Families who moved frequently—whether across town, across counties, or across the country—leave scattered and inconsistent records that can frustrate genealogical research. But mobility also leaves patterns, paper trails, and clues that, once recognized, can reveal a surprisingly complete picture of a wandering family. This Quicksheet shows you where to look, what to document, and how […]
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.
In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched the Works Progress Administration (WPA) to combat nationwide unemployment during the Great Depression. One major component—the WPA Historical Records Survey (HRS)—employed writers, teachers, historians, editors, and clerical workers to document America’s historical and cultural heritage. The purpose of the HRS was: However, in fulfilling this mission, the WPA […]
Divorce and separation terminology appears frequently in historical newspapers through legal notices, court reports, domestic relations filings, and announcements involving spouses and family members. These terms often reveal marital conflict, residence details, financial circumstances, and clues about children or extended family. Because divorce was socially sensitive and legally complex in many eras, newspapers frequently reported […]
Genealogy websites come and go—personal pages disappear, county project sites die, and archived lists vanish without notice. The Wayback Machine can resurrect these lost resources, restoring access to transcriptions, surname lists, photos, cemetery readings, and one-of-a-kind research notes no longer available anywhere else. Download the Quicksheet PDF To obtain a one-page Quicksheet PDF of this […]
Agricultural terminology appears frequently in historical newspapers through crop reports, market summaries, farm accident stories, land transactions, seasonal updates, and rural community news. These terms often indicate occupation, land ownership, migration patterns, economic status, and family involvement in farming operations. The tables below list commonly used farming and agricultural terms in newspapers, the contexts in […]
Hospital, asylum, and sanitorium records can reveal deeply personal details about ancestors who were ill, injured, or institutionalized. These documents often include medical histories, admission notes, relatives’ names, and residence information—providing rare insights into individuals who otherwise left limited records. Download the Quicksheet PDF To obtain a one-page Quicksheet PDF of this information, download it […]
City and county governments generate a vast amount of paperwork—much of it unrelated to courts, land, or vital records. These administrative files often document everyday activities, licenses, permits, appointments, and local decisions. When traditional sources are sparse, these records can provide surprising clues about your ancestors’ movements, occupations, responsibilities, and community roles. Download the Quicksheet […]
Newspaper legal notices—often tucked into small print and overlooked—hold some of the most precise information about individuals. These brief announcements document probate matters, property actions, lawsuits, tax issues, business dealings, and government requirements, offering valuable clues about people at very specific moments in their lives. Download the Quicksheet PDF To obtain a one-page Quicksheet PDF […]
When a minor lost a parent, inherited property, or needed legal oversight, the courts often appointed a guardian or curator. These records can reveal family structure, financial circumstances, and relationships that rarely appear in other sources—making them essential for reconstructing complex or fragmented families. Download the Quicksheet PDF To obtain a one-page Quicksheet PDF of […]
Whether for minor offenses or serious crimes, ancestors who encountered the justice system often left detailed records in local jails, state prisons, or federal penitentiaries. These documents can reveal personal stories, physical descriptions, and family connections that rarely appear in other sources. Download the Quicksheet PDF To obtain a one-page Quicksheet PDF of this information, […]