The Research Group met at noon on 9 April. John Finch conducted the meeting in the absence of Randy Seaver. In attendance were 9 CVGS members. The meeting began with around the table introductions and everyone describing their respective level and focus of family history research. A range of experience from just a month to that of many years was present.
John displayed a 15 generation chart to illustrate, that even the seasoned researcher has numerous gaps family lines. A 15 generation chart my be obtained at: http://www.sgenealogy.com/
A review of recent data added or updated at ancestry.com reveals a significant increase in vital statistics for the state of Pennsylvania, to include the Colonial Period and a free index England and Wales, FreeBMD, 1837-1983. This site was recommended by June Hanson, our March guest speaker. Another site new at Ancestry is the U.S. IRS Tax Assessment Lists, 1862-1918. These lists include property taxes and business taxes. If your ancestor owned a small business, he or she may show up on these tax lists. Not all states have been included as yet.
Myrna presented her research problem. She has had difficulty finding Elizabeth Root before her marriage. Elizabeth was born 26 July 1784 in Westfield or Westford, Connecticut and died 26 November 1877 in Sandusky County, Ohio. She was married twice, to David Camp with an issue of eleven children. After David’s death she married Francis Holton. During her lifetime she resided in Vermont, New York and Ohio
Suggestions included looking to Vermont, New York and Ohio records; checking with local genealogical and/or historical societies in these areas; check for any community publications contemporary to her time and to Google the name for other posted data.
This final piece of advice seemed to be the best. Myrna reported later that day that she was able to discover a book, History of the Western Reserve, by Harriet Taylor Upton, H.G. Cutler, that includes an article about Elizabeth and her husband David Camp. From this book, Myrna learned that Elizabeth was actually born in Connecticut and removed to Vermont after her marriage. The next step, now, will be to follow up on her premarital years in Connecticut.
We can’t always promise this success to your research problems, but sharing experiences and suggestions just may give you that edge.
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