Not much family genealogy going on because I'm working on my two class-type commitments.
I turned in my second assignment for ProGen3. I had to come up with an education plan. So far, the only feedback I got was relatively positive except for a comment that I've over thought some things. Frankly, I think many folks on this path under think what is involved in genealogical education and business development. That's my $.02.
I also finished assignment 7 of the NGS course. I realize this is confusing to you. I'm taking two different classes/courses/learning opportunities/whatever at the same time. When I'm not working on one, I'm working on the other.
Assignment 7 was about church and cemetery records. I analyzed some church minutes and drew a diagram of a cemetery, including a few transcriptions. Easy stuff as long as you follow the rules.
My NGS course is getting a bit frustrating. I'm regularly being asked to go to a repository and look at records. The only problem is that I'm having a hard time finding qualifying repositories. Harris County is out of the question. Given commuter traffic, parking fees, a confusing clerk website and several buildings of records all over the 4th largest city in the country, that's a lot of aggravation I won't accept. I drove out to Liberty County for assignment 6. For assignment 8, I'm looking at a 2-hour round trip to Montgomery County.
I never factored in all the miles required for this NGS course. Once again, it would be nice to share these experiences in an interactive way with other enrollees, but that ain't gonna happen.
All complaints aside, I'm glad things are moving along. I'll send assignments 4-7 off to NGS headquarters tomorrow for grading.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
My New Mexico Roots are Showing
My beloved We Tree blog is mentioned in the New Mexico Genealogical Society blog yesterday. Thanks to Robert Baca for the shout out.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Why I Do This, Reason #5,489
Recently, I've been adding some of my ancestors' tombstone photos to Find-a-Grave. The web site is arranged by cemetery, or search by name. You can add someone to the site by creating a profile and it shows up in the list of burials for the particular cemetery in which the person is located.
Many people visit a cemetery, take pictures, then create profiles for each person. The creator then becomes "owner" of those profiles he or she created. It is not uncommon for people to photograph a whole cemetery (or sections) then record that information. They're not relatives, just folks who are uploading that information for others who might be.
I was the creator of the profile for William W. Williamson, my great-great grandfather. I also created profiles for his three wives and five of his children. Other people had already created profiles for 2 of his children and thus I wasn't able to edit or add any information for them.
Using Find-a-Grave as a message service, I wrote to the two people who owned these profiles and asked to have them transferred to me. Both agreed immediately. People are so dang nice at that site, and in genealogy in general.
I now maintain the memorials for all 7 of WWW's kids, including my great-grandfather. They're not fully complete yet, but the pictures and vital information are up there for everyone online to see.
So now you're probably thinking, "ummm....so?"
While it may sound creepy to document and maintain information related to dead folks, it's really quite rewarding. One is able to tell the stories of those who are no longer around to tell them. One is able to set up a more permanent memorial than the stone and wood ones that are slowly washing away.
When I went to Cameron, Louisiana in search of my own history, I stopped and documented a small cemetery. I didn't know anyone in there, but I felt compelled to record there information and put it online so the people weren't forgotten. Last week, I was reviewing some of the information I had put on Find-a-Grave and I noticed someone had left a message on one of the profiles. It was a daughter commenting on her mother's memorial--the one I set up. It was so rewarding to be able to do that.
So why you may scratch your head and wonder why I do this, sometimes its just nice to help others.
Many people visit a cemetery, take pictures, then create profiles for each person. The creator then becomes "owner" of those profiles he or she created. It is not uncommon for people to photograph a whole cemetery (or sections) then record that information. They're not relatives, just folks who are uploading that information for others who might be.
I was the creator of the profile for William W. Williamson, my great-great grandfather. I also created profiles for his three wives and five of his children. Other people had already created profiles for 2 of his children and thus I wasn't able to edit or add any information for them.
Using Find-a-Grave as a message service, I wrote to the two people who owned these profiles and asked to have them transferred to me. Both agreed immediately. People are so dang nice at that site, and in genealogy in general.
I now maintain the memorials for all 7 of WWW's kids, including my great-grandfather. They're not fully complete yet, but the pictures and vital information are up there for everyone online to see.
So now you're probably thinking, "ummm....so?"
While it may sound creepy to document and maintain information related to dead folks, it's really quite rewarding. One is able to tell the stories of those who are no longer around to tell them. One is able to set up a more permanent memorial than the stone and wood ones that are slowly washing away.
When I went to Cameron, Louisiana in search of my own history, I stopped and documented a small cemetery. I didn't know anyone in there, but I felt compelled to record there information and put it online so the people weren't forgotten. Last week, I was reviewing some of the information I had put on Find-a-Grave and I noticed someone had left a message on one of the profiles. It was a daughter commenting on her mother's memorial--the one I set up. It was so rewarding to be able to do that.
So why you may scratch your head and wonder why I do this, sometimes its just nice to help others.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Texas Genealogy Events: Week of April 27 - May 3, 2009
Straight from the Texas Genealogy Events calendar, here's what is happening in Texas for the week of April 27-May 3, 2009:
All Month, April 1-30:
Clayton Library: In honor of Confederate History Month, the United Daughters of the Confederacy will have a display highlighting "Women of the South."
