|
NOVEMBER 2009 |
|
Page 5 |
|
2009-2010 OFFICERS
President—Linda Touraine
Vice-President—Marilyn Simms
Secretary—Shirley Harris
Treasurer—Holly Hervey
Librarian—Kathy Strauss
Webmaster—Chris Strauss
Parliamentarian—Diane Abner |
|
NEXT MEETING OF THE DENTON COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY WILL BE ON JANUARY 14, 2010 Emily Fowler Central Library 502 Oakland St. Denton |
|
ANCESTRY FAMILY HISTORY TIPS |
|
Local History can Boost Your Research Curious about the local history of where my ancestors lived, I went to the local library and checked out some books. One series that was especially helpful was called "Images of America" It contained old photos and a history of each town. I learned a lot and even found a photo of the land and hotel that my ancestors owned in the 1920s. I learned that my great-great-grandmother was a pioneer resident of Palo Alto, California and have since donated a photograph of her house to the local historical society. Fortunately, many of the homes, businesses, schools, and churches tied to my ancestors are now historic landmarks. The history books opened up a rich avenue of research. Des Allen
Smartphone Pictures When I was in Salt Lake City I didn't want to take the time to take the microfilm to the printer to make a copy of just one entry on the page. I used my smartphone to take a picture of the item and e-mailed it to myself with a note of what it was, and all the identification information (e.g., film number, the library in question, etc.). It worked great. C. Van Allen
Search the Entire Newspaper When searching for death notices in newspapers, don’t just look at the obituaries or death notices. In some cases, you’ll find more extensive articles about the deceased in other parts of the newspaper. I found an incredibly detailed description of the funeral of one of my ancestors on the front page. Bobbi Smith
Digital Recorder As is always the case, when I was on a research trip, just before closing I found a record with some great information. Naturally there was a line of people at the copier making last minute copies. With no time to make copies or transcribe the information, I remembered that I had my digital recorder in my purse. I pulled it out and quietly read the document into my recorder. Then when I got home and had time, I was able to transcribe the document properly. Now I bring it with me on all my research trips. Wendy Martin
|
|
Finding Historical Maps Among the most used tools in my genealogy arsenal are my historical maps. Pinpointing the locations where my ancestors lived has led to many breakthroughs in my research. I found a good source for historic maps is online auction sites. Just search for the city, county or state and the word map. I’ve had great luck finding old maps at reasonable prices this way. Stephanie Crow
Ordering Social Security Applications If you are looking for the names of someone’s parents and he or she had a Social Security number, you can purchase a copy of his or her original application for a Social Security card/number from SSA under the Freedom of Information Act. The applications include the applicant’s address, date and place of birth, parents’ names, and the name and address of his or her employer. Each one has cost me $27. I have received three copies and they have been accurate, matching up with the info I have from other family members. [Editor’s Note: When you locate a family member in the Social Security Death Index on Ancestry.com, the Page Tools on the left side of the record include the option to automatically generate a letter to request the application.] Larry Rower, Dover, Pennsylvania
Unexpected Connections While traveling to Omaha, Nebraska, we thought we’d take a genealogical ‘side trip’ up to Homer (in Dakota County) where a great-grandfather, David Charles ‘Omaha Charlie’ Bristol, resided and is buried. We took a tour of a local historic site led by a couple from the historical society, only to find out that the past president was reported to have a cache of information on our family! The couple contacted him and drove us directly to his home in the next town. He shared two hours showing us his large collection of local historic newspapers and newspaper articles on the family. You never know how you may connect to unexpected, wonderful people with information that can be obtained no other way! Ro Fleury
|