, places, and boundaries, which have changed throughout years past.

The bottom line: There are many wonderful Mac genealogy programs for one to choose from, however, the only Mac based program that will sync with FamilySearch is MacFamily Tree.  MacFamily Tree also provides a mobile app that you can use, however, I have not attempted to use it at this point, as I have spent that past little while teaching myself the MacFamily Tree program.

FamilySearch Facebook Community Research Pages

FamilySearch has developed several Research Community pages on FaceBook and Skype.  These groups have been designed to allow you to collaborate with others that are searching in the same local of your ancestors, ask questions, and help others by sharing what you know.  Do you have to be a professional?  Definitely not.  The groups are designed to encourage anyone with an interest to ask questions and to share the knowledge that you have.  Come join in the fun.  If you would like to learn more about these groups, by following the directions for the FamilySearch wiki at  Join A Facebook Research Community. The research groups currently available are worldwide and include:

1. Denmark
2. Finland
3. Sweden
4. England
5. Ireland
6. Wales
7. North America to include: Illinois, Missouri, New York, North and South Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia

If you do not see a local that you are currently researching, you can suggest an area to be started as a Community Research.  If you visit the link Join A Facebook Research Community, you can learn how to participate in this exciting opportunity.  Don't have a Facebook account? Then check out the Skype Research Community. Have fun!

Skype Community Research Pages

FamilySearch has launched several new Skype  Research Communites which has a sister site on Facebook for most of the Skype  Research Communities. You may be asking what is Skype, or you may be wondering how would a Skype Community be able to help you with your research.  Skype is allows you to video call and/or SMS chat with anyone on Skype for free.  So how is this going to help you?  FamilySearch has developed several Skype Research Communities including:
Denmark
Sweden
Finland
England
Ireland
Mexico City, Mexico
The United States of America to include Illinois, Missouri, New York, North and South Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Hemet, California.
These groups are designed to encourage you to ask questions and help others.  I personally have been in conversation with someone from Germany who has been helping me with the Danish language and helping me understand how to utilize a Danish (language barrier for me) map website.  The person you are visiting with can share their screen with you so you can watch what they are doing and/or send you files.  If you don't have a video camera on your computer, that is ok.  Skype also allows for SMS chatting (instant messaging), which allows you to visit and help each other.  The communities are friendly and everyone is willing to answer questions.  Come and learn how to join the fun by clicking on Join a Skype Research Community

Only 9 days left in the Illinois Wiki Scavenger Hunt?

There is only 9 days left in the Illinois FamilySearch Wiki Scavenger Hunt. There are two ways to participate in the contest. You can contribute a wiki article or an internet link for Illinois. There will be 30 prizes awarded for the Best Narrative Article and for Most Unusual Hyperlink. One randomly selected individual will be selected every day through the end of July. The more you enter, the more chances you have to win. Give it try. It is a win-win as you can get published and contribute to the Illinois state wiki and possibly win a prize. If you want to enter, click Official Entry Form here. Good luck!

FamilySearch Courses

FamilySearch announced today that the number of genealogy courses that are available for learning is now over 140 courses. The courses include Beginning and Advance courses covering areas such as Australia, England, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, and the United States. There are lessons on Basic Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Latin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Scandinavian, and Spanish Handwriting. Courses are also available for learning research tricks, how to use the Genealogy library, and Genealogy Boot-camp. I would urge you all to check out the classes that are available to help you with your research. If you don't find a class that is of interest to you this month, check back frequently as new classes are being added every month. To learn more click FamilySearch Research Courses

Learn How to Perform Italian Genealogical Research At Home

How would you like to have your own personal instruction for Italian Genealogical Research in the comfort of your home? FamilySearch has come out with a basic Italian Genealogical Research class that is available for viewing. The class is approximately 58 minutes long and has a great deal of information that will assist the individual in researching their Italian Ancestry. If you would like to view the presentation and obtain the class handout, click Basic Italian Research. Have fun!

**New FamilySearch Update**

I wanted to update my readers that New FamilySearch has now made all areas of the help section available for users. The website has always included the tab "Find Answers", "Feedback" and "My Cases". The new addition of "Training and Resources" tab allows the users to participate in E-learning classes that will help enhance their experience utilizing New FamilySearch. The "Training and Resources" e-lessons also provide links to various lessons that teach you how to research that are provided by Brigham Young University. I would encourage all who are just beginning to utilize New FamilySearch to review the e-lessons to make the most of the time spent on while on the website. Have fun!

