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 […]
Category: Reference
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. […]
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 Bridge builders constructed structures that allowed roads, railroads, and canals to cross rivers, valleys, and other obstacles. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, bridge building was essential to transportation […]
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 Telegraph operators transmitted and received messages using telegraph systems that revolutionized communication in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Before the widespread use of telephones, the telegraph allowed information to […]
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 Tanners processed animal hides into leather used for clothing, footwear, harnesses, and a wide range of everyday goods. In the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries, tanning was an essential […]
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 Police officers and sheriffs were responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing laws, and protecting communities. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, law enforcement systems varied widely, ranging from small-town […]
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 Schoolteachers educated children and youth in reading, writing, arithmetic, and other subjects within local schools. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, teaching was one of the most common professional […]
Business incorporation records document the legal formation of companies and partnerships. These records can reveal occupations, financial activity, associates, and community standing, and often include specialized legal and business terminology. Term Definition Articles of Incorporation Legal document establishing a corporation. Assets Property or resources owned by business. Board of Directors Group managing corporate decisions. Bylaws […]
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 Firefighters were responsible for protecting communities from fires, responding to emergencies, and preserving life and property. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, firefighting was often performed by volunteer fire […]