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 Iron and steel workers produced the structural materials that fueled industrial expansion in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. From rail lines and bridges to skyscrapers and machinery, iron and […]
Author: Kenneth R Marks
Kenneth R Marks was born and educated in the San Francisco Bay Area, receiving a BS in Mathematics in 1968. His career was in Information Technology; with the last 20 Years as a software executive with Boeing, Pearson, and NASA. His genealogy career began in 2004. He is an expert in newspaper research for genealogy, as well as additional genealogy topics. He regularly conducts webinars on the subject and has authored three genealogy books. See the About page for more details.
The Ancestor Hunt, founded in 2008, is focused on helping genealogy and family history researchers of all skill levels to achieve their goals, by providing links to free online genealogy collections, and search tips and techniques, largely via easy-to-understand Quick Reference Guides.
Religious affiliation may appear directly in church records or indirectly through rites, institutions, burial practices, community involvement, and associated records. The sources below are grouped by type to help identify where denominational identity may be documented or strongly implied. Direct Church Records Church Governance and Administration Civil Records with Religious Indicators Newspaper Sources Institutional and […]
Almshouses and poorhouses were public institutions established to provide shelter and basic care for individuals unable to support themselves. Residents often included the elderly poor, widows, disabled individuals, orphaned children, and those experiencing financial hardship. Despite common assumptions, not all residents were permanently destitute; many stayed temporarily during periods of crisis. Purpose and Operation These […]
Land deeds and conveyance records document the transfer of property from one party to another. These records can establish residence, relationships, financial status, and migration patterns. Because legal language was often formulaic — and sometimes archaic — understanding deed terminology is essential for accurate interpretation. Term Meaning Grantor Person transferring (selling or giving) property. Grantee […]
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 Dockworkers and longshoremen loaded, unloaded, sorted, and transferred cargo at ports and waterfronts. Before containerization and modern mechanized shipping, nearly all goods moving by sea passed through human hands. In […]
County jails and state prisons served different legal and administrative functions. Understanding the distinction helps genealogists locate incarceration records, court proceedings, and institutional documentation. County Jails County jails typically held individuals: Jails were locally administered by county sheriffs. Records may include: Because jail stays were often brief, individuals may appear only in court minutes or […]
Census records frequently contain abbreviations used by enumerators to save space. These shorthand entries can indicate relationships, marital status, occupation, birthplace, citizenship, and other personal details. Understanding these abbreviations helps ensure accurate interpretation of census data. Term Meaning M Male F Female W White B Black Mu Mulatto (historical classification) Ind Indian (Native American) Ch […]
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 Teamsters and draymen were essential transportation workers in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Before motorized trucks became widespread, goods were moved by horse-drawn wagons operated by skilled drivers. “Teamster” […]
Orphanages and children’s homes were institutions created to care for dependent, abandoned, or impoverished children. Despite the name, many children housed in these institutions were not true orphans but were placed temporarily due to poverty, illness, or family hardship. Records from these facilities can provide valuable clues about family circumstances and guardianship arrangements. Why Children […]
Coroner’s records and inquest proceedings can provide critical details about sudden, suspicious, or unexplained deaths. These records often include testimony, medical findings, witness statements, and jury verdicts. Understanding the terminology used in inquest files helps genealogists interpret cause of death, circumstances, and legal conclusions. Term Meaning Coroner Public official responsible for investigating certain types of […]