Thursday, June 30, 2016

DNA Results - Arrived!

So I just got finished whining about my DNA results likely to be held up with the Canada Post strike, WHEN I opened my email to find it has arrived, via email to their website. So now I've opened it up and I understand exactly ZERO. Oh boy. Learning curve here for sure. Not tonight. Tomorrow!! Happy Canada Day? I guess so. haha


Cheers,
Pat [anybody wanna be my cousin?]

Kelowna Genealogy Conference Sept. 2016

My only regret at having decided to drive all the way to Newfoundland this Fall is missing this conference where I was invited to speak! Darn!!! BUT what a great line up of topics and speakers. Sept. 23, 24, 25th registration and information here http://kdgsconference2016.blogspot.ca/


Cheers,
Pat

Scottish Emigration Schemes

One of my favorite speakers, although I've yet to hear her 'live', is Christine Woodcock. From her blog she has this interesting post http://www.geneosity.com/scottish-emigration-schemes/




Cheers,
Pat

Fix Mistakes on FamilySearch

Here's an explanation of how to Fix errors or mistakes. https://www.facebook.com/familysearch/videos/10153536016551039/

I certainly have my share of 'other people errors' to fix. Not saying I can't or don't have errors too. All I need to see is some evidence to show me my error and I would be so ever grateful to comply! Who has never made a mistake? We all make them. This site is set up to collaborate and work together. How's that working for us? haha


Cheers,
Pat

Shouldn't my Sister & I Have the Same DNA?

For those of us still learning, here's an interesting article about understanding genetics http://genetics.thetech.org/ask-a-geneticist/same-parents-different-ancestry

Speaking of this, and the upcoming Canada Post strike ... normally I really wouldn't care about this strike ... EXCEPT my DNA results are liable to be caught up in this. Oh my how different we view things when WE have a stake in it. hahaha The strike won't change the results, and I've waited 67 years so suck it up Princess.


Cheers,
Pat

Another NEW IDEA for Sask. Cremation Post?

Jeepers am I turning morbid? Or overly curious about funeral home procedures? I don't think so, but I keep finding these articles and it's certainly got me thinking ... especially when oil and potash are not 'green' and are definitely not keeping Saskatchewan as a 'Have' province. I'm reading an awful lot about the soon demise of oil being worth anything, period. Hmmmmm. Where is my crystal ball!

Anyway, back to funeral homes and a greener solution to cremation. Have a read here http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/eco-cremation-dead-started-saskatchewan-1.3645792

If anyone has any personal experience with this new procedure I'm sure we'd all love to hear it - post to Comments or email me personally pryan at sasktel dot com.


Cheers,
Pat

3 New Databases on Ancestry.ca

This pertains mainly to Canadian records, but could conceivably include lots of other nationalities. Thanks to Olive Tree Genealogy for her articles about these new databases that include land records, photos, and honeymoon records! Honest!! Honeymoon records!! Have a peek? http://olivetreegenealogy.blogspot.ca/2016/06/3-new-canadian-databases-on-ancestry.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+blogspot/DhbcZ+(Olive+Tree+Genealogy+Blog)


Cheers,
Pat

Naturalization Records How-To on FMP

So records are FREE for a while, but to ensure you have the best chance at finding what you're looking for, some professional assistance is always a PLUS! FindMyPast has https://blog.findmypast.com/how-to-use-naturalization-records-to-find-your-familys-first-american-1884854941.html

And folks even if you're not planning on using FMP it never hurts to READ and accept help when it's offered ... FREE!!


Cheers,
Pat

Legacy Webinars - something special

So Legacy continues to offer FREE webinars http://familytreewebinars.com/ and they're GREAT, but now they're throwing a bone to those of us who are not members, and I'm pretty tempted.

They have some special 'member only' webinars, AND in addition Legacy will offer five members-only in-depth series. Specifically there is an Irish series taught by John Grenham, a well reknown Irish expert. Oh shoot I just wish it wasn't during summer! Argh ... what to do ... what to do. They have two options - monthly or full year.


Cheers,
Pat

Regina Cyclone 104 Years Ago Today

Regina had a population of around 30,000 at this time. The damage would end up costing $1.2 million in property damage, $4.5 million in long-term debt spent on rebuilding, and 28 lives. Hundreds were injured and 2,500 were left homeless.

Citizens banned together, along with travellers and visitors - one of which was actor Boris Karloff - to clean up the damage.

My husband's grandparents were newly arrived from Galicia, and had two little children. Can't imagine who scared everyone was. For pictures http://www.saskarchives.com/collections/exhibits/regina-cyclone-1912

Hoping for NO repeats, ever!


Cheers,
Pat

Ancestry.ca FREE Canadian Records till July 2nd

http://www.ancestry.ca/canadaday
Happy Searching!!


Cheers,
Pat

LAC Blog - Newfoundland 100th Anniversary of Battle of Somme

Here is another FREEBEE from Library & Archives Canada - their blog. This post is about Newfoundland and the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. https://thediscoverblog.com/2016/06/30/newfoundland-and-the-100th-anniversary-of-the-battle-of-the-somme/


Cheers,
Pat

Podcasts At LAC - FREE

If you've got a computer you can listen to these podcasts - and you don't need any techie knowledge! Just click, sit back, and watch & listen. Very cool guys. http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/news/podcasts/Pages/podcasts.aspx

If you look on the left side of the home page, you'll see there are also two links - "New to Podcasting?" "Listener Guidelines". There. I'm dragging you into the 21st Century!! haha Enjoy.


