I need some good questions to answer. What would you like to hear about or know more about? I am going to run out of things to say......
This week I have a goal of calling for information about a grave I am looking for. So be prepared to hear all about the journey to find the missing Civil War Grave of Myron Ames. I figure if I write the goal down then I will have to do it!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The naming game part 3
German Naming Pattern
Pattern A
1st son=father's father
2nd son=mother's father
3rd son=father
4th son=father's father's father
5th son=mother's father's father
6th son=father's mother's father
7th son= mother's mother's father
1st daughter=mother's mother
2nd daughter= father's mother
3rd daughter =mother
4th daughter=father's father's mother
5th daughter=mother's mother's mother
Pattern B
The pattern is the same for the sons but different for the daughters.
1st daughter=father's mother
2nd daughter=mother's mother
3rd daughter= mother
4th daughter =mother's father's mother
5th daughter=father's father's mother
Pattern C
1st son=father's father
2nd son=mother's father
3rd son=father's oldest brother
4th son=father
1st daughter=father's mother
2nd daughter=mother's mother
3rd daughter= mother's oldest sister
4th daughter =mother
German children had the same first names, but went by their middle names. First name is usually a saints name.
If a child dies young the next child is names the same.
The term cousin is widely used for any relative.
And remember Van is Dutch and Von is German
Pattern A
1st son=father's father
2nd son=mother's father
3rd son=father
4th son=father's father's father
5th son=mother's father's father
6th son=father's mother's father
7th son= mother's mother's father
1st daughter=mother's mother
2nd daughter= father's mother
3rd daughter =mother
4th daughter=father's father's mother
5th daughter=mother's mother's mother
Pattern B
The pattern is the same for the sons but different for the daughters.
1st daughter=father's mother
2nd daughter=mother's mother
3rd daughter= mother
4th daughter =mother's father's mother
5th daughter=father's father's mother
Pattern C
1st son=father's father
2nd son=mother's father
3rd son=father's oldest brother
4th son=father
1st daughter=father's mother
2nd daughter=mother's mother
3rd daughter= mother's oldest sister
4th daughter =mother
German children had the same first names, but went by their middle names. First name is usually a saints name.
If a child dies young the next child is names the same.
The term cousin is widely used for any relative.
And remember Van is Dutch and Von is German
Sunday, May 9, 2010
What is in a name....part 2
Irish Naming Pattern
1st son=father's father
2nd son=mother's father
3rd son=father
4th son=father's eldest brother
5th son=mother's eldest brother
1st daughter=mother's mother
2nd daughter=father's mother
3rd daughter= mother
4th daughter =mother's eldest sister
5th daughter=father's eldest sister
If the father remarries after the death of his first wife the first daughter to the new union is often named for the first wife.
If a child dies young the name is often used for the next child of the same sex, thus honoring the child is named for.
The Irish used this pattern into the 20th century; especially those families who came over from the potato famine.
Dutch Naming Pattern
Van is Dutch Von is German
1st son= fathers father
2nd son= mother's father
3rd son= father
1st daughter= mother's mother
2nd daughter= father's mother
3rd daughter= mother
The Dutch sometimes named daughter's after grandfathers using feminine versions of a name.
Sometimes when a mother's family is more prominent mother's names would be used first.
1st son=father's father
2nd son=mother's father
3rd son=father
4th son=father's eldest brother
5th son=mother's eldest brother
1st daughter=mother's mother
2nd daughter=father's mother
3rd daughter= mother
4th daughter =mother's eldest sister
5th daughter=father's eldest sister
If the father remarries after the death of his first wife the first daughter to the new union is often named for the first wife.
If a child dies young the name is often used for the next child of the same sex, thus honoring the child is named for.
The Irish used this pattern into the 20th century; especially those families who came over from the potato famine.
Dutch Naming Pattern
Van is Dutch Von is German
1st son= fathers father
2nd son= mother's father
3rd son= father
1st daughter= mother's mother
2nd daughter= father's mother
3rd daughter= mother
The Dutch sometimes named daughter's after grandfathers using feminine versions of a name.
