The Genealogy Search

Visit fold3 at  Free - All WWII Content  until 29 May 2017!

The Pre-NGS Conference fun begins in the morning!  I and fellow blogger J Paul Hawthorne, along with others,  will be busy learning at the Putting Skills To Work by the BCG Education Fund.  The event features Nancy A. Peters, CG, "Make Your Case: Correlating Evidence to Solve Genealogical Problems" followed by Sara Ann Scribner, CG teaching "Making Your Case: Constructing and Writing Proof Arguments". I am looking forward to learning some new skills and meeting new people.  While we are learning other attendees will be visiting plantations, researching at the archives, or enjoying some of the museums and historic sites Raleigh has to offer.  I hope everyone at the conference has a chance to explore outside the conference center and their hotels.   Remember to check at your hotel for a list of nearby restaurants and things to do.  I can highly recommend The Pit Authentic Barbecue at 328 W. Davie, check out the offerings here:   Men...

I am packed for the National Genealogical Conference  in Raleigh.   Yes, I am a tad early.   Luckily for me, the first part of my trip is a visit with mom and dad in Kings Mountain, North Carolina.   That, however, accelerated my packing since I drove with one of my daughters to Kings Mountain. My parents have been keeping me busy baking, cooking, helping out, and spending time together. We did have a nice outing to the Carl Sandburg House in Flat Rock, North Carolina.  The area is picturesque and the home has stunning views.  They also had a a bunch of newborn goats (Mrs. Sandburg was a champion goat breeder), two sets of twins, one set of triplets and two mothers ready to give birth in the goat barn.  More information on the Sandburg home can be found at  https://www.nps.gov/carl/index.htm . I wanted to share a few of my must haves for the conference with those of you who are getting ready:  Layers – sweaters, tanks, shirt...

This is an event you will not want to miss!  The conference has vast offerings to expand your genealogical knowledge.    Some of the tracks offered are BCG Skillbuilding, DNA, Research Planning, North Carolina, Historical Context, Working with Records, Methodology and so, so much more. We have some wonderful speakers lined up including some of my personal favorites Judy G. Russell, Cari A. Taplin, Angela Packer McGhie, Rick Sayre, Pamela Sayre,  and Lisa Louise Cooke.  A full list of classes and speakers may be found at  http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/program/ . Registration fees: Full Registration (by 27 April)         Member     $240     Non-Member     $275 One Day Registration (by 27 April) Member     $110     Non-Member     $120 Social Events registration closes 27 April 2017 You can register now online at  http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/register/ . ...

Only a few more days left to pre-register for the NGS Family History Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina.  On-site registration will begin at noon on 9 May 2017 at the Raleigh Convention Center. Registration for all meals, social events, and workshops also closes on 27 April 2017. Ticket purchases will not be available on-site at the conference for meals, social events, or workshops. For conference information and to register, go to http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/register/. The conference program, Family History Lives Here, features more than 175 lectures from basic to advanced genealogical research, including eighteen presentations on DNA science and methodology. Finding records and effectively using them is the focus of fifty-seven lectures. Among the types of records discussed are a wide range of religious records, military and associated records, North Carolina and regional U.S. records, and African American and Native American records. Luncheons and the NGS Banquet Par...

Otis, Lloyd, and Ruby Clark I do not know what was Grandpa Clark was laughing at with Mom, no doubt Dad said something to crack him up! Lorraine, Otis, and Ruby - Grandpa is still giggling! 

NGS To Live Stream Ten Genealogy Lectures During the Family History Conference in May ARLINGTON, VA, 17 April 2017 — The National Genealogical Society will live stream ten important genealogy lectures during the May 2017 Family History Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. Five lectures focus on DNA’s role in genealogical research. The other five from the BCG Skillbuilding track will center on building a family researcher’s skills and expertise. These lectures will be among more than 175 offered at the conference, 10−13 May 2017. Details about the live streaming program, plus additional conference recordings, can be found on the  PlaybackNGS Website . NGS members and others across the United States and overseas, who are unable to attend the conference in person, are invited to sign up for these live streaming broadcasts. NGS has selected some of the most popular topics and nationally recognized speakers for the two featured tracks. Registrants for live streaming can s...