Cheers,
Pat

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

British Parliamentary Papers on Ireland

I'm still learning what this is, but in case I get sidetracked (again), thought I should share it with you. There is a ton here as I've already discovered. You'll need to look through the tabs top bar etc. http://www.dippam.ac.uk/static_pages/eppi-archive-guide

HINT: I've now been playing with this site for half an hour and have learned some rather unique tips. For instance if you're in the Irish Emigration Database, you need to uncheck [of the left] whatever topic you wish to read! If you don't unckeck, you never see what's there! Is that weird? Me thinks so, but that's how it works. Y'er welcome. haha

One more Note: I can now see the value of this site, and it is considerable! But has a learning curve for sure. All I can tell you right now is be prepared to READ and click, click, click throughout the site as it is ENORMOUS!! There is even sections of interviews you can listen to. Yup, this is an amazing find. Well there goes the rest of this week!! Lol.


Cheers,
Pat

If 100 People Lived on Earth

This is a unique site for sure. I know nothing about this man and only found his site by following "If 100 People Lived on Earth" which you will find by scrolling. But now I'm stuck on his site reading all kinds of things! Bright shiny things? Yup, distracted easily some days. hahaha https://twitter.com/ValaAfshar If you only want the 100 people link here ya go https://twitter.com/ValaAfshar/status/747043099327762432


Cheers,
Pat

The Original Record

This is another site that I"m not familiar with. Lord how does anyone keep track of them these days? Anyway, I was reading something from Chris Paton who wrote the following about new additions to The Original Record http://www.theoriginalrecord.com/database/search :

"1602
Salford Portmote
The earliest surviving records of the portmote of the borough of the township and manor of Salford in Lancashire were transcribed and edited by J. G. de T. Mandley and published by the Chetham Society in 1902. The court was held after Easter and Michaelmas each year. The record usually starts with a list of jurors, sometimes with a general suit roll. Officers are appointed in the autumn court - borough reeve, constables, miselayers, burleymen, alefounders, scavengers, and overseers for the pump. Where a freeholder had died since the previous court, an inquiry was made as to his or her heir. There are presentments of minor offences, particularly affrays and selling ale contrary to statute. 19 October 1602

1625
Letters of Marque: Masters of Ships
The Letters of Marque or Commissions to take Pirates authorized the owners of ships enumerated in the second column, to set forth the ships named in the third column, for the purposes contemplated by their Letters of Marque or Commission. 24 June 1625 to 30 December 1625

1800
East Riding Game Certificates
A list of Game Duty certificates issued in the East Riding of Yorkshire, September 1800. Full names are given, surname first, and address.

1870-1874
London Telegraph Clerks
This list of persons irregularly admitted to the service of the Post Office from the date of the transfer of the telegraphs, 29 January 1870, to 30 September 1874, extends to 3653 names. The return gives full name (surname first, married women indicated by Mrs.); age when admitted; service to which admitted; and last previous employment.

1877
Hull Sailors' Orphans
Orphans admitted to the Port of Hull Sailors' Orphan Home in January 1877. Full names, and port.

1879
Zulu War Medal Roll: 57th (West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot
List of Officers, Non Commissioned Officers, and men, entitled to the medal for military operations in South Africa, during 1877-8-9, and the names of those soldiers who would have been entitled except for Desertion, or Misconduct. This regiment's actions were almost exclusively against the Zulus in 1879. WO 100/47

1937
Naturalized Aliens
The Home Office issued a monthly list of aliens to whom Certificates of Naturalization (or of Readmission to British Nationality) had been granted by the Secretary of State, and whose oaths of allegiance had been registered. The lists are arranged alphabetically by surname and forename; then give country of origin, occupation, address, and date of taking oath of allegiance. This is the list issued in September 1937 of those naturalized in August 1937. An asterisk indicates re-admission."

Hope this helps someone. If so, please add a comment so more of us can learn!


Cheers,
Pat

FindMyPast FREEEEEE till July 6, 2016

Sheesh! Here ya go http://www.findmypast.com/tracing-transatlantic-ancestors?sourceID=13&utm_source=affiliate&utm_content=Geneabloggers&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=%20fmp_us&awc=5927_1467231619_f2331d2c2f19efc540b8ff8032c46b23&dclid=CLXqmNyHzs0CFRaFaQodjUQOdg

FMP has been primarily British Isles records, but now have included numerous USA records. Not all records on the FMP site are free, and you will have to register, but still worth looking at even if you do nothing but READ through their many valuable hints.



