GFO Closes Library Until April

The Genealogical Forum of Oregon is immediately closing its library in Portland until April 1. We will re-evaluate that status later based on how the coronavirus progresses in our community. In addition, here is a full summary of all GFO Events canceled and rescheduled: ▪ Canceled Special Interest Group meetings and Volunteer Work Parties. ▪ Canceled GenTalk about PERSI on March 21. ▪ Rescheduled the free Genealogy Open House to Sept. 25-Oct. 4. ▪ Rescheduled the DNA Seminar with Karen Stanbary to August 8-9. Tonight the Multnomah County Library system announced it is closing all branches immediately. An epidemiologist I’ve personally consulted believes we should do the same. A majority of the GFO Executive Committee has agreed we should do the same. We need to control the contagion. If closing our library to the public helps to “flatten the curve,” as epidemiologists say, then we want to play our part.

Vince Patton GFO President

The Genealogical Forum of Oregon is an all-volunteer nonprofit founded in 1946 which exists to promote, preserve and publish genealogical history. The GFO operates the largest genealogy library in the Pacific Northwest and offers more than 150 classes each year.

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition March 12, 2020

Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!

gfo.org | 503-963-1932 | info@gfo.org Be sure to check the complete GFO CALENDAR. Also, don’t miss the current issue of The Forum Insider

Coronavirus Impacts: Open House, Seminar, SIGS, GenTalk

The Genealogical Forum of Oregon is actively monitoring communications from local, state and federal authorities about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Today, Oregon Governor Kate Brown instructed all groups in the state to cancel events hosting 10 people or more in high risk populations. Older adults are considered high risk. A large percentage of our members and SIG participants are older. Therefore, we have taken these actions: Canceled Special Interest Group meetings. Canceled GenTalk about PERSI on March 21. Rescheduled the Open House to Sept. 25-Oct. 4. Rescheduled the DNA Seminar with Karen Stanbary to August 8-9. Those who have registered for the seminar remain registered for the future dates. All registered attendees will receive a direct email about refunds if they need them.

Courtesy Tri-Met The library typically attracts a minimal number of people and we believe it can remain open for the time being. At the GFO library, we are using disinfecting wipes on keyboards, mice, desktops, chair backs, and door handles multiple times a day. You can help keep us all healthy too. The Centers for Disease Control has some basic, effective prevention steps: ▪ If you or anyone in your household has a cough or feels sick, stay home. ▪ Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hand. ▪ If you do cough or sneeze into a tissue, wash your hands immediately for 60 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Please observe the steps in the following videos, released by the WHO, that provide instructions on how to properly wash your hands and disinfect your hands with sanitizer. It’s easy to forget to cough into your elbow, but it’s really important not to cover your mouth with your hand (and then touch surfaces others will touch), or worse, to cough out into the air. Experts say washing hands really does prevent epidemics. Let’s work together to keep all of us healthy.

Membership Meeting Will Happen March 21 in Much Smaller Form

Our bylaws require an annual Membership Meeting in March to finalize the ballot for the election of the Board. Given the circumstances, we are not asking you to attend. We are arranging just enough people to come as the bylaws require a nomination for Director at Large be made from the floor. This is the meeting at which the ballot for the upcoming Board election is finalized. We have a willing candidate for each of the three positions open this year: President, Secretary, and Director at Large.

Hall of Fame Nominations Sought

It’s time for GFO Hall of Fame Nominations! Any GFO member may nominate another member by April 1. Nominees must have a well-documented history of service, leadership, and accomplishment in more than one facet of the GFO, over a long period of time. Please include: ▪ Name, list of services, activities, positions, and accomplishments; ▪ A narrative describing the nature of their work in terms of its importance to the success of the GFO; ▪ A short biography. Please send to secretary@gfo.org by April 1. The board will decide if any merit selection. Winners are awarded in June and receive a free Life Membership and their name on our Hall of Fame plaque.

Have a Fun Genealogy Story? Share it with our Insider

We’re looking for stories for the May 2020 Insider issue at this time, and we need your help. What we’re looking for: genealogy and history- centric articles, tips, resources, ideas, serendipity stories, techniques, events, etc. Please email insider@gfo.org by April 4th to get your news and items of interest into May’s issue. Again, submissions are due by April 4th, please.

News from the Library

New Digital Content ▪ Berks of Old ▪ Craig Links ▪ Edgar Newsletter ▪ Francisco Researcher [Francisco surname and variations] ▪ San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society, Inc. [bulletin]. New Books ▪ The Blows of yesteryear: an American saga ▪ Genealogies of Hadley families: embracing the early settlers of the towns of Hatfield, South Hadley, Amherst and Granby ▪ Painter families ▪ The Descendants of Peter and Margaret Rankin: from Kilsyth, Scotland ▪ Stratton notes ▪ Monumental inscriptions of the parish church of St. Mary, Oakley: (Part only) ▪ Who was Ann Gregg ▪ Colonial tavern keepers of Maryland and Delaware, 1634-1776 ▪ Chesapeake and Ohio Canal: a guide to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland, District of Columbia, and West Virginia ▪ The Civil War in Fairfax County: civilians and soldiers ▪ Communities of kinship: antebellum families and the settlement of the cotton frontier ▪ A guide to researching land in Oklahoma at the Oklahoma Historical Society. ▪ Genealogical research guide to Reno County, Kansas ▪ Hughes County history ▪ Ghost towns and historical haunts in Arizona: Stories and photos ▪ Baker County [Oregon] links to the past ▪ Camp Polk Cemetery, 1880-1999 ▪ Monmouth, Oregon: the saga of a small American town ▪ Collected memories: Umatilla Tales from the past: pioneer stories of the lower Willamette Valley

Surplus Book: New York Buildings Before 1800

This week’s surplus book has a truly self-explanatory title: Historic Buildings Now Standing In New York Which Were Erected Prior To Eighteen Hundred. However, the “now” in that title is a bit dated, because this book was printed in 1914. This is a fun piece of pictorial New York history with photos on almost every page, accompanied by descriptions of the truly old buildings of New York.

It’s a thin volume, 45 pages, and its cover is a bit tattered, its spine taped to keep it intact. Pages inside are crisp and as vibrant as when they were printed. This booklet contains library marks and a label. Price for pickup at the GFO: $18 Price to ship to you: $24 If you’re interested, please contact booksales@gfo.org.

Survey Results:

Last week, we provided a list of research locations and asked what percentage of respondents had been there. Respondents were allowed to select more than one answer, and the percentages have been rounded. 75% Family History Library (Salt Lake City, Utah) 61% National Archives (Washington, DC) 32% NEHGS Library and Archives (Boston, MA) 32% National Archives (other locations) 25% DAR National Library 21% Allen County Public Library (Ft. Wayne, Indiana) 11% Mid-Continent Public Library (Independence, Missouri) Many of the respondents wanted to go to the places in the survey again. But here are the places mentioned that were not listed above: ▪ Musselman Library in Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania ▪ National Records of Scotland to research my Scottish connections ▪ New York State Archives ▪ Fayetteville Arkansas Archives and the Fayetteville Library ▪ The Newberry Library was a good one. ▪ Richmond Virginia it was a treasure trove of Virginia history. They have a fantastic archive. ▪ I’ve also visited the Oregon State Archives and the Minnesota Historical Society Library ▪ Indian and Colonial Research Center, Connecticut. A hidden gem with an amazing resources for a researcher with extensive CT and RI ties as well as Indian ancestors. ▪ University of Washington Libraries. ▪ Anything in England, now that I know where we came from. ▪ Tennessee State Archives ▪ I want to go to New England, so pretty much any library or archive there. ▪ The Fiske Library in Seattle because it is relatively nearby and I have never been there.

New Survey: Newspapers

Newspapers can be a great resource. This week, we’re asking if they’ve helped you solve any genealogical puzzles.

Take the Survey Now

This week at GFO …

Sunday, March 15th Library Work Party – 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. We’ll be working to digitize more periodicals while we have fun chatting about genealogy. We will make sure everyone sits three feet apart, in accordance with state recommendations. French Canada Group CANCELED Per Governor’s Instruction. The group leader is Bob LaMarche. FrCan@gfo.org Wednesday, March 18th DNA Q&A – CANCELED Per Governor’s Instruction Leader: Lisa McCullough dna_qa@gfo.org GFO Library Open Late to 8:00 p.m.

