A group of Chula Vista Genealogical Society members has been writing an official history of CVGS so that we know who did what when and how. President Gary Brock put a spreadsheet together with the names of the officers and committee members in addition to the number of members and membership dues. The 20 years of society newsletters was very helpful to determine the names and events.
While the society started in 1982 as part of the Chula Vista Historical Society, it became an independent entity in 1991 with the first set of By-Laws and elected officers. The Presidents of CVGS to date have been:
1991-1992: June Dawson
1993-1994: Geni Powell
1995-1996: Peggy Donovan
1997-1998: Nina Schultheis
1999-2000: Bernice Heiter
2001-2002: Susi Pentico
2003-2004: Shirley Becker
2005-2006: John Finch
1007-2008: Randy Seaver
2009-2010: Gary Brock
2011-2012: Gary Brock
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
CVGS Holiday Luncheon Review
About 30 Chula Vista Genealogical Society members and guests gathered at the Chula Vista South Branch Library on Wednesday, 14 December, for the Annual Holiday Luncheon featuring good food, good company, good humor, and gift exchanges.
The society provided the turkey and ham and drinks, and the attendees brought yummy snacks, salads, potatoes, vegetables, casseroles and desserts to share.
CVGS President Gary Brock opened the festivities by welcoming everyone, recognizing new members and guests, introducing the current Board members, and having a moment of silence for our departed members, emergency first responders, and Armed Services members. After a very short business meeting, we had our luncheon.
The program was a slide show titled "Honoring Those Who Got Us Here." Gary honored eleven persons - former Presidents, life members, and long-time members (more than 20 years. The slide show became a guessing game, using photos of the honorees from childhood to present day. In addition, Gary presented each honoree with a new nametag adorned with small jewels that represent 20 year member, past President, committee members, Board officers, education class attendance, and speakers. As each honoree was presented, their achievements in CVGS were highlighted on the screen.
The eleven honorees were:
* Dearl Glenn - a Life member
* Dorothy Alvord - a 20 year member
* John Finch - a Past President
* Phyllis Learned - a 20 year member
* Randy Seaver - a Past President, and 20 year member
* Bernice Heiter - a Life member, a past President, and a 20-year member.
* Shirley Becker - a past President, and 20 year member
* Susi Pentico - a past President, and 20 year member
* Nancy Smith - a 20 year member
* Averill (Boots) Williams - a 20 year member
* Helen Thompson - a 20 year member.
After the slide show, the gift exchange was held, then the drawings for the prizes (Phyllis and Fran won a Marie Callender's pie; John and Barbara won a Jimmy's at the Park gift certificate.
The Door prizes (donated by Dorothy Alvord, Susi Pentico and Bernice Heiter) were won by Phyllis Learned (the Santa), Fran Cornell (the Angel) and Joan Largey (the Nutcracker).
This was a fun and happy time for our little genealogy community.
The society provided the turkey and ham and drinks, and the attendees brought yummy snacks, salads, potatoes, vegetables, casseroles and desserts to share.
CVGS President Gary Brock opened the festivities by welcoming everyone, recognizing new members and guests, introducing the current Board members, and having a moment of silence for our departed members, emergency first responders, and Armed Services members. After a very short business meeting, we had our luncheon.
The program was a slide show titled "Honoring Those Who Got Us Here." Gary honored eleven persons - former Presidents, life members, and long-time members (more than 20 years. The slide show became a guessing game, using photos of the honorees from childhood to present day. In addition, Gary presented each honoree with a new nametag adorned with small jewels that represent 20 year member, past President, committee members, Board officers, education class attendance, and speakers. As each honoree was presented, their achievements in CVGS were highlighted on the screen.
The eleven honorees were:
* Dearl Glenn - a Life member
* Dorothy Alvord - a 20 year member
* John Finch - a Past President
* Phyllis Learned - a 20 year member
* Randy Seaver - a Past President, and 20 year member
* Bernice Heiter - a Life member, a past President, and a 20-year member.
* Shirley Becker - a past President, and 20 year member
* Susi Pentico - a past President, and 20 year member
* Nancy Smith - a 20 year member
* Averill (Boots) Williams - a 20 year member
* Helen Thompson - a 20 year member.
After the slide show, the gift exchange was held, then the drawings for the prizes (Phyllis and Fran won a Marie Callender's pie; John and Barbara won a Jimmy's at the Park gift certificate.
The Door prizes (donated by Dorothy Alvord, Susi Pentico and Bernice Heiter) were won by Phyllis Learned (the Santa), Fran Cornell (the Angel) and Joan Largey (the Nutcracker).
This was a fun and happy time for our little genealogy community.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
December 2011 Newsletter is Available
...The December 2011 issue of the Chula Vista Genealogical
Society Newsletter is available online at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cacvgs2/Newsletters/11_12dec.pdf.
The Table of Contents for this issue includes:
page 1 -- December 14th Holiday Luncheon
page 6 -- Lemon Grove Research Group News
The Table of Contents for this issue includes:
page 1 -- December 14th Holiday Luncheon
page 2 -- President’s
Message
page 3 -- Ask
Gene E. Allogee, Tips and Techniques
page 4 -- Research
Group News
page 4 -- The
Perfect Christmas Gift
page 5 -- November
26th Program Review
page 5 -- Writing
the History of CVGS
page 6 -- Spring
Seminar Announcement
page 6 -- Computer
Group News
page 6 -- Lemon Grove Research Group News
page 6 -- CVGS
Book Collection is Moving
page 6 -- Another
Reason to Attend Genealogy Conferences
page 7 -- Computer-Related
Genealogy News
page 8 -- Upcoming
Webinars
page 8 -- Online
Articles that Might Help Your Research
page 9 -- CVGS
Society Information
page 9 -- San
Diego Genealogy Events
page 10 -- Genealogy
Days in Chula Vista
Monday, December 12, 2011
CVGS Holiday Luncheon on Wednesday, 14 December
...
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society Annual Holiday Luncheon is this coming Wednesday, 14 December, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chula Vista South Branch Library (389 Orange Avenue) in the Conference Rooms (west end of the library, enter through the south-facing door that opens to the parking lot).
The luncheon will have turkey, ham, and drinks provided by CVGS. The pot luck breakdown for the rest of the meal will be (for last names starting with):
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society Annual Holiday Luncheon is this coming Wednesday, 14 December, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chula Vista South Branch Library (389 Orange Avenue) in the Conference Rooms (west end of the library, enter through the south-facing door that opens to the parking lot).
The luncheon will have turkey, ham, and drinks provided by CVGS. The pot luck breakdown for the rest of the meal will be (for last names starting with):
A-F Desserts
G-K Salad, rolls,
butter
L-P Snack tray, condiments,
olives, pickles, cranberry sauce, etc.
Q-Z Potatoes (regular or sweet),
veggies, casseroles.
Please
contact Susi Pentico (619-690-1188, or
SusiCP@cox.net)
to coordinate the potluck
dishes.
The program will
be a retrospective -
“Honoring Those Who Got Us Here” by CVGS President
Gary Brock.
Members are
requested to bring canned food and/or unwrapped toys for donation to the
Salvation Army.
A gift exchange
will be held (maximum value $10) – bring a wrapped gift in order to draw one.
For the Door
prize, everyone will get a free ticket to win a Santa or an Angel.
Buy opportunity
drawing tickets to win centerpiece decorations.
Meat leftovers
will be auctioned off to the highest bidders.
We hope to see
all of our members and friends at this event!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
CVGS November Program: "Heirloom Discovery Day" with Georgie Stillman
One of the highlights of the Chula
Vista Genealogical Society year is the November program meeting with Georgie
Stillman, ASA, who presents an "Heirloom Discovery Day" with members' heirlooms
as the subjects. You can read about Georgie's credentials in November 30th CVGS Program is "Heirloom Discovery Day." This is CVGS' own "Antiques Road Show" program.
Georgie provided basic appraisal advice, noting that "values are a reflection of what rich people and collectors will pay for an item." In many cases, collectors items are status symbols and trappings of wealth, although items handed down by family may be well used. Each person provided a brief summary of what they brought for appraisal and its' known provenance. Georgie then described what the item was, the approximate time it was created, and its approximate value. There were 11 items explained, evaluated and appraised:
* Karen had two framed pictures of 19th century ships, bought in the 1950s at an antique store in Oklahoma. Georgie said that they were probably pictures from a Western European country, perhaps originally purchased from a seaside village artist.
* Jaye showed a pony horse collar for a horse-cart handed down from her father's effects in Missouri in 1966. Georgie said that this collar had high quality leather, was rare now, and might bring $5000 in the right market.
* JoAnn had a Fenton glassware bowl with an iridescent finish, found in a trash can. Georgie noted that it was a 1940s butterfly patter, with unique coloring, and priced it at about $400.
* JoAnn also had two beautiful red Japanese enamel glassware bowls. Georgie said they were made of high quality silver from the 19th century, and might bring $300.
* Susi had a book in German with the history of Napoleon, Frederick the Great and Peter the Great. Georgie suggested asking a book appraiser, because it may be valuable; she suggested Adams Avenue Book in San Diego.
* Susi also showed one of a set of her grandmother's dishware. Georgie said that it was by Homer Loughlin, was homegrown pottery style from the 1930s.
* Pam showed a candle holder, with a snuffer, used to light the way in the house. Georgie noted that it was English silver, Elkington-Cole, from the 19th century.
* Joan brought one small and one large box that were her mother's. The boxes were machine made in the late 19th century but handcrafted with hammered sides. They would appeal to arts and crafts collectors.
* Barbara had a mirror and wooden dresser stand (with a Chargers sticker on it), which she loves. Georgie said this was from the late 18th or early 19th century art deco period, made for middle class people who wanted nice things, and was of modest value.
* Joanna brought a large candle holder, probably from Buffalo NY. Georgie said that it was pewter, handmade, had no marks, with some machine made parts, from the 1920s.
* Jacqui had a large framed painting done in "crayon" in New York dated 1857 on the back. Georgie noted that the painting was a dovecote, done in charcoal, and was a typical American folk art picture.
I hope I got these right!