Sometimes when a mother's family is more prominent mother's names would be used first.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
The naming game
I have a few family lines that drive me crazy. Everyone is a John or Andrew. Even cousins born the same year have the same name. So the next few posts will naming patterns. They can be helpful. Just remember it is a pattern and not always used. So we will start with ....
English Naming Pattern
1st son = father's father
2nd son= mother's father
3rd son= father
4th son= father's oldest brother
5th son= father's second oldest brother or mother's eldest brother
1st daughter=mother's mother
2nd daughter=father's mother
3rd daughter= mother
4th daughter=mother's eldest sister
5th daughter=mother's second oldest sister or father's oldest sister
This pattern continued to about 1870
Colonial America
New England's first settlers gave three different types of names:
1. English origin
2. Hebrew/ bible names
3. Names associated with moral qualities: Patience, Mercy, Charity, Thankful
In New England, Virginia and later in other colonies it was common to see surnames as a middle name.
Southern names typically use basic English names such as Mary, Richard. However, regional names did develop such as Ashley, Courtney, Tracy, Shelby. Also two word names are Southern such as Billy Bob, Betty Jean. There is a French influence in the south from Louisiana such as Beau, Paulette.
Quakers and Puritan especially used the biblical names. Puritans would often open the Bible, close their eyes and point to a word at random. Thus you had such names as Maybe, Freegift etc.
English Naming Pattern
1st son = father's father
2nd son= mother's father
3rd son= father
4th son= father's oldest brother
5th son= father's second oldest brother or mother's eldest brother
1st daughter=mother's mother
2nd daughter=father's mother
3rd daughter= mother
4th daughter=mother's eldest sister
5th daughter=mother's second oldest sister or father's oldest sister
This pattern continued to about 1870
Colonial America
New England's first settlers gave three different types of names:
1. English origin
2. Hebrew/ bible names
3. Names associated with moral qualities: Patience, Mercy, Charity, Thankful
In New England, Virginia and later in other colonies it was common to see surnames as a middle name.
Southern names typically use basic English names such as Mary, Richard. However, regional names did develop such as Ashley, Courtney, Tracy, Shelby. Also two word names are Southern such as Billy Bob, Betty Jean. There is a French influence in the south from Louisiana such as Beau, Paulette.
Quakers and Puritan especially used the biblical names. Puritans would often open the Bible, close their eyes and point to a word at random. Thus you had such names as Maybe, Freegift etc.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
census 101
I got this information from my good friend when I was first learning.
One of the most useful tools in research is the census. U.S. Federal Census began in 1790. The U.S. is the first country to have a federal census. Census were taken to determine how many representatives each state would receive. The census are available from 1790 to 1930. Each census year has a different information. The 1880 census was destroyed in a fire in Washington D.C.
When reading a census remember:
1. That the female head of household is not always the mother of the children listed.
2. Surname spellings may vary. Not everyone could read and write and many did not know the spelling of their name so the census taker spelled the name.
3. County lines changed with population and might have become part of a new state.
overview of census
1790 First time recorded- about 2/3 of the census survive today. Losses were in Del., Ky., Va., N.J., and Ga.
1830 First time census were sent to Washington D.C according to a law passed by Congress.
1840 Shows veteran history
1850 First time every member of the household was recorded. Family relationships were not recorded. Be aware that children listed may not be children head of house. First time place of birth is recorded
1880 first time family relationships are recorded. Also, place of parents birth is recorded.
1890 census destroyed in fire. However, information can be gathered through tax, voting, phone directory records.
1900 census records for the first time immigration year, number of children born, number living, language spoken in home.
1910 census records military information, number of years married, naturalized or alien. First time Native Americans recorded in general census. Native Americans had other census.
1920 census records for firs time all states and territories. National origin recorded. Many country origins were difficult to identify by citizens because the world map had changed. For example citizen who emigrated from Prussia is now Poland.
1930 census records families with radios and value of home
This is just a basic summary of the census.
Also there are state census records. Many states had their own census for tax purposes. These census were recorded every ten years but different years than the federal census.
One of the most useful tools in research is the census. U.S. Federal Census began in 1790. The U.S. is the first country to have a federal census. Census were taken to determine how many representatives each state would receive. The census are available from 1790 to 1930. Each census year has a different information. The 1880 census was destroyed in a fire in Washington D.C.