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition March 5, 2020

Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!

gfo.org | 503-963-1932 | info@gfo.org Be sure to check the complete GFO CALENDAR. Also, don’t miss the current issue of The Forum Insider

GFO Postpones Open House Due to Coronavirus Concern

After weeks of telling you how excited we were about our upcoming Open House, we have now made the difficult decision to postpone it until this fall. The COVID-19 outbreak caused by the coronavirus in the Portland area has many people worried about gathering for public events. We share that concern. It does not make sense to host an event that people may be afraid to attend. We will let you know when we have new dates set.

Coronavirus Prevention In Full Swing at GFO

Courtesy TriMet We also want you to know we are taking the advice of medical experts. Our volunteers are wiping down surfaces that people touch with disinfecting wipes multiple times a day. This includes computer keyboards, mice, printers, and door handles. Hand sanitizer bottles now sit in several locations throughout the library. We ask you to do your part too. Doctors advise: ▪ If you or anyone in your household**** has flu-like or respiratory symptoms (fever, coughing, or shortness of breath) please stay home. ▪ If you cough or sneeze in the library, please do so into your elbow, not into your hand. If you have tissue in your hand and cough into it, please immediately wash. ▪ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Since the library typically attracts small numbers, members have felt comfortable coming in. We are following the advice of health authorities in order to continue offering our services. Special Interest Groups may decide to postpone meetings. Please check the GFO Calendar before you come in for any SIG gathering.

Update: Spring Seminar Sunday Full, Saturday Still Has Seats

We had a hunch that DNA would be a popular topic for our Spring Seminar, and we were right. The Sunday half-day seminar is full! If enough of you join the wait list, we may be able to find another venue. Sign the wait list right away so we can gauge the interest. (Click the Register button below, then scroll down to add yourself to the Wait List.) Saturday’s full-day seminar still has seats in our ample auditorium at SEI. We hope you will join us for our 2020 Spring Seminar, Nationally-known genetic genealogy author and educator Karen Stanbary, CG®, MA, LCSW brings her “Solve Puzzles with DNA,” lectures to Portland on April 4 & 5.

Register Now

The Saturday, April 4 classes, will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.at Portland’s Center for Self Enhancement (SEI). Classes include: * Tips to Manage Conversations about Unexpected DNA Results: * The DNA You Need – Elements of Creating a Testing Plan: Who to Test and Why * Avoiding Common Mistakes When Working with atDNA: * Spit and You Shall Find! Autosomal DNA Identifies a Charming Scoundrel The Sunday half-day classes on April 5 will be held at the GFO from 9:30 a.m. – Noon. Karen will focus on two complex case studies. Download the Seminar Flyer for more details. This is a great opportunity to learn more about solving those genealogy puzzles with the use of DNA.

Surprise! App Reveals GFO Leaders are Fifth Cousins

Loretta Welsh and Laurel Smith, both GFO board members, discovered at Roots Tech they are fifth cousins. Chalk this up to the wonders of modern technology. GFO Library Chair Laurel Smith attended the giant RootsTech conference last week and agreed to allow the FamilySearch app Relatives Around Me to access her online tree to see if she had any shared matches who were also attending the conference. 10,000 people were there in Salt Lake City using the app. Relatives Around Me said Laurel was linked to more than 4,000 of them. When it revealed her very closest match among those, Laurel was dumbfounded. The app pointed her to Loretta Welsh, who has worked with Laurel at the GFO since 2011! Both serve on the GFO Board of Directors. Now after 9 years of knowing each other, they also know they are fifth cousins. Time to cue up the It’s a Small World music!

Volunteer Opportunities – Research Assistants and Receptionists

One of the most impressive things we do is keep a library open seven days a week without a single paid employee. It’s a real tribute to all our volunteers who care so much. We need a bit more help keeping the library staffed, especially during the upcoming Open House when expect more visitors than usual. No prior experience is needed; we will train you on the job. If you can help for half a day, once or twice a month, please contact Alice Duff, our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@gfo.org.

Volunteer Opportunities – Digitizing Periodicals

I’m asking for your help in digitizing GFO’s periodicals collection. There are several steps to the process (preparation, scanning, PDF processing), and one of them is probably right up your alley. Monday and Tuesday, March 9 and 10, I will be providing training for anyone who’d like to know more. Sessions are scheduled from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Once you know the process, you could continue helping on your schedule, anytime the library is open. Please join the GFO library team in preserving content, making records more accessible, and clearing space on our packed library shelves. Laurel Smith

Tip: Check Out Mountain West Digital Library

Here’s a collection that those researching in western states should know about. Mountain West Digital Library is a portal that links you to digital collections in Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Hawaii, and other parts of the U.S. West. “Other parts” includes Oregon. Here’s a sampling of the Oregon content: A selection of historical maps from the Oregon Highway Department An enormous collection of yearbooks from Oregon State University Numerous photograph collections at the University of Oregon, including: * Angelus Studio photographs, 1880s-1940s * C. L. Andrews photographs, 1880s-1948 * Charles W. Furlong (1874-1967) photographs, 1895-1965 * Lee D. Drake (1882-1957) photographs, ca. 1910-1957 * Frazier Augustus Boutelle photographs, c. 1865-1900 University of Oregon has collections from the African Studies Program, the Center for Asian Pacific Studies, and the Latino Roots Program as well as personal papers, family papers, and manuscript collections.

News from the Library

New Books A Fragile Freedom: African American Women and Emancipation in the Antebellum City A Troublesome Commerce: The Transformation of the Interstate Slave Trade Abuse and mMurder on the Frontier: The Trials and Travels of Rebecca Hawkins, 1800-1860 East Hampton: A History and Guide Freedom at Risk: The Kidnapping of Free Blacks in America, 1780-1865 Front Line of Freedom: African Americans and the Forging of the Underground Railroad in the Ohio Valley Hirelings: African American workers and free labor in early Maryland Index to West Virginia estates before 1866 Speculators and Slaves: Masters, Traders, and Slaves in the Old South The Bayfront Book: Coastal Histories The King’s Best Highway: The Story of the Post Road from Boston to New York, the Forgotten Road That Made America The Lost: A Search for Six of Six Million The New England Merchants in the Seventeenth Century The Price of Freedom: Slavery and Manumission in Baltimore and Early National Maryland The Puritan Family: Religion & Domestic Relations in Seventeenth-Century New England The Ragged Road to Abolition: Slavery and Freedom in New Jersey, 1775-1865 Travels in the American Colonies War On All Fronts: Oregonians Remember the Second World War Wayward Puritans: a Study in the Sociology of Deviance

New Digital Content None this week.

Surplus Book: Map Guide to Censuses 1790-1920

Genealogists know that location matters. But county lines have changed a lot. We need to know where our ancestors were living and what that area was called back then. This is an incredibly handy guide to solve those mysteries. Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses 1790-1920 includes maps for all 50 states, displaying old county borders and names

and the newer ones that replaced them. Flip to the state you’re curious about and you’ll find your county markings instantly. William Thorndale and William Dollarhide published this 420 page book in 1987. Our copy is in mint condition.

Online copies of this book sell for $30 in fair condition. Ours is pristine. Pick up at the GFO price: $20 Ship to you price: $30 If you’d like this handy reference guide, contact booksales@gfo.org.