Morris Clark 1842-1870

At just about every conference, groups attempt to meet up.  The meetups allow group members a chance to meet people that they have never met in person and allow for new friendships and business acquaintances.  It also gives members of the groups that are acquainted with each other to catch up with one another. I am not familiar with all the groups.  I do attempt to attend meetups involving ProGen - which this conference will be meeting on May 11th, 5:00 pm in room 307 of the conference center.  If you are or were part of a ProGen Study Group please RSVP with hosts Angela McGhie and Greg Lovelace at greg@part-of-the-tree.com . Check and see if any of your groups are meeting up.  Groups that usually meet up are DAR, APGEN [Associtation of Professional Genealogist], Geneabloggers, societies, BU [Boston University].

To commemorate the 100 th  anniversary of the entry of the United States into World War I, Ancestry today launched a database that includes all of the passenger lists for the American troop ships going to and from Europe during WWI, and beyond. The records include the name of next of kin, among other details that might not now be easy to find, thanks to the 1974 fire at the NPRC. U.S., Army Transport Service, Passenger Lists, 1910-1939 http://search.ancestry.com/ search/db.aspx?htx=List&dbid= 6 1174 I ran both my grandfathers through the passenger lists and found quite a bit of information. Otis Clark no. 1380213, Private 1st Class, of Bethany Illinois was part of Company B 129th Infantry and traveled to France from Hoboken, New Jersey on 10 May 1918 aboard the USS Covington. Father Henry Clark listed as next of kin. Otis Clark no. 1380213, Private, departed on 4 Jan 1919 from Saint Nazaire, France aboard the SS Huron.  Mother Mary Clark of Laplace Illino...

I was recently talking to some North Carolina folks about the Pig Pickin' dinner offered through the NGS Conference.  I was told it was an event to attend and that North Carolinians really knew how throw a barbeque.  I was worried since I am quite allergic to pork but after reading the menu description I found that the menu consisted of pork, fish (another allergy), and chicken!.  Sides include fried okra, mac and cheese, collard greens, hush puppies, rolls, cornbread, and desserts!  They also have a vegetarian option for those that request it during registration.  I happily have signed up for the dinner. Also at the Pig Pickn' will be an award winning bluegrass band called The Grass Cats.  Artisans will have their wares for sale.  So far there will be a glass blower, goat soap maker, wooden bowls, painter, glass blower, metal worker, tinsmith and so much more. The cost of the outing is $45 which includes round trip transportation, food. and the en...

Here is an event you don't want to miss.   The NGS conference is one of the best conferences to expand your genealogical knowledge  and to meet some awesome people.  There are also special events including tours and workshops. There is only One Week Left For Early Bird Discount to Register for the NGS Conference  Click here for more information One Week Left for Early Bird Discount For the 2017 Family History Conference

My Uncle Leo "Otis" Clark passed away 10 March 2017.  My Dad is now the only surviving child of  Otis Elmer Clark and Ruby Pearl Poundstone.  Uncle Odie and the Clark family from Stonington has suffered many losses in the family.  In 1968, Bruce Wyman Clark, older brother of Otis, was murdered.  The sheriff took my cousin William Damery and my Uncle Otis into custody for interrogation for the murder. The sheriff played one against the other - hurt feelings ran rapid and the family was divided.  After many years William and Otis discovered what the Sheriff had done and went about repairing their relationship.  In 2009 the real killer of Bruce was arrested and convicted of his murder.  Otis and William both monitored the courtroom during the trial.  Grandpa Otis had before his death had forgiven Bruce's killer.  Many other family members struggled with their feelings when John Joynt was arrested forty years later.  My greatest hope is...

I found a few gems while looking through the photos from my Aunt Maxine's estate.  It appears that a good deal of pictures of the family were in her possession.  I scanned some negatives and pictures of the collection while I was visiting in Illinois. To the left is a photo from the 1940's.  I believe the child to be Leo Otis born in the early 40's.  Grandma (Rudy Pearl Poundstone Clark) and Grandpa (Otis Elmer Clark). This photo appears to be of the same time period.  Wilma is on the left, then Leo Otis, and to the right David "Kent" Clark.   The family was enumerated in 1940 in Bear Creek, Christian County, Illinois.* Leo Otis was born in Stonington, Christian County, Illinois just a few years after the enumeration.  It does appear that the family stayed in the same county for a number of years.   I will be posting more finds as time permits.    *1940 U.S. census, Christian County, Illinois, population schedul...