Monday, April 27:
Dallas Genealogical Society, 7:30pm
Genealogy on the Internet
Dallas Public Library
Tuesday, April 28:
Houston Genealogical Forum Bus Trip to Austin, 6am
General Land Office and Bullock History Center
For more information, see Houston Gen Forum website
Questions: programs@hgftx.org
Fort Worth Genealogical Society Meeting, 6:30pm
Fort Worth Central Library (Downtown)
500 West 3rd Street Fort Worth, Texas
Speaker: Tom Wiederhold
President, Fort Worth Police Historical Assn.
President, North Fort Worth Historical Society
Saturday, May 2:
Austin Genealogical Society Seminar, 8:30am
Featuring Pam Boyer Sayre and Richard G. Sayre, Certified Genealogists
Seminar Brochure (PDF)
Houston Genealogical Forum General Meeting, 10am
Speaker: Carolyn Earle Billingsley, PhD
Topic: Communities of Kinship
For further details on these events, please see the Texas Genealogy Events Calendar. Please confirm all dates and locations with the host societies and organizations.
Do you have an event you'd like to see on the calendar? Contact me using the email address at the right side of this blog. Events should occur in Texas or be of interest to Texans (neighboring states welcome). Speakers are encouraged to publicize their presentations.
All Month, April 1-30:
Clayton Library: In honor of Confederate History Month, the United Daughters of the Confederacy will have a display highlighting "Women of the South."
Monday, April 27:
Dallas Genealogical Society, 7:30pm
Genealogy on the Internet
Dallas Public Library
Tuesday, April 28:
Houston Genealogical Forum Bus Trip to Austin, 6am
General Land Office and Bullock History Center
For more information, see Houston Gen Forum website
Questions: programs@hgftx.org
Fort Worth Genealogical Society Meeting, 6:30pm
Fort Worth Central Library (Downtown)
500 West 3rd Street Fort Worth, Texas
Speaker: Tom Wiederhold
President, Fort Worth Police Historical Assn.
President, North Fort Worth Historical Society
Saturday, May 2:
Austin Genealogical Society Seminar, 8:30am
Featuring Pam Boyer Sayre and Richard G. Sayre, Certified Genealogists
Seminar Brochure (PDF)
Houston Genealogical Forum General Meeting, 10am
Speaker: Carolyn Earle Billingsley, PhD
Topic: Communities of Kinship
For further details on these events, please see the Texas Genealogy Events Calendar. Please confirm all dates and locations with the host societies and organizations.
Do you have an event you'd like to see on the calendar? Contact me using the email address at the right side of this blog. Events should occur in Texas or be of interest to Texans (neighboring states welcome). Speakers are encouraged to publicize their presentations.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Viva Las Vegas, part 3
In Viva Las Vegas, part 1, I shared some views of the masonic cemetery in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Part 2 featured the photos of the Hayward grave stones I came to see.
The reason there is a part 3 to this tale is because right next to the Hayward stones, there is this one for Asmus Christian Schmidt.
Hmm...my great-great grandmother's death certificate says her maiden name is Schmitz. Robert Hayward, her second husband, is buried next to this Schmidt. Could it be a coincidence?
One of the questions I have about my great-great grandmother was how she went from a married mother of one in 1892 Chicago to being married to another person in 1900 New Mexico. What happened to her first husband, and what brought her out west?
If she was widowed young in Chicago and had Schmidt/Schmitz family in Las Vegas, that's a good reason for relocation. What are the chances of two unrelated families named Schmidt/Schmitz in 1900's Las Vegas, New Mexico?
The math also adds up, so this could possibly be her father (and my ggg grandfather):
The reason there is a part 3 to this tale is because right next to the Hayward stones, there is this one for Asmus Christian Schmidt.
Hmm...my great-great grandmother's death certificate says her maiden name is Schmitz. Robert Hayward, her second husband, is buried next to this Schmidt. Could it be a coincidence?
One of the questions I have about my great-great grandmother was how she went from a married mother of one in 1892 Chicago to being married to another person in 1900 New Mexico. What happened to her first husband, and what brought her out west?
If she was widowed young in Chicago and had Schmidt/Schmitz family in Las Vegas, that's a good reason for relocation. What are the chances of two unrelated families named Schmidt/Schmitz in 1900's Las Vegas, New Mexico?
The math also adds up, so this could possibly be her father (and my ggg grandfather):
On the back of the memorial is another on for Louise E. Schmidt. I think this may be a second (or even third) wife for A. C. Schmidt, as the wagonmaker was known in Las Vegas.
Buried next to A.C. and Louise is George Schmitt. Again, the math fits. This could be A.C.'s son, and even my great-great grandmother's brother.
Carolina Schmitt could be George's wife.
Further investigation is needed to determine if these Schmidts are any connection to my Schmitz. I just think there are too many coincidences.
Buried next to A.C. and Louise is George Schmitt. Again, the math fits. This could be A.C.'s son, and even my great-great grandmother's brother.