FamilyInsight Beta Released

Ohana Software has just released the beta of FamilyInsight to everyone. Please note that not all of the features will be operable if you do not have access to New FamilySearch. This program is similar to the PAFInsight in the way it functions, but it has a new component that will allow the user to sync your database with New FamilySearch. This program is designed to work with your PAF file and program and New FamilySearch; it is not a stand alone program for genealogical research. FamilyInsight has improved upon the edit places to include the standard nomenclature that is utilized with New FamilySearch. I am excited to learn more about the program utilizing their tutorial that is provided within the program. Another great feature of the program is the "Guide Me" button which can be clicked at any time while you are working within the program that will provide you with step-by-step instructions regarding the screen that you are working within at the moment.

I started to work with the snyc option with New FamilySearch, but will need to complete the tutorials to fully grasp every nuance of the program. It appears on the surface to be very intuitive and very similar to PAF Insight with the exception of improved "Edit Places" tab where you will be able to coordinate your place names with those that are in New FamilySearch.

If you are interested in participating in the Beta of the program, click FamilyInsight. If you have a current PAFInsight license you only need to download the upgrade. If you have never purchased a PAFInsight license you will need to pay the minimal fee of $25.

Please remember that the product is still in beta format and as such, you will most likely come across some bugs with the program that will need to be worked out. Being as it is in Beta format, I would strongly encourage you to make a back up of your file and work on the backup file only during the beta phase of the program. If you are feeling adventurous and would like to get in on the ground floor of FamilyInsight, you will want to check this update. Have fun!

FamilySearch Record Search Pilot Update

FamilySearch has recently updated their Pilot Record Search interface making it sleeker and easier to navigate. The many volunteers continue to assist with the indexing which are making access to these records easier than combing through stacks of old microfilms, fiche and books.

As can been seen from the picture to the left, the site can now be navigated by clicking on a specific geographical region. Once you have selected your area of research, you will be provided with a list of all of the records that are currently available for searching. Please note that some of the images that are available are currently being indexed which means that the index is not complete. This issue does not inhibit you from viewing the images but it can make searching a little more laborius if you decided to search image by image.

I love the new layout and am constantly amazed at how fast the indexing of the various microfilms, fiche and other documents is occuring. We are truly blessed to be able to access these in the comfort of our own home. If you would like to take a look at the new layout click FamilySearch Pilot Record Search. Have fun searching.

Get My Ancestors Released by Ohana

I woke up this morning and thought that I would check out the progress of Incline Softwares release of Ancestral Quest 12.1 and Ohana Software Family Insight. To my surprise, Ohana has released the new program Get My Ancestors for New FamilySearch. Get My Ancestors is a utility program that accesses New FamilySearch allowing for you to download members of your family tree into a PAF 5 format. The utility allows you to download your ancestors or progenitors utilizing the Personal Identifier number. I tried it out to see how it works and it is efficient in extracting the data from the enormous FamilySearch database. To test how fast the program worked, I tried to download 15 generations of ancestors on both sides of my family and found that the download time varies depending upon the amount of information available. One side of the family downloading 15 generations took approximately 20 - 30 minutes for 1500 individuals; the other side took 1 hour and 13 minutes for 5083 individuals. I would caution that if you choose to utilize this utility that you download only a few generations at a time.

On a side note, I would suggest taking the information that you download, confirm it the information is accurate prior to adding to your family file at home. On the other hand, if this is the first time you have ventured into family history/genealogy work, the information that you find on New FamilySearch can provide you a great starting point for your family records, finding and confirming the information along your journey.

The utility program can be used on a MAC or PC, but at this time it only interfaces with the PAF program. I confirmed with Ohana regarding the MAC compatability and was told that the program only generates a PAF file resulting in those MAC owners having to either run the first version of PAF for MAC or to utilize a PC emulator program to run PAF in the Windows environment.

To learn more about Get MyAncestors click Ohana Software.