Georgie provided basic appraisal advice, noting that "values are a reflection of what rich people and collectors will pay for an item." In many cases, collectors items are status symbols and trappings of wealth, although items handed down by family may be well used. Each person provided a brief summary of what they brought for appraisal and its' known provenance. Georgie then described what the item was, the approximate time it was created, and its approximate value. There were 11 items explained, evaluated and appraised:
* Karen had two framed pictures of 19th century ships, bought in the 1950s at an antique store in Oklahoma. Georgie said that they were probably pictures from a Western European country, perhaps originally purchased from a seaside village artist.
* Jaye showed a pony horse collar for a horse-cart handed down from her father's effects in Missouri in 1966. Georgie said that this collar had high quality leather, was rare now, and might bring $5000 in the right market.
* JoAnn had a Fenton glassware bowl with an iridescent finish, found in a trash can. Georgie noted that it was a 1940s butterfly patter, with unique coloring, and priced it at about $400.
* JoAnn also had two beautiful red Japanese enamel glassware bowls. Georgie said they were made of high quality silver from the 19th century, and might bring $300.
* Susi had a book in German with the history of Napoleon, Frederick the Great and Peter the Great. Georgie suggested asking a book appraiser, because it may be valuable; she suggested Adams Avenue Book in San Diego.
* Susi also showed one of a set of her grandmother's dishware. Georgie said that it was by Homer Loughlin, was homegrown pottery style from the 1930s.
* Pam showed a candle holder, with a snuffer, used to light the way in the house. Georgie noted that it was English silver, Elkington-Cole, from the 19th century.
* Joan brought one small and one large box that were her mother's. The boxes were machine made in the late 19th century but handcrafted with hammered sides. They would appeal to arts and crafts collectors.
* Barbara had a mirror and wooden dresser stand (with a Chargers sticker on it), which she loves. Georgie said this was from the late 18th or early 19th century art deco period, made for middle class people who wanted nice things, and was of modest value.
* Joanna brought a large candle holder, probably from Buffalo NY. Georgie said that it was pewter, handmade, had no marks, with some machine made parts, from the 1920s.
* Jacqui had a large framed painting done in "crayon" in New York dated 1857 on the back. Georgie noted that the painting was a dovecote, done in charcoal, and was a typical American folk art picture.
I hope I got these right!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Genealogy Days in Chula Vista - December 2011
The Chula Vista Genealogical
Society events for December 2011 include:
** Wednesday, 14 December, 11 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista South Branch Library (389 Orange Avenue) -- Annual Holiday Luncheon meets in the Conference Rooms (west end of building). Turkey, ham and drinks will be provided, potluck items to be coordinated with Susi Pentico (619-623-5250). There will be a brief society business meeting, a presentation about CVGS history, a gift exchange, opportunity drawings, a door prize. Attendees are requested to bring canned goods and children's toys for donation to the Salvation Army.
** Wednesday, 21 December, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Computer Group meets in the Library Computer Lab, led by Shirley Becker. Sharpen your computer skills and investigate online genealogy resources.
The Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library is located at 365 "F" Street in Chula Vista - between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, midway between I-5 and I-805 (take the "E" Street exit from the freeways).
The Chula Vista South Library is at 389 Orange Avenue (southeast corner on Fourth Avenue) - parking lot is off of Orange east of Fourth.
We welcome guests and visitors to our CVGS programs and events - if you are in the greater San Diego area and want to attend our events - please come and introduce yourselves.
** Wednesday, 14 December, 11 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista South Branch Library (389 Orange Avenue) -- Annual Holiday Luncheon meets in the Conference Rooms (west end of building). Turkey, ham and drinks will be provided, potluck items to be coordinated with Susi Pentico (619-623-5250). There will be a brief society business meeting, a presentation about CVGS history, a gift exchange, opportunity drawings, a door prize. Attendees are requested to bring canned goods and children's toys for donation to the Salvation Army.
** Wednesday, 21 December, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Computer Group meets in the Library Computer Lab, led by Shirley Becker. Sharpen your computer skills and investigate online genealogy resources.
The Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library is located at 365 "F" Street in Chula Vista - between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, midway between I-5 and I-805 (take the "E" Street exit from the freeways).
The Chula Vista South Library is at 389 Orange Avenue (southeast corner on Fourth Avenue) - parking lot is off of Orange east of Fourth.
We welcome guests and visitors to our CVGS programs and events - if you are in the greater San Diego area and want to attend our events - please come and introduce yourselves.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
November 30th CVGS Program is "Heirloom Discovery Day"
...
The next program meeting of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society will be on Wednesday, 30 November at 12 noon in the Auditorium at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library in downtown Chula Vista (365 F Street). Please enter through the Conference Room (in the east hallway) in order to register your presence, pick up any handouts, and have a snack.
This is the fifth time that Georgie has done this program for us, and it gets better every year!
The next program meeting of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society will be on Wednesday, 30 November at 12 noon in the Auditorium at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library in downtown Chula Vista (365 F Street). Please enter through the Conference Room (in the east hallway) in order to register your presence, pick up any handouts, and have a snack.
The program will feature Georgie Stillman, ASA, presenting an “Heirloom Discovery
Day.” Georgie will evaluate, provide some historical background and
estimate a value of family heirlooms brought in by CVGS members. Her expertise
is in evaluating and appraising silver, china, glass ware, furniture, artworks,
quilts and samplers.
Georgie
Stillman (http://georgiestillman.com/bio.htm) has
worked as a professional appraiser in London, England, Phoenix, and San Diego
since 1971.
She has served as president of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), vice
president of the San Diego chapter, and was founding director of the
International Society of Appraisers. She has received numerous awards for her
outstanding service, including Appraiser of the Year. Besides being a
professional instructor at various colleges, she has made many radio/TV guest
appearances and written articles for many publications, teaching audiences about
antiques and art.
This is the fifth time that Georgie has done this program for us, and it gets better every year!
Save the date, Wednesday, 14
December, for the annual Holiday Luncheon at the Chula Vista South Branch
Library. More details later!
For more information, please contact
Virginia Taylor (email irishdoll@cox.net,
or phone 619-425-7922).
Thursday, November 10, 2011
CVGS Research Group Review - 9 November 2011
...
At the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Research Group meeting on 9 November, we had 12 enthusiastic genealogists.
Randy presented a review of the Civil War Pension File that he received from the National Archives back in January. The 81 page images sent on a CDROM from NARA were not in date order, so he put them in date order in order to create a timeline of events, starting with when Isaac Seaver declared his intent to obtain an invalid pension (1892) to when his widow died 31 years later (1923). He then showed many of the different documents included in the Pension File and discussed what and why they were written.
In the sharing portion of the meeting, the attendees highlighted:
* Gary passed around four books by Angus Baxter in the "In Search Of ..." series for Canada, British Isles, Germany and Europe that the society received as a donation.
* Sam obtained a World War I Draft Registration card and described it in detail, and has been finding information about ancestral families on the Find-A-Grave cemetery website.
* John took a picture of an uncle's gravestone in Lee County, Illinois that was toppling due to a tree root. He contacted the cemetery, and the local monument company, and, for a fee, had the stone righted and cleaned. He showed us "before" and "after" pictures.
* Dearl has the feature articles from Family Tree Magazine for all of the states and cities published to date, and will share them with society colleagues. He noted that he has his great-grandfather's Confederate Civil War Pension File from Texas.
* Gary is working on a way to view the old World Family Tree CDROMs for Windows 7 and 64-bit computer users.
* Virginia has two Civil War Pension Files for her Union ancestors, one has 300 pages.
* Bobbie applied for and received an Early Settlers Certificate for Lake county, Illinois. She received some pictures of the immigrant farm houses, and found the location on a Lake County plat map.
* Sylvia has a picture of her 1850's ancestral homes, who also built a schoolhouse on their land in Missouri.
* Connie will try to join the Daughters of Union Veterans following Susan's Civil War presentation. She asked how she could find out more about her adopted brother's birth parents (they know the names) in the 1940s in San Diego. The group suggested searching for the marriage record, death records, obituaries and census records for them based on the known information.
* Genie is just starting her research. Her mother's side is well documented, but her father's is not. That side of the family wouldn't talk about the family. She is concerned about health issues.
There will be no Research Group meeting in December, since 14 December is the date of the CVGS Holiday Luncheon party at the Chula Vista South Branch Library (389 Orange Avenue). The next Research Group meeting will be on Wednesday, 10 January 2012, in the Conference Room at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street).
At the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Research Group meeting on 9 November, we had 12 enthusiastic genealogists.
Randy presented a review of the Civil War Pension File that he received from the National Archives back in January. The 81 page images sent on a CDROM from NARA were not in date order, so he put them in date order in order to create a timeline of events, starting with when Isaac Seaver declared his intent to obtain an invalid pension (1892) to when his widow died 31 years later (1923). He then showed many of the different documents included in the Pension File and discussed what and why they were written.
In the sharing portion of the meeting, the attendees highlighted:
* Gary passed around four books by Angus Baxter in the "In Search Of ..." series for Canada, British Isles, Germany and Europe that the society received as a donation.
* Sam obtained a World War I Draft Registration card and described it in detail, and has been finding information about ancestral families on the Find-A-Grave cemetery website.
* John took a picture of an uncle's gravestone in Lee County, Illinois that was toppling due to a tree root. He contacted the cemetery, and the local monument company, and, for a fee, had the stone righted and cleaned. He showed us "before" and "after" pictures.
* Dearl has the feature articles from Family Tree Magazine for all of the states and cities published to date, and will share them with society colleagues. He noted that he has his great-grandfather's Confederate Civil War Pension File from Texas.
* Gary is working on a way to view the old World Family Tree CDROMs for Windows 7 and 64-bit computer users.
* Virginia has two Civil War Pension Files for her Union ancestors, one has 300 pages.
* Bobbie applied for and received an Early Settlers Certificate for Lake county, Illinois. She received some pictures of the immigrant farm houses, and found the location on a Lake County plat map.
* Sylvia has a picture of her 1850's ancestral homes, who also built a schoolhouse on their land in Missouri.
* Connie will try to join the Daughters of Union Veterans following Susan's Civil War presentation. She asked how she could find out more about her adopted brother's birth parents (they know the names) in the 1940s in San Diego. The group suggested searching for the marriage record, death records, obituaries and census records for them based on the known information.
* Genie is just starting her research. Her mother's side is well documented, but her father's is not. That side of the family wouldn't talk about the family. She is concerned about health issues.