Carolina Schmitt could be George's wife.
Further investigation is needed to determine if these Schmidts are any connection to my Schmitz. I just think there are too many coincidences.
I have begun the slow process of ordering and perusing Las Vegas & San Miguel county microfilms at the Family History Center.
Never in a million years would I have thought I had so many roots in New Mexico, yet here I am digging them up.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Viva Las Vegas, part 2
In part 1 of Viva Las Vegas, I showed you the grounds of the Masonic Cemetery in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
The whole reason for my visit to the cemetery was to find the graves of Robert Hayward and his family. After much walking in dead crunchy grass filled with grasshoppers (including one hitting me in the face) I found Robert Hayward, my great-great grandmother's second husband (film is on order from FHC to verify this). He died of typhoid on his sheep farm, according to the obit in the local paper.
He has a Woodmen of the World marker. This one is quite plain compared to the tree stump memorials I've seen elsewhere.
The whole reason for my visit to the cemetery was to find the graves of Robert Hayward and his family. After much walking in dead crunchy grass filled with grasshoppers (including one hitting me in the face) I found Robert Hayward, my great-great grandmother's second husband (film is on order from FHC to verify this). He died of typhoid on his sheep farm, according to the obit in the local paper.
He has a Woodmen of the World marker. This one is quite plain compared to the tree stump memorials I've seen elsewhere.
Next to Robert is his father Thomas Walter Hayward. As far as I can tell, he was born in England. All of his children were born in Kansas. At some point, the family moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico where Thomas was a butcher/shopkeeper.
This is Robert's mother, Samantha Josephine Hayward. I believe her maiden name was Hanson, but don't hold me to that.
This is Robert's mother, Samantha Josephine Hayward. I believe her maiden name was Hanson, but don't hold me to that.
Also in this area is the grave stone of Walter Hayward, a brother to Robert and son to Thomas and Samantha.
Robert's family is located to the right of his tombstone. What I found to the left of his grave still has me scratching my head. What could it be? Find out in part 3...
[Note to family: Robert Hayward is Violet's dad. Thomas and Samantha are her grandparents.]
[Note to family: Robert Hayward is Violet's dad. Thomas and Samantha are her grandparents.]
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Viva Las Vegas, part 1
In March I went to New Mexico for a conference. I came in a day early to do some research and see where my great-great grandmother's second husband was buried. This is the photo essay of that trip.
Welcome to the Masonic Cemetery in Las Vegas, New Mexico:
This is the view of the cemetery facing the entrance.
Welcome to the Masonic Cemetery in Las Vegas, New Mexico:
This is the view of the cemetery facing the entrance.
It was very cold and windy the day of my visit.
I don't think it's rained there since the Eisenhower administration.
I don't think it's rained there since the Eisenhower administration.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Representin' Shiloh-Williamson
I finally added all of the pictures I had from my visit to Shiloh-Williamson cemetery to Find-a-Grave. Of the 40 profiles I added, only one was duplicated by someone else.
I added 2 Boals, 1 Fulton and all the Williamsons.
To my family: William Woodberry Williamson, John Laurens Williamson, John Robert Williamson and their spouses are ours.
I added 2 Boals, 1 Fulton and all the Williamsons.
To my family: William Woodberry Williamson, John Laurens Williamson, John Robert Williamson and their spouses are ours.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Reflections of Oklahoma City
Last year, my father, son, aunt and uncle took a family history road trip to Oklahoma. One day, we stopped at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. It was quite a moving experience.
Though the remains of the original building are gone, evidence of that day still stands:
Though the remains of the original building are gone, evidence of that day still stands:
On the outside fencing of the memorial, people from all over the world have left trinkets and bits of their own lives as tributes to those who were lost.
This is a picture of my son, looking at the objects on part of the wall. Part of me is sad when I see this image because it represents the intersection of my sweet little boy and the reality of this world.
The other part of me hopes I can teach him to make it a better place.
This is a picture of my son, looking at the objects on part of the wall. Part of me is sad when I see this image because it represents the intersection of my sweet little boy and the reality of this world.
The other part of me hopes I can teach him to make it a better place.
Texas Genealogy Events: Week of April 20-26, 2009
Straight from the Texas Genealogy Events calendar, here's what is happening in Texas for the week of April 20-26, 2009:
All Month, April 1-30:
Clayton Library: In honor of Confederate History Month, the United Daughters of the Confederacy will have a display highlighting "Women of the South."
Sunday, April 20:
Atascocita Kingwood Genealogical Society Program, 3pm
Speaker: Christine Price
Topic: Role of the Funeral Industry in the Study of Genealogy"
Location: Rosemont Assisted Living Community
6450 Kings Park Way
Kingwood, TX
Monday, April 21:
Brazos Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting, 7pm
On the second floor auditorium of the Bryan Public Library, located in downtown Bryan at 201 East 26th Street.