Cheers,
Pat

Monday, June 27, 2016

Regina SK Flights to Europe - MADNESS today

So typically these mad prices only exist for hours (12 - 24), but if you can decide quickly maybe you can hook onto one of these flights for 500 - 600 dollars, return, taxes in!!!! Ohhhhhhhhhh I wanna go!!
Be quick http://yqrdeals.com/madness-from-regina-to-europe-tunisia-and-morocco-insane-prices-to-many-many-places-in-the-500s-and-600s-roundtrip-including-taxes


Cheers,
Pat

Bishop's Bank Collection Phili RC [Irish]

I'd never heard of this before reading Claire Santry's post. "It consists of three ledgers, each of about 700 pages, which note the money deposits made by working Catholics into what was popularly known as the Bishop's Bank in Philadelphia. The Bank was set up in May 1848 by Bishop Francis P. Kenrick to provide men and women with a safe place to save and receive interest on their money, and was managed by Mark Antony Frenaye, a businessman who served for many years as the financier and treasurer of the Diocese of Philadelphia." Digitized and FREE online! http://www.irishgenealogynews.com/2016/06/bishops-bank-of-philadelphia-c19th.html


Cheers,
Pat

Follow up to Genealogy in the Park

Thanks for the GREAT time in Alberta!! First at Camrose Library, and then Wayne & Adele got me to Genealogy in the Park {Sherwood Park] for two days. It was truly fantastic as always. Thanks for your kind words Shannon. See a few pics & some notes http://albertaresearch2.blogspot.ca/


Cheers,
Pat

FREE Military Collections FMP

65 million world military records are FREE on FindMyPast this week. That's a LOT of records!! https://blog.findmypast.co.uk/your-ancestors-were-heroes-findmypastcouk-1886266961.html


Cheers,
Pat

Bottled Water Bottles Are Not All the Same?

Not exactly a genealogy topic - although my one great grandmother died in 1903 from arsenic poisoning [well water was contaminated] so maybe it IS genealogy related! haha Just an article explaining what those little numbers and signs mean that are on the bottom of the bottles of water we purchase, and some of the 'take-away' containers used by restaurants. Some are better than others apparently.

I got tired of dealing with all the ads on this site so I just copied and pasted the info below.
The type of plastic is indicated in the form of letters and numbers, as shown in the graphic [which I could not copy], but you can see it here https://nutrilover.com/need-check-buy-bottled-water/ :



This is what they all mean.

PET or PETE
PET is one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer products, and is found in most water and soft drink bottles, and some packaging. It is intended for single use applications; repeated use increases the risk of leaching and bacterial growth. These bottles can release heavy metals and chemicals that affect the hormonal balance. PET plastic is difficult to decontaminate, and proper cleaning requires harmful chemicals.

HDP or HDPE
HDPE plastic is the stiff plastic used to make milk jugs, detergent and oil bottles, toys, and some plastic bags. This kind of plastic releases practically no chemicals. Experts recommend choosing these bottles when buying bottled water, because they’re probably the safest (and thus, contain the cleanest water) you can find on the market.

PVC or 3V
PVC is a soft, flexible plastic used to make clear plastic food wrapping, cooking oil bottles, teething rings, children’s and pets’ toys, and blister packaging for myriad consumer products. It releases 2 toxic chemicals that affect the hormones in your body. Experts recommend buying an alternative if you can find it.

LDPE
This plastic cannot be used in the production of bottles, even though it does not release any chemicals into the water. However, it is nevertheless not a good idea to buy food you find in the shops which use this packaging. You might end up eating not only what you paid for, but also some highly dangerous chemicals.

PP
Another white-colored or semi transparent plastic, used as packing for syrups and yoghurt cups. Polypropylene plastic is tough and lightweight, and has excellent heat-resistance qualities. When heated, it doesn’t melt. It is thus relatively safe. It also serves as a good barrier against moisture, grease and chemicals.


PS
Polystyrene is an inexpensive, lightweight plastic with a wide variety of uses. It is most often used to make disposable styrofoam drinking cups, take-out «clamshell» food containers, egg cartons, and plastic picnic cutlery. It releases some carcinogenic substances when heated. It is completely unsuitable for long-term use as a food or drink container.

PC or non-labeled plastic
Often used in the production of sports water bottles and food containers, this is the most dangerous plastic you will encounter. This category was designed as a catch-all for polycarbonate (PC) and «other» plastics, so reuse and recycling protocols are not standardized within this category. Of primary concern with these plastics, however, is the potential for chemical leaching into food or drink products packaged in polycarbonate containers made using BPA (Bisphenol A).

As of today, check the bottom of the bottle twice!


Cheers,
Pat

Divorces - Indiana & Others

"Don't assume your ancestors didn't get divorced because there isn't a divorce case for them in the area courthouse. Your ancestors may actually have gone to another state to file for divorce, either because it was easier to obtain there, or because there was less chance of them being recognized. In the 1800s and early 1900s, certain states got a (bad) reputation for being a divorce "mill," because they would grind out divorces at an alarming rate.

These states became divorce destinations because:" http://indgensoc.blogspot.ca/2016/06/research-tip-indianas-divorce-mill.html


Cheers,
Pat

DNA Shared cM Project

OK I'll be the first to admit I do NOT understand everything I'm about to share with you. But I know there are many who have already tested, got their results, and WILL understand what's here. Thanks to John Reid for pointing me to this blog by Blaine Bettinger DNA expert. Have a look http://thegeneticgenealogist.com/2016/06/26/update-to-the-shared-cm-project/


Cheers,
Pat

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Genealogy on YouTube - It's Easy & FREE

So from just one person - Dear Myrtle - she has 683 YouTube https://www.google.ca/search?q=dear+myrtle+youtube&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=NVtwV-rKA-eGjwSryLeADg videos.