There will be no Research Group meeting in December, since 14 December is the date of the CVGS Holiday Luncheon party at the Chula Vista South Branch Library (389 Orange Avenue). The next Research Group meeting will be on Wednesday, 10 January 2012, in the Conference Room at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street).
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
November CVGS Newsletter is Available
...
The November 2011 issue of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Newsletter is available online at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cacvgs2/Newsletters/11_11nov.pdf.
The Table of Contents for this issue includes:
* page 1 -- November 30th Program
* page 2 -- President’s Message
* page 2 -- November 12th Saturday Workshop
* page 3 -- December 14th Holiday Luncheon
* page 3 -- Ask Gene E. Allogee, Tips and Techniques
* page 4 -- Research Group News
* page 5 -- October 26th Program Review
* page 5 -- Rest in Peace – Grace Lee (1927-2011)
* page 6 -- Spring Seminar Announcement
* page 6 -- Computer Group News
* page 6 -- Lemon Grove Research Group News
* page 7 -- Computer-Related Genealogy News
* page 8 -- Upcoming Webinars
* page 8 -- Online Articles that Might Help Your Research
* page 9 -- CVGS Society Information
* page 9 -- San Diego Genealogy Events
* page 10 -- Genealogy Days in Chula Vista
The November 2011 issue of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Newsletter is available online at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cacvgs2/Newsletters/11_11nov.pdf.
The Table of Contents for this issue includes:
* page 1 -- November 30th Program
* page 2 -- President’s Message
* page 2 -- November 12th Saturday Workshop
* page 3 -- December 14th Holiday Luncheon
* page 3 -- Ask Gene E. Allogee, Tips and Techniques
* page 4 -- Research Group News
* page 5 -- October 26th Program Review
* page 5 -- Rest in Peace – Grace Lee (1927-2011)
* page 6 -- Spring Seminar Announcement
* page 6 -- Computer Group News
* page 6 -- Lemon Grove Research Group News
* page 7 -- Computer-Related Genealogy News
* page 8 -- Upcoming Webinars
* page 8 -- Online Articles that Might Help Your Research
* page 9 -- CVGS Society Information
* page 9 -- San Diego Genealogy Events
* page 10 -- Genealogy Days in Chula Vista
Monday, October 31, 2011
Genealogy Days in Chula Vista - November 2011
...
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society events for November 2011 include:
** Saturday, 12 November, 1 p.m.to 3 p.m., Bonita County Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- Outreach Workshop meets in Community Room. Susi Pentico will present "The Development of the First Counties of Pennsylvania."
** Wednesday 9 November, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Research Group meets in the Library Conference Room, led by Randy Seaver. We will review the latest genealogy news, share success stories and information, and discuss members research problems, and potential solutions, based on the collective knowledge and wisdom of the group.
** Wednesday, 16 November, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Computer Group meets in the Library Computer Lab, led by Shirley Becker. Sharpen your computer skills and investigate online genealogy resources.
** Wednesday, 30 November, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- General Society Meeting meets in the Auditorium. Local appraiser Georgie Stillman will present "Heirloom Discovery Day" by evaluating CVGS member ephemera and antiques. There will be a society business meeting before the presentation.
The Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library is located at 365 "F" Street in Chula Vista - between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, midway between I-5 and I-805 (take the "E" Street exit from the freeways).
The Bonita Library is located at 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita - just west of the Otay Lakes Road intersection with Bonita Road, on the north side of Bonita Road. The Chula Vista South Library is at 389 Orange Avenue (southeast corner on Fourth Avenue) - parking lot is off of Orange east of Fourth.
We welcome guests and visitors to our CVGS programs and events - if you are in the greater San Diego area and want to attend our events - please come and introduce yourselves.
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society events for November 2011 include:
** Saturday, 12 November, 1 p.m.to 3 p.m., Bonita County Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- Outreach Workshop meets in Community Room. Susi Pentico will present "The Development of the First Counties of Pennsylvania."
** Wednesday 9 November, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Research Group meets in the Library Conference Room, led by Randy Seaver. We will review the latest genealogy news, share success stories and information, and discuss members research problems, and potential solutions, based on the collective knowledge and wisdom of the group.
** Wednesday, 16 November, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Computer Group meets in the Library Computer Lab, led by Shirley Becker. Sharpen your computer skills and investigate online genealogy resources.
** Wednesday, 30 November, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- General Society Meeting meets in the Auditorium. Local appraiser Georgie Stillman will present "Heirloom Discovery Day" by evaluating CVGS member ephemera and antiques. There will be a society business meeting before the presentation.
The Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library is located at 365 "F" Street in Chula Vista - between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, midway between I-5 and I-805 (take the "E" Street exit from the freeways).
The Bonita Library is located at 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita - just west of the Otay Lakes Road intersection with Bonita Road, on the north side of Bonita Road. The Chula Vista South Library is at 389 Orange Avenue (southeast corner on Fourth Avenue) - parking lot is off of Orange east of Fourth.
We welcome guests and visitors to our CVGS programs and events - if you are in the greater San Diego area and want to attend our events - please come and introduce yourselves.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Program Summary - "Refighting the Civil War - Part 2"
...
The October 26th Program meeting for the Chula Vista Genealogical Society featured CVGS member Susan Zimmer (on the Union side) and Robyn Adair (on the Confederate side) discussing their Civil War soldiers, the San Diego area heritage organizations, and resources that should be consulted to find information about Civil War era ancestors. They were in "period dress" for this presentation. Thirty three persons were in attendance.
There were no "pistols at ten yards" for this showdown commemorating the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. Susan quizzed the audience on the event that started the Civil War, the bloodiest battle, asked if more American lives were lost in the Civil War than in World War II, the years the war began and ended, who were the generals at Appomattox Courthouse, and if General Grant allowed the Confederate soldiers to keep their weapons.
Susan described the role of California and San Diego in the War. There was only one incident in San Diego County - near Lake Henshaw, called the "Affair at Minter's Ranch." The Yankees captured a group of Rebels and they were put in Yuma Prison. The only California battalion was raised by Massachusetts. Their role was to protect the western frontier, prevent the Confederates from gaining a foothold, allowed soldiers to return east, and to prevent Indian uprisings. She also defined some of the cemeteries in San Diego where Civil War soldiers are buried, showed several local war memorials, and described some of the memorial services held.
Robyn's Confederate soldier was Everard Blackshear, of the Georgia Blackshear Guards. She described three generations of female ancestors who were members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), showed the four-page UDC application, and noted the activities of her UDC chapter in San Diego. and noted that Footnote.com (now Fold3.com) has the Compiled Military Service Records of Confederate soldiers online. The National Archives does not have Confederate records, but the different State Archives do have service and pension records.
Susan's Union soldier was First Lieutenant Amos W. Downes, of Company F of the 49th Illinois Infantry. She described finding his records, filling out the three-page Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War application, and the activities of her DUVCW Nancy Hanks Lincoln Tent #5 in San Diego. The Compiled Military Service Record for Union soldiers costs $25 at the National Archives, and the Union Pension Files start at $75 (for up to 100 pages).
In order to determine if an ancestor was a Civil War soldier, they suggested looking for males born after 1816, check the 1890 U.S. Census Civil War Soldiers Census (but A through K is lost), check the 1930 U.S. Census, which lists veterans. They provided a one page list of links to websites with Civil War information, and information on the different Civil War heritage organizations in San Diego.
The October 26th Program meeting for the Chula Vista Genealogical Society featured CVGS member Susan Zimmer (on the Union side) and Robyn Adair (on the Confederate side) discussing their Civil War soldiers, the San Diego area heritage organizations, and resources that should be consulted to find information about Civil War era ancestors. They were in "period dress" for this presentation. Thirty three persons were in attendance.
There were no "pistols at ten yards" for this showdown commemorating the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. Susan quizzed the audience on the event that started the Civil War, the bloodiest battle, asked if more American lives were lost in the Civil War than in World War II, the years the war began and ended, who were the generals at Appomattox Courthouse, and if General Grant allowed the Confederate soldiers to keep their weapons.
Susan described the role of California and San Diego in the War. There was only one incident in San Diego County - near Lake Henshaw, called the "Affair at Minter's Ranch." The Yankees captured a group of Rebels and they were put in Yuma Prison. The only California battalion was raised by Massachusetts. Their role was to protect the western frontier, prevent the Confederates from gaining a foothold, allowed soldiers to return east, and to prevent Indian uprisings. She also defined some of the cemeteries in San Diego where Civil War soldiers are buried, showed several local war memorials, and described some of the memorial services held.
Robyn's Confederate soldier was Everard Blackshear, of the Georgia Blackshear Guards. She described three generations of female ancestors who were members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), showed the four-page UDC application, and noted the activities of her UDC chapter in San Diego. and noted that Footnote.com (now Fold3.com) has the Compiled Military Service Records of Confederate soldiers online. The National Archives does not have Confederate records, but the different State Archives do have service and pension records.
Susan's Union soldier was First Lieutenant Amos W. Downes, of Company F of the 49th Illinois Infantry. She described finding his records, filling out the three-page Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War application, and the activities of her DUVCW Nancy Hanks Lincoln Tent #5 in San Diego. The Compiled Military Service Record for Union soldiers costs $25 at the National Archives, and the Union Pension Files start at $75 (for up to 100 pages).
In order to determine if an ancestor was a Civil War soldier, they suggested looking for males born after 1816, check the 1890 U.S. Census Civil War Soldiers Census (but A through K is lost), check the 1930 U.S. Census, which lists veterans. They provided a one page list of links to websites with Civil War information, and information on the different Civil War heritage organizations in San Diego.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
CVGS Computer Group Review - by Gary Brock
...
The next meeting of the CVGS Computer Group will be on Wednesday, 16 November at 12 noon in the Computer Lab at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library.
At the 19 October meeting of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Computer Group, attendees were asked to relate any
specific problems they were having in operating their computer or an
application on their computer.
Marie, working on Windows 7, said she
was having some problems with Source Citations. Randy went through
some of the common problems between different versions of Family Tree
Maker (FTM) and other similar programs.
Tvette, working on Windows XP, said she was still
trying to come up with a good system for organizing her Photos and
Images. Randy talked about some of the methods he has developed for
media organization and warned that it is important to know whether
your FTM software embeds media files in your data-base or only saves
a link to the file in your data-base.