Survey Results:

Last week, we asked about how many different regions of the world respondents have been told that they are from. The answer varied significantly from question to question:

Additionally, we would like to apologize for using the term “ethnicity” rather than speaking of regions of the world. Ancestry.com also uses “ethnicity” for its test results, while 23andMe uses “origins” and FamilyTreeDNA uses “ancestry composition.” One respondent was kind enough to point out the inaccuracy of “ethnicity” in their response; here is that response, in addition to some others we received: ▪ The word Ethnicity is a social construct and not a scientific one. Too many people mistake the DNA percentages as ethnicity when they are really admixture, bio-geographical or regional comparisons. The public needs to be educated on using the correct terms. I feel it is GFO’s responsibility to do so along with it’s members. After all, what makes one Irish or Swedish…is it because family lived there for 100 or more years? How can you call a person who has half their family white and half black …or even a drop of African heritage…as African American? We need more sensitivity and just state that they have ancestors from various REGIONS of the world. I know two people who are from England and look VERY English, but the Y-chromosome is African. He has no features similar to Africans, so he is considered white. Please do not use the term ethnicity; it’s better to even say cultural groups for your survey. Thank you. ▪ The stories were confirmed by the genealogy research and both were confirmed by the DNA testing. ▪ My ethnicity is Western European: German, French and Scots-English. DNA tests corroborated genealogy research and family stories. ▪ The “ethnicities” in the DNA tests are the most useless part (even if they are what helps sell them), so I don’t count them as anything other than white noise or cocktail party conversation. ▪ DNA can bring some real ethnic surprises. A very small amount of Black showed up in my sisters, second cousins and myself. Also a bit of Jewish and Native American where it comes from is a bit of a mystery. Our mother’s family was from Virginia and had been slave owners. The Jewish possibly came from dad’s Eastern European folks on his mother’s side is my guess. Sis and I are having a good laugh over it because mom was very adamant there was no Indian in her family and that grandpa was “black Irish” he had a dark complexion with black hair. Also how dare anyone think there was any thing but English and Irish in her back ground? We think it’s a real hoot for that reason. So much for family stories. ▪ Discovering the different ethnicities based on DNA has taken my research in a different direction–which has led to some successful discoveries. ▪ Fascinating to see that my ethnicity is more diverse than I’ve found or been told. But then, I don’t have all my ancestors for the last 200 years discovered yet! Do you? Onward …

New Survey: Must-visit Destinations

Which major libraries and archives for genealogy have you visited? And which one is on your list to visit next?

Take the Survey Now

This week at GFO …

Saturday, March 7th Virginia Interest Group 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. June Ralston Anderson will join us to discuss finding Scottish ancestors and will focus on beginning research in the US with online resources such as source finding aids, repositories, and libraries. Some examples of what you may find will be shown. There will be information about why the history of the pertinent times is very important. The talk will include some key historical events centered around those leading to both emigration and immigration; the push, pull events of geographers. For those with very early immigrants, some helpful websites and sources will be shared as will some of June’s favorite resource books. If you would like more information about this group or have questions, please contact Judi Scott and Carol Surrency at virginia@gfo.org and see our blog at Virginia Roots and Vines. German Interest Group 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Our aim is to be a source of information and inspiration for anyone with German speaking ancestors as we focus on a variety of topics related to Germanic history and migration. We also will provide time for members to share their research journeys and connect with others who may be researching the same region or time period. For questions and information, contact german@gfo.org. Sunday, March 8th Library Work Party 9:00 a.m. – noon There’s another work party at the GFO library today for those of you who can come. There’s lots to do and we’d love to have your help. Doors open at 9 and work usually wraps up around noon. Some people come for just an hour or so; others work the full time. You are welcome to do either. Any time you can share is valuable. Hope to see you there. Monday & Tuesday, March 9th & 10th Digitizing GFO’s Periodicals Training Please see the times and description above. Wednesday, March 11th Work Party – Digitizing Periodicals 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Come and help us preserve the periodicals! We’ll be working to prepare periodicals for scanning and doing some scanning too! Some people come for just an hour or so; others work the full time. You are welcome to do either. Any time you can share is valuable. Hope to see you there. Portland Mac Users Group College 6:00 – 7:55 p.m. Topic: Get creative with Apple’s free apps: Pages, Numbers & Keynote To register: Call 503-228-1779; Email: college@pmug.org. Bring your Mac/iPad to participate with instruction. If you would like additional info for attending this class, please email us GFO Library Open Late to 8:00 p.m.

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition February 27, 2020

Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!

gfo.org | 503-963-1932 | info@gfo.org Be sure to check the complete GFO CALENDAR. Also, don’t miss the current issue of The Forum Insider

Update: How to Watch Live Speakers at Roots Tech

We alerted you earlier this week to the free live video streams of prominent speakers at Roots Tech. The link we sent earlier goes to the Live Stream Schedule page, but Roots Tech apparently did not put instructions or a link to the videos on that page. It turns out you need to go the main home page. Click on the large video player at the top of the screen. Then enter your name, email and zip code, and you should be able to view events when they happen.

Special Guest John Schmal Speaks on Mexican Ancestry March 18

John Schmal The Genealogical Forum of Oregon’s Mexican Ancestry group is pleased to present An Evening with John Schmal on Wednesday, March 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. He will talk about Mexican Genealogy at 6 p.m., and Indigenous Mexico at 7:15 p.m. Schmal is a historian, genealogist, and lecturer who specializes in the genealogical research and Indigenous history of several Mexican states, especially Chihuahua, Nayarit Zacatecas, Jalisco, and Guanajuato. He is also the author of several books, including Mexican-American Genealogical Research: Following the Paper Trail to Mexico (Heritage Books, 2002) and The Journey to Latino Political Representation (Heritage Books, 2007). Additionally, he serves on the board of the Society of Hispanic Historical and Ancestral Research. Check out his website about Indigenous Mexico. This event is part of our annual free Genealogy Open House. There is no cost and everyone is invited to attend.

Spring DNA Seminar Fills Up Sunday, Seats Open Saturday

We are thrilled by your interest in our Spring Seminar on DNA. The Sunday half-day seminar on April 5 is full! But we encourage you to join the wait list. If enough people sign up, we will find a larger venue. We still have plenty of room on Saturday, April 5. Karen Stanbary is a nationally known genetic genealogy educator. Check out the class descriptions below.

Register Now

The Saturday, April 4 classes will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Portland’s Center for Self Enhancement (SEI). Seats are still available. Saturday classes include: ▪ Tips to Manage Conversations about Unexpected DNA Results – handle challenging discussions both before and after DNA testing ▪ The DNA You Need – It’s Not Always Who You Think – Results from a 4th cousin once removed you’ve never met may tell you more than another aunt or uncle ▪ Avoiding Common Mistakes When Working with atDNA – Learn common errors in atDNA interpretation and strategies to avoid them ▪ Spit and You Shall Find! Autosomal DNA Identifies a Charming Scoundrel – Walk through research planning, evidence analysis, correlation, and proof in a fun case study If you register by Feb. 29, the cost for GFO members for this full day is just $45 and for non-members, $50.

Sunday classes include two complex case studies demonstrating a wide variety of research strategies at every point in the planning, analysis, and correlation process. One unknown parentage case and one distant ancestor case illustrate the integration of evidence from paper and DNA sources to prove genetic relationship conclusions. Download the Seminar Flyer for more details. Take advantage of those Early-Bird Registration prices! On March 1, all prices will increase by $5. This is a great opportunity to learn more about solving your genealogy puzzles with the use of DNA.

GFO Open House Brings 42 Free Events in March

Who doesn’t like a free genealogy conference? Save these dates for the 2020 GFO Genealogy Open House: March 13-22. Over these 10 days, the library is free to the public, and everyone is invited to all classes. Of particular note: Friday, March 13: Beginners Day Saturday, March 14: DNA Day, Sunday, March 15: Software Day Tuesday, March 17: Irish Day * Wednesday, March 18: An Evening with Special Guest John Schmal on Mexican Ancestry.

Get the Full Open House Schedule Here

Save your favorite classes on your calendar! No registration required for any events. Just walk in. 42 events in all! It’s like having a free genealogy conference in your own backyard. Please invite your friends and help us spread the word!

