The Quicksheet Vault is a growing collection of structured, ready-to-use research references — with new additions being added regularly. This past week (March 28, 2026 to April 3, 2026), the following additions were made to the Quicksheet Vault: ✅ QS Core Collection – 0 New – 174 Total✅ QS Glossaries and Notes – 12 New […]
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.
Genealogical research involves a wide range of specialized terms related to records, methodology, and family structure. Understanding these terms helps researchers interpret sources, evaluate evidence, and build accurate family histories. Term Definition Abstract Summary of original record. Ahnentafel Numbering system for listing ancestors. Ancestry Line of descent from ancestors. Archive Repository preserving historical records. Baptism […]
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 Plumbers installed and maintained systems for water supply, drainage, and sanitation in homes, businesses, and public buildings. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, plumbing became increasingly important as cities […]
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 Quarry workers extracted stone, slate, gravel, and other materials from the earth for use in construction, road building, and industry. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, quarrying was a […]
Employment and occupational records document the work, trade, and economic activity of individuals. These records can provide insight into social status, skills, and daily life. Term Definition Apprentice Person learning a trade under supervision. Artisan Skilled worker in a craft. Employer Person or company providing work. Employment Record Documentation of work history. Foreman Supervisor of […]
Mortuary and funeral records document the handling, preparation, and burial of the deceased. These records can provide details about death, family members, residence, and community connections. Term Definition Autopsy Examination of body to determine cause of death. Burial Placement of body in grave. Burial Permit Authorization for burial issued by authorities. Casket Container used for […]
School and education records document attendance, achievement, and community involvement. These records appear in yearbooks, registers, and institutional archives and often contain terminology related to academic structure and student life. Term Definition Alumni Former students of an institution. Attendance Record of presence at school. Boarder Student living at school or with host family. Class Group […]
Obituaries and death notices are key sources of genealogical information, often containing details about family relationships, residence, and life events. These records use both formal and euphemistic language that can vary by time period and publication. Term Definition Age Age of deceased at time of death. Beloved Term indicating affection, often used for close family. […]
MyHeritage continues to add or update its record collections at a fast pace for us to search. For March 1-31, 2026, there are 9 new and 15 updated collections. The new and updated collections are: I hope that some of these are what you have been waiting for! Good Luck and Happy Hunting!
Ancestry.com continues to add or update its record collections at a fast pace for us to search. For the period of March 1-31, 2026, the new and updated collections are: I hope that some of these are what you have been waiting for! Good Luck and Happy Hunting!