Jane, on XP, said she had old CDs of
FTM research databases which came with an older version of FTM.
Could she somehow access these old files? Gary mentioned he had tried
several approaches to unlock these files with no success. Randy said
she may need to re-install the old version of FTM to gain access to
the research data-base. There was also conversation about how to
un-install old versions of FTM software.
Jackie, on Windows 7, was still trying
to find her way around in Rootsweb and FamilySearch. Randy briefly demonstrated working in the Rootsweb WorldConnect database and finding FamilySearch collections using keywords, like states or countries, to narrow the search.
Virginia, on XP, wanted to learn more
about how to create, rename and move folders.
Joanna talked about how she was unable
to get the results from her submission to Family Tree DNA. She enters
the code provided to her from FTDNA and gets everything except the
DNA Results. Her brother, who is very knowledgeable on computer usage,
was not able to get the results either.
The next meeting of the CVGS Computer Group will be on Wednesday, 16 November at 12 noon in the Computer Lab at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
October 26th Program Meeting - "Refighting the Civil War, Part 2"
...
The Wednesday, October 26th program meeting of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street, in Chula Vista) Auditorium, will feature:
“Refighting
the Civil War, Part 2” by
Susan Zimmer and Robyn Adair
The purpose of
the program is to remind people that we are commemorating 150 years
from the Civil War.
They will share information about the Civil War connections in San
Diego, discuss the two women's organizations which connect to the
war, talk about the membership requirements for Daughters of Union
Veterans of the Civil War and United Daughters of the Confederacy,
and share tips for researching Civil War veterans. The
presenters are:
Susan Zimmer:
Susan joined the Chula Vista Genealogical
Society in 2002, after she retired from 31 years teaching at
Sweetwater High School. Her interest in genealogy began when
her grandfather shared a hand-drawn map of Germany, showing his
birthplace. Genealogy success has led her to membership in
Daughters of the American Revolution, United States Daughters of
1812, and Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861-1865, of
which she is currently president of Nancy Hanks Lincoln Tent 5.
Robyn Adair:
Robyn was born in Coronado and grew up there. She joined Oliver
Wetherbee Chapter DAR in 1966, the year she and Roy were married.
His Naval assignments allowed her to visit much of the east coast and
prowl through family cemeteries and courthouses over the years. She
is president of the Stonewall Jackson Chapter 476, United
Daughters of the Confederacy, a member of United States Daughters of
1812, Daughters of the American Revolution and others.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
CVGS Research Group Summary
...
The CVGS Research Group meeting on Wednesday, October 12th was attended by 16 avid genea-philes.
During the first hour, Randy presented "Lessons Learned on my Midwestern Family History Mystery Tour." He described his two week September vacation in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin, which included:
* Attending the FGS Conference in Springfield, Illinois
* One day researching at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana
* One day visiting friends in St. Joseph, Michigan, highlighted by a visit to replicas of the Pinta and Nina.
* One day researching in Dodge County, Wisconsin
* One day researching at the Wisconsin Historical Society and Norwegian-American genealogy Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
* One day finding ancestral homes and graveyards in Dane County, Wisconsin.
* One day at Old World Wisconsin (a WHS building collection) in Eagle, Wisconsin
* One day sightseeing in Chicago.
During the presentation, he showed many photographs, research examples and results. The lessons learned included:
* Allen County Public Library is marvelous!
* Check open hours of libraries and societies.
* Some local libraries have wonderful resources
* State Archives have excellent resources, but are difficult to use. Some permit digital pictures of fragile documents.
* Heritage, ethnic and religious societies have excellent resources.
* Use 19th century plat maps to find ancestral land holdings, and 21st century plat maps and Google Maps to find ancestral homes.
During the second hour, several attendees described their research successes and challenges:
* Ruth described some of her Cherokee research, finding a picture of an ancestor in Indian dress, and finding names in treaties in state archives.
* Bobbie used Google to search for Lake county, Illinois information, and found the newsletter article that she submitted about her visit several years ago. She and Dennis went to North Dakota on vacation in search of his Russian German heritage, found some ancestral graves, and met a third cousin, sharing information and pictures.
* Ann used tips she learned at Jamboree from Tom Underhill about using Picasa facial recognition software to identify unknown persons by finding similar faces on computer files.
* John notede that FamilySearch has added mamny collections with Germany and Mexico records. However, many are not indexed yet.
* Viola displayed the four-generation family history book that she wrote, which includes many stories and pictures. She wrote this after her daughter asked Viola's mother who the people were in the box under the bed. It was beautifully done.
After the meeting closed, Randy briefly demonstrated using Family Tree Maker 2012 and describing his experiences synchronizing with an Ancestry Member Tree.
The next meeting of the CVGS Research Group is Wednesday, 9 November 2011 at 12 noon in the Conference Room at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street, in Chula Vista).
The CVGS Research Group meeting on Wednesday, October 12th was attended by 16 avid genea-philes.
During the first hour, Randy presented "Lessons Learned on my Midwestern Family History Mystery Tour." He described his two week September vacation in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin, which included:
* Attending the FGS Conference in Springfield, Illinois
* One day researching at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana
* One day visiting friends in St. Joseph, Michigan, highlighted by a visit to replicas of the Pinta and Nina.
* One day researching in Dodge County, Wisconsin
* One day researching at the Wisconsin Historical Society and Norwegian-American genealogy Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
* One day finding ancestral homes and graveyards in Dane County, Wisconsin.
* One day at Old World Wisconsin (a WHS building collection) in Eagle, Wisconsin
* One day sightseeing in Chicago.
During the presentation, he showed many photographs, research examples and results. The lessons learned included:
* Allen County Public Library is marvelous!
* Check open hours of libraries and societies.
* Some local libraries have wonderful resources
* State Archives have excellent resources, but are difficult to use. Some permit digital pictures of fragile documents.
* Heritage, ethnic and religious societies have excellent resources.
* Use 19th century plat maps to find ancestral land holdings, and 21st century plat maps and Google Maps to find ancestral homes.
During the second hour, several attendees described their research successes and challenges:
* Ruth described some of her Cherokee research, finding a picture of an ancestor in Indian dress, and finding names in treaties in state archives.
* Bobbie used Google to search for Lake county, Illinois information, and found the newsletter article that she submitted about her visit several years ago. She and Dennis went to North Dakota on vacation in search of his Russian German heritage, found some ancestral graves, and met a third cousin, sharing information and pictures.
* Ann used tips she learned at Jamboree from Tom Underhill about using Picasa facial recognition software to identify unknown persons by finding similar faces on computer files.
* John notede that FamilySearch has added mamny collections with Germany and Mexico records. However, many are not indexed yet.
* Viola displayed the four-generation family history book that she wrote, which includes many stories and pictures. She wrote this after her daughter asked Viola's mother who the people were in the box under the bed. It was beautifully done.
After the meeting closed, Randy briefly demonstrated using Family Tree Maker 2012 and describing his experiences synchronizing with an Ancestry Member Tree.
The next meeting of the CVGS Research Group is Wednesday, 9 November 2011 at 12 noon in the Conference Room at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street, in Chula Vista).
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
October 2011 issue of CVGS Newsletter
...
The October 2011 issue of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Newsletter was published this week. It is freely available on the CVGS website at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cacvgs2/page04.html.
The October 2011 issue features:
* page 1 - October 26th Program
* Page 2 - President’s Message
* Page 3 - Ask Gene E. Allogee, Tips and Techniques
* Page 4 - November 12th Saturday Workshop
* Page 4 - Research Group Notes
* Page 4 - Computer Group News
* Page 5 - CVGS Fall Seminar Review
* Page 6 - September 28th Program Review
* Page 8 - Upcoming Webinars in October and November
* Page 8 - Upcoming Chula Vista Centennial Events
* Page 9 - CVGS Society Information
* Page 9 - San Diego Genealogy Events
* Page 10 - Genealogy Days in Chula Vista
The October 2011 issue of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Newsletter was published this week. It is freely available on the CVGS website at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cacvgs2/page04.html.
The October 2011 issue features:
* page 1 - October 26th Program
* Page 2 - President’s Message
* Page 3 - Ask Gene E. Allogee, Tips and Techniques
* Page 4 - November 12th Saturday Workshop
* Page 4 - Research Group Notes
* Page 4 - Computer Group News
* Page 5 - CVGS Fall Seminar Review
* Page 6 - September 28th Program Review
* Page 6 - Lemon Grove Research Group News
* Page 6 - Seminar Committee Report
* Page 7 - Computer-Related Genealogy News
* Page 8 - Upcoming Webinars in October and November
* Page 8 - Upcoming Chula Vista Centennial Events
* Page 9 - CVGS Society Information
* Page 9 - San Diego Genealogy Events
* Page 10 - Genealogy Days in Chula Vista
Thursday, October 6, 2011
CVGS Workshop - "Expanding Your Usage of the Internet"
...
The October CVGS Workshop will be at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library (4375 Bonita Road) at 1 p.m. on Saturday, 8 October. CVGS Member Shirley Becker will lead "Expanding Your Usage of the Internet."
The October CVGS Workshop will be at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library (4375 Bonita Road) at 1 p.m. on Saturday, 8 October. CVGS Member Shirley Becker will lead "Expanding Your Usage of the Internet."
Please bring your laptop as we will be doing things on the Internet, but we will not be able to print. The first part will be on exploring your computers and the second on expanding Internet usage. If you don't have a laptop and know someone willing to share, you are welcome to bring them. If you think you might be getting a laptop and want to sit in, again, you are welcome.
This Library has wireless access and is a little more up-to-date than the lab in Chula Vista, so we will be able to to go to a few sites not available on our third Wednesday Computer Group meeting.
If you have questions, both Gary with a Windows laptop and Shirley with a Mac will try to answer them. We will demonstrate a little bit of copy and paste technique for those not sure how to use it with an internet site.
For more information, contact Virginia via email (irishdoll@cox.net) or phone (619-425-7922).
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
CVGS Program Review - "Finding the Living, and Maybe the Dead"
...
The 28 September 2011 program speaker for the Chula Vista Genealogical Society was Arnie Botts, on the subject of "Finding the Living, and Maybe the Dead." Arnie is a retired Chula Vista Police Officer, and currently works as a Private Investigator for a local security firm.
