We had 18 attendees at the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Research Group meeting on Wednesday, 13 March in the library Auditorium.
In the first hour today, Randy used the Internet connection to display and discuss his 23andMe DNA results for the group to see and try to understand. Several other attendees had received their results also, and were able to contribute their knowledge. We touted the $99 sale price for the 23andMe test (autosomal, mitochondrial, Y-chromosome, plus health genetics) and the 30 March 2013 CVGS seminar featuring CeCe Moore.
Randy then discussed genealogy video education - highlighting the coming RootsTech 2013 live streaming sessions, the RootsTech 2012 sessions, the Legacy Family Tree webinars, the Ancestry.com webinars and DearMYRTLE's webinars on YouTube, and the FamilySearch Research Courses. There is a wealth of online genealogy education available for free if the genealogist will just search for them and learn from them.
In the second hour, the group asked questions, asked for research suggestions for their problems, or shared their research successes. The highlights:
* Bobbie asked where she could find a birth record for an Elizabeth Titus, probably born in Buffalo, New York in 1855, who moved to Illinois with her family? The only useful evidence found was an Illinois death record, which stated she was born in New York City rather than Buffalo. Bobbie had already found the death record and an obituary, and could not find church records for her in Buffalo.
* Sharon asked where she could find divorce records. The group suggested civil court records in the county where the divorce was filed.
* Ken asked How much information do you put into your family trees online? Do you share sources? Several persons said that they put everything in, and some hold back. Some provide sources, some don't.
* Shirley woke up today thinking about the son of a great-aunt (who died in about 1889) and wondered what happened to Leo Clark Bruns, born in Otsego County, New York in 1889. We could find him only in the 1900 U.S. Census, despite searching many name variations with other known factors to narrow the search. He wasn't in the World War I or II draft registrations or the Social Security Death Index.
* Dawn asked for help finding information about Harold F. Thomas, born in Illinois in 1920, who enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 -- what happened to him, and who were his parents? We found in online searches that he received a Bronze Star in World War II in Burma, and died in Georgia and was buried at Andersonville National Cemetery. All of this was new information for Dawn. We suggested she obtain an Illinois birth certificate, a Georgia death certificate and/or a Social Security Application for him to determine his parents, since census research was not conclusive.
* Virginia asked how she could correct a memorial entry on Find A Grave. The group noted that she would have to register on Find A Grave, and then contact the creator or owner of the memorial page to submit the correction.
* Bobbie thinks she has found the 0.2% Native American source of her DNA in her 23andMe test - the Mi'Kmaq Indian, Anne Marie, of the Algonquin Nation in Acadia (Nova Scotia) from the mid-1600s. This is Bobbie's mitochondrial line. She also described her relationship to Joseph "Beausoleil" Broussard who fought against the English in Acadia in the mid-1700s was through his mother, surname of Richard, and her sister is in Bobbie's line. She is related to him as a first cousin, nine times removed. Lastly, Bobbie reported that she received help from Tom Wagner from Illinois and Gerhard Batz from Hausen, Bavaria who found three more generation of Moerleins for her, along with Bakers and Batz. I also found out that Gerhard Batz and I have the same g-g-g grandfather, Jacob Batz, with different g-g-g grandmothers!
* Gary noted that Wanda was able to add 7 generations back to 1266 with information from a tree on WikiTree that goes from her Noel ancestor through the Earl of Kent.
The next meeting of the CVGS Research Group will be on Wednesday, 10 April 2013, in the Conference Room of the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street in Chula Vista).
Friday, March 15, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Mach 2013 CVGS Newsletter is published
The March 2013 issue of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Newsletter was published this week. You can read it online, in a PDF format - use the Newsletter link at www.CVGenealogy.org
The Table of Contents lists:
The Table of Contents lists:
page 1 - March
27th General Meeting
page 2 - President’s
Message
page 2 - Member
5 Generation Pedigree Charts
page 3 - CVGS
Spring Seminar Information
page 3 - Lemon
Grove Research Group News
page 3 - April
6th Workshop Announcement
page 4 - March 2nd Workshop Review
page 4 - Research
Group News
page 4 - Computer
Group News
page 5 - February
27th Program Review
page 5 - Library
Assistance Available
page 5 - “Stories
of Our Veterans” Project
page 6 - “Top
Ten Characteristics of a Good Genealogist”
page 6 - RootsTech
Conference Live Streaming
page 7 - “Dearl
Glenn (1934-2013) Rest in Peace”
page 7 - CVGS
Computer Basics Class
page 7 - How
the World Sees Genealogists
page 8 - Genealogy
News for February
page 8 - New
or Updated FamilySearch Collections
page 9 - CVGS
Society Information
page 9 - San
Diego Genealogy Events
page 10 - Genealogy
Days in Chula Vista
Monday, March 4, 2013
Program Review - Hank Z. Jones on "Palatines"
Hank Z. Jones, Jr. always has a fun and informative presentation, and he did not disappoint on 27 February with his talk on "Tracing the Origins of Early 18th Century Palatine and Other Emigrants."
Hank, of course, "wrote the books" on Palatine Emigration to Ireland and the United States (and we have them in the Family Research section of the Chula Vista library). He started out noting that "Palatine" was a generic term in the early 18th century for a person of German origin. Many of them came from the Pfalz region on the Rhine called the "Palatinate."
After discovering his own connections to Irish Palatines, he began work on his book for the Palatine Families of New York, making a comprehensive study of the 846 families that arrived in 1710, then tracing as many as possible to their ancestral homes in Germany, and document the results. Other books treated later arrivals to New York, and also Palatines to Pennsylvania. He found that "to find one tree, you have to search the forest," because many of the families came from one location and knew, worked and socialized together when they arrived in America.
Hank noted that he had made many mistakes, and from those mistakes learned a number of lessons, including:
* "An immigrant is an immigrant..." - and the research process is the same no matter when they migrated.
* Don't look overseas too early - investigate the American resources first.
* American colonial churchbooks have significant data and are ripe with clues as to European origins
* They came in groups - the saving grace of his 40-year Palatine project. Study the names of neighbors, baptismal sponsors, and witnesses to marriages, wills and deeds for clues
* Study the juxtaposition of names on all available unalphabetized lists on which your ancestor appears.