Family Insight and Ancestral Quest given the go ahead with New Family Search

I just received an email from FamilySearch Support this afternoon that stated that PAF Add-Ins of Ancestral Quest 12.1 and/or FamilyInsight are now going to be released. What does this mean to all of us? Well, if you are not currently on New FamilySearch, it means nothing. You will not be able to utilize these new programs. If you are on New FamilySearch, it means a great deal. The programs have been designed to directly interface with New FamilySearch allowing for syncing of information between the two databases. Simply put, it will save you a great deal of typing. I personally have not been involved in the beta tests of these two products, so I can't tell you how well they work.

I do have past experience with PAF Insight (the previous version of FamilyInsight) and found that it was a great tool in coordinating databases and finding problems with pedigrees and/or place names. I worked with Ancestral Quest a long time ago and have not used it since, but I know that it does have more bells and whistles that the spartan PAF program. Both of these programs have a 60 day free trial period. The programs have not been released as of yet from the two vendors, but I will let you know when I find out. If you would like to view the FamilyInsight information visit Ohana Software. If you would like to view Ancestral Quest, visit Incline Software. I would suggest looking at both programs and deciding which will best fill your needs as a genealogist. Ancestral Quest and PAF5 will access the exact same database which will allow you more flexibility with printing capabilities for reports, pedigrees, research logs, etc. Please remember that you need to be able to access New FamilySearch to make these new updates work for you in the best possible way. Have fun!

**** News Flash **** FamilySearch Facelift

FamilySearch has had a face lift of the site and it is wonderful. You now browse to FamilySearch which now provides links to the Library Catalog, Record Search Pilot (which I blogged about earlier today), and the BYU Archives. A link for Indexing has also been provided on the site as well. This improvement will make for you to go to one web address and access multiple areas of FamilySearch. Bravo!!

Have fun researching!

FamilySearch Record Search

If you haven't checked out the FamilySearch Record Search site, you are missing out. The FamilySearch Record Search site is currently in the pilot stage, but they welcome one and all to research the information that is currently available.

I have posted about FamilySearch Indexing and how many indexers are working feverishly on indexing the thousands of microfilm and fiche in the Salt Lake Family History Library. The result of the indexing can be viewed at FamilySearch Record Search. The 1870 United States Census has just begun to show up on the site and the 1900 United Census is almost completely up. Each of the indices that are located on the left side of the page have both the index and the images available to searching. The indices located on the right side of the web page have only the images and not the indexes categorized by specific locality and type of record.

Other records in various stages of completion that are available for searching include US and state census records, The Freedman Bank, Civil War Pension Records, Germany, Norway, and Mexico Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials and Cheshire England, Church of England Baptism, Marriage, and Burial records to name a few.

These records are available for searching for free. If you would like to browse or search these records, check out FamilySearch Record Search. Have fun!

Great FamilySearch News

FamilySearch is teaming up with several groups to make your experience on FamilySearch and at the Family History Centers more rewarding. The first group they have teamed up with is FamilyLink which will increase the efficiency of the Family History Library Catalog by adding the Web 2.0 functionality allowing the catalog to be searched with the major online search engines. FamilyLink will also add an annotation feature encouraging user contributions to include other possible sources and to rate and review the sources listed. If you would like to read the press release click FamilyLink and FamilySearch Library.

Searching in the British Historical records will become easier as FamilySearch has also teamed up with FindMyPast and the National Archives of the United Kingdom. The National Archives of the United Kingdom has granted a license to FindMyPast and FamilySearch to digitize, index and make available for searching the Chelsea Pensioners retired soldiers records between 1760 and 1914, and the Merchant Seamen’s collection of records dating from 1835 to 1941. FamilySearch will digitize these records and FindMyPast will provide the indexes and transcriptions for ease of searching. If you would like to read this press release, click British Historical Records.

If you are new to Genealogy, Family Search has provided two new research aids for researching your English and/or your Scottish ancestors. These guides are available for you to review through FamilySearch. The English Ancestor Research Guide can be found Finding Records in England 1837 - 1901. This guide includes many helpful hints regarding finding locations, vital records, using church records, and many other valuable sources of information. The Scottish Ancestor Research Guide provides hints and suggestions for searching your ancestors for between the years of 1855 and 1901. The Scottish Ancestor Research Guide can be viewed by clicking Finding Records in Scotland 1855 - 1901.