Tuesday, April 22:
Liberty County Genealogical Society Meeting, 10am
Sam Houston Regional Library and Archives
650 FM 1011, Liberty, TX 77575; 936-336-8821
Speaker: Mark Lambert, C.A. and Deputy Commissioner of the Archives and Records Division of the Texas General Land Office in Austin, Texas
Thursday, April 23:
East Texas Genealogical Society Get Acquainted Luncheon
Meetings are held between 11:30am and about 1:30pm (or whenever) Heartland Ham Co.
3400-A South Broadway, Tyler 75701.
(903) 581-2802
These meetings are a chance to meet other members of the society in a relaxed, informal, social atmosphere -- all while enjoying a delicious lunch.
We talk about all sorts of subjects: genealogy, computers, kids, grand-kids, etc. Come and enjoy yourself!
Friday, April 24:
Bay Area Genealogical Society - Houston Area 7pm
2nd Annual "Demolition Day"
Q & A BAGS Workshop
Saturday, April 25:
Collin County Genealogical Society All-Day Seminar, 9am
Collin County Community College,
Lecture Hall C1042800
E. Spring Creek Pkwy.
Plano, Texas 75074
Benefits Plano Library's Genealogy Collection• $12.50 box lunch (pre-registration only)• Snacks and drinks will be provided• Limit ~ 90 persons ~ Recommend to pre-register• $25 pre-registration, $30 at the door
Clayton Library: Southern Lineage Help
Southern Heritage Lineage Day
Saturday, 04/25/2009 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Members of local southern heritage lineage societies will be on hand to help you with your genealogy.
No reservations required.
Adult/Teens.
Clayton Library
5300 Caroline
Houston, Texas 77004
Austin Genealogical Society Saturday Series
10:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Genealogy Potpourri... Internet Lessons, Practicing, and Brick Wall Solving
10:00 bring your laptop, or observe.
11:00 bring your brickwall question for discussion.
Cost: Free
Location: Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe, 78701
Clayton Library Session: Funeral Rites
Funeral rites: the last event
Saturday, 04/25/2009 10:00-11:00 AM
Come and learn about funeral rites and customs and the records they engender. See how different ethnicities treat this event that is common to us all. Reservations required. Call 832-393-2600.
Adults/Teens.
Clayton Library
5300 Caroline
Houston, TX 77004
Van Zandt County Genealogical Society Meeting, 2pm
Location: Van Zandt County Library
317 First Monday Lane
Canton, TX 75103-1052
903-567-4276
For further details on these events, please see the Texas Genealogy Events Calendar. Please confirm all dates and locations with the host societies and organizations.
Do you have an event you'd like to see on the calendar? Contact me using the email address at the right side of this blog. Events should occur in Texas or be of interest to Texans (neighboring states welcome). Speakers are encouraged to publicize their presentations.
All Month, April 1-30:
Clayton Library: In honor of Confederate History Month, the United Daughters of the Confederacy will have a display highlighting "Women of the South."
Sunday, April 20:
Atascocita Kingwood Genealogical Society Program, 3pm
Speaker: Christine Price
Topic: Role of the Funeral Industry in the Study of Genealogy"
Location: Rosemont Assisted Living Community
6450 Kings Park Way
Kingwood, TX
Monday, April 21:
Brazos Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting, 7pm
On the second floor auditorium of the Bryan Public Library, located in downtown Bryan at 201 East 26th Street.
Tuesday, April 22:
Liberty County Genealogical Society Meeting, 10am
Sam Houston Regional Library and Archives
650 FM 1011, Liberty, TX 77575; 936-336-8821
Speaker: Mark Lambert, C.A. and Deputy Commissioner of the Archives and Records Division of the Texas General Land Office in Austin, Texas
Thursday, April 23:
East Texas Genealogical Society Get Acquainted Luncheon
Meetings are held between 11:30am and about 1:30pm (or whenever) Heartland Ham Co.
3400-A South Broadway, Tyler 75701.
(903) 581-2802
These meetings are a chance to meet other members of the society in a relaxed, informal, social atmosphere -- all while enjoying a delicious lunch.
We talk about all sorts of subjects: genealogy, computers, kids, grand-kids, etc. Come and enjoy yourself!
Friday, April 24:
Bay Area Genealogical Society - Houston Area 7pm
2nd Annual "Demolition Day"
Q & A BAGS Workshop
Saturday, April 25:
Collin County Genealogical Society All-Day Seminar, 9am
Collin County Community College,
Lecture Hall C1042800
E. Spring Creek Pkwy.
Plano, Texas 75074
Benefits Plano Library's Genealogy Collection• $12.50 box lunch (pre-registration only)• Snacks and drinks will be provided• Limit ~ 90 persons ~ Recommend to pre-register• $25 pre-registration, $30 at the door
Clayton Library: Southern Lineage Help
Southern Heritage Lineage Day
Saturday, 04/25/2009 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Members of local southern heritage lineage societies will be on hand to help you with your genealogy.
No reservations required.
Adult/Teens.
Clayton Library
5300 Caroline
Houston, Texas 77004
Austin Genealogical Society Saturday Series
10:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Genealogy Potpourri... Internet Lessons, Practicing, and Brick Wall Solving
10:00 bring your laptop, or observe.