* German churchbooks are a prime source in establishing your Palatine roots
* Other German sources to be utilized in your research include emigrant permission lists, court records, oaths of allegiance, deeds, probate records, historical and genealogical libraries, and German periodicals.
* Be open to all spelling variations of German names.
* Follow your instincts as well as your intellect.
Hank's handout provided a great bibliography of books to help trace the origins of 18th century German emigrants.
Hank, of course, "wrote the books" on Palatine Emigration to Ireland and the United States (and we have them in the Family Research section of the Chula Vista library). He started out noting that "Palatine" was a generic term in the early 18th century for a person of German origin. Many of them came from the Pfalz region on the Rhine called the "Palatinate."
After discovering his own connections to Irish Palatines, he began work on his book for the Palatine Families of New York, making a comprehensive study of the 846 families that arrived in 1710, then tracing as many as possible to their ancestral homes in Germany, and document the results. Other books treated later arrivals to New York, and also Palatines to Pennsylvania. He found that "to find one tree, you have to search the forest," because many of the families came from one location and knew, worked and socialized together when they arrived in America.
Hank noted that he had made many mistakes, and from those mistakes learned a number of lessons, including:
* "An immigrant is an immigrant..." - and the research process is the same no matter when they migrated.
* Don't look overseas too early - investigate the American resources first.
* American colonial churchbooks have significant data and are ripe with clues as to European origins
* They came in groups - the saving grace of his 40-year Palatine project. Study the names of neighbors, baptismal sponsors, and witnesses to marriages, wills and deeds for clues
* Study the juxtaposition of names on all available unalphabetized lists on which your ancestor appears.
* German churchbooks are a prime source in establishing your Palatine roots
* Other German sources to be utilized in your research include emigrant permission lists, court records, oaths of allegiance, deeds, probate records, historical and genealogical libraries, and German periodicals.
* Be open to all spelling variations of German names.
* Follow your instincts as well as your intellect.
Hank's handout provided a great bibliography of books to help trace the origins of 18th century German emigrants.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Genealogy Days in Chula Vista - March 2013
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society events for March 2013 include:
** Wednesday 13 March, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Research Group meets in the Auditorium this month, 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, 20 March, 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, 27 March, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS General Membership Meeting in the Auditorium. Claire Santos-Daigle will present "Photo Dating by Costumes."
** Saturday, March 30, 9 a.m. To 3 p.m., at Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course (4475 Bonita Road) – Spring Seminar: CeCe Moore: “Do Your Genes Fit? Discover Your DNA”
** Wednesdays, 6, 13, 20, 27 March, 10 a.m. to 12 noon., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- Research Assistance in the Family Research area. John Finch will help you with your research problems. Bring your laptop if you want to do online research.
** Saturday, 6 April, 12 noon to 3 p.m., Bonita-Sunnyside (County) Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- Outreach Workshop meets in Community Room. Thomas MacEntee will present "Building a Research Toolbox" on CDROM.
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-Sunnyside (County) Library is located at 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita - turn north on Billy Casper Way, just west of the Otay Lakes Road intersection with Bonita Road, on the north side of Bonita Road.
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 13 March, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Research Group meets in the Auditorium this month, 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, 20 March, 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, 27 March, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS General Membership Meeting in the Auditorium. Claire Santos-Daigle will present "Photo Dating by Costumes."
** Saturday, March 30, 9 a.m. To 3 p.m., at Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course (4475 Bonita Road) – Spring Seminar: CeCe Moore: “Do Your Genes Fit? Discover Your DNA”
** Wednesdays, 6, 13, 20, 27 March, 10 a.m. to 12 noon., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- Research Assistance in the Family Research area. John Finch will help you with your research problems. Bring your laptop if you want to do online research.
** Saturday, 6 April, 12 noon to 3 p.m., Bonita-Sunnyside (County) Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- Outreach Workshop meets in Community Room. Thomas MacEntee will present "Building a Research Toolbox" on CDROM.
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-Sunnyside (County) Library is located at 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita - turn north on Billy Casper Way, just west of the Otay Lakes Road intersection with Bonita Road, on the north side of Bonita Road.
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, February 27, 2013
CVGS workshop on Saturday, March 2: "Learning How To Blog"
The
next CVGS Workshop will be on Saturday, 2 March at 10 noon until 1
p.m. at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library (4375 Bonita Road) in the
Community Room.
The workshop will be led by Susi Pentico on the
topic of “Learning How to Blog.” This
was asked for at the last CVGS Workshop by the attendees. We
will talk about blogs, but many have no clue of what they are in
relationship to our research, sharing and storage of data.
A blog reaches out to more people to help locate answers for a Brick Wall problem. You can use it for just a longer query post on a difficult name, or to share data with others for them to add to what you have. Blogs have many uses for genealogists. You can bring your own laptop computer to start your own blog.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
CVGS Program on Wednesday, 27 February: Hank Jones Returns!
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27th GENERAL MEETING
from 12 noon to 2 p.m.
At Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) Auditorium
Henry Z. “Hank” Jones, Jr., FASG –
“Tracing the Origins of Early 18th Century Palatine and Other Emigrants”
Every genealogist wants to find his or her forebear overseas in their ancestral home. This talk is a lively discussion of how to accomplish this. A close examination of important American emigration sources is made. Suggestions are given as to which sources are the best, and which should be viewed with suspicion. Emphasis is given to doing one's American homework first before plunging overseas to look for ancestors.
Absolutely crucial to this discussion is the fact that "They Came Together: They Stayed Together!" Group emigration is stressed, and suggestions made as to just how to look for "clusters" of emigrating settlers. Sponsors at baptisms, witnesses to wills and deeds, and names on unalphabetized lists are all examined as to clues for origins.
Methodology used in writing the two volume set The Palatine Families of New York - 1710 is described. Over 600 of the 847 Palatine arrivals in colonial New York in 1710 were found overseas via ongoing German village-to-village investigations, as well as over 1500 later arrivals in the second wave of emigration 1717-1776: we look at how this was accomplished, and suggestions are made for others who wish to utilize these methods in discovering ancestral origins – no matter what ethnic background or time-frame.
Henry Z ("Hank") Jones, Jr. has been actively climbing family trees since the age of eight, and, since his graduation from Stanford, has specialized in tracing 18th century German emigrants. Hank has written several books and many articles over the years. He received the NGS Award of Merit for "Distinguished Work in Genealogy" and has been elected a Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists, of whom there are only fifty.