News from the Library

New Digital Content ▪ Ancestors West ▪ Ash Tree Echo ▪ Bolles Family Association ▪ Elkins Eagle ▪ Elkins Family Exchange ▪ The Livermore Roots Tracer ▪ Daughters of the Utah Pioneers: Enduring Legacy and Pioneer Pathways

New Books ▪ 1981 Pine Valley echoes ▪ Ancient town records. [New Haven] ▪ Creating an Old South: Middle Florida’s plantation frontier before the Civil War. ▪ Descendants of Reinold and Matthew Marvin of Hartford, Ct., 1638 and 1635: sons of Edward Marvin, of Great Bentley, England ▪ Fall River County pioneer histories ▪ Forging freedom: the formation of Philadelphia’s Black community, 1720-1840. ▪ Here’in lies a study of the Centerville Pioneer Cemetery, Fremont, Alameda County, California: a genealogical survey including biographies, obituaries, burial and cemetery records ▪ History and genealogy of the Von der Sloot family: a comprehensive record of genealogical data and biographical and historical information, chronologically arranged, of members of the Vandersloot family ; properly authenticated, and compiled with utmost care ▪ Idaho, a guide in word and picture ▪ Make it, make it over, make do, or do without ▪ Oregon ferries: a history of Oregon ferries since 1826 ▪ Sheridan County heritage ’76 (North Dakota) ▪ Smoke along the Columbia: Union Pacific, Oregon Division ▪ The complete Civil War road trip guide: ten weekend tours and more than 400 sites, from Antietam to Zagonyi’s Charge ▪ The diaries of Harriet “Hattie” Dillabaugh, 1889-1940: Miner’s Delight, Wyoming Territory; Oregon Trail; Chehalis and Olympia, Washington Territory; Baker City, Oregon; Vancouver, Washington; Portland, Oregon ▪ The genealogy of John Lindsley (1845-1909) and his wife, Virginia Thayer Payne (1856-1941 ▪ The Natchez Trace: a pictorial history ▪ Tracing your Nonconformist ancestors: a guide for family and local historians ▪ Underground railroad in Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia ▪ Western Massachusetts families of 1790

Surplus Book: Atlas Map of Cass County, Indiana

If you know someone with midwestern roots in Indiana, this piece of history is just for them. The Combination. Atlas Map of Cass County, Indiana was originally “compiled, drawn and published from personal examinations and surveys” in 1878. Our copy is a reprint from 1976. It’s a large edition, measuring 13 3/4” x 16 1/2”. Inside you’ll find a complete set of maps

of the county and many pages devoted to explaining the history and prominent people of the era. It’s in fine condition. However, this is a retired library copy, so it does have a label on the cover and some library marks inside. We’ve seen a copy of this for sale online for $60. Our price to pickup at the GFO: $25 Our price to ship to you: $35 If you’d like this piece of midwestern history, contact booksales@gfo.org.

Survey Results: Cousin Bait

Last week we asked if you intentionally use cousin bait. ▪ 50% said yes ▪ 31% said no ▪ 19% said they didn’t know We asked readers to tell us what bait they’ve used and about the results. Here are a few of the responses (edited for brevity): ▪ DNA and a small tree online at AncestryDNA. ▪ My blog, gophergenealogy.blogspot.com, has brought in many cousins. Lots of people google search for surnames and find stories that include their ancestors. It is important to tag the stories for the families included in a post.

▪ I have uploaded photos to Find A Grave to show my willingness to share what I have about relatives. Another distant cousin responded with gratitude. Even better, she had more information! ▪ If luring cousins means contacting those you find and offering to share, then I have lured a number of cousins. Some have become good friends, also. ▪ I have used the “memorial flowers” left on Find a Grave entries to contact several cousins I haven’t heard from in 50 years! I have had success each time and plan to keep going!

▪ I have been in contact with two or three distant cousins I would never had found had it not been for posting my tree on Ancestry. ▪ I can’t say that I ever did any “cousin baiting,” however, having a well-sourced family tree on Ancestry.com can garner some big results. People who are serious about sharing information with you will look at how serious you are in regards to your research. ▪ I use a tree on WikiTree as cousin bait since the site is free. If someone makes edits on my tree, I contact them to find out if/how they are related. If related, we often end up sharing information. Sometimes a distant cousin contacts me because they saw my tree. ▪ I haven’t used cousin bait, but I have responded to it! I recognized a photo of my great-grandparents that another person had shared, and when I reached out I learned that my great-grandfather had a much younger brother (Ed) who I never knew about, who was still alive in his 90s. (The age difference was such that they were never in the same household during a census so I had missed him.) Ed’s grandson and I were able to put him in touch with his surviving nieces, in their 80s, who he had lost touch with decades before, and they had a quick reunion before he passed away.

▪ I don’t intentionally do “cousin baiting,” however, I have found that having a well-sourced family tree on Ancestry.com has garnered great success. I was contacted by a woman who had found one of my trees on Ancestry. She said that a friend of hers had an old Bible, and many of the people named appeared in one of my family trees. She asked if I wanted photocopies of the genealogical information found in the bible. I responded with a big “YES,” gave her address. A month or two later, I received a Graham Cracker Box all taped up with a mailing label on it addressed to me. Inside was the Bible—not the photocopies I expected, but the actual Bible! It had belonged to my ggg-grandmother’s niece! ▪ My blog! I write about family members and post family names. It has been successful, as several cousins have found me this way. ▪ I attached photos or an original document to people on my Ancestry tree. As a result, I have been contacted by people who have an interest in that line. I ask how the person is related to my ancestor. I have been able to meet a cousin in England, and paternal Aunt’s daughter through her granddaughter—and a whole new family line has been connected. ▪ DNA is the biggie. Lots of new connections there. Creating memorials for all my ancestors and posting flowers on their memorials that state my relationship has been rewarding. Posting trees on Ancestry and WIkiTree have been productive. Also, I follow all my ancestors on FamilySearch, so I can see every change that is made to them. When others add or change information, it’s great to be informed, and even better if I can make a connection.

New Survey: Ethnicities

This week, we’re asking about ethnicities—family stories about ethnicity, ethnicities inferred in genealogical research, and ethnicities as determined by DNA. You get to decide how you define “ethnicity,” and, as usual, you’ll have a chance to tell us more.

Take the Survey Now

This week at GFO … Saturday, February 29th Research Assistant Training 10:00 a.m. – Noon Focus on resources – especially Oregon and the northwest; will tie that in to using the databases, our website, and what can be found in the library. Sunday, March 1st Library Work Party 9:00 – 12:00 p.m. There’s another work party at the GFO library for those of you who can come. There’s lots to do and we’d love to have your help. Doors open at 9 and work usually wraps up around noon. Some people come for just an hour or so; others work the full time. You are welcome to do either. Any time you can share is valuable. Hope to see you there. Monday, March 2nd Free First Monday 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Non-members can visit the GFO Library and research for free. Tuesday, March 3rd Italian Interest Group 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. The Italian group is dedicated to promoting Italian family history and genealogy through education using nationally-recognized genealogical standards and practices. If you have any questions, feel free to contact facilitator Stephanie Silenti at Italian@gfo.org Wednesday, March 4th Learn & Chat 10:00 a.m. – Noon Learn and Chat is a “genealogy self-help” group. Please bring tales of your latest genealogy related adventures and a wish list of subjects to build our calendar. Facilitators: Jeanne Quan and Sandy Alto. learnandchat@gfo.org DNA Q&A: Beyond the Basics 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. This meeting is for those who have already taken a DNA test, understand the results and have begun to use the results in expanding your family tree. The meetings begin with a presentation or discussion regarding current changes in DNA testing, different DNA testing tools and analysis methods. General questions are welcome at the end of each planned discussion. Lisa McCullough leads this group.. Questions? dna_qa@gfo.org Wednesday Work Party – Digitizing Periodicals 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. Come and help us preserve the periodicals and make them instantly searchable! We’ll be working to prepare and scan periodicals in our collection. Some people come for just an hour or so; others work the full time. You are welcome to do either. Any time you can share is valuable. Hope to see you there. GFO Library Open Late to 8:00 p.m.

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition February 20, 2020

Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!

gfo.org | 503-963-1932 | info@gfo.org Be sure to check the complete GFO CALENDAR. Also, don’t miss the current issue of The Forum Insider

Spring Seminar with Karen Stanbary: Solve Puzzles with DNA

DNA has become the hot topic in genealogy and we’re bringing an expert to Portland to help you make sense of it all! Join us for our 2020 Spring Seminar, “Solve Puzzles with DNA,” on April 4 & 5, with nationally-known genetic genealogy author and educator Karen Stanbary, CG®, MA, LCSW.