The last bit of "teaming up" news involves FamilySearch and FootNote. I have posted about FootNote previously FootNote, FamilySearch, and the Revolutionary War. Footnote and FamilySearch will be allowing users to search two historic Civil War Era databases online—the 1860 U.S. Census and Civil War Pensions Index. The Civil War Pension Index not only includes veterans of the the Civil War but also include veterans who served between 1861 to 1917 in the Spanish-American War, the Philippine Insurrection, and the Boxer Rebellion. If you would like to read this press release, click FamilySearch Teams with Footnote.com to Publish Historic Civil War Era Records.

Have fun searching!

Finnish Genealogical Guide

We all can use assistance when it come to researching records that are not in our native language or an geographical area with which we are unfamiliar. FamilySearch announced the release of a new research guide for Finland.

Finding Records of Your Ancestors, Finland, Before 1900 is the last installment for the Nordic regions research guides published by FamilySearch. This guide provides you with guidance in researching public and private records, church records, hints and tips, gazeteers, naming customs and much more.

This informative PDF guide is available for a free download in a PDF format from FamilySearch. If you would like to read the press release click Finnish Finding Records Guide. If you would like to go directly to the PDF of the Finnish guide, click Finding Records of Your Ancestors, Finland, Before 1900.

The other Finding Records of Your Ancestors guides are also available for the following: African American, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Jewish, Mexico, Norway, and Sweden. If you would like to view these research guides, click Research Guides and you will be able to view all of the research guides that are available for free viewing at FamilySearch.

Have fun!

Have You Heard The Latest RegardingFamilySearch and The Generations Network?

Have you heard the latest about FamilySearch and The Generations Network? A press release from The Generations Network was just released today stating that the 13 Regional Family History Centers listed below will have free access to their patrons for Ancestry.com. Free access will also be available to patrons at Brigham Young University, Idaho, Hawaii, and Provo campuses and the LDS Business College. I have provided a copy of the press release from The Generations Network for your review below.

Provo, UT – December 19, 2007 – FamilySearch and The Generations Network, Inc., parent company of Ancestry.com, today announced an agreement that provides free access of Ancestry.com to patrons of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and the 13 largest regional family history centers effective today.

With this new agreement, full access will be provided to more than 24,000 Ancestry.com databases and titles and 5 billion names in family history records. In addition to the Family History Library, the following 13 regional family history centers have been licensed to receive access to Ancestry.com:

• Mesa, Arizona

• Los Angeles, California

• Oakland, California

• Orange, California

• Sacramento, California

• San Diego, California

• Idaho Falls, Idaho

• Pocatello, Idaho

• Las Vegas, Nevada

• Logan, Utah

• Ogden, Utah

• St. George, Utah

• Hyde Park, London, England


“We’re excited for our patrons to receive online access to an expanded collection of family history records on Ancestry.com,” said Don Anderson, director of FamilySearch Support. “Ancestry.com’s indexes and digital images of census, immigration, vital, military and other records, combined with the excellent resources of FamilySearch, will increase the likelihood of success for patrons researching their family history.”

The Generations Network and FamilySearch hope to expand access to other family history centers in the future.

FamilySearch patrons at the designated facilities will have access to Ancestry.com’s completely indexed U.S. Federal Census Collection, 1790-1930, and more than 100 million names in passenger lists from 1820-1960, among other U.S. and international record collections. Throughout the past year, Ancestry.com has added indexes to Scotland censuses from 1841-1901, created the largest online collection of military and African American records, and reached more than 4 million user-submitted family trees.

Free access is also available at Brigham Young University Provo, Idaho, and Hawaii campuses, and LDS Business College patrons through a separate agreement with The Generations Network.

“FamilySearch’s Family History Library in Salt Lake City is one of the most important physical centers for family history research in the world, and we are happy that patrons to the Library and these major regional centers will have access to Ancestry.com,” said Tim Sullivan, President and CEO of The Generations Network, Inc., parent company of Ancestry.com. “We’ve enjoyed a ten-year working relationship with FamilySearch, and we look forward to continued collaboration on a number of family history projects."

If you would like to view the press release click Family History Library and Major Family History Center Patrons to Receive Free Ancestry.com Access.