There will be a short business meeting before the presentations. Finger food and snacks are available before and after the meeting.
Guests and visitors are welcome at all CVGS meetings. If this program interests you, please attend and enjoy the presentation and the society members.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Beginners Workshop in March at Norman Park Center
Norman Park Center in Chula Vista is offering a Beginners Workshop to those who register at the Center, for a fee ($22 CV residents, $28 otherwise), starting on Monday, March 4, from 9 am to Noon. The class runs four Mondays - March 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th.
CVGS Member Susi Pentico will be the instructor for the first two classes and CVGS Staff will finish the course. The 25th is a review of what was taught on the first three Mondays.
Come learn how much fun doing Genealogy is and how you learn about yourself and family.
For more information, drop by Norman Park Center (270 F Street, Chula Vista) or call 619-691-5086. Sue Wright is the workshop coordinator.
CVGS Member Susi Pentico will be the instructor for the first two classes and CVGS Staff will finish the course. The 25th is a review of what was taught on the first three Mondays.
Come learn how much fun doing Genealogy is and how you learn about yourself and family.
For more information, drop by Norman Park Center (270 F Street, Chula Vista) or call 619-691-5086. Sue Wright is the workshop coordinator.
Friday, February 15, 2013
February 2013 Research Group Summary
We had 12 attendees at the 13 February 2013 meeting of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Research Group, which met in the library Auditorium.
In the first hour, Randy discussed the Find A Grave website, how to navigate in the New York Land Records on FamilySearch, looked at his Ancestry DNA autosomal test results, and provided attendees a look at the FamilySearch Family Tree, including the known problems of duplicate persons and multiple sets of parents.
In the second hour, the attendees shared what they have been doing recently, and brought up questions or problems from their research:
* Shirley has browsed the New York Land and Probate collections on FamilySearch, but has not found much for her New York families. She has been corresponding with another Wright researcher who insists that his William Wright is also Shirley's William, and that Shirley should change her online family tree. Shirley has evidence convincing to her that this should not be done. She also asked "Why do people do DNA tests without posting a family tree?" Great question!
* Susi has been looking at New York and Pennsylvania probate records on FamilySearch, and has found some of her families in guardianships that name the parents and the guardian, but don't name the children involved for some reason.
* Mary Lou was cleaning up her garage and found a storage box with Civil War era trading cards with soldiers photos, including signatures. The names are from her 2nd-great-grandfather's regiment from Livingston County, N.Y. She wants to share these with descendants if possible, and would love to find one that her ancestor traded to someone else. She wondered what she should do. The group suggested posting on the surname and county mailing lists on Rootsweb and Genforum, and to look for a GAR post in Livingston County that might be able to help.
* Caroline was a guest who found Susi's blog online and came to the meeting.
* Kitty has been making autosomal DNA cousin contacts. One cousin is going to Ireland to take pictures of homesteads and towns there.
* Joanna has been finding lots of ancestors, and their records, with John's help on Wednesday mornings.
* Gary has dropped his Roff in New York research for now, and is focusing on his Blay line, which lived in Canada. He also asked where he can find Revolutionary War records. The group suggested the Ancestry and FamilySearch record collections, the complete Pension and Bounty Land Warrant files on Fold3, and the DAR website.
* John is working on his Civil War veterans, and has found a descendant of a soldier in the same regiment.
* Sam is working a lot in Find A Grave finding burial locations of his relatives. He asked if there was a "master list" of resources to check to make as complete a search as possible. Randy promised to send him one for both traditional and online resources.
In the first hour, Randy discussed the Find A Grave website, how to navigate in the New York Land Records on FamilySearch, looked at his Ancestry DNA autosomal test results, and provided attendees a look at the FamilySearch Family Tree, including the known problems of duplicate persons and multiple sets of parents.
In the second hour, the attendees shared what they have been doing recently, and brought up questions or problems from their research:
* Shirley has browsed the New York Land and Probate collections on FamilySearch, but has not found much for her New York families. She has been corresponding with another Wright researcher who insists that his William Wright is also Shirley's William, and that Shirley should change her online family tree. Shirley has evidence convincing to her that this should not be done. She also asked "Why do people do DNA tests without posting a family tree?" Great question!
* Susi has been looking at New York and Pennsylvania probate records on FamilySearch, and has found some of her families in guardianships that name the parents and the guardian, but don't name the children involved for some reason.
* Mary Lou was cleaning up her garage and found a storage box with Civil War era trading cards with soldiers photos, including signatures. The names are from her 2nd-great-grandfather's regiment from Livingston County, N.Y. She wants to share these with descendants if possible, and would love to find one that her ancestor traded to someone else. She wondered what she should do. The group suggested posting on the surname and county mailing lists on Rootsweb and Genforum, and to look for a GAR post in Livingston County that might be able to help.
* Caroline was a guest who found Susi's blog online and came to the meeting.
* Kitty has been making autosomal DNA cousin contacts. One cousin is going to Ireland to take pictures of homesteads and towns there.
* Joanna has been finding lots of ancestors, and their records, with John's help on Wednesday mornings.
* Gary has dropped his Roff in New York research for now, and is focusing on his Blay line, which lived in Canada. He also asked where he can find Revolutionary War records. The group suggested the Ancestry and FamilySearch record collections, the complete Pension and Bounty Land Warrant files on Fold3, and the DAR website.
* John is working on his Civil War veterans, and has found a descendant of a soldier in the same regiment.
* Sam is working a lot in Find A Grave finding burial locations of his relatives. He asked if there was a "master list" of resources to check to make as complete a search as possible. Randy promised to send him one for both traditional and online resources.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
CVGS Newsletter for February 2013 is Available
The February 2013 issue of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Newsletter was published this week. You can read it online, in a PDF format - use the Newsletter link at www.CVGenealogy.org
The Table of Contents lists:
page 1 - February 27th General Meeting
The Table of Contents lists:
page 1 - February 27th General Meeting
page 2 - President’s
Message
page 2 - Beginner's
Workshop in March
page 3 - CVGS
Spring Seminar Information
page 3 - Lemon
Grove Research Group News
page 3 - March
2nd Workshop Announcement
page 3 - Computer
Group News
page 4 - Research
Group News
page 5 - January
30th Program Review
page 5 - Library
Assistance Available
page 5 - “Stories
of Our Veterans” Project
page 6 - “mtDNA
Proves Richard III Skeleton is Found”
page 7 - “How
Fast Could You Travel Across the USA?”
page 8 - Genealogy
News for January
page 8 - New
or Updated FamilySearch Collections
page 9 - CVGS Society Information
page 9 - San Diego Genealogy Events
page 10 - Genealogy Days in Chula Vista
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Program Review - "Creating Your Life's Story"
The January 30th program meeting of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society featured L.A. "Butch" Hibben on the subject of "Creating Your Life's Story."