His firm does two types of searches - a Basic Locate Search of a specific person (which includes identity checks for companies and agencies) and Court Record Searches (for civil and criminal cases).
The Basic Locate Search is done on a computer using an unidentified LexisNexis program. The search program needs information such as a full name, date of birth, Social Security number, last known address, past addresses, names of family members, known subscriptions to magazines or newspapers, etc. His company can access public records, and some company records (e.g., Sears, Amazon - they sell their information to the service) anywhere in the USA for a basic cost of $50, and can be obtained within 24 hours. The information stays in the system for at least seven years, and may be available for up to 20 years. The success rate is good to excellent, as long as the subject has some identifying information. The report may look like the Sample Person report at https://w3.lexis.com/consumeraccess2.0/sample/person_report.htm.
For a Court Record Search, the search program needs the full name, date of birth, race, and a location of the records. Most locations are computerized, although small and rural areas sometimes are not. Specific searches usually yield results, but general searches are often difficult and time consuming. The Basic search cost is $25, but difficult searches are more.
Privacy issues are considered, and the search has to be justified. For example, a request by a current family member or a crime victim. Companies or agencies using these programs are audited by the federal government to assure that the searches are legitimate. Customers need to provide a reason for their search - no "fishing expeditions."
The audience asked many questions, including:
* Can you find ex-husbands and/or missing fathers? Yes.
* Can credit reports be obtained? Yes, property, bankruptcy and lawsuit data can be obtained, but not credit ratings.
* How do you become a private investigator? You can pass a test, pay $300, and get a license.
* How can I find an ex-girlfriend's current name and location? Using school records, alumni or reunion information is best.
Unfortunately, Arnie had to leave early for a business conference in Los Angeles. This was an interesting look at a research area that could help find living persons, but it costs money and there are restrictions on its use.
The 28 September 2011 program speaker for the Chula Vista Genealogical Society was Arnie Botts, on the subject of "Finding the Living, and Maybe the Dead." Arnie is a retired Chula Vista Police Officer, and currently works as a Private Investigator for a local security firm.
His firm does two types of searches - a Basic Locate Search of a specific person (which includes identity checks for companies and agencies) and Court Record Searches (for civil and criminal cases).
The Basic Locate Search is done on a computer using an unidentified LexisNexis program. The search program needs information such as a full name, date of birth, Social Security number, last known address, past addresses, names of family members, known subscriptions to magazines or newspapers, etc. His company can access public records, and some company records (e.g., Sears, Amazon - they sell their information to the service) anywhere in the USA for a basic cost of $50, and can be obtained within 24 hours. The information stays in the system for at least seven years, and may be available for up to 20 years. The success rate is good to excellent, as long as the subject has some identifying information. The report may look like the Sample Person report at https://w3.lexis.com/consumeraccess2.0/sample/person_report.htm.
For a Court Record Search, the search program needs the full name, date of birth, race, and a location of the records. Most locations are computerized, although small and rural areas sometimes are not. Specific searches usually yield results, but general searches are often difficult and time consuming. The Basic search cost is $25, but difficult searches are more.
Privacy issues are considered, and the search has to be justified. For example, a request by a current family member or a crime victim. Companies or agencies using these programs are audited by the federal government to assure that the searches are legitimate. Customers need to provide a reason for their search - no "fishing expeditions."
The audience asked many questions, including:
* Can you find ex-husbands and/or missing fathers? Yes.
* Can credit reports be obtained? Yes, property, bankruptcy and lawsuit data can be obtained, but not credit ratings.
* How do you become a private investigator? You can pass a test, pay $300, and get a license.
* How can I find an ex-girlfriend's current name and location? Using school records, alumni or reunion information is best.
Unfortunately, Arnie had to leave early for a business conference in Los Angeles. This was an interesting look at a research area that could help find living persons, but it costs money and there are restrictions on its use.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Genealogy Days in Chula Vista - October 2011
...
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society events for October 2011 include:
** Saturday, 8 October, 1 p.m.to 3 p.m., Bonita County Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- Outreach Workshop meets in Community Room. Shirley Becker will present "Expanding Your Usage of the Internet."
** Wednesday 12 October, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Research Group meets in the Library Conference Room, led by Randy Seaver. We will review the latest genealogy news, share success stories and information, and discuss members research problems, and potential solutions, based on the collective knowledge and wisdom of the group.
** Wednesday, 19 October, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Computer Group meets in the Library Computer Lab, led by Shirley Becker. Sharpen your computer skills and investigate online genealogy resources.
** Wednesday, 26 October, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- General Society Meeting meets in the Auditorium. Susan Zimmer and Robyn Adair will present "Refighting the Civil War, Part 2." There will be a society business meeting before the presentation.
The Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library is located at 365 "F" Street in Chula Vista - between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, midway between I-5 and I-805 (take the "E" Street exit from the freeways).
The Bonita Library is located at 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita - just west of the Otay Lakes Road intersection with Bonita Road, on the north side of Bonita Road. The Chula Vista South Library is at 389 Orange Avenue (southeast corner on Fourth Avenue) - parking lot is off of Orange east of Fourth.
We welcome guests and visitors to our CVGS programs and events - if you are in the greater San Diego area and want to attend our events - please come and introduce yourselves.
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society events for October 2011 include:
** Saturday, 8 October, 1 p.m.to 3 p.m., Bonita County Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- Outreach Workshop meets in Community Room. Shirley Becker will present "Expanding Your Usage of the Internet."
** Wednesday 12 October, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Research Group meets in the Library Conference Room, led by Randy Seaver. We will review the latest genealogy news, share success stories and information, and discuss members research problems, and potential solutions, based on the collective knowledge and wisdom of the group.
** Wednesday, 19 October, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Computer Group meets in the Library Computer Lab, led by Shirley Becker. Sharpen your computer skills and investigate online genealogy resources.
** Wednesday, 26 October, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- General Society Meeting meets in the Auditorium. Susan Zimmer and Robyn Adair will present "Refighting the Civil War, Part 2." There will be a society business meeting before the presentation.
The Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library is located at 365 "F" Street in Chula Vista - between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, midway between I-5 and I-805 (take the "E" Street exit from the freeways).
The Bonita Library is located at 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita - just west of the Otay Lakes Road intersection with Bonita Road, on the north side of Bonita Road. The Chula Vista South Library is at 389 Orange Avenue (southeast corner on Fourth Avenue) - parking lot is off of Orange east of Fourth.
We welcome guests and visitors to our CVGS programs and events - if you are in the greater San Diego area and want to attend our events - please come and introduce yourselves.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
CVGS Fall Seminar Summary: Donna Bradley – “American Indian Research"
The afternoon presentation at the Chula
Vista Genealogical Society Fall
Seminar on 24 September was by Donna Bradley,
titled – “American Indian Research."
This was a 90 minute lecture without notes, and without a syllabus. Donna's ancestry and experience includes Scots-Irish and Native American in the southeast and Native American in California, and her presentation reflected that experience.
She noted that Scots Irish migrated to the colonies, then moved down through the Appalachians, Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge. Indians lived in these places, and lonely white males found Indian wives. It was rare to find Indian males marrying a white woman.
* Navajo/Apache – in Southwest North America
* Aztec/Mayan - in Mexico and Central America
* Cherokees from Florida and Georgia – Trail of Tears to Oklahoma
To understand the history of Indians in North America, you have to understand the white man’s government. White men wanted land, but Indians had no concept of property. White men brought destruction to Indian tribes through war, annihilation, disease, broken treaties and servitude. For example, there were two million Indians in Califronia before the white men came in the late 1700s, but only 16,000 were enumerated in the 1900 census.
* Do a DNA test to determine if there is Indian haplogroups
* Check Indian school records
* Check Indian Rolls like Dawes roll and Miller roll.- here is a lot more nformation than what is on Ancestry.com
* Ask National Archives for records of tribe.
* Check Indian census rolls.
* Do census searches on Ancestry using no name, but in a place and an age range.
* Find history books and manuscript collections in libraries, local or state historical/genealogical societies or archives.
This was a 90 minute lecture without notes, and without a syllabus. Donna's ancestry and experience includes Scots-Irish and Native American in the southeast and Native American in California, and her presentation reflected that experience.
She noted that Scots Irish migrated to the colonies, then moved down through the Appalachians, Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge. Indians lived in these places, and lonely white males found Indian wives. It was rare to find Indian males marrying a white woman.
Where did the Indians come from? She said that they were
here when the continents split apart, and those on the North
American continent were always there. They stayed in approximately the
same place for thousands of years. Indians didn’t keep written records. They lived mainly in hunter-gatherer societies as tribes, and their history
was oral – told in stories, chants, etc.
Donna defined these Indian groups:
* Mestizo - in Mexico, Central
America
* Athabascan - in Alaska and North America* Navajo/Apache – in Southwest North America
* Aztec/Mayan - in Mexico and Central America
* Cherokees from Florida and Georgia – Trail of Tears to Oklahoma
She noted that tribes are specific groups with a distinct culture, but there
are bands within tribes. Different tribes may have different dialects or linguistic
characteristics.
To understand the history of Indians in North America, you have to understand the white man’s government. White men wanted land, but Indians had no concept of property. White men brought destruction to Indian tribes through war, annihilation, disease, broken treaties and servitude. For example, there were two million Indians in Califronia before the white men came in the late 1700s, but only 16,000 were enumerated in the 1900 census.
Donna said that American Indian research is not like any other
genealogy research. There are no cemetery plots - Indians usually
cremated bodies rather than bury them. Indians were considered lower than
black slaves by whites, and the 1863 emancipation did not apply to Indians. In 1924, Indians were given U.S. citizenship,
given the right to own land and to vote in federal elections, and were given the right to vote in state
elections in 1932.
State censuses show many Indians, but they often have only a first name (for example, the 1852 California census). There were no California birth, marriage or deaths of Indians until 1924.
There were many name changes as Indians moved
between Indian culture and the American/Mexican government records.
Tribes work on a lineal descent. Each
tribe has a blood quantum level to qualify for membership. No tribe will help you do genealogy research – there is no cooperation because the tribes
don’t want you to be Indian – they will have to share their
casino profits with you. A person needs to prove to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs that they have Indian ancestry, and obtain a
Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood. Once proven, the tribes may
accept you, but tribal law is paramount..