The Saturday, April 4 classes will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Portland’s Center for Self Enhancement (SEI). Seats are still available. . Saturday classes include: ▪ Tips to Manage Conversations about Unexpected DNA Results – handle challenging discussions both before and after DNA testing ▪ The DNA You Need – It’s Not Always Who You Think – Results from a 4th cousin once removed you’ve never met may tell you more than another aunt or uncle ▪ Avoiding Common Mistakes When Working with atDNA – Learn common errors in atDNA interpretation and strategies to avoid them ▪ Spit and You Shall Find! Autosomal DNA Identifies a Charming Scoundrel: Walk through research planning, evidence analysis, correlation and proof in a fun case study If you register by Feb. 29, the cost for GFO members for this full day is just $45 and for non-members, $50.

Register Now

The Sunday half-day classes on April 5 will be held at the GFO from 9:30 a.m. – noon. This session is already 3/4 full. Sunday includes two complex case studies demonstrating a wide variety of research strategies at every point in the planning, analysis and correlation process. One unknown parentage case and one distant ancestor case illustrate the integration of evidence from paper and DNA sources to prove genetic relationship conclusions. Early registration price for this half-day is just $25 for GFO members and $30 for non-members. Download the Seminar Flyer for more details. Take advantage of those Early-Bird Registration prices! On March 1, all prices will increase by $5. This is a great opportunity to learn more about solving those genealogy puzzles with the use of DNA.

GFO Open House Brings 42 Free Events in March

Who doesn’t like a free genealogy conference? Save these dates for the 2020 GFO Genealogy Open House: March 13-22. Over these 10 days, the library is free to the public and everyone is invited to all classes. Of particular note: Friday, March 13: Beginners Day Saturday, March 14: DN Day, Sunday, March 15: Software Day Wednesday, March 18: Irish Day & an Evening with Special Guest John Schmal on Mexican Ancestry.

Get the Full Open House Schedule Here

Save your favorite classes on your calendar! No registration required for any events. Just walk in. 42 events in all! It’s like having a free genealogy conference in your own backyard. Join us!

GFO Star Lynn Rossing

Congratulations to our GFO Star of February, Lynn Rossing!

When a call went a few years ago for someone to lead GFO’s Illinois Special Interest Group, Lynn immediately volunteered. She expanded the group’s focus to include all the Great Lakes states and has been presenting topics of interest regularly ever since. Lynn has moved away from Oregon now, but we would like to recognize her for the work she’s done as a SIG leader, and as an Research Assistant. Thank you Lynn!

GFO Needs Your Help: Marketing and Grant Funding

Do you have experience in marketing, finding sponsors, or applying for grants? The GFO is looking for two or more volunteers to lend a hand with these vital functions. The GFO is small nonprofit run entirely by volunteers. To be really blunt, our president is wearing too many hats. He, and we, need help. We’ve long taken pride in being an all-volunteer organization without a single paid staff member. That can make it difficult to spread the word of all that we offer (52,000 holdings, 150 free classes every year, etc!). Marketing entails maintaining our Facebook page, submitting our events to a variety of websites, and producing occasional press releases. It’s time to think a bit bigger; for that we’ll need some grant funding. This is an area where we really need the help of someone with some experience. Or, perhaps you’ve helped find sponsors for small local events. Our seminars could definitely benefit from with help in this area. Please contact Vince Patton at president@gfo.org if you can lend a hand. Together, we can expand knowledge of GFO’s wonderful resources and remain relevant in this modern era.

GFO Member Authors Book about Oregon Pioneers, Donates to GFO

We were so pleased to hear from Phyllis Naish the other day. She finished her book, Westward Ho The Williams: On The “1841 Team” To Oregon, and she’s generously offering to donate 10% of the sale price for any copy that a GFO member or friend buys.

For the GFO to get the donation, you’ll need to send a copy of the receipt to Phyllis at pnaish@aol.com. She asks you to please mention the GFO in the email subject line. The book offers a “daily view of the pioneers on the 1841 wagon train from Missouri to Oregon. It shows how they lived and what they endured through five long months of walking over 2000 miles in the heat and cold.” It’s available on Amazon. Also, please don’t forget to shop via smile.amazon.com and set the GFO to receive a donation each time you shop.

News from the Library

New Digital Content • Boggess Family Association Newsletter • Boggs Newsletter • Diablo Descendants (Contra Costa County, California) • Roots ‘n’ Gold Dust (El Dorado County, California)

New Books • Albion, Washington • Colfax 100 plus • Ernst’s [John Ernst’s family history] • Jacksonville, Oregon: antique town in a modern age • Jacksonville: a living legend • Little Whale Cove and surrounding coastal headlands • Louie Simpson’s North Bend • Murder, morality and madness: women criminals in early Oregon • Railroads of the Columbia River Gorge • Records of the Particular Court of Connecticut, 1639-1663 • Settlers as conquerors: free land policy in Antebellum America • The frontier in American history • The Jesuits in old Oregon, 1840-1940 • The mill in the brush: a biography of Eugene F. Burrill, Oregon logger & lumberman • The Swedes of Oregon • The tall firs: the story of the University of Oregon & the first NCAA basketball championship • The way of duty: a woman and her family in revolutionary America • The Williamite confiscation in Ireland, 1690-1703 • When Silverton was young • Winthrop’s Boston: portrait of a puritan town, 1630-1649

Surplus Book: History of Spokane County

In 1900, Rev. Jonathan Edwards published An Illustrated History of Spokane County, Washington. He assembled a truly impressive tome, running 726 pages. It includes photos and a fold-out map. Edwards writes in a preface, “We have conscientiously avoided indulging in eulogistic references, especially to the living, because we do not believe that to be the province of the historian.”

With a handsome leather cover and gilt page edges, this book as seen better days. Its spine has damage and has been taped in places. However, all the pages feel securely attached and there are no visible marks of any kind inside. We have found other copies of this book selling online for $40 to $190. (Don’t be fooled by newer reprints which are cheaper). Our price to pick up at the GFO: $25 Our price to ship to you: $35 If you’re interested in this first edition of Pacific Northwest history, contact booksales@gfo.org.

Survey Results: Finding Cousins

A whopping 76.3% respondents reported that finding distant cousins has paid off, 15.8% replied “maybe,” and 7.9% said finding cousins reaped no benefits. Here are some of the responses, consolidated and edited for brevity:

Finding distant cousins has been wonderful. I now have a photo of my immigrant great-great-grandparents thanks to one cousin, and multiple photos of another great-great-grandfather from two others. Cousins have also helped me identify unknown people in photos I have. Holy Cow! I have found so many distant cousins! Jim B. contacted me about 1994 because of something I had posted on Rootsweb. We began sharing information which has helped to knocked down some brick walls! Over the years, Jim has sent me copies of his great-grandfather’s notes about his father and a huge package, which included a memoir written by a great-uncle or great-grand uncle, whose father participated in the Oklahoma Land Rush. The memoir went into great detail. I learned more about the Oklahoma Land Rush than I would have reading history books. Best yet, the memoir mentioned Jim’s ancestor coming to Oregon and Washington and visiting his favorite aunt, my great-great-grandmother. Years ago, I made contact with my great-grandmother’s niece. She was in her late 80s then, and she told me that she had a painting hanging on her wall of her grandparents on the day they were married. (That would be the photograph of my great-great-grandparents!) I learned that my 3rd great-grandfather was married twice. This solved a lot of questions when I found what turned out to be additional children.

For sure. Years ago, through the RootsWeb mailing lists, now through DNA. I’ve found cousins in Ireland, England, and Germany. The most recent connection was via DNA that broke through a 20+ year brick wall. I’ve found distant cousins right at the GFO library! I go to meetings every month for the French-Canadian SIG, and we all share common ancestors. The first time I attended, I learned that one woman’s last name is the same as my grandmother’s maiden name. Although that common ancestor was quite a few generations back, I was able to find that we connect in about 18 other places on our pedigree charts. So how has it paid off for me? My distant cousins are my friends! I’ve spent time visiting cousins all over the country. They have helped me break through some very difficult brick walls. Many of them are good friends now … especially my 96-year-old 3rd cousin, twice removed, from Colorado Springs. We learned a great deal of information about their lives and interests and a relevant Family Bible. But mostly we have met a bunch of really neat and interesting people and have become good friends with several.