Butch enthusiastically described his "Living Legacy Project" using examples from the www.LegacyStories.org website. The project goals are to:
* Get as many family stories online as possible
* Voice record family stories for posterity
* Store photos of ancestors and families
* Store photos and descriptions of family heirlooms
* Connect families when they gather and help them record their family history.
This can be done by one person, a family historian, or a number of family members. Butch noted that thousands of world War II veterans are dying each week, and many of their stories are not being recorded. Now is the time to record your family stories. Help grow your family history and leave a legacy.
Butch noted that their are problems with oral histories, since some stories are wrong, and should be considered subjective at best. Interviewing persons who lived their own family history provides valuable clues for further searching, provides a sense of the humanity of the interviewee, and connects the interviewer to the interviewee.
He discussed the difference between genealogists and family historians, selecting who to interview, what to do before the interview, the technology to use during the interview, questions to ask the interviewee, and what to do after the interview.
If this interests you, go to the www.LegacyStories.org website and register for free, then add photos, stories, audio and video to your page on the site. You can make your information public or private, and can invite family members to see your photos and hear your memories, and also share their photos and memories with you and other family members.
Butch enthusiastically described his "Living Legacy Project" using examples from the www.LegacyStories.org website. The project goals are to:
* Get as many family stories online as possible
* Voice record family stories for posterity
* Store photos of ancestors and families
* Store photos and descriptions of family heirlooms
* Connect families when they gather and help them record their family history.
This can be done by one person, a family historian, or a number of family members. Butch noted that thousands of world War II veterans are dying each week, and many of their stories are not being recorded. Now is the time to record your family stories. Help grow your family history and leave a legacy.
Butch noted that their are problems with oral histories, since some stories are wrong, and should be considered subjective at best. Interviewing persons who lived their own family history provides valuable clues for further searching, provides a sense of the humanity of the interviewee, and connects the interviewer to the interviewee.
He discussed the difference between genealogists and family historians, selecting who to interview, what to do before the interview, the technology to use during the interview, questions to ask the interviewee, and what to do after the interview.
If this interests you, go to the www.LegacyStories.org website and register for free, then add photos, stories, audio and video to your page on the site. You can make your information public or private, and can invite family members to see your photos and hear your memories, and also share their photos and memories with you and other family members.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
CVGS Spring Seminar is Saturday, 30 March: CeCe Moore on DNA
The annual Spring Seminar of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society will be on Saturday, 30 March 2013 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chula Vista Golf Course clubhouse in Bonita (4475 Bonita Road, turn north onto Billy Casper Way from Bonita Road, the clubhouse is on the right). The event includes a catered lunch.
The featured speaker for this event is CeCe Moore on the theme of "Do Your Genes Fit? Discover Your DNA."
Do you want to know all about DNA genetic testing and how it can help you learn about your ancestors? Mark your calendars for March 30th, 2013. CVGS will present renowned genetic genealogist CeCe Moore for a lively and informative day-long seminar. We'll learn about the various DNA tests available, how to read and understand the results and how they'll apply to researching our family trees.
You are encouraged to take advantage of 23andMe's spectacular $99 deal for the genetic test and to bring your test results to the seminar so CeCe can help you interpret them. But do it soon - the results will take at least 3 weeks to return to you.
The fee for CVGS members is $35, $40 to non-members, and $40 for late registrants after March 22. The Registration form is available on the our CVGS website at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cacvgs2/page26.htm and on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ChulaVistaGenealogicalSociety). Or contact Gary Brock at gary@cyber.net or (619) 475-4054, or Karen Yarger at khy13@hotmail.com or (619) 426-0834.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Genealogy Days in Chula Vista - February 2013
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society events for February 2013 include:
** Saturday, 2 February, 12 noon to 3 p.m., Bonita-Sunnyside (County) Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- Outreach Workshop meets in Community Room. Susi Pentico will present "Overview of your Research, Keeping Up to Date."
** Wednesday 13 February, 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, 20 February, 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, 27 February, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS General Membership Meeting in the Auditorium. Hank Jones will present "Tracing the Origins of Early 18th Century Palatines and other Emigrants."
** Wednesdays, 6, 13, 20, 27 February, 10 a.m. to 12 noon., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- Research Assistance in the Family Research area. John Finch will help you with your research problems. Bring your laptop if you want to do online research.
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-Sunnyside (County) Library is located at 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita - turn north on Billy Casper Way, just west of the Otay Lakes Road intersection with Bonita Road, on the north side of Bonita Road.
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, 2 February, 12 noon to 3 p.m., Bonita-Sunnyside (County) Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- Outreach Workshop meets in Community Room. Susi Pentico will present "Overview of your Research, Keeping Up to Date."
** Wednesday 13 February, 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, 20 February, 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, 27 February, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS General Membership Meeting in the Auditorium. Hank Jones will present "Tracing the Origins of Early 18th Century Palatines and other Emigrants."
** Wednesdays, 6, 13, 20, 27 February, 10 a.m. to 12 noon., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- Research Assistance in the Family Research area. John Finch will help you with your research problems. Bring your laptop if you want to do online research.
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-Sunnyside (County) Library is located at 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita - turn north on Billy Casper Way, just west of the Otay Lakes Road intersection with Bonita Road, on the north side of Bonita Road.
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.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
CVGS Workshop - Saturday, 2 February, 12 noon
The next Chula Vista Genealogical Society Workshop is Saturday, 2 February 2013, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library in the Community Room, in Bonita (4375 Bonita Road, turn north on Billy Casper Way, library is on the left).
