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 Firefighters were responsible for protecting communities from fires, responding to emergencies, and preserving life and property. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, firefighting was often performed by volunteer fire […]
Migration often leaves a trail of records documenting departure, travel, and arrival. These records can help trace an ancestor’s movement and establish timelines between locations. Departure Records Travel and Migration Records Arrival and Settlement Records Community and Social Records Economic and Occupational Records
Obituaries are valuable sources of genealogical information, but they do not always exist or survive. When an obituary cannot be found, other records can provide similar details about death, family relationships, and community connections. Vital and Death Records Cemetery and Burial Records Newspapers and Local Sources Probate and Estate Records Church and Religious Records Government […]
Mortgage and lien records document financial obligations tied to property. These records can reveal ownership, debt, economic status, and relationships between individuals and institutions. Term Definition Amortization Gradual repayment of loan over time. Assignment Transfer of mortgage from one lender to another. Borrower Person receiving loan secured by property. Collateral Property pledged as security for […]
Wildcard searches are one of the most powerful — and most underused — tools in genealogical research. They allow researchers to find records even when names are misspelled, abbreviated, or recorded inconsistently. What Are Wildcard Searches Wildcard searches use special characters to replace unknown or variable letters in a word. Using the Asterisk (*) The […]
When a birth record does not exist, identity must be confirmed using a combination of other records and evidence. By correlating multiple sources, researchers can establish identity with a high degree of confidence. Census and Age Patterns Family Relationships Location and Residence Occupation and Social Clues Associates and Witnesses Name Consistency and Variations Baptism and […]
Negative evidence refers to the absence of expected information in a record. While it may seem less useful than direct evidence, the lack of a record or entry can provide important clues when interpreted carefully. What Is Negative Evidence Negative evidence occurs when something expected is not found. When Negative Evidence Matters The absence of […]
Chancery and equity courts handled cases involving fairness rather than strict legal rules, including disputes over estates, guardianships, property, and trusts. These records often contain rich genealogical details and specialized legal terminology. Term Definition Bill of Complaint Formal written statement initiating an equity case. Chancellor Judge presiding over chancery court. Chancery Court Court handling equity […]
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 Tailors made, altered, and repaired clothing for individuals and families. In the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries, tailoring was a skilled trade practiced in small shops, homes, and later […]
Neighbors, associates, and nearby families often provide critical clues in genealogical research. Studying these individuals can help identify relationships, migration patterns, and missing information about your ancestors. Identifying the Community Tracking Migration Patterns Establishing Relationships Breaking Through Brick Walls Community and Social Clues