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
Genealogical records often contain both primary and secondary information. Understanding the difference between these types helps researchers evaluate accuracy and determine how much weight to give a particular piece of evidence. Primary Information Primary information is provided by someone with direct knowledge of an event at or near the time it occurred. Secondary Information Secondary […]
Sheriff’s sales and property auctions were legal processes used to satisfy debts, taxes, or court judgments. These records often appear in court proceedings and newspaper notices and contain terminology related to forced sales, creditors, and property transfer. Term Definition Appraisal Valuation of property prior to sale. Auction Public sale of property to highest bidder. Auctioneer […]
The Nickname Finder automatically generates nicknames for given names to help improve your genealogy searches. This tool is designed to help genealogists discover records that might otherwise remain hidden. I have seen as high as 50% additional results by using nicknames in newspaper search criteria. Nicknames are often used in other types of genealogy records. Simply enter […]
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