Susi Pentico will lead discussions on Overview of your Research, Keeping up to Date.
She advises attendees to bring their laptops in order to see how up to date they are on their genealogy database, and what they should look at for the next step. If you don't have a laptop, please bring your 5 Generation Chart with your information filled out to the best of your knowledge.
Printing out a 5 Generation Chart just may surprise you as to what you have completed and what you have missing yet in your files.
Other topics are:
* Tips and hints to assist your research.
* How to Keep your Research logs current
* Are you missing places, dates, weddings, deaths, or burial records?
* Have you looked at Grantor/Grantee Indexes for clues?
* Have you read Probate or Will or Guardianship records?
* Have you looked at Land Tax, Road Tax, School Tax. Voters Tax records?
* Do you follow the Migration trail for people of the community you find the kin in?
Susi says:
"As I learned in Michigan, most of that state was settled (according to the Head Archivist) by New York residents, so that is the reason so much New York research data is in their library. I did not know that, since I do not have Michigan ancestors, but I do have New York Ancestors. The New York books were fabulous to go through, and were different than what is held in repositories on the west coast. Some were the same, but most were not.
"So you do not need to have kin from a state, but if that state was settled by people from an area your kin was from, they probably have information for you to review."
Susi Pentico will lead discussions on Overview of your Research, Keeping up to Date.
She advises attendees to bring their laptops in order to see how up to date they are on their genealogy database, and what they should look at for the next step. If you don't have a laptop, please bring your 5 Generation Chart with your information filled out to the best of your knowledge.
Printing out a 5 Generation Chart just may surprise you as to what you have completed and what you have missing yet in your files.
Other topics are:
* Tips and hints to assist your research.
* How to Keep your Research logs current
* Are you missing places, dates, weddings, deaths, or burial records?
* Have you looked at Grantor/Grantee Indexes for clues?
* Have you read Probate or Will or Guardianship records?
* Have you looked at Land Tax, Road Tax, School Tax. Voters Tax records?
* Do you follow the Migration trail for people of the community you find the kin in?
Susi says:
"As I learned in Michigan, most of that state was settled (according to the Head Archivist) by New York residents, so that is the reason so much New York research data is in their library. I did not know that, since I do not have Michigan ancestors, but I do have New York Ancestors. The New York books were fabulous to go through, and were different than what is held in repositories on the west coast. Some were the same, but most were not.
"So you do not need to have kin from a state, but if that state was settled by people from an area your kin was from, they probably have information for you to review."
Sunday, January 27, 2013
CVGS Program on Wednesday, 30 January: Butch Hibben on "Creating Your Life's Story"
The January program meeting of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society is on Wednesday, 30 January, at 12 noon in the Auditorium of the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street in Chula Vista).
The program speaker is L. A. (Butch) Hibben presenting “Creating Your Life's Story.”
How can you preserve your family (and personal) memories and photos for future generations, making them accessible to only those you choose? Learn about this, along with specifics on interviewing and hints to get information from relatives, from a Certified Legacy Advisor.
L. A. (Butch) Hibben, Certified Legacy Advisor, has been involved in the field of family history from his youth. Knowing about his ancestry has been as much a part of his life as knowing basic life skills. Butch has remembered the stories and the roles his family played in the history of the states of Utah and Arizona.
Butch, like his ancestor pioneers, was a trailblazer in the field of computers, having become involved in the field in the late 1950s while serving in the U.S. Navy. After his discharge, he continued in the field as a computer technician for many years until his retirement in 2008. It is no wonder that he was inspired to assist others in preserving their heritage when he was introduced to the Living Legacy Project in 2011.
He has his own legacy to pass along, having sired five children, four of which have gone on to make him grandfather to twenty-four and great-grandfather to twelve. He serves as Assistant Director in the Corona Family History Center and is married to its Director and Corona Genealogical Society President, Jean Wilcox Hibben. They make their home in the Lake Mathews area of Western Riverside County, California. Butch, a former square dance caller, is an audio technician and plays saw and spoons. He can be reached through the website www.circlemending.org/LLP.html.
There will be a short business meeting, including presentation of the Society's annual report and 2013 budget, before the speaker, and refreshments before and after the meeting at the back of the Auditorium.
Monday, January 14, 2013
CVGS Research Group Summary - 9 January 2013 Meeting
The January 9th meeting of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society had 15 in attendance, including a visitor from Oakland and two guests who became society members.
In the first hour, we talked about genealogy-oriented gifts received for Christmas.
* Helen and Connie teamed up to contact Connie's step-brother's birth mother's family using the 1940 U.S. census and other online resources. They found a probable living relative online, sent an email to the family member, and receiving a Christmas Eve response. The birth mother was contacted and the son and mother will meet shortly. They thought that this was an awesome Christmas gift to Connie's brother, and to his mother. His mother's sister knew the whole story!
* John received a Flip-Pal portable scanner for Christmas. He demonstrated scanning a page, saving the image to a disk, copying it to a flash drive, and displaying it, and saving it, on a computer in seconds.
* Kaley received a subscription to Ancestry.com for Christmas and is finding lots of information about her families.
* Randy received a new laptop (still in the box), a 23AndMe DNA test kit, and a DVD from Linda's cousin with over 500 family photographs.
Randy then discussed using the Pennsylvania Church Records on Ancestry.com to find the original birth, baptism and marriage records of his Spengler family, and using information on the USGenWeb.org site for Cedar County, Nebraska for his wife's Brocke family, and finding the land where they settled using Google Maps and Google Earth. He made PDFs of his blog posts using www.printfriendly.com (you can use this for any web page you want to save).
In the second hour, we went around the table and people shared about their research problems and successes:
* Gary had been to Bernice's home trying to make a Family Tree Maker 16 custom report for Bernice's newly found French-Canadian cousin in north San Diego County. He managed to create the report in English, copy it into Google Translate, and save the French version, and send it via email to the cousin. Success!!
* Karen was intrigued by the "Lost State of Deseret" in the 1849-1852 time period (essentially most of the territory between the Sierra Nevadas and the Rocky Mountains, and between Mexico and Canada). She also explored the information on Wikipedia about the "State of Franklin" before Tennessee became a state. She noted that state and county boundaries changed over time, and researchers need to be aware of these changes and the jurisdictions that existed when records were created.
