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 […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]