Month: April 2025

Strategy: Workhouse RecordsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.04.30 Workhouse Records If your ancestors faced economic hardship, they may have spent time in a workhouse. Workhouse records provide a wealth of information, shedding light on family structure, living conditions, and the socioeconomic struggles of past generations. These records can be a crucial resource for uncovering hidden aspects of your ancestry. Understanding Workhouses and Their Role in Society Workhouses were institutions established to support impoverished individuals and families. They existed primarily in Britain and Ireland from the 17th through the early 20th centuries and were designed to provide food and shelter in […]

Strategy: Name Variants and Alternate SpellingsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.04.23 The Power of Name Variants Genealogy research is a journey through time, tracing the lives and stories of those who came before us. One common roadblock researchers face is the challenge of inconsistent name spellings. This frequently occurring hurdle can obscure connections and leave gaps in family histories. Exploring name variants and alternate spellings can be a useful strategy in overcoming this challenge, revealing ancestors who might otherwise remain hidden. The Problem of Phonetic Spellings and Transcription Errors Historical records were often created by individuals recording information phonetically, based […]

Strategy: Tenant Farmer ContractsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.04.16 Tenant Farmer Contracts Genealogists are no strangers to the thrill of uncovering forgotten stories and hidden details about their ancestors. While traditional sources such as census records, birth and death certificates, and church registries are commonly used, lesser-known documents often hold important information. One such overlooked resource is tenant farmer contracts, which can shed light on personal details and family history, especially in regions where tenant farming was a dominant practice. What Are Tenant Farmer Contracts? Tenant farmer contracts were agreements between landowners and tenant farmers, outlining the terms under which […]

Strategy: Probate Records and WillsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.04.09 Probate Records and Wills Probate records and wills are legal documents which not only reveal fascinating details about your ancestors but also can help establish family structures and relationships that may not be documented elsewhere. Here’s how to effectively use probate records and wills in your genealogy journey. What Are Probate Records and Wills? Probate records are created during the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. These records typically include wills, inventories of assets, court petitions, and other documents related to distributing the estate to heirs or creditors. […]

Strategy: Declaration of Intent RecordsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.04.02 Declaration of Intent Records Declaration of Intent, commonly referred to as “first papers,” were filed by immigrants as the initial step in the naturalization process. These documents, which predate the final naturalization papers, are an invaluable treasure trove of data for anyone tracing immigrant ancestors. Below we dive into the significance of these records and strategies for utilizing them effectively. What Are Declaration of Intent Records? The Declaration of Intent was a legal document filed by immigrants to declare their intention to become U.S. citizens. This step typically preceded the […]