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Strategy: Examining Tax RecordsBy Pat Smart and AI2024.09.11 Examining Tax Records: A Guide for Genealogists Tax records, often overlooked in genealogy, offer valuable insights into the lives of ancestors. These records were consistently maintained, sometimes yearly, and can fill gaps left by missing or incomplete records like censuses or vital documents. This article explores how to use tax records effectively, the types available, and what they reveal about your ancestors. Why Tax Records Matter Tax records are essential for several reasons: Types of Tax Records Understanding the different types of tax records will guide your research and help you know […]

Strategy: Investigating Probate InventoriesBy Pat Smart and AI2024.08.07 Investigating Probate Inventories: Unveiling the Past Probate inventories are valuable historical documents that provide a detailed snapshot of an individual’s possessions at the time of their death. These inventories were typically compiled as part of the legal process of administering an estate, offering a fascinating window into the lives, social status, and material culture of people from various periods in history. This article delves into the significance of probate inventories, the information they reveal, and how researchers can use them to uncover rich historical insights. What Are Probate Inventories? Probate inventories are […]

Over the past year, I have lost both my little brother and my big brother. It was particularly difficult for me not being able to attend their funerals due to personal issues. However, I was able to attend my big brother’s Celebration of Life. My brothers and I weren’t close in the traditional way, if such a thing exists. In our later years, we were physically miles apart. My little brother lived in North Carolina, while my big brother resided in Washington State, and I lived in Arizona. My little brother, Jeff was a truck driver. He drove logging trucks […]

Strategy: Diaries and Personal LettersBy Pat Smart and AI2024.07.10 Uncovering Histories by Exploring Diaries and Personal Letters Genealogy research often begins with traditional documents such as birth, marriage, and death certificates. However, to truly understand the daily lives, relationships, and personal experiences of our ancestors, it is important to look beyond these conventional records. Personal diaries, letters, and correspondence offer a unique window into the past, providing intimate details that can bring your family history to life. Finding and understanding these records can be a bit more challenging than it seems on the surface. Here are some strategies for locating […]

Strategy: Naturalization RecordsBy Pat Smart and AI2024.07.03 Genealogy research often involves digging through a variety of historical records to piece together the story of one’s ancestors. While birth, marriage, and death records are commonly utilized, naturalization records are a goldmine of information that is often overlooked. These documents can provide valuable insights into the lives of immigrants and their journey to becoming citizens. Here are some lesser-known strategies for effectively exploring naturalization records in your genealogy research. 1. Understanding the Naturalization Process Before diving into the records, it’s crucial to understand the naturalization process itself. For example, naturalization procedures have […]

Strategy: Legal Notices and AnnouncementsBy Pat Smart and AI2024.06.26 Genealogy research often involves combing through various sources to uncover our ancestors’ stories. While traditional records like birth, marriage, and death certificates are commonly used, there are lesser-known resources that can provide valuable insights into your family history. One such resource is legal notices and announcements. These often-overlooked documents can offer a wealth of information, revealing relationships, property ownership, and significant life events. The following can help you understand and utilize legal notices and announcements in your genealogy research. Understanding Legal Notices and Announcements Legal notices and announcements are public records […]

Strategy: Research Occupational RecordsBy Pat Smart and AI2024.06.19 There are many ways to further your research in Family History. The following is one of those strategies. Researching Occupational Records Occupational records are documents that describe a person’s job or profession. These can include employment records, guild memberships, apprenticeships, and etc. Occupational records can be a valuable means of research because they offer a glimpse into the lives of ancestors’ beyond basic birth, marriage, and death records. Where to Find Occupational Records There are many locations occupational records can be found. The following is a list of some of them. You […]

Father’s Lead By D.E. Lee © 1997 A Father is a man of strength, who keeps a family safe, He leads the children of his house, the way, he tries to pave, To show to them the course to go, to guide them as he can, To be examples of the right, and honorable ways of man, He grinds, exerts and works so hard, to win his daily bread, And then comes home to show his love, to the one to whom he wed, And when the things in life are hard, not everything goes right, He provides a haven […]

Clip art by http://ucevanston.org Mother’s anxious waiting Heart By D. E. Lee Through the trials and storms of life,          there’s something you can be sure, It’s Mother’s anxious, waiting heart,          no distance can find cure, For Mother is the one we see,          when first we come to be, And Mother is the one we call,          whenever we have need, And in whatever success we gain,          it’s Mother who we praise, Because we know that without her,          there are few other ways. Seekerz LLC © 2020-2024

YouTube AnnouncementBy Dale E. Lee2024.05.01 Seekerz LLC is happy to announce that we are now on YouTube. Our Channel is Seekerz LLC and the direct link to it is www.youtube.com/@SeekerzLLC. The video “Seekerz Roadmap to Family History” has been uploaded to YouTube and is now available. The video is the course outline for Seekerz Intro to Family History and is available to view for free. The course offers twelve simplified lessons that take the reader from zero to proficiency, regardless of prior experience. It does not assume the use of particular websites or utilities. It guides the reader step-by-step through […]