Corrections to the location of collateral lines. Sharing of photos (both ways) of ancestors. The burial location of 2nd great grandparents. I could go on and on. I met a very distant cousin that sent me a photograph of my 4th great grandfather… wow, just brought tears to my eyes. Even closer cousins who have taken DNA tests at ancestry.com have been beneficial. Some cousin matches go way back to the 1600s. Having a well-established personal family history database is essential to determining how we are all related. I just wish I had more time to spend on this work.

New Survey: Cousin Bait

Having established that finding cousins can be very beneficial, how do you go about finding them? Do you use “cousin bait?” What bait do you use, and has it been successful?

Take The Survey

This week at GFO … Saturday, February 22nd DNA for Beginners 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. This presentation will help testers use a spreadsheet for genetic genealogy at the beginner level and help you use Half-identical Regions to discover the common ancestral couple you share with your DNA matches. Emily will discuss downloading the matches and segment lists from the major DNA testing companies and how to use a spreadsheet to organize the information to connect to a common ancestor. Herb Femling, our local expert on spreadsheets, will answer any questions you have at any level. Download the handout, here. If possible, download your Matches segment lists before class in case you have questions for Emily and Herb. Send questions on spreadsheets at least three days prior to the meeting. Email them to Emily at dna@gfo.org. Sunday, February 23rd An Advanced Excel Workshop Tutorial 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.* Professional genealogist Mary Kircher Roddy, CG® presents a half-day workshop for experienced spreadsheet users who want to learn more tricks to utilize spreadsheets in genealogy. Including incorporating color in worksheets, splitting columns, wrapping text, freezing panes, sorting, filtering, and more. We will discuss work-arounds for date issues in Excel. We’ll also cover importing data from websites including Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and other sites. Participants should bring their fully charged laptops loaded with Excel. *Note this class starts at 9 am sharp, earlier than normal and runs longer than usual to 12:30 p.m. Registration for this event is closed – Workshop is full. Wednesday, February 26th PMUG College: Mac Photos 101 6:00 – 7:55 p.m. To register: Call 503-228-1779; Email: college@pmug.org. Bring your Mac/iPad to participate with instruction. If you would like additional info for attending this class, please email us. Free to GFO and PMUG members. GFO Library Open Late to 8:00 p.m.

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition February 13, 2020

Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!

gfo.org | 503-963-1932 | info@gfo.org Be sure to check the complete GFO CALENDAR. Also, don’t miss the current issue of The Forum Insider

Washington Secretary of State Urges Public To Fight Seattle National Archives Closure

A few weeks ago, the GFO strongly objected to the plan to close the National Archives in Seattle. The closure was approved just days after news of the secret proposal leaked out. Now the Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman is also speaking up, and urges everyone to contact lawmakers to fight the closure. Read more here on the secretary’s web page. Find your representative Find your senator All the history of the Pacific Northwest stored in Seattle is set to be divided and shipped away to Kansas City, Missouri, and Riverside, California. So far, no date for this closure has been publicly revealed. We urge you to add your voice to get this terrible decision overturned. In the meantime, northwest tribes are also speaking up against the move. Seattle’s KIRO radio reports the Archives has not answered a single question from the public. “No one from the national NARA offices present at the Seattle facility today would go on the record with KIRO Radio about anything. Period. Like OMB, NARA has not responded substantively to any inquiries from KIRO Radio for weeks.”

Free GenTalk: Intro to Excel for Genealogy

Join us at the GFO this Saturday, February 15, from 2 – 3 p.m. for a hands-on beginner’s tutorial Intro to Excel® for Genealogy. Spreadsheets are a powerful tool for analyzing your genealogical data, organizing your research and presenting your conclusions. But as with any tool, you have to know how to use it to get results. GFO member and Microsoft-certified trainer Kendra Blumberg will get beginners started with Excel and some simple, genealogy-specific spreadsheets. Please bring your laptop with Excel® loaded. Otherwise, a limited number of computers are available for free reservation at gfo.org/computer. Join us at the GFO. GenTalks are free and open to the public.**

Spring Seminar with Karen Stanbary: Solve Puzzles with DNA

DNA has become the hot topic in genealogy and we’re bringing an expert to Portland to help you make sense of it all! Join us for our 2020 Spring Seminar, “Solve Puzzles with DNA,” on April 4 & 5, with nationally-known genetic genealogy author and educator Karen Stanbary, CG®, MA, LCSW.

The Saturday, April 4 classes will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Portland’s Center for Self Enhancement (SEI). Seats are still available. . Saturday classes include: ▪ Tips to Manage Conversations about Unexpected DNA Results – handle challenging discussions both before and after DNA testing ▪ The DNA You Need – It’s Not Always Who You Think – Results from a 4th cousin once removed you’ve never met may tell you more than another aunt or uncle ▪ Avoiding Common Mistakes When Working with atDNA – Learn common errors in atDNA interpretation and strategies to avoid them ▪ Spit and You Shall Find! Autosomal DNA Identifies a Charming Scoundrel: Walk through research planning, evidence analysis, correlation and proof in a fun case study If you register by Feb. 29, the cost for GFO members for this full day is just $45 and for non-members, $50.

Register Now

The Sunday half-day classes on April 5 will be held at the GFO from 9:30 a.m. – noon. This session is already 3/4 full. Sunday includes two complex case studies demonstrating a wide variety of research strategies at every point in the planning, analysis and correlation process. One unknown parentage case and one distant ancestor case illustrate the integration of evidence from paper and DNA sources to prove genetic relationship conclusions. Early registration price for this half-day is just $25 for GFO members and $30 for non-members. Download the Seminar Flyer for more details. Take advantage of those Early-Bird Registration prices! On March 1, all prices will increase by $5. This is a great opportunity to learn more about solving those genealogy puzzles with the use of DNA.

Live Webinar on Black College Records Features Deborah Abbott

Mark your calendar. Please join us for a live webinar with Deborah Abbott, on Saturday, February 15 at noon at the GFO library. Our African American Ancestry Group is pleased to present Dr. Abbott’s discussion of using manuscript collections at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Deborah A. Abbott, Ph.D is a professional genealogist specializing in Black American research, manuscript collections, and genealogy methods. She serves as a trustee on the Board of the Ohio Genealogical Society, a member of the Cuyahoga County Archives Advisory Board in Cleveland, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Federation of Genealogical Societies. Non-Members are welcome! This group is free and open to the public.

GFO Open House Brings 42 Free Events in March

Who doesn’t like a free genealogy conference? Save these dates for the 2020 GFO Genealogy Open House: March 13-22. Over these 10 days, the library is free to the public and everyone is invited to all classes. Of particular note, we have an Evening with Special Guest John Schmal on Mexican Ancestry, a Beginners Day, DNA Day, Software Day, and Irish Day.

Get the Full Open House Schedule Here

Save your favorite classes on your calendar! No registration required for any events. 42 events in all! It’s like having a free genealogy conference in your own backyard. Join us!

The Jewish Genealogical Society of Oregon Features Pam Vestal

The Jewish Genealogical Society of Oregon will feature GFO Member and professional genealogist Pam Vestal at their February Meeting, Sunday, February 16 at 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane, Portland. Pam’s presentation, Why They Left, Where They Went, and the Tales Their Journeys Can Reveal, will explore the secrets our ancestors’ migrations and what they can reveal as we track them from place to place, across the ocean, across the country, and even across town. The program is free and doors open at 10:00 a.m. with time for conversation and sharing.

