The Ancestor Hunt

Not all estates went through the formal probate process. The absence of probate records does not necessarily mean that no property existed, but rather that circumstances did not require or allow formal administration. Lack of Significant Assets Joint Ownership and Transfers Family Agreements Legal and Administrative Factors Record Loss or Filing Elsewhere Special Circumstances

Sheriff’s sales were public auctions of property conducted to satisfy unpaid debts, taxes, or court judgments. These events often appear in court records and newspaper notices and can provide strong evidence of financial hardship. What Is a Sheriff’s Sale A sheriff’s sale is a court-ordered sale of property to satisfy debt. Common Causes Sheriff’s sales […]

Border crossing records document the movement of individuals between countries, particularly across land borders such as the United States–Canada and United States–Mexico borders. These records often include personal details, travel information, and immigration status terminology. Term Definition Admission Official permission to enter a country. Alien Person who is not a citizen of the destination country. […]

Background Historical Occupation Profiles explain what ancestors actually did for a living and how those occupations shaped the records genealogists rely on today. Occupation Overview Postmasters were responsible for managing local post offices and overseeing the distribution of mail within their communities. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the post office served as a […]

An ancestor’s standing within a community can often be inferred from records reflecting social position, responsibility, and participation. These records provide insight into reputation, influence, and level of respect within a local area. Civic and Government Roles Property and Financial Indicators Church and Religious Roles Organizational Memberships Newspaper Mentions Legal and Social Indicators

Genealogical conclusions are often based on different types of evidence. Understanding the distinction between direct and indirect evidence helps researchers evaluate sources and build accurate family relationships. Direct Evidence Direct evidence clearly answers a specific research question without requiring interpretation. Indirect Evidence Indirect evidence suggests an answer but requires interpretation and correlation. Examples of Direct […]

Bankruptcy and insolvency records document financial distress and the legal process of resolving debts. These records often include terminology related to court proceedings, asset distribution, and creditor claims, and can provide valuable insight into an ancestor’s financial circumstances. Term Definition Adjudication Legal declaration that a person is bankrupt. Assets Property or resources owned by debtor. […]

Background Historical Occupation Profiles explain what ancestors actually did for a living and how those occupations shaped the records genealogists rely on today. Occupation Overview Printers and printing press operators produced newspapers, books, pamphlets, and other printed materials using mechanical presses and typesetting systems. In the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries, printing was a […]