Certain DNA markers mean certain things
and are associated with certain races, tribes and/or certain
locations. Look at the www.DNATribes.com website.
If you think that you have Indian ancestry, follow these suggestions:
* Do a DNA test to determine if there is Indian haplogroups
* Check Indian school records
* Check Indian Rolls like Dawes roll and Miller roll.- here is a lot more nformation than what is on Ancestry.com
* Ask National Archives for records of tribe.
* Check Indian census rolls.
* Do census searches on Ancestry using no name, but in a place and an age range.
* Find history books and manuscript collections in libraries, local or state historical/genealogical societies or archives.
This was a challenging presentation. It was California-centric, and some of Donna's historical facts and conclusions were curious to this reporter. Many of the statements made conflict with the summary on Wikipedia in Native Americans in the United States.
Friday, September 30, 2011
CVGS Fall Seminar Summary: Anne Bowman – “Irish and Scots-Irish Genealogy Research”
The morning presentation at the Chula
Vista Genealogical Society Fall
Seminar on 24 September was by Anne Bowman, titled “Irish and Scots-Irish Genealogy Research”
Anne's one hour PowerPoint presentation discussed basic concepts of Irish genealogy research in depth, and discussed Scots-Irish research in the U.S. briefly.
She started by noting that 30-35% of Americans claim Irish or Scots-Irish ancestry, second only to German ancestry. The first Irish emigration was in the 1700s, and were mostly of Scots-Irish heritage. In the mid-1800s, the emigrants were mainly Irish Catholics fleeing the potato famine in Ireland.
Anne described the different jurisdictions in Ireland, including:
* Jurisdiction and Land divisions: organized large to small: country, province, county, poor law union, barony, civil parish, town or townland
* Only one Ireland until 1922, then split into Republic and Northern Ireland
* Four provinces before 1922 – Leinster, Munster, Connacht, Ulster
* 32 counties – 26 in present Irish Republic, 6 in present Northern Ireland
* Poor Law Union: 162 work houses in several civil parishes in the 1850s. Civil Registration Districts follow PLU boundaries
* Civil Registrations – non-Catholic marriages recorded in 1845. Roman Catholic births, deaths and marriages started in 1864
* Barony – 273 barony divisions, used up to the 1901 census, but not used today
* Parishes – Civil parishes and Ecclesiastical/church parishes. Civil parishes have the same boundaries/names as those of Anglican or Church of Ireland. Catholic parishes have different boundaries than civil parishes
* Town/Townland: size varies from very small parcel up to thousands of acres. Need maps and gazetteers to find. See websites. (www.seanruad.com)
The reasons for Irish to emigrate to North America included:
* Religious oppression
* Famine with High mortality rates (1845-1855: potato blight/famine caused 1 million deaths)
By 1855, one fourth of population of Ireland had gone to the US. In the 1850 US census: almost 1 million people claimed Irish birth
The U.S. Records that may help identify an Irish immigrant include:
Anne's one hour PowerPoint presentation discussed basic concepts of Irish genealogy research in depth, and discussed Scots-Irish research in the U.S. briefly.
She started by noting that 30-35% of Americans claim Irish or Scots-Irish ancestry, second only to German ancestry. The first Irish emigration was in the 1700s, and were mostly of Scots-Irish heritage. In the mid-1800s, the emigrants were mainly Irish Catholics fleeing the potato famine in Ireland.
To find your Irish emigrant to the U.S., always start with what you know; work backwards from yourself un til you find the immigrant; Collect as much info as possible
in USA so that you can recognize him in Irish records; there may be multiple people with
the same name from the same town, village, region. You need their full name, date of birth or age, place of birth or last residence
before immigration, year of immigration, and the port of entry. Look at Family Groups, since many immigrants
traveled together with family and friends.
The types of records with clues include home photos, letters, passport; newspapers; Vital records; Census records; Military records (service records,
pension); Social Security Applications; church and cemetery records; probate records; naturalization records; and passenger lists.
Anne described the different jurisdictions in Ireland, including:
* Jurisdiction and Land divisions: organized large to small: country, province, county, poor law union, barony, civil parish, town or townland
* Only one Ireland until 1922, then split into Republic and Northern Ireland
* Four provinces before 1922 – Leinster, Munster, Connacht, Ulster
* 32 counties – 26 in present Irish Republic, 6 in present Northern Ireland
* Poor Law Union: 162 work houses in several civil parishes in the 1850s. Civil Registration Districts follow PLU boundaries
* Civil Registrations – non-Catholic marriages recorded in 1845. Roman Catholic births, deaths and marriages started in 1864
* Barony – 273 barony divisions, used up to the 1901 census, but not used today
* Parishes – Civil parishes and Ecclesiastical/church parishes. Civil parishes have the same boundaries/names as those of Anglican or Church of Ireland. Catholic parishes have different boundaries than civil parishes
* Town/Townland: size varies from very small parcel up to thousands of acres. Need maps and gazetteers to find. See websites. (www.seanruad.com)
The reasons for Irish to emigrate to North America included:
* Religious oppression
* Famine with High mortality rates (1845-1855: potato blight/famine caused 1 million deaths)
By 1855, one fourth of population of Ireland had gone to the US. In the 1850 US census: almost 1 million people claimed Irish birth
The U.S. Records that may help identify an Irish immigrant include:
* Federal and State Census records
* Passenger lists – limited value
because of many similar names. Tracking family groups is more
productive. Use www.immigrantships.net,
and www.ellisisland.org
* Church records – baptism,
marriage , burial. Godparents. Headstones. Central archives for
diocese or original church. Some re on Microfilm from the LDS Family History Library.
* .Newspapers: Boston Pilot had
“Missing Friends” 1831-1920 used by immigrants to find
family/friends in USA. Column sometimes listed exact origin of
immigrant and parish of seeker and one being sought. Available at
www.americanancestors.org
(NEHGS).
* Institutions – hospitals,
asylums, banks (NY Emigrant Savings Bank records are on www.Ancestry.com),
Irish Records that are available include:
* Census records before 1901 were destroyed in
1922 fire.
* Vital Records in United Kingdom start in 1864,
marriage records give only father’s name, death record has no
parents
* Church records – each parish has their own
records, some start mid-1700s to mid-1800s. Many are Indexed and searchable, and some
are at LDS Family History Centers
* UK Tax Records – Tithe
Applotment books for civil parishes in 1824-1840; Griffiths Valuation
1848-1864, lists all households, names, landlords, acreage, and is online
* Estate Records – Catholics did
not own land until the late 1800s. Landlords kept lease, rent, account
records
* Records from the 1700s are in the National Archives of Ireland.
* Find a list of English vs Gaelic
names – www.irishtimes.com/ancestors/surname
In her presentation material about Scots-Irish Research, Anne noted that this refers to immigrants of Scottish heritage who were either born in Ireland or
who lived in Ireland before emigration. They are also called Irish Presbyterians, Ulster
Scots or Scotch-Irish. Many people from Scotland settled in Northern
Ireland in the late 1600s. They were of the Presbyterian religion or association. They can be identified from family traditions,
names, etc.
Some history:
* 1609: first Scottish plantation in
Ireland
* 1717: first wave of migrants to America (Large group in 1718 from Londonderry to Boston, then many to New Hampshire)
* 1725: second wave
* 1740: third wave
* 1775-76: American Revolution
* 1717-1776: 2.5 million Scots-Irish
migrated to colonies
The greatest number of Scots-Irish settled in Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, but they were in all 13 colonies. After the American Revolution, many went to Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
The reasons for emigration included:
* British policy required 10% tax on
Scots-Irish who were Presbyterian
* Neighborly friction with Catholics
* Better opportunities
* Migrated freely
* Some came with British regiments,
as indent servants or prisoners
The American records of the 1700s are limited - there are no vital records,
census records, or naturalization records. Researchers can use property, probate, court,
military, cemetery, and church records to find their Scots-Irish immigrants. They came with family groups and lived near extended family, so look for ministers and their homelands.
Anne provided a one-page syllabus with a list of the Irish and Scots-Irish online resource websites.
This was a fast-paced, well organized basic research review on Irish and Scots-Irish research in both the U.S. and in Ireland.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
CVGS Fall Seminar Summary: Donna Bradley – “Ways of Getting Over, Around, or Under Your Brick Walls”
The Keynote Address at the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Fall Seminar on 24 September was by Donna Bradley, titled – “Ways of Getting Over, Around, or Under Your Brick Walls.”
In her 30 minute lecture, Donna noted that "Everybody has brick walls;" "Genealogy is the world’s greatest treasure hunt. No one is going to hand you a map;" "You can’t hide who you are, neither could your ancestors;" "The key for what you’re looking for is in history;" and "Nothing takes more time than genealogy."
She noted that the "usual resources" found by researchers are – home papers/photos, family papers, census records, Internet searches, county vital records (in California since 1905), etc. There are other records available, but they are harder to find.
Information from one record triggers clues and hints and leads to more information. Consulting with friends, relatives, colleagues works well – two brains are better than one. There are people out there that know something about your family, you just need to find them! Nobody will search for your people better than you will.
* Plaintiffs and defendants in court cases
* Books, magazines and publications
* Church records – every religion has records
* Voters lists
* Tax lists
* BLM land patents
* School records sometime have family information; Alumni books often have information
* State and National Archives
* Historical and genealogical societies and museums
This was a good basic summary of how to try to break down your brick wall research problems.
In her 30 minute lecture, Donna noted that "Everybody has brick walls;" "Genealogy is the world’s greatest treasure hunt. No one is going to hand you a map;" "You can’t hide who you are, neither could your ancestors;" "The key for what you’re looking for is in history;" and "Nothing takes more time than genealogy."
She noted that the "usual resources" found by researchers are – home papers/photos, family papers, census records, Internet searches, county vital records (in California since 1905), etc. There are other records available, but they are harder to find.
Information from one record triggers clues and hints and leads to more information. Consulting with friends, relatives, colleagues works well – two brains are better than one. There are people out there that know something about your family, you just need to find them! Nobody will search for your people better than you will.