In 2015 my eldest daughter died - I was positive that 2016 would be a better year.  Well, January 1st 2016 I broke one ankle and dislocated the other. The entire year of 2016 was spent recovering.  I had surgeries, a lot of recouping, learned to walk again, and quite frankly spent a bit of time being numb. On a positive note I had time to spend on my ProGen assignments. I also had time to complete some courses at the National Institute of Genealogical Studies.  I did learn that one one should not put finishing touches on a presentation while under the influence of pain killers.  2016 was  probably the most difficult year to be a sole owner of a company.  I had to rely on my family and friends to drive me around which is a little difficult when one is a Private Investigator. I am positive that 2017 will be an an improvement over 2016.  I am looking forward to a much healthier year.  My first genealogical talk will be on January 18 for the Vo...

I left Madison with a USB full of records regarding the Drezdzon and other related families. I downloaded quite a few obituaries from Milwaukee's Polish newspapers. My find at FGS was a book on how to read Polish obituaries, I have many translations to work through. First stop in Illinois was a stop at Portillo's for a Chicago dog, I was in heaven!  Which led me to the second most important thing to do - hitting a grocery store and buying all the bright green relish that I could find.   I actually was in the area to visit the family graves at Concordia Cemetery located  in Forest Park, Illinois.  The cemetery offices were very helpful and I located more family plots.  I like to check on the plots since my grandmother paid for perpetual care in 1942 in the amount of $100.00.  The $100.00 covers the entire plot of nine graves.  I think she would be happy to know the cemetery has kept their word she made quit a bargain.

The National Archives will be presenting a 2016 Virtual Genealogy Fair to be held October 26th and 27th.  No need to register just go to  Genealogy Fair  to attend. Session Schedule (eastern daylight time EDT) Day 1: Wednesday, October 26 Watch entire day on YouTube   Time Activity 10 a.m. Welcoming Remarks by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero 10:05 a.m. Introduction to Genealogy at the National Archives by Claire Kluskens 11 a.m. The Best National Archives Records Genealogists Aren't Using by Lori Cox-Paul 12 p.m. National Archives Innovative Online Resources and Tools to Help with Your Genealogical Research by Sarah Swanson and Kelly Osborn 1 p.m. You too can be a Citizen Archivist! Getting the most out of the National Archives Catalog by Suzanne Isaacs and Meredith Doviak 2 p.m. Department of State Records for Genealogical Research by David Pfeiffer 3 p.m. American Battle Monuments Commission by Ryan Bass Day 2: Thursday, O...

I ran away from home last Monday.  Day 1 I drove from Tucson to Guyman, OK.  I stayed at a  Holiday Inn with great beds. After a good night's sleep, I began day 2.  I drove from OK to Madison,WI.  It was a long drive but I made it!  Day three started with some scrambled eggs before hitting the Wisconsin Historical Society in downtown Madison. Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison WI Such a pretty place to be! I searched microfilms and pulled a bunch check of books.  I left at 6 pm.  I didn't even stop for lunch! I located marriage, birth and death records. I also found quite a few obituaries in Milwaukee's Polish newspaper. Fancy microfilm readers. Now I just need to translate them.  I met some great genealogists in the library and really enjoyed walking around downtown and on the University campus.  Good news, I got my 10,000 steps in and I enjoyed every step of it. Tomorrow I head to Concordia Cemetery in Forest Par...

I am driving to #FGS2016 from Tucson, Arizona.  My first goal is to make it to Madison Wisconsin and research at the Wisconsin Historical Society.  The target of my research is my husband's family - Drvaric, Drezdzon, Drezdon, Dresdon, Mikolajczak, Kwiecienski.  I have my research list made and ready to go. The next target is Forest Park, Illinois to visit  cemeteries where family are buried: Concordia, Forest Home  and  Wunder's cemeteries.  Then on to Ridgewood Memorial to visit my Grandparents graves in Des Plaines.  I may look up some old high school friends and visit the old neighborhood.   While I am in the area I am going to stock up on some bright green or Chicago Relish as it is also called.  Never heard of Chicago relish? Image from http://hotdogchicagostyle.com Here are a few links for you: http://www.hotdogchicagostyle.com/makeyourown.php http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2012/08/27/neon_relish_a_taste_test/ Boy...

Great Aunt Anne Skibbe, Grandfather William Skibbe, and Lorraine Clark Skibbe on her wedding day.  Note the apron - Mom put out a spread for guests. January 1961