North American Genealogy
Mark W. Swarthout
Latest Articles
Family traditions and their origin can serve as a solid anchor in turbulent times. Asking about their sources helps keep them alive, as well as provide insight into the character and values of your ancestors.
Finding information through professional organizations. Your ancestors may have been members of a profession that required that they be registered through a state bureau or professional organization.
Prior to the American Revolution, many of the early settlers were criminals sentenced to exile or servitude in the New World. Other sources included deserters from military units and ships.
The Deserters - Hessian Mercenaries
A number of the early settlers that arrived in the Colonies did so as mercenaries hired by King George to fight the rebelious bunch. And some of them never went home!
Being a genealogist often means being a pest! But you want to be nice about it. There are many advantages to being both!
We read the letters with care, gleaning out the bits and pieces of information they contain. But don't overlook the information you may find on the outside of the envelope!
Most of our families didn't originate on the North American Continent. They crossed the borders of the US and Canada. In the last 100 years or so, that has been tracked carefully and recorded. Changing one's citizenship can also result in a record on file in the archives or courthouses.
The value of pioneer and history society records. Sources where these can be found and general overview of the societies.
You've finally managed to free up a couple of hours to devote to your hobby. How do you decide what to do with it? Ideas and suggestions for organizing and prioritizing your efforts.
Formalizing Your Family Organization
Families are pretty informal groups most of the time, with little concern about legalities. But it may be worth considering a formal organization for your family organization to prumulgate the continued research and information