11:00 bring your brickwall question for discussion.
Cost: Free
Location: Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe, 78701
Clayton Library Session: Funeral Rites
Funeral rites: the last event
Saturday, 04/25/2009 10:00-11:00 AM
Come and learn about funeral rites and customs and the records they engender. See how different ethnicities treat this event that is common to us all. Reservations required. Call 832-393-2600.
Adults/Teens.
Clayton Library
5300 Caroline
Houston, TX 77004
Van Zandt County Genealogical Society Meeting, 2pm
Location: Van Zandt County Library
317 First Monday Lane
Canton, TX 75103-1052
903-567-4276
For further details on these events, please see the Texas Genealogy Events Calendar. Please confirm all dates and locations with the host societies and organizations.
Do you have an event you'd like to see on the calendar? Contact me using the email address at the right side of this blog. Events should occur in Texas or be of interest to Texans (neighboring states welcome). Speakers are encouraged to publicize their presentations.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
SCGS2009 FTW
I'm all signed up for the Southern California Genealogical Society's 2009 Jamboree.
I can't decide what makes me more excited: is it the dinner with a History Detective? or is it the fact that I'll attend presentations by DearMYRTLE, Leland Mietzler, Maureen Taylor, and William Dollarhide, just to name a few?
I am looking forward the blogger summit. It must be good because it takes up two spots on the schedule.
There's also a Facebook face-to-face meetup. That might be my favorite event. I might have to bring out my Mardi Gras chicken beads for that one.
I can't decide what makes me more excited: is it the dinner with a History Detective? or is it the fact that I'll attend presentations by DearMYRTLE, Leland Mietzler, Maureen Taylor, and William Dollarhide, just to name a few?
I am looking forward the blogger summit. It must be good because it takes up two spots on the schedule.
There's also a Facebook face-to-face meetup. That might be my favorite event. I might have to bring out my Mardi Gras chicken beads for that one.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Mystery in New Mexico
Today I requested the 1908 guardianship file for Violet Hayward (1901-1991) from the New Mexico State Archives.
I am hoping the file will have information on her mother, Marie Schmitz, who is also my great-great grandmother.
I have a lot of questions about this whole situation and all the players in it.
Violet's dad (Marie's second husband) died in 1905. Marie is listed as a widow in the 1910 census, and Violet is listed as 8 years old. Why is there a guardianship file dated 1908 and who initiated it?
I have a theory, but I'm not telling.
I also ordered some records at the Family History Center today. Hopefully, I can piece this puzzle together. Never in a million pre-genealogy years would I have expected my ancestors to have such deep roots in New Mexico. Why did they go there? Why did they stay so long? And why did they leave?
Also, is it just a coincidence that Asmus Schmitt is buried in Las Vegas, New Mexico next to the second husband of Marie Schmitz? Is he my great-great-great grandfather? These are the questions I want answered. Hopefully, the records hold the answers.
I am hoping the file will have information on her mother, Marie Schmitz, who is also my great-great grandmother.
I have a lot of questions about this whole situation and all the players in it.
Violet's dad (Marie's second husband) died in 1905. Marie is listed as a widow in the 1910 census, and Violet is listed as 8 years old. Why is there a guardianship file dated 1908 and who initiated it?
I have a theory, but I'm not telling.
I also ordered some records at the Family History Center today. Hopefully, I can piece this puzzle together. Never in a million pre-genealogy years would I have expected my ancestors to have such deep roots in New Mexico. Why did they go there? Why did they stay so long? And why did they leave?
Also, is it just a coincidence that Asmus Schmitt is buried in Las Vegas, New Mexico next to the second husband of Marie Schmitz? Is he my great-great-great grandfather? These are the questions I want answered. Hopefully, the records hold the answers.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tombstone Tuesday: Let This Be a Lesson to You
In the past 20 years, I've attended dozens of Laker games, Kings games, concerts and even a monster truck rally at the Fabulous Forum. Only within the last 12 months did I discover that my great-great grandmother is buried across the street from the arena.
This, folks, is why you should take the steps to learn your family's history.
[Notes for the family: me > dad > Buster > Gertrude > Marie Magdalena Schmitz Baerecke Hayward Sutherland.]
This, folks, is why you should take the steps to learn your family's history.
[Notes for the family: me > dad > Buster > Gertrude > Marie Magdalena Schmitz Baerecke Hayward Sutherland.]
Monday, April 13, 2009
Homework
I finished my assignment for ProGen3 today. It's still in draft mode, but I don't have to think on it anymore. I'll go back in a few days and edit.
This month the task was to create an education plan. The problem with genealogy is that there's no clear path. You just sort of collect knowledge along the way until you have a full basket. Each person's basket is different.
My educational plan includes national conferences, a couple week-long institutes, and more. It's a pretty vanilla plan. I also had to include costs, which is nothing to sneeze at when you add it up.
Of course certification is on the list. I hope when I'm done with ProGen, the NGS course and the other things on my list, I'll be ready to face that portfolio.