When reading a census remember:
1. That the female head of household is not always the mother of the children listed.
2. Surname spellings may vary. Not everyone could read and write and many did not know the spelling of their name so the census taker spelled the name.
3. County lines changed with population and might have become part of a new state.
overview of census
1790 First time recorded- about 2/3 of the census survive today. Losses were in Del., Ky., Va., N.J., and Ga.
1830 First time census were sent to Washington D.C according to a law passed by Congress.
1840 Shows veteran history
1850 First time every member of the household was recorded. Family relationships were not recorded. Be aware that children listed may not be children head of house. First time place of birth is recorded
1880 first time family relationships are recorded. Also, place of parents birth is recorded.
1890 census destroyed in fire. However, information can be gathered through tax, voting, phone directory records.
1900 census records for the first time immigration year, number of children born, number living, language spoken in home.
1910 census records military information, number of years married, naturalized or alien. First time Native Americans recorded in general census. Native Americans had other census.
1920 census records for firs time all states and territories. National origin recorded. Many country origins were difficult to identify by citizens because the world map had changed. For example citizen who emigrated from Prussia is now Poland.
1930 census records families with radios and value of home
This is just a basic summary of the census.
Also there are state census records. Many states had their own census for tax purposes. These census were recorded every ten years but different years than the federal census.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Mormon Writer Blog-fest: Why I search
I was trying to put my feelings into words when I came across this quote by J. Richard Clarke.
Through family history we discover the most beautiful tree in the forest of creation- our family tree. Its numerous roots reach back through history, and its branches extend throughout eternity. Family history is the expansive expression of eternal love. It is born of selflessness. It provides opportunity to secure the family unit forever.
This says everything. I can see the difference searching and finding my family has made in my life. It makes me whole. Words can't express how much love I can feel in my life. Love for myself, love for my family and love for the family I didn't know I had. It can take away hard feeling that can happen in families and fills you with a new understanding and love that fills your whole self. I don't think I could ever put into words how much it means to me to do this work. Perhaps it is this unspoken passion that drives me, and drives me to share what I have learned, am learning and will learn. Maybe it is because I can't put my feelings into words that drives me to help anyone I can so they can feel that love for themselves.
Richard G. Scott puts it so nicely.
What about you? Have you prayed about your own ancestors' work? Set aside those things that don't really matter in your life. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences... This is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil where help is given in both directions. It begins with love. Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. Begin now. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way. And it will make you feel wonderful.
If you are interested in finding out more about my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, check out these posts today.
The Book of Mormon and missionary work with Kayeleen Hamblin
Faith in Jesus Christ with Myrna Foster
Families with Charity Bradford
Joseph Smith with Annette Lyon
Restoration of Jesus Christ’s church with Kelly Bryson
Monday, April 26, 2010
How I got started and why?
My sister wanted to know how I got started or maybe it was why I started, I can't remember....
So I will tell you both.
I can honestly say I felt a drive and push to know my family. It was a feeling that wouldn't stop. Almost a nagging feeling that if I didn't do it I would be making one of the biggest mistakes of my earthly life.
I had no clue how to search or where to start.
So the first thing I did and I do think it is where anyone should start is the begging. Take your name and see how far back your line goes. Find out if there is anyone who has any family information. I was lucky. My parents had started a family file. It hadn't been searched in years but I took the file and put it on my own computer.
I took the line that was pressing on my mind the most and looked up the last known name in that line. For that line it was instant. I put her name in and the first census that came up was her with her father! I of course didn't believe that I had the right person. It couldn't really be that easy. So I looked under every stone before I would put her fathers name and then her mothers name down.
Two things stand out to me from that memory. They were ready and waiting for me to look and the information I needed just jumped into my lap. I can remember the tears of joy at finding someone who was lost. Someone that belonged to me! Someone that I belonged to! You can't mistake the love you feel.
It isn't always that easy. Some lines just jump into my lap. Some I have been digging at since the beginning and every tiny bit of information gets my so excited that I dig harder. Sometimes it is slow, hard and discouraging. I have never wanted to give up though. When your heart turns to your family I don't think you can ever go back to who you once were. You wouldn't want to go back to who you were.
So I started one census at a time to fill my heart with more love than I can express.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)