For those of you who have been nervous to try out this new fangled technology, worry no longer. Give these a try and you'll be so glad you did. They are safe. They are FREE. They are educational!!


Cheers,
Pat

The Irish in the American Civil War

"I want to see you before I die. Last letters of Ulster emigrants in American Civil War Pension Files."
https://irishamericancivilwar.com/2016/06/25/i-want-to-see-you-before-i-die-last-letters-of-ulster-emigrants-in-american-civil-war-pension-files/

This site is a reproduction of a presentation this gentleman gave at the Ulster American Folk Park at Omagh County Tyrone. He's included all the slides he used. I've actually visited that location in Tyrone - spent an entire day as we were staying in Antrim so an easy drive there and back.

His presentation is interesting and the pictures & stories very poignant, and sad, but certainly calls our attention to using the Civil War pension files for our Irish ancestors! I really hadn't considered that. I've used those records (they are on Ancestry) for my US families, but never looked for any of my Irish. Hmmmmm, one more thing to do? Lucky me!! haha


Cheers,
Pat

UK National Archives

For those with British roots, this is a great site. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/

The Guides are research guides. Just type in anything or anywhere you're interested in and you'll be amazed at all the help there is.

Discovery is their online catalogue. Again very helpful. Just take a few minutes and browse the page.

Online collections is exactly that, but only 5% of their records has been digitized, so it's a crap shoot as to what you'll find. It should also remind us that we should not forgot about hands-on research [yourself or hire a local professional]. The same is true of our archives in any part of Canada. Only a tiny percent is online.

Anyway the UK archives site is great. Enjoy!!


Cheers,
Pat

Friday, June 24, 2016

Busy for a Couple Days

I will not be posting anything for a couple days, so you have time to catch up. haha Picking up my granddaughter tonight and hoping to enjoy Indian Head Days, providing the weather reports are all wrong! Not looking good, but we're not ready to pull the plug. Have to make some Grandma memories!! Lol Have a great weekend everyone.


Cheers,
Pat

The Irish Military Census 1922

I'm not a military research, so not very knowledgeable about this website, BUT Irish researchers (me included) will try almost anything to learn more about their Irish ancestors. Looks like there's quite a lot of information here. Have a go http://www.militaryarchives.ie/collections/online-collections/military-archives-irish-army-census-records


Cheers,
Pat

FamilySearch - Something BIG Is About to Happen

For a while now, familysearch.org website has had a banner ad running on their home page. It says "The FamilySearch website will be undergoing a technical upgrade Monday, June 27th starting at 12:00 am MDT (6:00 am UTC) and may be down for up to 24 hours as we test the system." But those 'in the know' such as The Ancestry Insider says "This is big, folks. Nobody shuts their website down for up to 24 hours. Something really important must be in the works."

The something BIG could be the final end of NFS (new family search). And that would be a very good thing!! If you'd like to read his entire article it's http://www.ancestryinsider.org/2016/06/familysearch-announces-shutdown-upgrade.html


Cheers,
Pat

Facebook - Edmonton Branch of AGS

I encourage you to follow & like the Facebook page of the Edmonton Branch of the Alberta Genealogical Society. I think you can find it from this link https://www.facebook.com/AlbertaGenealogicalSocietyEdmontonBranch I'm so used to finding what I want by using Google that I'm not sure this will work.

This branch does amazing work, and is very generous in sharing so many neat things that we might never see otherwise. For instance, just recently I learned about the Ivan Franko Museum in Winnipeg which is unique and the only one in the World outside of Ukraine dedicated to this Galician man. My husbands paternal line came from Galicia and not all that far from the city named after this man. Hmmmmm, must remember this next time I'm in Winnipeg. For anyone interested, the museum link is http://ult-wpg.ca/ivan-franko-museum/

Nice work folks! Thank you.


Cheers,
Pat

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

MapMe FREE

Thanks to Dick Eastman for sharing this.

"You can use it to show the location(s) of your ancestors’ homesteads or perhaps to show the migration paths of several generations of ancestors."

Have a look https://blog.eogn.com/2016/06/17/mapme-a-free-service-for-adding-maps-to-your-web-site/


Cheers,
Pat

Replacing Family Tree Maker

This article may be of interest to a whole lot of you who have been using FTM. http://www.ancestryinsider.org/2016/06/monday-mailbox-replacing-family-tree.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AncestryInsider+%28The+Ancestry+Insider%29

Thanks to the Ancestry Insider for the above.


Cheers,
Pat

DNA Causes a Decision!

DNA evidence resolves baronetcy inheritance claim in Scotland.