The rest of my "spare" time today was spent uploading old family photos to my Geni tree. I'm using that site as a photo back up option.
Tomorrow I will start on Lesson 6 (of 16) of the NGS course. I can't believe I'm doing that and ProGen at the same time.
This month the task was to create an education plan. The problem with genealogy is that there's no clear path. You just sort of collect knowledge along the way until you have a full basket. Each person's basket is different.
My educational plan includes national conferences, a couple week-long institutes, and more. It's a pretty vanilla plan. I also had to include costs, which is nothing to sneeze at when you add it up.
Of course certification is on the list. I hope when I'm done with ProGen, the NGS course and the other things on my list, I'll be ready to face that portfolio.
The rest of my "spare" time today was spent uploading old family photos to my Geni tree. I'm using that site as a photo back up option.
Tomorrow I will start on Lesson 6 (of 16) of the NGS course. I can't believe I'm doing that and ProGen at the same time.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Texas Genealogy Events: Week of April 13-19, 2009
Straight from the Texas Genealogy Events calendar, here's what is happening in Texas for the week of April 13-19, 2009:
All Month, April 1-30
Clayton Library: In honor of Confederate History Month, the United Daughters of the Confederacy will have a display highlighting "Women of the South."
Monday, April 13
Humble Area Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting & Speaker
7:00 pm
Meetings are at Lone Star College, Kingwood
Check web site for location details.
Saturday, April 18
Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries
Plano - All Day Workshop: 9:30am - 3pm
Preserving Our Precious Heirlooms
Speakers: Naomi Taplin and Alan Lefever of the Texas Baptist Historical Collection
Flyer and regaistration form
Clayton Library Orientation, 11am
Discussion of the resources available at Clayton Library. Orientation lasts approximately one hour. No reservations needed, meet at the Information Desk in the library. 3rd Saturday of each month.
Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
5300 Caroline
Houston, TX 77004-6896
832-393-2600
Rains County Genealogical Society Meeting, 1pm
Location: Rains County Library
150 Doris Briggs Parkway
Emory, Texas 75440
Phone: (903)473-5000 ext 283
Fax: (903)473-1703
For further details on these events, please see the Texas Genealogy Events Calendar. Please confirm all dates and locations with the host societies and organizations.
Do you have an event you'd like to see on the calendar? Contact me using the email address at the right side of this blog. Events should occur in Texas or be of interest to Texans (neighboring states welcome). Speakers are encouraged to publicize their presentations.
All Month, April 1-30
Clayton Library: In honor of Confederate History Month, the United Daughters of the Confederacy will have a display highlighting "Women of the South."
Monday, April 13
Humble Area Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting & Speaker
7:00 pm
Meetings are at Lone Star College, Kingwood
Check web site for location details.
Saturday, April 18
Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries
Plano - All Day Workshop: 9:30am - 3pm
Preserving Our Precious Heirlooms
Speakers: Naomi Taplin and Alan Lefever of the Texas Baptist Historical Collection
Flyer and regaistration form
Clayton Library Orientation, 11am
Discussion of the resources available at Clayton Library. Orientation lasts approximately one hour. No reservations needed, meet at the Information Desk in the library. 3rd Saturday of each month.
Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
5300 Caroline
Houston, TX 77004-6896
832-393-2600
Rains County Genealogical Society Meeting, 1pm
Location: Rains County Library
150 Doris Briggs Parkway
Emory, Texas 75440
Phone: (903)473-5000 ext 283
Fax: (903)473-1703
For further details on these events, please see the Texas Genealogy Events Calendar. Please confirm all dates and locations with the host societies and organizations.
Do you have an event you'd like to see on the calendar? Contact me using the email address at the right side of this blog. Events should occur in Texas or be of interest to Texans (neighboring states welcome). Speakers are encouraged to publicize their presentations.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
My Week in a Nutshell
I do some sort of genealogy related thing each day. However, they really aren't blogworthy endeavors, which is why you see gaps on my blog posting calendar.
Here's what I've done this week:
Monday - attended my first ProGen3 chat. I belong to the new ProGen class and we had our first meeting. I had an assignment to do (make a mission statement and bio) and discussion questions to answer. Everything is centered around professional genealogy and it really makes you think. I'll probably write more about this experience in time.
Tuesday - I dragged my Geni.com family tree off the Internet shelf. I've had one for a while, but didn't have time to fill it in properly. I've begun adding more names. I'm also uploading a ton of pictures and tagging them. Geni is interactive. You're supposed to invite family members to join. Then everyone posts comments, stories, etc. in a private online setting. I'm not convinced my family will buy in to that, but at least there will be a family record others can look at.
Wednesday - I started working on my next ProGen3 assignment. I have to make an educational plan. Much focus is on strengths and weaknesses. I then have to pick eduational opportunities to fill those gaps and make a timeline. This is harder than it looks. I'm doing it in bits and pieces.
Thursday - I'll probably work on my ProGen3 homework again, then play with Geni a bit. I also have to do mom, wife and maid things...so that's a big chunk of my day.
