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Strategy: Siblings and Extended FamilyBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.09.17 Siblings and Extended Family When embarking on a journey in genealogy, focusing solely on your direct ancestors can sometimes lead to dead ends. One powerful, strategy in genealogical research is to explore collateral lines: the siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and in-laws of your direct ancestors. These extended family members often leave behind different records, occupy unique roles in the community, or migrate in unexpected ways that can provide clues your direct line does not. Here are some of the ways you can use collateral lines in your family history research: […]

Strategy: Tenant Farmer ContractsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.09.10 Railway Employment Records Sometimes standard sources don’t tell the full story; or worse, don’t tell you anything at all! If your ancestor lived during the 19th or early 20th century, there’s a good chance they may have worked for the railroad. Railway employment records offer a surprisingly rich and underused trove of information, often including personal details, work history, and even pension records that can breathe new life into your family tree. Why Railroads Matter in Family History The expansion of the railway system was one of the defining features of […]

Strategy: Ship Logs for Trans-Atlantic CrossingsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.09.03 Ship Logs for Trans-Atlantic Crossings When researching your family history, passenger manifests and census records often serve as the starting point. But if you’ve hit a dead end or you’re searching for more nuanced details about an ancestor’s movements, it’s time to look beyond the usual sources. One of the most overlooked tools in genealogy research is the ship log, especially for ancestors who worked as crew members aboard trans-Atlantic vessels. These records can provide unique insights into your ancestor’s occupation, travels, and even personal character—details that may not […]

Strategy: Passport ApplicationsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.08.27 Understanding Passport Application Records Another lesser-known but highly valuable resource is passport applications. These records can provide an incredible wealth of personal information, including an ancestor’s date and place of birth, physical descriptions, and even details about family members. For genealogists, passport applications offer a unique snapshot of an ancestor’s life and travels. Understanding Passport Application Records Passport applications have been issued in the United States since 1795, but the most comprehensive records start in 1906, when standardized application forms became more detailed. These applications were required for international travel, often revealing […]

Strategy: Civil War Draft RegistrationsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.08.20 Civil War Draft Registrations One overlooked resource of genealogical research is the Civil War draft registration records. For ancestors living in the U.S.A. during the time period of the Civil War, these records provide valuable details, including physical descriptions, ages, and addresses; making them a useful tool in filling in information gaps. Understanding Civil War Draft Registration Records During the Civil War, the U.S. government instituted the first federal draft with the Enrollment Act of 1863. All men between the ages of 20 and 45 were required to register, whether […]

Strategy: Coroner’s Inquest ReportsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.08.13 Coroner’s Inquest Reports Genealogy research is like detective work, requiring persistence, creativity, and a willingness to look beyond traditional records. One often-overlooked resource is coroner’s inquest reports. When an ancestor died suddenly or under suspicious circumstances, a coroner’s inquest may have been conducted to determine the cause of death. These reports can be a goldmine of information, providing not only details of the death but also personal insights into the lives of the deceased and their families. Understanding Coroner’s Inquest Reports A coroner’s inquest was an official inquiry into an unexpected […]

Strategy: Chancery Court RecordsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.08.06 Consulting Chancery Court Records Genealogy research often requires creativity and resourcefulness, especially when traditional records fail to provide a complete picture of an ancestor’s life. One of the most underutilized resources in family history research is chancery court records. These courts, which historically handled disputes over property, debts, and family matters, contain detailed testimonies that offer personal insights into the lives of past generations. By exploring these records, researchers can uncover valuable information that may not be found in more commonly used sources. Understanding Chancery Court Records Chancery courts were equity […]

Strategy: Orphanage and Foster Care RecordsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.07.30 Orphanage and Foster Care Records If your ancestor was orphaned or spent time in foster care, records from orphanages and foster systems may provide key details about their early years, guardians, and family connections. Although these records can be difficult to locate, they hold valuable information that can fill gaps in your family history. Understanding Orphanage and Foster Care Records Throughout history, children who lost one or both parents were often placed in orphanages, asylums, or foster care programs. These institutions kept records detailing a child’s admission, family background, […]

Strategy: Conscription Exemption RecordsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.07.23 Conscription Exemption Records When tracing family history, many researchers focus on vital records, census data, and immigration documents. However, lesser-known resources, such as conscription exemption records, can provide valuable insights into an ancestor’s life circumstances. If your ancestor avoided military service through an exemption, the paperwork explaining why may reveal important details about their family situation, occupation, or health. Understanding Conscription Exemption Records Conscription, or compulsory military service, has been a part of many nations’ histories. During times of war or military build-up, governments often required eligible men to serve. However, […]

Strategy: Historical Weather DataBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.07.16 Historical Weather Data A lesser-known but valuable research strategy is to consult historical weather data. Natural disasters, extreme temperatures, and prolonged droughts may have directly impacted an ancestor’s life, influencing their movements, occupations, or economic conditions. By incorporating historical weather data into family history research, genealogists can gain deeper insights into the challenges and decisions their ancestors faced. Why Historical Weather Data Matters in Genealogy Historical weather records can reveal environmental conditions that affected an ancestor’s daily life, financial stability, and even migration patterns. Severe weather events such as hurricanes, floods, […]