* Sam watched the TV program "Queen," written by Alex Haley, and noted that she settled in Savannah, Tennessee after the Civil War, where Sam's family resided. They probably knew each other.
* Susi is still working on her Susan Mattison problem - she is in contact with the Mattison Association but has had no success yet. She found several of her surnames on the Greene County, Pennsylvania mailing list, and is contacting the posters.
* Helen can't find her grandmother and her children in Modesto, California in the 1940 U.S. census, even though they should be there. We checked online and could not find them, but we did find some of them in the 1930 U.S. Census in Missouri.
* Gary stated that he had been unable to find himself in the 1940 U.S. Census, but a quick search found him in Michigan living with his adoptive parents.
* Lavinia was our visitor from Oakland who was in San Diego County visiting relatives. She came to our meeting to see how it worked in hopes of starting a similar group at the California Genealogical Society in Oakland.
The next meeting of the CVGS Research Group will be on Wednesday, 13 February at 12 noon in the Computer Lab (note the change of venue) at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street in Chula Vista).
In the first hour, we talked about genealogy-oriented gifts received for Christmas.
* Helen and Connie teamed up to contact Connie's step-brother's birth mother's family using the 1940 U.S. census and other online resources. They found a probable living relative online, sent an email to the family member, and receiving a Christmas Eve response. The birth mother was contacted and the son and mother will meet shortly. They thought that this was an awesome Christmas gift to Connie's brother, and to his mother. His mother's sister knew the whole story!
* John received a Flip-Pal portable scanner for Christmas. He demonstrated scanning a page, saving the image to a disk, copying it to a flash drive, and displaying it, and saving it, on a computer in seconds.
* Kaley received a subscription to Ancestry.com for Christmas and is finding lots of information about her families.
* Randy received a new laptop (still in the box), a 23AndMe DNA test kit, and a DVD from Linda's cousin with over 500 family photographs.
Randy then discussed using the Pennsylvania Church Records on Ancestry.com to find the original birth, baptism and marriage records of his Spengler family, and using information on the USGenWeb.org site for Cedar County, Nebraska for his wife's Brocke family, and finding the land where they settled using Google Maps and Google Earth. He made PDFs of his blog posts using www.printfriendly.com (you can use this for any web page you want to save).
In the second hour, we went around the table and people shared about their research problems and successes:
* Gary had been to Bernice's home trying to make a Family Tree Maker 16 custom report for Bernice's newly found French-Canadian cousin in north San Diego County. He managed to create the report in English, copy it into Google Translate, and save the French version, and send it via email to the cousin. Success!!
* Karen was intrigued by the "Lost State of Deseret" in the 1849-1852 time period (essentially most of the territory between the Sierra Nevadas and the Rocky Mountains, and between Mexico and Canada). She also explored the information on Wikipedia about the "State of Franklin" before Tennessee became a state. She noted that state and county boundaries changed over time, and researchers need to be aware of these changes and the jurisdictions that existed when records were created.
* Sam watched the TV program "Queen," written by Alex Haley, and noted that she settled in Savannah, Tennessee after the Civil War, where Sam's family resided. They probably knew each other.
* Susi is still working on her Susan Mattison problem - she is in contact with the Mattison Association but has had no success yet. She found several of her surnames on the Greene County, Pennsylvania mailing list, and is contacting the posters.
* Helen can't find her grandmother and her children in Modesto, California in the 1940 U.S. census, even though they should be there. We checked online and could not find them, but we did find some of them in the 1930 U.S. Census in Missouri.
* Gary stated that he had been unable to find himself in the 1940 U.S. Census, but a quick search found him in Michigan living with his adoptive parents.
* Lavinia was our visitor from Oakland who was in San Diego County visiting relatives. She came to our meeting to see how it worked in hopes of starting a similar group at the California Genealogical Society in Oakland.
The next meeting of the CVGS Research Group will be on Wednesday, 13 February at 12 noon in the Computer Lab (note the change of venue) at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street in Chula Vista).
Friday, January 11, 2013
CVGS Newsletter for January 2013 is Available
The January 2013 issue of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Newsletter was published last week. You can read it online, in a PDF format - use the Newsletter link at www.CVGenealogy.org
The Table of Contents lists:
page 1 - January 30th General Meeting
The Table of Contents lists:
page 1 - January 30th General Meeting
page 2 - President’s Message
page 2 - Membership Report
page 3 - CVGS Spring Seminar Information
page 3 - Lemon Grove Research Group News
page 3 - February 2nd Workshop Announcement
page 3 - FTM2012 Workshop Handouts Available
page 3 - Computer Group News
page 4 - Research Group News
page 4 - Library Assistance Available
page 5 - December 11th Holiday Luncheon Review
page 5 - Rest in Peace, Lois Waterman (1927-2012)
page 6 - 2012 in Review, by Dick Eastman
page 7 - A Genealogy New Year, by Connie Moretti
page 8 - Book Donations to CVGS and CVPL
page 9 - CVGS Society Information
page 9 - San Diego Genealogy Events
page 10 - Genealogy Days in Chula Vista
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Family Tree Maker 2012 Workshop on Saturday, 5 January
There will be a "Family Tree Maker 2012 Workshop" led by Randy Seaver, sponsored by the Chula Vista Genealogical Society, on Saturday, 5 January from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library (4375 Bonita Road) in the Community Room.
If you have Family Tree Maker genealogy software, then please bring your laptop or netbook (if you have one) to the workshop and work along with Randy, ask questions, and learn more about using the program. If you don't have Family Tree Maker, but are interested in the subject of genealogy software, please attend to see what a typical program can do to help you with your genealogy organization and research.
The plan for the workshop is to:
1) Provide an overview of Family Tree Maker 2012 menus and the Help function using my own database.
2) Start a new family tree from the beginning.
3) Import a GEDCOM file created from another program or online tree.
4) Demonstrate the items on the list below.
** Using the Help function
5) Answer questions from the group.
If you have Family Tree Maker genealogy software, then please bring your laptop or netbook (if you have one) to the workshop and work along with Randy, ask questions, and learn more about using the program. If you don't have Family Tree Maker, but are interested in the subject of genealogy software, please attend to see what a typical program can do to help you with your genealogy organization and research.
The plan for the workshop is to:
1) Provide an overview of Family Tree Maker 2012 menus and the Help function using my own database.