Here's what I've done this week:
Monday - attended my first ProGen3 chat. I belong to the new ProGen class and we had our first meeting. I had an assignment to do (make a mission statement and bio) and discussion questions to answer. Everything is centered around professional genealogy and it really makes you think. I'll probably write more about this experience in time.
Tuesday - I dragged my Geni.com family tree off the Internet shelf. I've had one for a while, but didn't have time to fill it in properly. I've begun adding more names. I'm also uploading a ton of pictures and tagging them. Geni is interactive. You're supposed to invite family members to join. Then everyone posts comments, stories, etc. in a private online setting. I'm not convinced my family will buy in to that, but at least there will be a family record others can look at.
Wednesday - I started working on my next ProGen3 assignment. I have to make an educational plan. Much focus is on strengths and weaknesses. I then have to pick eduational opportunities to fill those gaps and make a timeline. This is harder than it looks. I'm doing it in bits and pieces.
Thursday - I'll probably work on my ProGen3 homework again, then play with Geni a bit. I also have to do mom, wife and maid things...so that's a big chunk of my day.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tombstone Tuesday: Between Censuses
I have a *thing* for children who lived short existences between federal censuses. The U.S. census is taken every 10 years. Many children were born and died between the time a census was taken. They don't show up as being part of a family on those records.
Whenever I visit a cemetery to track my own ancestors, I always do a quick check of the whole lot for "children between censuses," as I call them. Then I take pictures as a way to record their existence. It's weird, I know, but I just don't want anyone to be forgotten.
Today's child between censuses is Myrtle Chadwell. She is buried in Kelley-Rogers Cemetery in Cameron, Louisiana.
Whenever I visit a cemetery to track my own ancestors, I always do a quick check of the whole lot for "children between censuses," as I call them. Then I take pictures as a way to record their existence. It's weird, I know, but I just don't want anyone to be forgotten.
Today's child between censuses is Myrtle Chadwell. She is buried in Kelley-Rogers Cemetery in Cameron, Louisiana.
Note the Mardi Gras beads. I don't know if someone put them there, lost them there or they just settled there after Hurricane Ike.
Hopefully a blog visitor down the road sees this photo and can fit Myrtle into his or her family tree. She belongs to someone, somewhere. Just don't look for her in a federal census.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Baby's First APG Meeting
I joined the Association of Professional Genealogists in late 2008. At the same time, I became a part of the Lone Star APG chapter, the Texas representation of the bigger worldwide group.
This Lone Star chapter had a meeting in Waco yesterday and I went to it. Half of the group's membership showed up, which is a pretty good turnout given the size of the state and the distance that must be traveled.
Pat Hatcher, author of chapter 13 in the latest edition of Professional Genealogy, talked about time management for professional genealogists. During lunch we had conversation and a brief business meeting. Then there was a tour of the genealogy section of the Waco library.
I drove 7.5 hours round trip to attend a 3-hour meeting. Given the fine time I had and the wonderful people I met, I'd gladly do it again.
This Lone Star chapter had a meeting in Waco yesterday and I went to it. Half of the group's membership showed up, which is a pretty good turnout given the size of the state and the distance that must be traveled.
Pat Hatcher, author of chapter 13 in the latest edition of Professional Genealogy, talked about time management for professional genealogists. During lunch we had conversation and a brief business meeting. Then there was a tour of the genealogy section of the Waco library.
I drove 7.5 hours round trip to attend a 3-hour meeting. Given the fine time I had and the wonderful people I met, I'd gladly do it again.
Texas Genealogy Events: Week of April 6-12, 2009
Straight from the Texas Genealogy Events calendar, here's what is happening in Texas for the week of April 6-12, 2009:
All Month, April 1-30:
Clayton Library: In honor of Confederate History Month, the United Daughters of the Confederacy will have a display highlighting "Women of the South."
Monday, April 6:
Montgomery County Genealogical & Historical Society, Inc. Monthly Meeting, 6:30pm
Montgomery County Memorial Library, 104 I-45 N, 1st floor meeting room, in Conroe, Texas.
Ellis County Genealogical Society Meeting, 7pm
Ellis County Woman's Building, 407 West Jefferson Street in Waxahachie
Tuesday, April 7
San Angelo Genealogical and Historical Society Meeting, 7pm
First Baptist Church, First Place, 14 East Harris Avenue, San Angelo, Texas. Visitors are welcome.
Wednesday, April 8
Collin County Genealogical Society Meeting, 7pm
Meeting location: W. O. Haggard, Jr. Public Library
2501 Coit Road, Plano, Texas
Thursday, April 9
Clayton Library Session: Funeral Rites, 2pm
Come and learn about funeral rites and customs and the records they engender. See how different ethnicities treat this event that is common to us all. Reservations required.
