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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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]