Newspapers frequently used school-related terminology in announcements, academic reports, society news, event coverage, and local government summaries. Many of these phrases offer clues about a child’s age, school attended, academic standing, teacher associations, or family residence. The tables below list common educational terms found in historical newspapers, how they were typically used, and the genealogical […]
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.
Looking for ways to confirm where your ancestors lived between censuses? Voter registration lists and poll books are powerful yet underused tools. These records capture eligible voters in a specific place and time—often providing residence, naturalization clues, and community connections you won’t find elsewhere. Download the Quicksheet PDF To obtain a one-page Quicksheet PDF of […]
Ever wondered how to uncover ancestors who barely appear in other records? Court minutes are one of the most overlooked—but revealing—sources in genealogical research. These brief summaries of courtroom activity can uncover relatives, neighbors, conflicts, and everyday interactions that never made it into formal case files. Download the Quicksheet PDF To obtain a one-page Quicksheet […]
Newspapers frequently used specialized, abbreviated, or era-specific language when reporting military service, enlistments, promotions, pensions, veterans’ events, casualty notices, and homecoming news. Understanding these terms helps genealogists identify service details, unit affiliations, wartime movements, and clues about an ancestor’s post-service life. The tables below include historically common terms in newspapers, what they meant, and how […]
Ever wondered where your ancestors aired their dirty laundry? In the 1800s and early 1900s, newspapers were filled with small but explosive “runaway spouse” notices—public warnings from a deserted husband or wife announcing that their partner had left, and that the abandoning spouse would no longer be supported financially. These short items often contain more […]
Tax rolls are among the most consistent year‑to‑year records available for documenting residency, tracking family units, identifying neighbors, and understanding household and economic change. They can pinpoint arrival and departure years, show where families lived, and reveal patterns that are not captured in censuses or vital records. Download the Quicksheet PDF To obtain a two-page […]
Newspapers frequently used specialized, euphemistic, or era-specific language when reporting births, infants, young children, adoptions, milestones, and early-life events. Understanding these phrases helps genealogists interpret announcements, society news, accident reports, hospital notes, church columns, and family notices. The tables in the Quicksheet list historically common terms seen in newspapers, what they meant, and how they […]
Coroner’s records and inquest files provide some of the most revealing details about sudden, unexpected, or unexplained deaths. These records can identify relatives, neighbors, employers, residences, and social networks, and often describe events that never appear in other sources. By understanding the structure and terminology of coroner investigations, genealogists can uncover valuable clues that help […]
MyHeritage continues to add or update its record collections at a fast pace for us to search. For November 1-15, 2025, there are 4 new and 19 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 November 1-15, 2025, the new and updated collections are: I hope that some of these are what you have been waiting for! Good Luck and Happy Hunting!