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 […]
2025.03.26 – Strategy: Wagon Train Logs
Strategy: Wagon Train LogsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.03.26 Wagon Train Logs Wagon train logs and diaries, can be invaluable for uncovering the experiences of ancestors who traveled westward during America’s expansion in the 19th century. These documents not only provide insights into the journey itself, but also offer clues about your ancestor’s traveling companions, decision-making, and resilience. Below we explore how you can use wagon train logs to add to your research expertise. What Are Wagon Train Logs and Diaries? Wagon train logs and diaries are records kept by individuals or groups during their westward migrations. These documents often […]
2025.03.19 – Strategy: Old Business Directories
Strategy: Old Business DirectoriesBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.03.19 Old Business Directories Old business directories can offer valuable insights into your ancestors’ lives. These directories, often overlooked, are treasure troves of historical data that can shed light on your ancestor’s occupation, social connections, and geographical location during a particular time period. Below, we’ll explore how to effectively use business directories to enhance your genealogy research and uncover hidden stories about your family’s past. What Are Business Directories? Business directories were essentially the forerunners of modern-day phone books and online directories. Published as early as the 18th century, these books listed […]
2025.03.12 – Strategy: Red Cross and War Relief Records
Strategy: Red Cross and War Relief RecordsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.03.12 Red Cross and War Relief Records Genealogy is a journey into the past, weaving together stories and connections that make up your family’s history. While census records, vital statistics, and immigration documents are popular starting points, lesser-known sources like Red Cross and war relief records can open new and additional avenues for exploration. These documents are useful in discovering personal and service details about ancestors who participated in or were affected by wartime relief efforts. What Are Red Cross and War Relief Records? The Red Cross, founded in […]
2025.03.05 – Strategy: Apprenticeship Bonds
Strategy: Apprenticeship BondsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.03.05 Apprenticeship Bonds A lesser known method of finding clues leading to further research in family history is the use of Apprenticeship Bonds. Apprenticeship bonds were legal agreements binding minors to a master or tradesperson in order to learn a trade or craft. For those seeking deeper insights, apprenticeship bonds offer a fascinating and underutilized avenue for uncovering ancestral stories. What Are Apprenticeship Bonds? Apprenticeship Bonds are legal agreements. They were common in many countries, particularly from the 16th to the 19th centuries. They served as a form of vocational training and social […]
2025.02.26 – Strategy: Plantation Records
Strategy: Plantation RecordsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.02.26 Plantation Records Genealogy research often requires creativity, especially when traditional records are sparse. For those tracing African American or Southern ancestry, plantation records can be a goldmine of historical information. These documents, often maintained by plantation owners or their administrators, provide insights into land ownership, enslaved individuals, laborers, and familial relationships. You can use the following to understand the use of plantation records in uncovering your family’s past. Understanding Plantation Records Plantation records encompass a broad range of documents created during the operation of plantations, particularly in the American South. These records […]
2025.02.19 – Strategy: Town Sexton’s Records
Strategy: Town Sexton’s RecordsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.02.19 Town Sexton’s Records Town Sexton’s Records are maintained by sextons responsible for cemetery maintenance and can hold invaluable details about your ancestors. Use the following to uncover these records and fill in the gaps in your family history.. What Are Town Sexton’s Records? Town sextons have historically managed burial grounds, overseeing tasks like grave digging, plot assignments, and cemetery upkeep. In the process, many sextons kept detailed records that include: These records often predate official death certificates or supplement missing information, making them an additional verifying resource for genealogists. Why Are […]
2025.02.12 – Strategy: Poorhouse, Almshouse, and Asylum Records
Strategy: Poorhouse, Almshouse, and Asylum RecordsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.02.12 Poorhouse, Almshouse, and Asylum Records Genealogy research often involves tracing not just the successes of our ancestors but also the challenges they faced. If a family member experienced hardship, they may have spent time in a poorhouse, almshouse, or mental asylum. Records from these institutions often provide detailed personal information, such as next of kin, health conditions, and reasons for admittance. Here are some lesser-known strategies for finding and utilizing these records in your genealogical research. Understanding Poorhouse, Almshouse, and Asylum Records Poorhouses, almshouses, and asylums were institutions that […]
2025.02.05 – Strategy: Old Age Pension Records
Strategy: Old Age Pension RecordsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.02.05 Old Age Pension Records Old Age Pension Records can provide invaluable insights. Issued by some countries before the advent of modern social security programs, these records often contain critical information such as birthdates, residence history, and familial relationships. Here are some strategies to effectively locate and utilize Old Age Pension Records in your genealogical research. Understanding Old Age Pension Records Old Age Pension Records were created to administer pensions to elderly citizens, often starting in the late 19th or early 20th centuries. Governments required applicants to prove their eligibility by […]
2025.01.29 – Strategy: Consulate Records
Strategy: Consulate RecordsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.01.29 Consulate Records For ancestors who lived abroad or traveled extensively, consulate records offer a unique and underutilized source of information. These records, maintained by consular offices to assist citizens overseas, can provide valuable insights into passport applications, notarized documents, and even requests for emergency assistance. Understanding Consulate Records Consulate records are created by diplomatic missions to serve citizens residing in or visiting foreign countries. Historically, consulates were often the first point of contact for individuals seeking official assistance abroad. These documents can reveal personal details about your ancestors that are not recorded […]