Donna suggested looking for records of:
* Plaintiffs and defendants in court cases
* Books, magazines and publications
* Church records – every religion has records
* Voters lists
* Tax lists
* BLM land patents
* School records sometime have family information; Alumni books often have information
* State and National Archives
* Historical and genealogical societies and museums
This was a good basic summary of how to try to break down your brick wall research problems.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Wednesday, September 28 Program - "Finding the Living - and Maybe the Dead"
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society (CVGS) program on Wednesday, 28 September at 12 noon in the Auditorium of the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street, Chula Vista CA 91910) features:
Arnold Botts on "Finding the Living - and Maybe the Dead."
Arnold Botts is a retired Sergeant with the Chula Vista Police Department. He joined the department in 1968, and retired 25 years later, having worked most aspects of police work including patrol, detectives, and under cover. Since retirement, he has been a private investigator, working several aspects of that field. His work has included covert surveillance, personal protection, criminal and civil investigations, and background investigations.
His presentation will discuss methods and resources that private investigators use to find living people. This has a direct application to genealogists trying to locate living relatives, old friends and classmates.
This program is free for all persons to attend. Please enter the auditorium through the conference room door in order to register your attendance, pick up the program sheet and have a snack and drink, compliments of CVGS.
Arnold Botts on "Finding the Living - and Maybe the Dead."
Arnold Botts is a retired Sergeant with the Chula Vista Police Department. He joined the department in 1968, and retired 25 years later, having worked most aspects of police work including patrol, detectives, and under cover. Since retirement, he has been a private investigator, working several aspects of that field. His work has included covert surveillance, personal protection, criminal and civil investigations, and background investigations.
His presentation will discuss methods and resources that private investigators use to find living people. This has a direct application to genealogists trying to locate living relatives, old friends and classmates.
This program is free for all persons to attend. Please enter the auditorium through the conference room door in order to register your attendance, pick up the program sheet and have a snack and drink, compliments of CVGS.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
CVGS Research Group Summary - September 14th
by Gary Brock:
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society Research Group meeting on September 14th had nine members in attendance. Our illustrious leader, Randy Seaver, was absent, however. Randy played hooky for this session to attend the FGS conference back in Springfield, Illinois then to Fort Wayne to do some research at the Allen County Public Library followed by a stop in Michigan to visit blogger friends and finally to Wisconsin to complete his genealogy tour with Linda. You can follow him on his tour at www.geneamusings.com
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society Research Group meeting on September 14th had nine members in attendance. Our illustrious leader, Randy Seaver, was absent, however. Randy played hooky for this session to attend the FGS conference back in Springfield, Illinois then to Fort Wayne to do some research at the Allen County Public Library followed by a stop in Michigan to visit blogger friends and finally to Wisconsin to complete his genealogy tour with Linda. You can follow him on his tour at www.geneamusings.com
In
the first hour and a half, the group watched a Legacy Family Tree
webinar by Thomas MacEntee who presented "BACKING UP Your
Genealogy Data," which Randy obtained at the SCGS Jamboree in
June.
The
handout attachment was sent to all members the day before the meeting
for them to print out and bring to the meeting. In the presentation,
Thomas discussed Making
a data backup plan, Identifying data for backup, Types of backups
and several Online
data backup services.
After
the presentation we had an open sharing, with research highlights,
questions and answers, etc.
The
highlights:
*
Karen shared a discovery that
may explain how an ancestor named Leland Stanford Steeves got his
name.
Leland Stanford,
of course, was a prominent early California tycoon, governor and
founder of the now prestigious Stanford
University.
She
learned that her ancestor was born just seven days after the death of
his famous namesake and his parents probably used the news of
Stanford’s death to pick a name for their new son. Maybe for good
luck or prestige in life. Karen has so far found no connection
between her Steeves ancestors and the Stanfords.
*
Shirley has
been working in the 1790-1840s on her Pearsals,
Millers
and Graves
lines. She found it interesting that her
ancestor Thomas Graves enlisted twice in the War of 1812, and has a
pension file. The file enabled her to find his family in the 1810 US
Census in Minden, New York. It appears that he would not have been
much over twelve years old on his first enlistment. John Graves, the
father, enlisted in the War of 1812 also.
*
Verena told
us about her confusion while working on her Debra Magroo. It seems
there are so many Magroos in the area where she is researching that
it is hard to know who is who.
*
Dearl
said he had the same problem with his Glenn line in South Carolina.
In looking for one of his Glenn ancestors in the early censuses he
found fifteen men, (heads of household), all with same name.
The
next CVGS Research Group meeting will be Wednesday,
October 12th at 12 noon in
the Conference Room at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library.
No topic has been selected but Randy will probably have much to tell
us about his Midwest Genealogy Tour and the FGS conference.
Friday, September 2, 2011
CVGS Fall Seminar on 24 September 2011 at Chula Vista Golf Course
The Fall Seminar of the Chula Vista
Genealogical Society will be on Saturday, 24 September 2011 from 9 a.m. to 3
p.m. at the Chula Vista Golf Course (4475 Bonita Road, Bonita, California).
The featured speakers and their subjects will be:
The featured speakers and their subjects will be:
Keynote Address: Donna Bradley -- "Ways of Getting
Over, Around or Under Your Brick Walls"
Morning Presentation: Anne Bowman -- "Scots-Irish Research Clues"
Afternoon Presentation: Donna Bradley -- "American Indian Research"
This is an all-day paid event. Registrations end on 15 September 2011. The registration fee is $35 which includes morning refreshments, a keynote address, two main sessions, a fully catered lunch, afternoon light refreshments, opportunity drawings and door prizes. There will be vendors on hand with books, CDs, Photo kits, Handwriting Analysis and a Society book sale.
The schedule for the day is:
8:30 a.m. Check-in, registration, Venders setup
9:00 a.m. Opening and introductions by President Gary Brock
9:15 a.m. KeyNote Address: Donna Bradley, "Ways of Getting Over, Around or Under Your Brick Walls", Q and A
10:00 a.m. Drawings, Break, Refreshments, (vendor tables open)
10:30 a.m. Anne Bowman, "Scots-Irish Research Clues", Q and A
11:30 a.m. Drawings, Lunch (vendor tables open)
1:00 p.m. Announcements, Drawings
1:15 p.m. Donna Bradley, "American Indian Research", Q and A
2:30 p.m. Drawings, Refreshments, (vendor tables open)
3:00 p.m. Seminar end
(Click here) if you would like to register on-line for this event.
(Click here) if you would like to register by mail for this event.
For a flyer on this seminar (click here).
Morning Presentation: Anne Bowman -- "Scots-Irish Research Clues"
Afternoon Presentation: Donna Bradley -- "American Indian Research"
This is an all-day paid event. Registrations end on 15 September 2011. The registration fee is $35 which includes morning refreshments, a keynote address, two main sessions, a fully catered lunch, afternoon light refreshments, opportunity drawings and door prizes. There will be vendors on hand with books, CDs, Photo kits, Handwriting Analysis and a Society book sale.
The schedule for the day is:
8:30 a.m. Check-in, registration, Venders setup
9:00 a.m. Opening and introductions by President Gary Brock
9:15 a.m. KeyNote Address: Donna Bradley, "Ways of Getting Over, Around or Under Your Brick Walls", Q and A
10:00 a.m. Drawings, Break, Refreshments, (vendor tables open)
10:30 a.m. Anne Bowman, "Scots-Irish Research Clues", Q and A
11:30 a.m. Drawings, Lunch (vendor tables open)
1:00 p.m. Announcements, Drawings
1:15 p.m. Donna Bradley, "American Indian Research", Q and A
2:30 p.m. Drawings, Refreshments, (vendor tables open)
3:00 p.m. Seminar end
(Click here) if you would like to register on-line for this event.
(Click here) if you would like to register by mail for this event.
For a flyer on this seminar (click here).
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
"Research Methods in Pennsylvania" on Saturday, 3 September at Bonita Library
The September 2011 Workshop for the Chula Vista Genealogical Society (CVGS) is Saturday, 3 September, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library (4375 Bonita Road in Bonita).
The workshop will be "Research Methods in Pennsylvania," presented by Susi Pentico, the CVGS Education Chair.
The workshop will be "Research Methods in Pennsylvania," presented by Susi Pentico, the CVGS Education Chair.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Genealogy Days in Chula Vista - September 2011
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society events for
September 2011
include:
** Saturday, 3 September, 1 p.m.to 3 p.m., Bonita County Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- Outreach Workshop meets in Community Room. Susi Pentico will present "Research Methods in Pennsylvania."
** Wednesday 14 September, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Research Group meets in the Library Conference Room, led by Randy Seaver. We will review the latest genealogy news, share success stories and information, and discuss members research problems, and potential solutions, based on the collective knowledge and wisdom of the group.
** Wednesday, 21 September, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Computer Group meets in the Library Computer Lab, led by Shirley Becker. Sharpen your computer skills and investigate online genealogy resources.
** Saturday, 24 September, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Chula Vista Golf Course (4475 Bonita Road in Bonita) -- CVGS Fall Seminar ($35 includes catered lunch):
Keynote speaker: Donna Bradley -- "Ways of Getting Over, Around or Under Your Brick Wall"
Morning Presentation: Anne Bowman -- "Scots-Irish Research Clues"
Afternoon Presentation: Donna Bradley -- "American Indian research"
Reservations are required by 15 September! Registration for available at http://www.rootsweb.com/~cacvgs2/ -- Click EVENTS, or call Virginia Taylor (619-425-7922 or 619-690-1188).
** Wednesday, 28 September, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- General Society Meeting meets in the Auditorium. Arnie Botts (Private Investigator) will present "How to Find Relatives - Living or Dead." There will be a society business meeting before the presentation.
The Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library is located at 365 "F" Street in Chula Vista - between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, midway between I-5 and I-805 (take the "E" Street exit from the freeways).
The Bonita Library is located at 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita - just west of the Otay Lakes Road intersection with Bonita Road, on the north side of Bonita Road. The Chula Vista South Library is at 389 Orange Avenue (southeast corner on Fourth Avenue) - parking lot is off of Orange east of Fourth.
We welcome guests and visitors to our CVGS programs and events - if you are in the greater San Diego area and want to attend our events - please come and introduce yourselves
** Saturday, 3 September, 1 p.m.to 3 p.m., Bonita County Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- Outreach Workshop meets in Community Room. Susi Pentico will present "Research Methods in Pennsylvania."