Denton County Genealogical Society Meeting, 6:30pm
Location: Denton Public Library
Emily Fowler Central Library
502 Oakland St
Denton, TX 76201
Saturday, April 11
Tyler - FHC/ETGS 9th Annual Family History Seminar
8:30am - 2:30pm
Meeting Location: LDS Family History Center
1617 Shiloh Road, Tyler, Texas
Clayton Library: DAR Lineage Help, 10am
Bring in your genealogy and speak with experts from local DAR chapters. In addition, there will be personal consultations withthree expert members of the Houston Genealogical Forum. Please submit your"brick wall" questions to GenProblems(at)HGFTX.org prior to April 11 for optimum assistance. This event is co-sponsored by Clayton Library and the Houston area Daughters of the American Revolution chapters. No reservations required. Adults/Teens.
For further details on these events, please see the Texas Genealogy Events Calendar. Please confirm all dates and locations with the host societies and organizations.
Do you have an event you'd like to see on the calendar? Contact me using the email address at the right side of this blog. Events should occur in Texas or be of interest to Texans (neighboring states welcome). Speakers are encouraged to publicize their presentations.
All Month, April 1-30:
Clayton Library: In honor of Confederate History Month, the United Daughters of the Confederacy will have a display highlighting "Women of the South."
Monday, April 6:
Montgomery County Genealogical & Historical Society, Inc. Monthly Meeting, 6:30pm
Montgomery County Memorial Library, 104 I-45 N, 1st floor meeting room, in Conroe, Texas.
Ellis County Genealogical Society Meeting, 7pm
Ellis County Woman's Building, 407 West Jefferson Street in Waxahachie
Tuesday, April 7
San Angelo Genealogical and Historical Society Meeting, 7pm
First Baptist Church, First Place, 14 East Harris Avenue, San Angelo, Texas. Visitors are welcome.
Wednesday, April 8
Collin County Genealogical Society Meeting, 7pm
Meeting location: W. O. Haggard, Jr. Public Library
2501 Coit Road, Plano, Texas
Thursday, April 9
Clayton Library Session: Funeral Rites, 2pm
Come and learn about funeral rites and customs and the records they engender. See how different ethnicities treat this event that is common to us all. Reservations required.
Denton County Genealogical Society Meeting, 6:30pm
Location: Denton Public Library
Emily Fowler Central Library
502 Oakland St
Denton, TX 76201
Saturday, April 11
Tyler - FHC/ETGS 9th Annual Family History Seminar
8:30am - 2:30pm
Meeting Location: LDS Family History Center
1617 Shiloh Road, Tyler, Texas
Clayton Library: DAR Lineage Help, 10am
Bring in your genealogy and speak with experts from local DAR chapters. In addition, there will be personal consultations withthree expert members of the Houston Genealogical Forum. Please submit your"brick wall" questions to GenProblems(at)HGFTX.org prior to April 11 for optimum assistance. This event is co-sponsored by Clayton Library and the Houston area Daughters of the American Revolution chapters. No reservations required. Adults/Teens.
For further details on these events, please see the Texas Genealogy Events Calendar. Please confirm all dates and locations with the host societies and organizations.
Do you have an event you'd like to see on the calendar? Contact me using the email address at the right side of this blog. Events should occur in Texas or be of interest to Texans (neighboring states welcome). Speakers are encouraged to publicize their presentations.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Housekeeping
I haven't been home a whole lot in the past few weeks. I had a spring break vacation, then back-to-back conferences. I don't recommend such tight personal scheduling to anyone.
Last week, I attended the annual conference for the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP). The members are mostly people who own their own research businesses or hope to in the future. I've met 3 members who do some type of genealogy or historical research. I'm a little baffled why more genealogists aren't members. Maybe they don't know about it or it's a perception thing. Frankly, I learn more about the business of running an information business from AIIP than I do from the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG). Maybe that will change when I attend my first Professional Management Conference in Little Rock. Until then, AIIP will be my rock.
This week I also attended the Texas Library Association annual conference. It helps that it's currently in my hometown. Since I'm a division chairperson, I had to go run a meeting and host a mixer. For most of it I felt like I was winging it but the meeting ran well and people came to the mixer. My term expires tomorrow and I'm glad. It's time to be done. I want to focus on other things.
So now you know where I've been and why I haven't been posting much. I'll get back in to the swing of things next week. For now I'm going to visit with my parents and take in the Lone Star APG meeting in Waco on Saturday. Any takers?
Last week, I attended the annual conference for the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP). The members are mostly people who own their own research businesses or hope to in the future. I've met 3 members who do some type of genealogy or historical research. I'm a little baffled why more genealogists aren't members. Maybe they don't know about it or it's a perception thing. Frankly, I learn more about the business of running an information business from AIIP than I do from the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG). Maybe that will change when I attend my first Professional Management Conference in Little Rock. Until then, AIIP will be my rock.
This week I also attended the Texas Library Association annual conference. It helps that it's currently in my hometown. Since I'm a division chairperson, I had to go run a meeting and host a mixer. For most of it I felt like I was winging it but the meeting ran well and people came to the mixer. My term expires tomorrow and I'm glad. It's time to be done. I want to focus on other things.
So now you know where I've been and why I haven't been posting much. I'll get back in to the swing of things next week. For now I'm going to visit with my parents and take in the Lone Star APG meeting in Waco on Saturday. Any takers?
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