This event is Scottish BUT I suspect just the beginning of DNA use for settling alll kinds of claims and conflicts. It's worth a read even if you're not Scottish. http://britishgenes.blogspot.ca/2016/06/dna-evidence-resolves-baronetcy.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+BritishGenesGenealogyNewsAndEvents+(British+GENES+(GEnealogy+News+and+EventS))

Thanks to Chris Paton for the above. You can join his blog from that same page - left side part way down to 'Subscribe'.


Cheers,
Pat

Monday, June 20, 2016

Convict Records

This is an amazing website with tons of links. Looks to be convicts sent to Australia and area, mostly from Great Britain, but I also noticed one from Canada! http://www.coraweb.com.au/convict.htm

I have one brother of my paternal grandfather who has gone missing from Irish and Scottish records. I wonder if this is why and where he ended up as this was such a common practise of just shipping them off ie transporting.


Cheers,
Pat

Historical Map Overlays Google Maps & Google Earth

Thanks to Kimberly Powell at genealogy.com for this very helpful article.

Quote: You can overlay any historic map in Google Maps or Google Earth, but getting everything to match up accurately through geo-referencing can be quite tedious. In some cases others have already done the hard part, making available free downloads of historical maps sized, geo-referenced and ready for you to import directly into Google Maps or Google Earth. http://genealogy.about.com/od/mapping_tools/tp/historical-map-overlays.htm


Cheers,
Pat

Fathers of Saskatchewan

About the men in positions of power who have fathered our province. http://globalnews.ca/news/2770759/taking-a-look-at-the-fathers-of-saskatchewan/

Could be useful as you write your family history to add detail, and make it more than just names and dates which quickly becomes boring, even to dedicated genealogists! haha


Cheers,
Pat

Green Cremation

Well ........... hmmmmm ............ new ideas just keep on comin. Apparently it is available in Saskatchewan having crossed the US border several years ago. Maybe Trump is right about building a wall. hahaha

I am not knocking it as it is supposed to be better for the environment than traditional cremations. Anyway read about dissolving the dead at http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/bodies-dissolved-sewers-smiths-falls-funeral-1.3635063



Cheers,
Pat

Irish Dress Scottish Tartans

I did not finish reading this article as it is extremely loooooong, but it is divided up with titles, so easy enough to find what you are interested in OR read in its entirety when you have some time. http://www.tartansauthority.com/highland-dress/irish-dress/


Cheers,
Pat

Ghosts Towns

Saskatchewan History & Folklore Society has posted about ghost towns, primarily in Saskatchewan, but there is much the same no matter where 'your' ghost town is. Great information, pictures, and dialogue. The one I found on Facebook was from MaxTV Magazine at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqdpKB5Krw9wbBPJ1cCiZ8P16i2eZF-kv Scroll down to find Ghost Towns. Then I found an article on Wikipedia with lists of ghost towns in Saskatchewan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ghost_towns_in_Saskatchewan. If you're interested in ghost towns for any other Province or State, just Google it. Google is truly the most powerful tool we have today!

For instance, I googled "youtube ghost towns saskatchewan" and got 223,000 results! Scroll through to find the town you're interested in. I also found this http://thesheaf.com/2010/04/08/small-town-saskatchewan-immortalized-in-a-series-of-youtube-videos/ It might just be the Browser I'm using at the moment (Firefox), but nothing happened when I tried to launch any of the links on the home page. Too bad. Hopefully you'll have better luck. So I switched to Chrome, from Firefox, and found a whole new set of links that did not pop up from the Firefox search. A VERY GOOD reminder to not always stick with just one Browser.


Cheers,
Pat

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Old Photos

I just found this interesting site http://browse.oldphotoarchive.com/ If you look around you'll see a section titled 'Archive', FB (facebook), and 'Top 40' as well as the Home page. They're all fun, just stay away from clicking on the Ads that are annoyingly often in the middle of the page - guess that's how they pay for the site. There's even a story about how they had the raise the main buildings in Chicago as the city was built on a bog.


Cheers,
Pat

They Changed Our Name at Ellis Island

Most of you know better than this, BUT there are always beginners, or others who still stubbornly cling to this idea. This is a pretty good explanation and remember than the same procedures were followed in Canada. So NO, they did NOT change your name at these ports of arrival. Read http://www.ancestralfindings.com/ Today this is the first article you will see. If you find my post after today (Thursday June 16, 2016) you will probably need to scroll down the page linked - through the newer articles.


Cheers,
Pat

FREE 'HISTORY Here' App

So I was really excited to get this app downloaded on my smartphone. I just read about it from Dick Eastman's newletter, but basically it is "an interactive guide to thousands of historic locations across" and here's where I might have said a wee swear "across the United States". Darn, darn, darn. But for those of you residing in the USA I would be downloading it immediately! It's FREE for Android or iPhone. https://blog.eogn.com/2016/06/15/let-your-cell-phone-tell-you-about-history-here/

Someone PLEASE do this for Canada!


Cheers,
Pat

Pssst! Wanna Buy Your Family's Coat of Arms?

Dick Eastman has just written a great article on the above topic that sooooooooooo many people are interested in. BEFORE you lay down your hard earned dollars, get some FREE knowledge https://blog.eogn.com/2016/06/14/pssst-want-to-buy-your-familys-coat-of-arms/


Cheers,
Pat

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Index the World's Records?