News from the Library

New Digital Content • Kern-Gen (Kern Co., California) • Santa Clara County Connections • Valley Genealogist of Hemet-San Jacinto • The Epistle (Batchelder, Carpenter, and Rice) • Lifeliner (Riverside, California) • Kansas City Genealogist New Books • Adams County, Ohio deeds, 1797-1812 • Confederate military history: a library of Confederate States history • Diamond jubilee, Medina, North Dakota: 1899-1974 • Fish families records and lines • Germans in Wisconsin • History of Jennings County, Indiana • Indian New England before the Mayflower • Little known tales from Oregon history • London’s churches • Magruder’s Maryland colonial abstracts: wills, accounts, and inventories, 1772-1777 • Milford and vicinity sesquicentennial souvenir book, 1830-1980 • Reunion celebration: together with an historical sketch of Peru, Bennington County, Vermont, and its inhabitants from the first settlement of the town • Soap Lake [Washington] • Southern crossing: a history of the American South, 1877-1906 • Tracing your Church of England ancestors: a guide for family and local historians • The captive’s quest for freedom: fugitive slaves, the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law, and the politics of slavery • The city of New York in the year of Washington’s inauguration, 1789 • The Hatfield book • The slave economy of the Old South: selected essays in economic and social history • The Spanish archives of New Mexico: compiled and chronologically arranged with historical, genealogical, geographical, and other annotations, by authority of the State of New Mexico

Surplus Book: 1913 Yearbook From OAC (now Oregon State)

Have a Beaver in the family? They may love this step back into history, back when Oregon State University was known as the Oregon Agricultural College. We have a spare copy of the The Orange from 1913, OAC’s yearbook in truly excellent condition. There is only one half inch of noticeable wear at the top of the spine.

This yearbook runs 366 pages and bears the names of Editor R.A. Blanchard and Manager W.S. Sibray. It includes a message from OAC President William Jasper Rice. Price to pickup at the GFO: $30 Price to ship to you: $37 If you’re interested in this piece of Oregon history, contact booksales@gfo.org

Survey Results: Free Genealogy Websites

Here are the favorite free websites of our readers:

FamilySearch tops the list–for its scope, better indexing, lots of images, deepest resources around, and other reasons. One person cautioned about the family tree, unsourced facts and misinformation.

FamilySearch Community Feed After joining a group, you can upload an image of a foreign language document (even written in impossible to read old German script) and someone will translate it for you – usually within just a couple of hours or maybe overnight. WikiTree (2 people) Because it’s collaborative and there’s a huge emphasis on citing sources for the facts you add. It makes it so much easier to verify information and find the sources yourself for your own records. FindAGrave for the help of the volunteers who take photos. Fultonhistory.com (no reason given) GEDmatch because it has DNA data from different sources. Heritage Quest accessed with Multnomah County Library card.

IrishGenealogy.ie The website has all the RC church records for County Kerry – the ancestral home of my father’s side of family. It also has images for civil records of births, marriages, and deaths for all of Ireland with exception of images of death records before 1877. BTW the website has links to other Irish websites. The Ancestor Hunt for its fabulous links to online newspapers. The Library of Virginia (no reason given)

New Survey: Cousins

We all have lots of distant cousins, found through various means. We’re curious if finding them has been helpful in your genealogical research.

Take the Survey Now

This week at GFO …

Friday, February 14th Mexican Ancestry Group 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. This Special Interest Group (SIG) pertains specifically to Mexican ancestors from Mexico and the American Southwest (New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and California). Beginning and intermediate researchers are welcome. Some subjects will include online parish records, Hispanic genealogy societies, solving genealogical problems, organizing your research, etc. Come share research experiences and have fun. Questions or comments to Vince Ramirez at sw@gfo.org. Saturday, February 15th Genealogical Problem Solvers 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Finding your ancestors before 1850 The 1850 US census was the first to enumerate each member of the household by name, making pre-1850 research tricky, particularly for families already moving West. Adding to the challenge, extended family members tended to migrate in groups, with individuals frequently joining households other than those of their nuclear family …or not. Join us as the Genealogy Problem Solvers attempt to locate the parents of a GFO member’s 2nd great- grandfather, Charles McFarland (1815-1898), who was born in Virginia (or West Virginia) and who died in Missouri. Learn the tools researchers use to solve the problem of finding ancestors on the move before 1850. Questions – contact Katy Daly: gps@gfo.org African American Ancestry Group 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Live Webinar on Black College Records Featuring Deborah Abbott. See article above for details. This group is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Janice Sellers african_american@gfo.org. GenTalk: Intro to Excel® for Genealogy 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. See feature article above to join us for our February GenTalk presented by Kendra Blumberg. You may reserve one of the GFO’s PCs for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Note to Library Patrons: The GenTalk will be held in the research area of the library, at the computer tables, and at least 5 of the computers are reserved for event attendees. The stacks and the classroom are of the library will remain open for all other patrons. Sunday, February 16th Library Work Party 9:00 a.m. – noon We have a special project to work on this Sunday. We received 3 tubs of books and periodicals that have a mildewy odor to them. We don’t want to introduce them to the library. So, we’ll be sorting through them to inventory and reorganize them. Your help is needed. Any time you can share is appreciated. Family Tree Maker Users Group 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Join other users who want to work through the 2019 Companion Guide to Family TreeMaker. Bring your laptop with 2019 or 2017 version of FTM installed. Click here for the full agenda. It also has links to two small files to download to your FTM directory. Click on the ‘more details’ at the bottom left._ Contact the group leaders at ftm@gfo.org. French Canada Group 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Share stories of our history. Come and join this group to learn more about French Canadian ancestry and Acadia. The group leader is Bob LaMarche. FrCan@gfo.org Wednesday, February 19th Learn & Chat 10:00 a.m. – Noon Join us as our “Chat” consisting of lively unplanned discussion as we share successes, frustrations, challenges, tech tips, report on research trips, seminars, conferences and so on. In the next several sessions, our in our “Learn” portion, we will look at the 3 aspects of the Genealogy Proof Standards as set forth in the BCG Genealogical Standards Manual. The goal is to learn together to integrate these standards and methods into our daily routines to become better genealogists, maximize our efficiency, reach more accurate solutions and break down more brick walls. Facilitated by Sandy Alto and Jeanne Quan. Questions? learnandchat@gfo.org DNA Q&A: The Basics 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. This meeting is for those who are just beginning to use DNA testing for genealogy. Each class begins with a presentation of general information about DNA testing. General questions regarding DNA testing are welcome at the end of each planned discussion. Lisa McCullough leads this group.. Questions? dna_qa@gfo.org. Irish Interest Group 6:00 – 7:45 p.m. We will hear Patricia Delich’s, “Searching for Great-Great-Grandfather John Spillan.” Patricia’s research has taken numerous twists and turns since she gave us a glimpse of her search at our Oct. 2019 meeting. In our second hour we will examine current challenges, brick walls, obstacles and conflicting sources for your ancestor. Please bring the following information: * Who are you researching? * What information are you seeking? * Where did this person live? * What time period? * What resources have you tried? Contact Irish@gfo.org for more information. GFO Library Open Late to 8:00 p.m.

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition February 6, 2020

Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!

gfo.org | 503-963-1932 | info@gfo.org Be sure to check the complete GFO CALENDAR. Also, don’t miss the current issue of The Forum Insider

Great Lakes SIG Ends with Unique Lecture

We’d like to offer our deep thanks to Lynn Rossing for leading our Great Lakes Special Interest Group for several years. Lynn has now stepped down. The next meeting is this Saturday, Feb. 8, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., where guest speaker Dale Deatherage will discuss Taverns and Inns. He has found records for his ancestors by researching business licenses in the Great Lakes region, and will share his research journey so that we can all do the same. This is a topic with information that likely would be hard to find elsewhere. However, this will be the last meeting until someone steps up to help keep this group active. Would you be willing to facilitate this group dedicated to helping people find ancestors from the Great Lakes region? The group has met on the second Saturday of each month except in July, August, and December, but this can be changed. Please contact our president, Vince Patton, at president@gfo.org if you’d be willing to keep this group alive.

Spring Seminar with Karen Stanbary: Solve Puzzles with DNA

Join us for our 2020 Spring Seminar, “Solve Puzzles with DNA,” on April 4 & 5, to be presented by nationally-known genetic genealogy author and educator Karen Stanbary, CG®, MA, LCSW.

The Saturday, April 4 classes, will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.at Portland’s Center for Self Enhancement (SEI). Karen will guide experienced beginners and above in learning how to manage and interpret DNA evidence, then how to incorporate it into existing documentary research and provide guidance on managing conversations about unexpected DNA results. If you register now, the cost for GFO members for this full day is just $45 and for non-members, $50. The Sunday half-day classes on April 5 will be held at the GFO from 9:30 a.m. – Noon. Deepen and expand your intermediate- to advanced-level skills as Karen presents more complex genealogy puzzles requiring more complex DNA evidence analysis. Early registration price for this half-day is just $25 for GFO members and $30 for non-members. Download the Seminar Flyer for more details. Remember, we have Early-Bird Registration prices! On March 1, all prices will increase by $5. This is a great opportunity to learn more about solving those genealogy puzzles with the use of DNA.

