Category Archives: Family Research

Lassoing Prunes: Introducing Historic Oregon Law

Posted on July 13, 2025 by debbiemieszala

I’m not sure what really happened in Oregon. I’m missing context. Although Amanda Mathews’ prune ranch was not the most fascinating aspect of her life, her orchard and that she lived in Michigan were all family tradition recalled.[1]

Posted in Family Research, Law, Oregon | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Advancing Your Education: Fun in Someone Else’s Sun!

Posted on February 17, 2025 by debbiemieszala

The Florida State Genealogical Society hosts “Poolside Chats,” a monthly webinar series. These free webinars are available to society members and the public, so you are welcome to attend! I look forward to presenting a webinar in the series this … Continue reading →

Posted in Case Study, Education, Family Research, Methodology, Webinars | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Drowning of a Family Fortune: Introducing Historic Mining Law

Posted on January 16, 2025 by debbiemieszala

My grandmother brought a steamer trunk from New York to Illinois in the 1950s. She did not stay long, but that black box, large enough to hold a small child, sat in our basement through at least the early 1970s. … Continue reading →

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Advancing Your Education: Free Webinar on Solving a Family Mystery This Tuesday

Posted on August 18, 2024 by debbiemieszala

Do I have a genealogy story to tell you this Tuesday! It’s a case study that starts with a missing man. What genealogist can let a man stay missing?

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On the Waters of Grassy Lick Creek: Introducing Historic Kentucky Law

Posted on July 10, 2024 by debbiemieszala

James Hampton gave a gift in 1837, even though he clearly wasn’t thinking of me.

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Dusty Ancestors

Posted on April 10, 2024 by debbiemieszala

You probably have a neglected ancestor. Some ancestors left plentiful records, or adequate evidence of their existence. When researching bountiful ancestors, we sometimes neglect those nearly silent in documents.

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“He lays his trouble to a cigar,”: Introducing Historic California Law

Posted on April 1, 2023 by debbiemieszala

Captain Thomas D. McBride was first believed dead in 1883.[1] Final reports of his demise, 17 years later, were accurate.[2]

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