Category Archives: Family Research

Lassoing Prunes: Introducing Historic Oregon Law

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]

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

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

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The Drowning of a Family Fortune: Introducing Historic Mining Law

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

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

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

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Dusty Ancestors

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

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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