You know how we all use those indexed records at familysearch.org? You know how we whine when the records we need are NOT indexed? Guess how they got there!! Here is your chance to help and it's only two days July 15th to 17th. I helped and I indexed German church records. Time to help again. It's easy. It's fun. It's helpful. It's needed. https://familysearch.org/worldsrecords


Cheers,
Pat

2,000 Year Old Bog Butter - for peat's sake!

This is just toooo cool!! Anyone with Meath [Ireland] ancestors? Maybe your families were part of this? Have a read https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2016/06/14/for-peats-sake-2000-years-old-butter-found-in-irish-bog.html

For peat's sake!! hahaha


Cheers,
Pat

Old Names of Occupations

I know there are tons of these all over the Internet, so I thought one more source wouldn't hurt ... just in case there's one here you've been looking for. http://globalgenealogy.com/globalgazette/gazrr/gazrr88.htm


So that's it for now. It's time for me to get back to learning how to use FindMyPast before my subscription expires as I've had it for six months and had no time to play.


Cheers,
Pat

Any Advice?

This picture was in the possession of every sibling of my husband's father. BUT no one knows anything about them - not who they are, not where the picture was taken, not when it was taken. They appear to be in some sort of Ukrainian clothing, but we're not even sure of that. There was one side of the family from Galicia who came to Canada around 1905. Those people *may* be descendants of the people in this picture which is the front side of a postcard. I keep hoping someone will recognize the costumes.


On the back of the postcard was written the following:


Any help would be appreciated.
I should say that the words have been translated by 3 different Professors of Slavic Languages, AND by a gentleman I met one evening at the Regina Saskatchewan Family History Centre. All were helpful, but the one that made the most sense was the man's - who said he was 'from' that area of Galicia. Small world? For sure.



Cheers,
Pat

Explaining Ukrainian Surnames

Very interesting!! This is part 1 http://www.uapost.us/en/blog/explaining-ukrainian-surnames-part-one/

Part 2 http://eeroots.blogspot.ca/2016/03/explaining-ukrainian-surnames-part-two.html

Part 3 - she mentions writing part 3, so if anyone sees it please share with me so I can share with everyone. It's unfortunate she has not linked her pages so I doubt she will link the 3rd one either.

My husband's paternal grandparents originated in Galicia, so I'm interested as I've done some research on them. They came from a small town called Hawrylak slightly north west of Gorodenka/Horodenka. The grandfather's name was Alexander SANDALACK [no clue what the origins were]. The grandmother was Annie SWYSTUN which seems to be more accurate. In part 2 above, she mentions Swystun as being 'one who whistles'. The family members all had the same picture of an older Ukrainian couple which I will post if I can ever figure out how to make it a reasonable size. We have zero knowledge regarding this couple - not who they are, nor where it was taken, nor when. Any help would be appreciated.

I also just noticed Wikipedia also chimes in on this subject at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_surnames


Cheers,
Pat

Spreadsheet Magic - Excel

I am NOT an expert at Excel, and seldom use it (math is HARD? haha), but for those of you so inclined - this is actually for importing data directly from Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org - here ya go http://www.mkrgenealogy.com/searching-for-stories-blog/spreadsheet-magic-text-to-columns

Seems math is NOT hard for this girl!!


Cheers,
Pat

New Funding BY LAC

Seems appropriate to post this as I've just completed a presentation about the LAC website, how to use it, and some background info. Today, thanks to Gail Dever for posting this: "LAC’s $1.5 million in funding for 40 projects will likely benefit genealogists". The full posting is here http://genealogyalacarte.ca/?p=14835. Even Edmonton is mentioned!!


Cheers,
Pat

Irish Famine Records

NEW! Irish Famine Archive http://faminearchive.nuigalway.ie/
With lots of background information. So sad.


Cheers,
Pat

Manitoba Mennonites

Index to Pioneer Portraits Published in the Red River Valley Echo (Altona, Manitoba) 1974-1980

Compiled by Alf Redekopp

These portraits of Mennonite pioneers in southern Manitoba appeared in the Altona-based Red River Valley Echo as a regular feature from 1974-1980. The first 102 were edited by Lawrence Klippenstein, then teacher and pastor in Altona, and the subsequent ones were edited by Elizabeth Bergen, a columnist with the Echo for many years. The photos and information were almost always supplied by interested relatives of these pioneers. This collection forms a modest tribute to the energies and contributions of the early settlers who first made southern Manitoba their home.

Special thanks to Henry Unger for supplying most of the scanned images of the newspaper clippings. Also, special thanks to the Mennonite Heritage Centre collection of pioneer portaits which included a partial index.

