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Strategy: Early Colonial Court RecordsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.10.08 Early Colonial Court Records Genealogy research in early America can feel like stepping into a fog. Discovering details about your ancestors can be difficult before standardized vital records and censuses existed. But for those willing to venture into lesser-known resources, early colonial court records can illuminate that hazy past. From the 1600s through the mid-1700s, American colonies kept surprisingly detailed court records; often far more revealing than modern equivalents. These records document property disputes, debt settlements, criminal charges, and even everyday quarrels. Though handwritten and sometimes difficult to interpret, these […]

Strategy: Court and Legal RecordsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.10.01 Court and Legal Records Court and legal records can provide personal insights into our ancestors’ lives. If your ancestor ever stepped foot in a courtroom; whether as a plaintiff, defendant, witness, or even a juror; there’s a chance their life story was captured in vivid legal detail. Follow us as we dive into how court and legal records, especially those stemming from lawsuits, criminal cases, and civil disputes, can elevate your genealogy research to the next level; plus where to find them. 1. Divorce Proceedings Divorce records are often a […]

Strategy: Reverse GenealogyBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.09.24 Reverse Genealogy When most genealogists think of family research, they envision following the direct family tree; starting with themselves and tracing back through parents, grandparents, and so on. But there’s another direction that often leads to enhanced discoveries: reverse genealogy. Rather than climbing straight back through direct ancestors, reverse genealogy goes up one generation and then down collateral lines; exploring the siblings of your ancestors and their descendants. This method not only uncovers unknown cousins, but it can also shed light on your own direct ancestors by placing them in a broader […]

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 […]