You’re scrolling past the best clues in the U.S. Federal Census. From 1790 to 1950, these 13 often-missed columns and schedules can help you break through brick walls — further, faster, and factually. In this step-by-step guide, Connie Knox walks through exactly what to look for in each census year on Ancestry and FamilySearch, and […]
Found the same family twice in one census? Here’s how to prove it’s a double enumeration. In this real case study, I walk through two John A. Shoemaker families listed in Pettus Township, Adair County, Missouri in the 1860 census — same names, similar ages, same birthplaces — enumerated on the same day, July 18, […]
Found the same family twice in one census? Here’s how to prove it’s a double enumeration. In this real case study, I walk through two John A. Shoemaker families listed in Pettus Township, Adair County, Missouri in the 1860 census — same names, similar ages, same birthplaces — enumerated on the same day, July 18, […]
Use genealogical research strategies to locate individuals with common names in historical records. Finding specific ancestors when names are common presents a unique challenge for family historians. This guide demonstrates how to navigate complex databases to isolate the correct person. We focus on techniques for digging through documents to identify every individual with the same […]
Reposting one of the more popular recent episodes with tried-and-true strategies in genealogy research. Most genealogists start with the “Big Four” record groups—census, vital, land, and probate. But what happens when those records run out… or don’t give you the answers you need? In this video, I’ll show you how to go beyond the Big […]
Master AncestryDNA grouping to organize your cousin matches efficiently. Sort your DNA matches by branches of the family tree and clarify your research results. We’ll talk about the NEW ThruLines® and the DNA match list. Managing thousands of DNA matches can feel overwhelming when you start genealogy research. This guide simplifies the process by demonstrating […]
What records actually prove a marriage, and which ones are simply evidence that it likely occurred? In this video, I walk through common genealogy records and explain what each one truly records. We’ll look at marriage licenses, returns and certificates, bonds versus banns, civil and church marriage registers, divorce records, probate and land records, obituaries, […]
North Carolina genealogy research is much bigger than Ancestry and FamilySearch. Understanding the colony and state’s changing governments, settlement patterns, migration routes, county formations, and record repositories can help you find the records that explain your ancestor’s life. In this video, I take a quick trip through North Carolina history and then show you where […]
Learn how to use NC Ancestry for your North Carolina genealogy research. This guide walks you through the site to find your ancestors. Searching for records in North Carolina can be difficult, but the NC Ancestry website simplifies the process. This video is designed for family historians who need a reliable starting point for tracing […]
Have you ever searched Ancestry® for an ancestor you know should be there… only to come up empty? The problem may not be your ancestor—it may be how you’re searching. In this video, I’ll walk you through 10 practical search strategies I use when Ancestry isn’t finding the records I know should exist. These are […]