Index includes:
Husband's name/birth year/Wife's Maiden Name/birth year/Portrait No./Date Published
http://www.mennonitegenealogy.com/canada/pioneer/



Cheers,
Pat

Day of the Week Calculators

So this is an interesting site with numerous ways of figuring out what day something happened on. There is the usual perpetual calendar, but some other cool stuff too. http://www.searchforancestors.com/utility/dayofweek.html


Cheers,
Pat

Research vs Pizza

So yesterday I had just the best time I've had for ages!! As I was working on adding posts to this blog, I began to work within one post - using the now lost 1841/51 censuses of Ireland to find those applying for pensions in the very early 1900s. I've worked with these record sets previously, but not when I was really able to concentrate like I was yesterday. And guess what? I'm hot on the trail of several family members and feeling pretty confident I've located some previously unknown names. That's awesome! Right? But I also had to make dinner and I had decided to make my own pizza crust in my bread machine, load it up, and then toss it into the oven. Yumm. I've done this before. But yesterday my brain was more in Ireland than in my kitchen apparently 'cause my pizza dough lacked elasticity, and I couldn't figure out why ... until the pizza was baking and I was cleaning up ... and discovered the brand new jar of yeast I had purchased earlier in the day. Still unopened. Sigh. Hubby is such a great guy. He continued to say "the toppings are great and cooked perfectly". hahaha So today I'm headed back into research. Maybe canned soup for dinner tonight? If you can't laugh at yourself who can you laugh at? LOL


Cheers,
Pat

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Ireland Census Search Forms, 1841 & 1851

"This collection will include Irish Census Search forms images from 1841-1851. The government used these forms to search the 1841 and 1851 Census Search Forms to prove the age of people applying for the Old Age Pension (age 70 or older) during the period between 1915 and 1922, with some records as early as 1908 . This was necessary when birth certificates did not exist because the person was born before Civil Registration had begun for births (1864). This collection was originally captured at the National Archives of Ireland and the index was created by FindMyPast.com." Source & searches available:https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/Ireland_Census_Search_Forms,_1841_and_1851_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records)

Also check out this from the National Archives of Ireland http://censussearchforms.nationalarchives.ie/search/cs/home.jsp I am going to copy and paste their explanation here, just in case it ever disappears as it's the best description I've seen.
"The Old Age Pensions Act 1908 introduced a non-contributory pension for eligible people aged 70 and over. It was implemented from January 1909 in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. To be eligible, applicants had to be 70 years old, to have an income of less than £31.10.00 per annum and to 'be of good character'. During the first three months of 1909, 261,668 applications were made in Ireland. By 31 March 1910, 180,974 Irish pensions had been granted. The level of take-up from those eligible in Ireland was 98%, as opposed to 45% in England and Wales, demonstrating the need for such a measure due to widespread poverty. The full pension of 5 shillings per week for a single person, or 7 shillings per week for a married couple, was available to those with an income of less than £21.00.00 per annum.

Proof of age was an essential part of the process of application for a pension. Because civil registration of births did not begin in Ireland until 1864, applicants had no official documentation to prove their age. It was decided that searches of the 1841 and 1851 census returns, still in the Public Record Office at this time, could produce acceptable documentary evidence of a claimant's age. The claimant had to provide parents' names and their residence in March 1841/1851. They also had to state the age they believed themselves to have been in the appropriate year. These forms were sent to the Public Record Office where searches were carried out to prove eligibility. When a search could not find the claimant, the form was returned with 'not found' or 'no trace' written on it. Even then, you will get the claimant's version of his family members' names and location in 1841 or 1851. But many searches were successful, and these can often provide the names and ages of every person living in the claimant's household at the time of the relevant census." Now go ahead and read more here http://censussearchforms.nationalarchives.ie/search/cs/home.jsp AND search here http://censussearchforms.nationalarchives.ie/search/cs/index.jsp

So I began writing this post some three hours ago, then I got caught up doing searches to see how they really worked and am having the MOST fun!! Hahaha I believe I've finally found some of 'mine' and that seldom happens anymore. Now I remember how much fun this genealogy stuff really IS. LOL

It is now one day since I wrote this initial post AND I'm still digging through these records. What I have discovered this morning is that FindMyPast also has these records AND that what I'm finding on all three websites is almost always COMPLETELY DIFFERENT! People show up on one site, but not on the other two, or vice-versa. This just proves once more that we cannot stop until we exhaust everything available. Crazy!!


Cheers,
Pat

What's New at FamilySearch?

Some of you will know that for about ten years I taught an online course about how to use the LDS website familysearch.org I stopped when the major changes began a few years back, and have never started again because ... well ... ummmm ... the changes continue! I guess that's a good thing, but I worry about so many people who are not able to use this fantastic website simply because they don't know how.

So this morning I did some in-depth research and discovered that the changes continue. sigh. What I can do to help right now is point you to their section that deals with what's new at familysearch. Take some time, and puddle around. There's lots of good info here. Best of luck. https://familysearch.org/blog/en/whats-new-at-familysearch/


Cheers,
Pat

Monday, June 13, 2016

Most Recent List of Genealogy Records by Country

Well this is an amazing find, I think! Truthfully I just found it and before losing it [haha] I want to share it with you all. The link I found most interesting is the Articles http://genealogyintime.com/genealogy-articles.html BUT who knows what I've missed so here's the link to their home page too http://genealogyintime.com/

Well that's a good start on all the wonderful links I've been saving for you for a month or more. Sorry I was sick for a few weeks and then preparing for the magical trip to Genealogy in the Park. Just home now and getting back into the swing of blogging so stay tuned as there's lots more to come!!