2) Start a new family tree from the beginning.
3) Import a GEDCOM file created from another program or online tree.
4) Demonstrate the items on the list below.
** Using the Help function
** Using Tools > Options
**
Workspaces (Plan, People, Places, Media, Sources, Publish, Web
Search)
** Importing a GEDCOM file
** Exporting a GEDCOM file
** Importing a GEDCOM file
** Exporting a GEDCOM file
**
Syncing with an Ancestry Member Tree
** Starting a New File
** Starting a New File
**
Adding persons to the Family Tree
** Adding Facts to a Person
** Adding Media to a Person
** Adding Source Citations to Persons or Facts
** Adding Notes to a Person
** Merging Persons Manually
** Deleting a Person or Family
** Attaching or Unlinking a Person from Parents or Spouse
** Rearranging Children or Spouses
** Creating Charts
** Creating Person and Relationship Reports
** Creating Genealogy Reports
** Creating Place, Source and Media Reports
** Adding Facts to a Person
** Adding Media to a Person
** Adding Source Citations to Persons or Facts
** Adding Notes to a Person
** Merging Persons Manually
** Deleting a Person or Family
** Attaching or Unlinking a Person from Parents or Spouse
** Rearranging Children or Spouses
** Creating Charts
** Creating Person and Relationship Reports
** Creating Genealogy Reports
** Creating Place, Source and Media Reports
**
Creating Books
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Genealogy Days in Chula Vista - January 2013
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society events for January 2013 include:
** Saturday, 5 January, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Bonita-Sunnyside (County) Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- Outreach Workshop meets in Community Room. Randy Seaver will present "Family Tree Maker 2012 Workshop."
** Wednesday 9 January, 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 January, 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 January, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS General Membership Meeting in the Auditorium. Butch Hibben will present "Creating Your Life Story."
** Wednesdays, 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 January, 10 a.m. to 12 noon., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- Research Assistance in the Family Research area. John Finch will help you with your research problems. Bring your laptop if you want to do online research.
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-Sunnyside (County) Library is located at 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita - turn north on Billy Casper Way, just west of the Otay Lakes Road intersection with Bonita Road, on the north side of Bonita Road.
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, 5 January, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Bonita-Sunnyside (County) Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- Outreach Workshop meets in Community Room. Randy Seaver will present "Family Tree Maker 2012 Workshop."
** Wednesday 9 January, 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 January, 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 January, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS General Membership Meeting in the Auditorium. Butch Hibben will present "Creating Your Life Story."
** Wednesdays, 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 January, 10 a.m. to 12 noon., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- Research Assistance in the Family Research area. John Finch will help you with your research problems. Bring your laptop if you want to do online research.
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-Sunnyside (County) Library is located at 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita - turn north on Billy Casper Way, just west of the Otay Lakes Road intersection with Bonita Road, on the north side of Bonita Road.
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.
Friday, December 14, 2012
CVGS Research Group Summary - 12 December 2012
The December meeting of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Research Group had 10 members in attendance. It was a lively group!
Randy discussed some of the news from the last month - the DNA test deals with 23andMe and FamilyTreeDNA, plus the Geno 2.0 announcement, and the RootsMagic 6 announcement. He also shared the SDGS Seminar announcement for 14 January 2013 with David Rencher speaking. Randy showed off his new free website (http://my.rootsmagic.com/rjseaver/) with ancestors, sources, photos and documents. He also showed his "cousin bait" reports online at Scribd (www.scribd.com) (free) with 10 generations for each of his great-grandparents. He also discussed how he used the free 1000Memories site (www.1000memories.com) to put his family photographs online. Lastly, he went through the process of finding and saving New York land records from the FamilySearch record collections.
In the second hour, each person in the group shared their challenges, successes and questions, including:
* Joanna was very excited after several sessions on Wednesday mornings with John. They found a 1910 article online (in an Ancestry Member Tree) that was a biography of her great-grandfather. It discussed his life and work, and his family - parents, grandparents, and children too. There was a statement that he was related to Roger Williams. A photograph of the family in the 1920s was also found and displayed. The plan is to use the census to find out more about these families, and to contact the cousin who posted the information.
* Jaye is reviewing the research material that she has, and is writing down ideas for further research. She hopes to avail herself of John's expertise on Wednesday mornings, also. She told a story about a relative who died, but had no known next of kin. The funeral home found a $100 bill sewn into his coat that covered the burial cost. Jaye wants to know more about this man, and the group suggested she look in census records, city directories, newspaper archives, online trees, Google, Find A Grave, and more.
* Karen had a Christmas card from a cousin asking about cousin Sylvia, who did family history research but is now deceased. An article was found in a Dallas area newspaper online about her.
* Ralph's friend had obtained World War II medals for his father from NPRC in St. Louis, so Ralph investigated the process and submitted the SF180 form for his own father.
* Bobbie wants to set goals for 2013, including upgrading her DNA tests to get more information on her mitochondrial DNA; adding data to her five-generation chart; use a paid researcher to obtain more information about her Bavarian ancestors; they plan a research trip to Buffalo, N.Y.
* Mary Lou found Turner surname ancestral fmailies from 1830 in Ohio to the 1890s in Nebraska, but some entries were Truman or Furner rather than Turner. She is looking for more information about her Irish great-grandfather Harnett born in County Cork in about 1840, who served in the Civil War from Illinois. She has found many records, including a pension record, but none of them list his birthplace or his parents names. The group suggested local historical society holdings, looking at alternate surname spellings, and pursuing siblings and children's vital records, etc.
* John has enjoyed helping Joanna with her research on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the Family Research area of the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library. He hopes that others will stop by and consult with him when possible.
The next meeting of the CVGS Research Group will be Wednesday, 9 January in the Conference Room at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street in Chula Vista.
Randy discussed some of the news from the last month - the DNA test deals with 23andMe and FamilyTreeDNA, plus the Geno 2.0 announcement, and the RootsMagic 6 announcement. He also shared the SDGS Seminar announcement for 14 January 2013 with David Rencher speaking. Randy showed off his new free website (http://my.rootsmagic.com/rjseaver/) with ancestors, sources, photos and documents. He also showed his "cousin bait" reports online at Scribd (www.scribd.com) (free) with 10 generations for each of his great-grandparents. He also discussed how he used the free 1000Memories site (www.1000memories.com) to put his family photographs online. Lastly, he went through the process of finding and saving New York land records from the FamilySearch record collections.