** Wednesday 14 September, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Research Group meets in the Library Conference Room, led by Randy Seaver. We will review the latest genealogy news, share success stories and information, and discuss members research problems, and potential solutions, based on the collective knowledge and wisdom of the group.
** Wednesday, 21 September, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Computer Group meets in the Library Computer Lab, led by Shirley Becker. Sharpen your computer skills and investigate online genealogy resources.
** Saturday, 24 September, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Chula Vista Golf Course (4475 Bonita Road in Bonita) -- CVGS Fall Seminar ($35 includes catered lunch):
Keynote speaker: Donna Bradley -- "Ways of Getting Over, Around or Under Your Brick Wall"
Morning Presentation: Anne Bowman -- "Scots-Irish Research Clues"
Afternoon Presentation: Donna Bradley -- "American Indian research"
Reservations are required by 15 September! Registration for available at http://www.rootsweb.com/~cacvgs2/ -- Click EVENTS, or call Virginia Taylor (619-425-7922 or 619-690-1188).
** Wednesday, 28 September, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- General Society Meeting meets in the Auditorium. Arnie Botts (Private Investigator) will present "How to Find Relatives - Living or Dead." There will be a society business meeting before the presentation.
The Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library is located at 365 "F" Street in Chula Vista - between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, midway between I-5 and I-805 (take the "E" Street exit from the freeways).
The Bonita Library is located at 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita - just west of the Otay Lakes Road intersection with Bonita Road, on the north side of Bonita Road. The Chula Vista South Library is at 389 Orange Avenue (southeast corner on Fourth Avenue) - parking lot is off of Orange east of Fourth.
We welcome guests and visitors to our CVGS programs and events - if you are in the greater San Diego area and want to attend our events - please come and introduce yourselves
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
CVGS Computer Group Highlights - 17 August 2011
The CVGS Computer Group on 17 August 2011 had ten attendees.
Randy demonstrated how to register for Legacy Family Tree webinars and how to access the archived webinars.
Shirley demonstrated how to access the Rootsweb "Books We Own" site (http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~bwo/) and how to use it. Then she visited the U.S. Town/County Database (http://resources.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/townco.cgi) and ended up in the WorldConnect Project family tree database (http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/). Many sttendees worked in the WorldConnect database for awhile.
Next up was a demonstration of how to use the FamilySearch website (https://www.FamilysEarch.org), including doing a global search and a specific collection search in the new site, and how to access the databases on the old site (http://www.FamilySearch.org/eng).
Lastly, the group explored the US Genealogy Web site (www.USGenWeb.org) and looked at the California GenWeb page (www.cagenweb.org).
Randy demonstrated how to register for Legacy Family Tree webinars and how to access the archived webinars.
Shirley demonstrated how to access the Rootsweb "Books We Own" site (http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~bwo/) and how to use it. Then she visited the U.S. Town/County Database (http://resources.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/townco.cgi) and ended up in the WorldConnect Project family tree database (http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/). Many sttendees worked in the WorldConnect database for awhile.
Next up was a demonstration of how to use the FamilySearch website (https://www.FamilysEarch.org), including doing a global search and a specific collection search in the new site, and how to access the databases on the old site (http://www.FamilySearch.org/eng).
Lastly, the group explored the US Genealogy Web site (www.USGenWeb.org) and looked at the California GenWeb page (www.cagenweb.org).
Saturday, August 20, 2011
CVGS Annual Summer Picnic Highlights
...
A fun time was had by all!
We tried something different this year for the CVGS Annual Summer Picnic - we held it at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library and had the program indoors in the Community Room on Monday, 15 August.
The event started at 11 a.m., and the 13 attendees had their bring-your-own lunch in the shade on the patio adjoining the Community Room. We shared research and vacation stories.
We moved into the Community Room at around noon, and President Gary Brock showed some videos of Scottish Highland Games.
The event started at 11 a.m., and the 13 attendees had their bring-your-own lunch in the shade on the patio adjoining the Community Room. We shared research and vacation stories.
We moved into the Community Room at around noon, and President Gary Brock showed some videos of Scottish Highland Games.
Rather than physical Scottish games, Gary used the "Let's Make a Deal" type of game board (which he made last year for the picnic) and we spun the dial to get as high a number as possible for four different Scottish "games." The highest number was 16, and the spinner could choose to "hold" at any time. The spinner had to take the result on the third spin of each turn. Linda Seaver won the game in a spin-off with Mary Lou Montez. It was great fun to see the strategy of the players.
A fun time was had by all!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
CVGS Fall Seminar on 24 September 2011 at Chula Vista Golf Course
...
The Fall Seminar of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society will be on Saturday, 24 September 2011 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chula Vista Golf Course (4475 Bonita Road, Bonita, California).
Keynote Address: Donna Bradley -- "Ways of Getting Over, Around or Under Your Brick Walls"
Morning Presentation: Anne Bowman -- "Scots-Irish Research Clues"
Afternoon Presentation: Donna Bradley -- "American Indian Research"
This is an all-day paid event. The registration fee is $35 which includes morning refreshments, a keynote address, two main sessions, a fully catered lunch, afternoon light refreshments, opportunity drawings and door prizes. There will be vendors on hand with books, CDs, Photo kits, Handwriting Analysis and a Society book sale.
The schedule for the day is:
8:30 a.m. Check-in, registration, Venders setup
9:00 a.m. Opening and introductions by President Gary Brock
9:15 a.m. KeyNote Address: Donna Bradley, "Ways of Getting Over, Around or Under Your Brick Walls", Q & A
10:00 a.m. Drawings, Break, Refreshments, (vendor tables open)
10:30 a.m. Anne Bowman, "Scots-Irish Research Clues", Q & A
11:30 a.m. Drawings, Lunch (vendor tables open)
1:00 p.m. Announcements, Drawings
1:15 p.m. Donna Bradley, "American Indian Research", Q & A
2:30 p.m. Drawings, Refreshments, (vendor tables open)
3:00 p.m. Seminar end
(Click here) if you would like to register on-line for this event.
(Click here) if you would like to register by mail for this event.
For a flyer on this seminar (click here).
The Fall Seminar of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society will be on Saturday, 24 September 2011 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chula Vista Golf Course (4475 Bonita Road, Bonita, California).
The featured speakers and their subjects will be:
Keynote Address: Donna Bradley -- "Ways of Getting Over, Around or Under Your Brick Walls"
Morning Presentation: Anne Bowman -- "Scots-Irish Research Clues"
Afternoon Presentation: Donna Bradley -- "American Indian Research"
This is an all-day paid event. The registration fee is $35 which includes morning refreshments, a keynote address, two main sessions, a fully catered lunch, afternoon light refreshments, opportunity drawings and door prizes. There will be vendors on hand with books, CDs, Photo kits, Handwriting Analysis and a Society book sale.
The schedule for the day is:
8:30 a.m. Check-in, registration, Venders setup
9:00 a.m. Opening and introductions by President Gary Brock
9:15 a.m. KeyNote Address: Donna Bradley, "Ways of Getting Over, Around or Under Your Brick Walls", Q & A
10:00 a.m. Drawings, Break, Refreshments, (vendor tables open)
10:30 a.m. Anne Bowman, "Scots-Irish Research Clues", Q & A
11:30 a.m. Drawings, Lunch (vendor tables open)
1:00 p.m. Announcements, Drawings
1:15 p.m. Donna Bradley, "American Indian Research", Q & A
2:30 p.m. Drawings, Refreshments, (vendor tables open)
3:00 p.m. Seminar end
(Click here) if you would like to register on-line for this event.
(Click here) if you would like to register by mail for this event.
For a flyer on this seminar (click here).
Friday, August 12, 2011
CVGS Research Group Summary - 10 August 2011
...
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society Research Group meeting had a lively group of 15 participants. In the first hour, the group watched a Legacy Family Tree webinar by Leland Meitzler who presented "Chasing Women: Finding Your Female Ancestors," which Randy obtained at the SCGS Jamboree in June. We passed the handout around and attendees signed up for a copy of it. In the presentation, Leland used examples from his own research to show which documents are useful to find the maiden name of female ancestors.
We had an open sharing in the second hour, with research highlights, questions and answers, etc. The highlights:
We had an open sharing in the second hour, with research highlights, questions and answers, etc. The highlights:
* Karen shared her good luck at Carlsbad Library finding books on the Geoghagen and LeCompte families of colonial Dorchester County, Maryland. She learned a family story too - that a native put a curse on Anthony Lecompte, the immigrant, because Anthony killed some natives. One of Anthony's sons, Moses LeCompte, went blind in early adulthood, and nine of his 11 children did also. A recent study identified the blindness as retinitis pigmentosa. Karen also shared finding a cousin who had wills, letters and patents for Grass Reeden, a Geoghagen ancestral home. The cousin also has found gravestones in a swamp, saw several ancestral houses and found Grass Reeden. There is a line of gravestones on the edge of the Geoghagen homestead property.
* Kris received her grandfather's military records from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. John looked them over and gave Kris advice on what they documented. Kris is up to five binders of family history material, and has found many contacts on Ancestry.com.
* Shirley found her ancestor Daniel Miller on two different 1850 census pages in New York and Pennsylvania and wonders how that happened. She also found that her ancestor Thomas Graves enlisted twice in the War of 1812, and has a pension file. The file enabled her to find his family in the 1810 US Census in Minden, New York. John Graves, the father, enlisted in the War of 1812 also.
* Gary found a writeup in the book Memoirs of Lenawee County, Michigan for an uncle of his great-grandfather, which had information on the family. He has also found Philip Roff in the 1790, 1820 and 1840 censuses in different places.
* Cynthia asked about cousin relationships and the "removed" terminology. The group explained it by diagramming a typical family tree.
* Connie has her grandfather's life insurance papers, and wondered if the application was available from the insurance company. The group thought that the company considers those private and probably destroyed them some time after the insured's death.
The next meeting of the CVGS Research Group will be Wednesday, 14 September at 12 noon in the Conference Room in the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library. Gary will lead this meeting, since Randy will be on vacation. The group will watch the "Backing Up Your Genealogy Data" webinar featuring Thomas MacEntee, followed by group sharing.
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