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 Blacksmiths were skilled tradesmen who shaped iron and steel into tools, hardware, horseshoes, wagon parts, agricultural equipment, and countless everyday necessities. Throughout the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries, nearly […]
Tax lists are among the most overlooked genealogical records. When census records are missing, incomplete, or lost, tax rolls can provide continuous evidence of residence, property ownership, and even family structure. In some regions, tax records survive decades earlier than surviving census schedules. Why Tax Lists Matter Tax records were created annually or periodically to […]
Church registers are among the most valuable genealogical records, often predating civil registration. They document baptisms, marriages, burials, confirmations, and membership activity. Terminology varies by denomination, language, and time period, so understanding common register terms can clarify relationships, residence, and religious affiliation. Term Meaning Baptism Religious rite of initiation, often recorded with date and parents’ […]
The Quicksheet Vault is a growing collection of structured, ready-to-use research references — with new additions being added regularly. This past week (February 14, 2026 to February 20, 2026), the following additions were made to the Quicksheet Vault: ✅ QS Core Collection – 0 New – 174 Total✅ QS Glossaries – 4 New – 6 […]
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 Farm laborers performed wage-based agricultural work for landowners, tenant farmers, or large estates. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, “farm laborer” was one of the most common occupational descriptions […]
Latin terminology appears frequently in court minutes, probate files, land deeds, and other legal documents derived from English common law. Understanding these terms can clarify procedural actions, inheritance structures, and court decisions found in historical records. Term Meaning Ad litem For the purpose of the lawsuit (e.g., guardian ad litem). Alias Otherwise known as; alternate […]
Almshouses, poorhouses, and county farms were local institutions created to provide relief to the poor, elderly, disabled, and otherwise dependent members of the community. Records from these facilities can reveal residence, health conditions, family relationships, financial status, and burial information. Terminology varied by state and time period, making it important to understand the language used […]
This past week (February 13, 2026 to February 19, 2026), the following additions were made to The Newspaper Research Academy: ✅ Free Resources – 0 New Articles were added – 102 Total ✅ Research Guides – 5 New Guides were added – 121 Total ✅ Video Guides – 0 New Videos – 19 Total ✅ […]
State hospitals and county asylums were central institutions in many communities during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Families often turned to these facilities during times of medical crisis, financial hardship, or legal intervention. For genealogists, records created by these institutions can provide important clues about an ancestor’s health, family relationships, residence, and social circumstances. […]
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 Textile mill workers spun, wove, dyed, and finished cloth in factories that became the backbone of early industrial America. From the early nineteenth century through the early twentieth century, textile […]