In the second hour, each person in the group shared their challenges, successes and questions, including:
* Joanna was very excited after several sessions on Wednesday mornings with John. They found a 1910 article online (in an Ancestry Member Tree) that was a biography of her great-grandfather. It discussed his life and work, and his family - parents, grandparents, and children too. There was a statement that he was related to Roger Williams. A photograph of the family in the 1920s was also found and displayed. The plan is to use the census to find out more about these families, and to contact the cousin who posted the information.
* Jaye is reviewing the research material that she has, and is writing down ideas for further research. She hopes to avail herself of John's expertise on Wednesday mornings, also. She told a story about a relative who died, but had no known next of kin. The funeral home found a $100 bill sewn into his coat that covered the burial cost. Jaye wants to know more about this man, and the group suggested she look in census records, city directories, newspaper archives, online trees, Google, Find A Grave, and more.
* Karen had a Christmas card from a cousin asking about cousin Sylvia, who did family history research but is now deceased. An article was found in a Dallas area newspaper online about her.
* Ralph's friend had obtained World War II medals for his father from NPRC in St. Louis, so Ralph investigated the process and submitted the SF180 form for his own father.
* Bobbie wants to set goals for 2013, including upgrading her DNA tests to get more information on her mitochondrial DNA; adding data to her five-generation chart; use a paid researcher to obtain more information about her Bavarian ancestors; they plan a research trip to Buffalo, N.Y.
* Mary Lou found Turner surname ancestral fmailies from 1830 in Ohio to the 1890s in Nebraska, but some entries were Truman or Furner rather than Turner. She is looking for more information about her Irish great-grandfather Harnett born in County Cork in about 1840, who served in the Civil War from Illinois. She has found many records, including a pension record, but none of them list his birthplace or his parents names. The group suggested local historical society holdings, looking at alternate surname spellings, and pursuing siblings and children's vital records, etc.
* John has enjoyed helping Joanna with her research on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the Family Research area of the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library. He hopes that others will stop by and consult with him when possible.
The next meeting of the CVGS Research Group will be Wednesday, 9 January in the Conference Room at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street in Chula Vista.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
2012 Holiday Luncheon Highlights
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society celebrated another successful year of serving the Chula Vista area genealogical community with the annual Holiday Luncheon on Tuesday, 11 December, at the Chula Vista South Branch Library.
After a moment of silence for the CVGS members who passed away in 2012, and for our armed forces everywhere, the assembled crowd of 30 hungry members and guests dug into the feast prepared and organized by the Hospitality Committee. The society provided ham, turkey and beverages, and the attendees brought everything else as potluck. There was plenty of great food and wonderful conversation at the tables as we enjoyed the meal.
President Gary Brock narrated "Steps in Time," a slide show presentation of CVGS historical highlights - mainly involving food and holiday parties, it seemed, from 1986 to 2003. Many of the persons shown were identified on the slides, and most others were named by attendees at the luncheon during the show.
Gary next introduced the two new Honorary Life Members of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society - cited for their long membership and service to the society. Dottie Johnson and Helen Thompson were introduced through short photo presentations, then introduced and honored.
The outgoing Board officers present were honored with certificates, applause and gratitude - Bobbie Lane, Mary Lou Montez, and Virginia Taylor.
The outgoing Committee Chairs present were also honored with certificates.
Gary then introduced and swore in the 2013/2014 Officers - Diane DeVincenzo (Treasurer), Karen Yarger (Secretary), Barbara Ibaibarriaga (Second VP), Ralph Munoz (First VP) and Virginia Taylor (President). A notebook containing the Bylaws, Standing Rules, and Officer Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were presented to each Officer.
There were a number of door prizes, including a Father Christmas, a Nutcracker, and a Christmas Angel. The table decorations were won in the opportunity drawings. Lastly, the bring one-get one gift exchange was held.
The attendees donated a large amount of canned food and children's toys for the Salvation Army. All in all, this was an excellent, and filling, holiday luncheon.
After a moment of silence for the CVGS members who passed away in 2012, and for our armed forces everywhere, the assembled crowd of 30 hungry members and guests dug into the feast prepared and organized by the Hospitality Committee. The society provided ham, turkey and beverages, and the attendees brought everything else as potluck. There was plenty of great food and wonderful conversation at the tables as we enjoyed the meal.
President Gary Brock narrated "Steps in Time," a slide show presentation of CVGS historical highlights - mainly involving food and holiday parties, it seemed, from 1986 to 2003. Many of the persons shown were identified on the slides, and most others were named by attendees at the luncheon during the show.
Gary next introduced the two new Honorary Life Members of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society - cited for their long membership and service to the society. Dottie Johnson and Helen Thompson were introduced through short photo presentations, then introduced and honored.
Above: Dottie Johnson and Gary Brock
Above: Gary Brock and Helen Thompson
The outgoing Board officers present were honored with certificates, applause and gratitude - Bobbie Lane, Mary Lou Montez, and Virginia Taylor.
Above: Virginia Taylor, Bobbie Lane, Gary Brock and Mary Lou Montez
The outgoing Committee Chairs present were also honored with certificates.
Above (left to right): JoAnn Bonner, Dorothy Alvord, Kevin Brown, Gary Brock, Olive Lenane and Janice Nevills receive certificates of appreciation.
Gary then introduced and swore in the 2013/2014 Officers - Diane DeVincenzo (Treasurer), Karen Yarger (Secretary), Barbara Ibaibarriaga (Second VP), Ralph Munoz (First VP) and Virginia Taylor (President). A notebook containing the Bylaws, Standing Rules, and Officer Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were presented to each Officer.
Above: The 2013/2014 Officers (left to right): Barbara Ibaibarriaga, Diane DeVincenzo, Karen Yarger, Ralph Munoz and Virginia Taylor.
There were a number of door prizes, including a Father Christmas, a Nutcracker, and a Christmas Angel. The table decorations were won in the opportunity drawings. Lastly, the bring one-get one gift exchange was held.
The attendees donated a large amount of canned food and children's toys for the Salvation Army. All in all, this was an excellent, and filling, holiday luncheon.
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