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 Carpenters were skilled tradesmen who constructed, repaired, and installed wooden structures and components. In the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries, carpenters were essential in both rural and urban communities, […]
An ancestor’s place of residence may be documented in many more sources than census schedules alone. The records below highlight where a specific address, township, county, or community affiliation may be stated or strongly implied. Government Records Land and Property Records City and Community Directories Court and Legal Records Military Records Church and Religious Records […]
Military pension files and service records often provide some of the richest genealogical details available, particularly when vital records are missing or incomplete. These records may document military service, marital history, residence changes, children, and affidavits from relatives or neighbors. Compiled Service RecordsService records summarize an individual’s military activity. Pension ApplicationsPension files frequently contain supporting […]
Land records frequently contain abbreviations to conserve space in deeds, plats, grants, and survey descriptions. Understanding these shortened forms is essential for properly interpreting property boundaries, ownership transfers, and legal descriptions. Abbreviation Meaning A/C Account Agt. Agent Bk. Book Bnd. Bound or Bond Bldg. Building Co. County or Company Cor. Corner Dft. Defendant Dist. District […]
The Quicksheet Vault is a growing collection of structured, ready-to-use research references — with new additions being added regularly. This past week (February 21, 2026 to February 27, 2026), the following additions were made to the Quicksheet Vault: ✅ QS Core Collection – 0 New – 174 Total✅ QS Glossaries and Notes – 18 New […]
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 Shoemakers and cobblers produced and repaired footwear in communities across the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries. Before mass manufacturing dominated the industry, shoemaking was a skilled trade practiced in […]
This past week (February 20, 2026 to February 26, 2026), the following additions were made to The Newspaper Research Academy: ✅ Free Resources – 0 New Articles were added – 102 Total ✅ Research Guides – 2 New Guides were added – 122 Total ✅ Video Guides – 0 New Videos – 19 Total ✅ […]
Family conflict may not always be directly stated, but it often leaves traces across legal, financial, and community records. The events below highlight situations that may indicate disputes, estrangement, or internal family tensions. Probate and Inheritance Clues Court Proceedings Land and Property Actions Newspaper Indicators Financial and Debt Issues Guardianship and Custody Matters Social and […]
Land records are among the most reliable tools for tracing geographic movement, especially when census gaps or missing vital records complicate research. Deeds, grants, patents, and land sales can reveal when an ancestor arrived in or departed from a particular location. Initial Land AcquisitionThe first appearance of an ancestor in local land records often signals […]
State hospitals and asylums generated extensive records that may include medical terminology, legal status descriptions, and administrative classifications. This glossary defines commonly encountered terms found in admission registers, commitment papers, patient case files, and institutional reports. Term Definition Admission Register Log recording entry of patients into institution. Attending Physician Doctor responsible for patient’s care. Board […]