Cheers,
Pat

Czech Roots

I don't do Czech research, but I've been to the country and LOVED it! Here's a good site I ran across with a ton of research tools. http://www.myczechroots.com/


Cheers,
Pat

Family History Videos - How To's

Many thanks to my friend Lisa Louise Cooke and her awesome website Genealogy Gems http://lisalouisecooke.com/ for sharing an example of a video she made. And then head off to her website http://lisalouisecooke.com/2016/06/create-captivating-family-history-videos-episode-2/ to learn how easy and fun it is to make YOUR OWN Family History videos!! Such a talented young lady. Let me know how you make out please?


Cheers,
Pat

Index of Townlands Online [Irish]

I may have already posted this, but it's worth repeating if I did. Have a look http://www.irishancestors.ie/?p=5709

For anyone new to Irish research, finding the right townland is absolutely mandatory. Problem is there are 64,000 of them and the names were often repeated throughout the country. This site explains it very well AND allows you to search the database.


Cheers,
Pat

A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland & Index

From Library of Ireland - which is a pretty interesting site - there is more than what shows on their home page http://www.libraryireland.com/Genealogy.php

In the Search box type 'topographical dictionary'. On the new page scroll down past the ads [I never click on any ads on any website] and be prepared to be amazed!! "The Index to Topographical Dictionary" is particularly helpful http://www.libraryireland.com/topog/placeindex.php

This should keep you occupied until well past bedtime! hahaha


Cheers,
Pat

I Want To Learn This - Adobe Spark

Turn words and images into beautiful web stories - in minutes!! Have a look at this example and see if you wouldn't want to learn this too!!

A great example of what Vera Marie Badertscher, a genealogist, did is here https://spark.adobe.com/cp/R3PGa/ titled The Story of a House. It's very cool and looks pretty easy!


Another example is a short video Dear Myrtle did http://blog.dearmyrtle.com/2016/05/test-treasures-from-old-newspapers.html


And see the adobe spark website here https://spark.adobe.com/

I cannot imagine EVER getting bored!!!! There are just sooooooooooo many things to learn and do.


Cheers,
Pat

FREE Online How-To Course from University of Glasgow

So for those of you who always wanted to take a genealogy University course - FREE - here ya go https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/genealogy

And they have other courses that might be of interest to some of you - just poke around their website a bit.


Cheers,
Pat

Library Sharings with Sharon

One of the features I really like is from the Edmonton Branch of the Alberta Genealogical Society's facebook page called "Library Sharings with Sharon". Have a look at their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AlbertaGenealogicalSocietyEdmontonBranch/photos/a.1398175283729693.1073741828.1380667542147134/1594599144087305/ "Like" the site and you'll get all the updates!! GREAT job Sharon!!


Cheers,
Pat

Ontario Vital Stats Online

Thanks to Janet Agombar Roy for this announcement on Shannon's Genealogy Friends (which I can't figure out how to link to ... so Sorry!), but here is the link to the annnouncement http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/e_records/vs_records_release_ancestry.aspx


Cheers,
Pat

What Irish Records Are Online?

WOW this is awesome!! John Grenham has done this amazing post about "the quick and dirty answer" to what Irish records are online, on his blog here http://www.johngrenham.com/blog/

The entire article is here https://www.johngrenham.com/browse/retrieve_text.php?text_contentid=488#general

I am super excited to have a serious look 'cause there's a couple links that I've not been to for too long!! Wishing success to everyone!


Cheers,
Pat

Genealogy in the Park = SUCCESS & Fun!

Thanks so much to all who came out to Camrose and to Sherwood Park this past weekend. It was seriously GREAT fun. To Shannon and Tammy (happy birthday Tammy) who spent countless hours/days/weeks/months organizing the Genealogy in the Park event, congratulations ladies!! The whole thing went off without a hitch! Thanks also to Camrose Branch of AGS for inviting me, and taking such great care of me. Thanks to Fay for housing and feeding me.

I hope to be invited back at some time. It's really a favorite of mine!!


Cheers,
Pat

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Camrose & Sherwood Park Alberta - Here I Come!!

Again I'm way behind in posting stuff here, but our company from New Brunswick JUST left and I'm flying out tomorrow morning for Alberta ... so a lot to get done. I'm in Camrose tomorrow evening at 7pm, and then at Genealogy in the Park in Sherwood Park Friday and Saturday. The registrations have been going GREAT and there is always room for one more so come on along. Here's the Genealogy in the Park link and info http://albertaresearch2.blogspot.ca/2016/01/genealogy-in-park-presents-pat-ryan.html Look for the links at the top of the page, and also the registration is there.

Up, up, and away!! Can't wait to see all my friends, and make some new ones.


Cheers,
Pat

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Camrose Alberta

For anyone in that beautiful area of Alberta, please come out and join me at 7pm. June 9th, 2016 for an evening of genealogy hilarity ... with some really important messages too!! WooHoo!!! Can't wait!! Always fun to go someplace new, and meet more genealogists. Whenever a group of genealogists get together, magic always happens. It's amazing how many times people have discovered 'cousins' within a new group. Maybe some will smash some brick walls to smithereens. BTW where IS smithereens? Hahahaha


Cheers,
Pat