Register Now

February Workshop: Advanced Excel for Genealogy

Spreadsheets can be a powerful tool to help you analyze your genealogical data and keep track of your research. They are essential in managing your DNA information, so this is a great class to attend before our big Spring Seminar.

From 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, join BCG Certified Genealogist Mary Kircher Roddy as she presents a hands-on guide for the experienced spreadsheet user using Excel to gain perspective on and to further your genealogy research. For a more complete description, download the seminar flyer. Seating is limited to 30 people! Everyone gets a spot at a table. Participants should bring their (fully charged) laptops pre-loaded with Excel. Mary is an active member of Seattle Genealogical Society, the Genealogical Speakers Guild, the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the National Genealogical Society. She has published articles in Family Chronicle, Internet Genealogy, and the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. The fee is $35.00 for GFO Members and $40.00 for non-members.

Register Now

GFO Open House Brings 42 Free Events in March

It’s time for a genealogy conference in your backyard–one which doesn’t cost a dime! Save these dates for the 2020 GFO Genealogy Open House: March 13-22. Over these 10 days, the library is free to the public and everyone is invited to all classes. Of particular note, we have an Evening with Special Guest John Schmal on Mexican Ancestry, a Beginners Day, DNA Day, Software Day, and Irish Day.

Get the Full Open House Schedule

Save your favorite classes on your calendar! No registration required for any events. 42 events in all! It’s like having a free genealogy conference in your own backyard. Join us!

News from the Library

New Books • An informal history of the German language: with chapters on Dutch and Afrikaans, Frisian and Yiddish • Cheapside before the Great Fire • Divorce records for Washington County, Indiana, 1814-1921 • Early marriages in Indiana • Historical Shaniko tales • History of the Sierra Nevada • Newport, Oregon: 1882-1982: centennial magazine • Pathways to Michigan’s Black heritage • Preceding the Mayflower: the Pilgrims in England and in the Netherlands • Searching for Black Confederates: the Civil War’s most persistent myth • Slavery remembered: a record of twentieth-century slave narratives • Textiles in America 1650-1870: A dictionary based on original documents, prints and paintings, commercial records, American merchants’ papers, shopkeepers’ advertisements, and pattern books with original swatches of cloth • The families of County Donegal, Ireland: over one thousand entries from the archives of the Irish Genealogical Foundation • The guarded gate: bigotry, eugenics, and the law that kept two generations of Jews, Italians, and other European immigrants out of America • The life of Mark Twain: the early years, 1835-1871 • The Minutemen and their world • Time on the cross: economics of American Negro slavery • Time on the cross: evidence and methods, a supplement • When women didn’t count: the chronic mismeasure and marginalization of American women in federal statistics New Digital Content • Bulletin of the California Central Coast Genealogical Society • Genealogical Goldmine (Paradise, California) • Quicksilver Diggin’s (Santa Clara County, California) • San Diego Leaves and Saplings • San Francisco Historical and Genealogy Bulletin • The Sonoma Searcher

U.S. is Hiring Census Workers

Genealogists depend on the census. Some of our ancestors were census enumerators, collecting the information we value so much. Now you can do the same. The Census Bureau is hiring through the first week of March. They are seeking census takers to work flexible hours, earn $18-$20 per hour, and receive paid training. Apply Online: 2020census.gov/jobs For more information or help applying, call 1-855-JOB-2020.

Will You Be Our Valentine?

Shop at smile.amazon.com and AmazonSmile donates to Genealogical Forum Of Oregon at no cost to you!

Surplus Books: Atlas of Muskingum County Ohio

Take a step back in time to 1866 and see what Muskingum County, Ohio looked like 154 years ago. The GFO library is retiring this reprint from 1973 as a nicer copy was donated. Its full title is Atlas of Muskingum Co., Ohio From actual Surveys by and under the direction of F. W. Beers, assisted by Beach Nichols and others. It was published by Beers, Soule & Co. of New York.

As a library copy, it has library marks inside the front and back covers and a label on the spine. Otherwise, it is in excellent condition. Its 48 pages include maps of townships and cities, and it includes some illustrations of prominent buildings at that time.

As an atlas, it’s large, measuring 14“ by 14″. Our price to pickup at the GFO: $28 Price to ship to you: $38 If you’d like to buy it, please email booksales@gfo.org.

Survey Results: Vintage Family Photos

Here are the results of our question about old photos in your collection. Twenty-five percent report having photos that are pre 1860, and 34.4% have photos that date from 1850 to 1860.

We also asked how you dated your photo. Many reported that the images they had were wedding photos—and they had the marriage date. Some used hairstyles and clothing styles, some used children in the image, and others knew the date of death. Here are just a few of the many replies:

• My third great grandmother – a young woman with hair and dress from 1860s. She was born in 1827 and drowned crossing a river in 1883. • It is a photo of my third great-grandfather Ishmael G Smith, taken in Joliet, IL about 1865. The date is from a tax stamp on back of the photo.

Tintype image courtesy of Laurel Smith • I have a Daguerreotype in a metal frame, of a young woman in period dress. With technology available at the time and clothing and hairstyle I estimate this dates to 1860s, Civil War era. I do not know who it is, but am working on it. • Approximately 1857/58. Ambrotype of my 2nd great-grandparents, James and Martha Smalley, holding their first born, Edna, my great-grandmother, born 1 May 1857. Edna looks to be between 6 and 9 months old in the photo, helping me date it. • Civil War soldier, a great-great-uncle, Andy Miller. A book on the GFO library about his unit noted his death and included a section on the unique uniforms his unit had which matched the photo and help identify him. Photo before July 1863 when he died at Gettysburg. • My oldest photo is of my husband’s grandmother in 1905, age 5. She wrote the date on the back. • Likely early 1860s. Two photos on glass in gold frames, handed down through the family, show my great-great-great aunt and her husband. These are ambrotypes, a form of photography that only lasted one decade into the early 1860s.

General James S. Jackson, photo dated 31 Dec 1861, image credit: Wikipedia • The photo is from Dec 31, 1861. It is of my great-great-grandfather, General James S. Jackson. He was a general on the Union side of the Civil War. He was killed in 1862 in the battle of Gettysburg. I have his actual photo, but there is a copy on Wikipedia. • About 1890. My great-great-grandparents and their first child. I identified my great-great-grandmother because of her uncanny resemblance to one of her daughters and then extrapolated the rest. It also helped that the photo frame indicated it was taken in Kamenets Podolsky, Russia. • I have several daguerreotypes from the 1850s to 1860s of my great-great-grandparents who lived in Massachusetts. They are in the little books and are identified by name, date and place. One is of my great-great-grandmother, Betsy Anne Richmond, who died in 1852. • The oldest photo I have is hand dated on the back from the 1850s of a 3rd great-grandfather, James M Hassler. I also checked the photographer’s insignia on the paper frame with information online showing that photographer was working in the same city and time of this ancestor’s dated photo._

New Survey: Free Genealogy Websites We all love free genealogy websites—what’s your favorite?

Take the Survey Now

This week at GFO …

Saturday, February 8th Great Lakes Interest Group 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Guest speaker Dale Deatherage will discuss Taverns and Inns. He has found records for his ancestors by researching business licenses in the Great Lakes region, and will share his research journey so that we can all do the same. For more information contact Lynn Rossing at GreatLakes@gfo.org. Writers’ Forum 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Join this peer group of genealogists, who meet to learn about writing and to share their writing with each other. Peggy Baldwin facilitates this group and can be reached at writers@gfo.org. Sunday, February 9th Library Work Party 9:00 a.m. – noon Prepping periodicals for scanning is on the agenda, and we sure could use your help. Doors open at 9 and work usually wraps up around noon. Some people come for just an hour or so; others work the full time. You are welcome to do either. Any time you can share is valuable. Hope to see you there. Research Assistant Training 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Training for GFO volunteer research assistants focused on procedures, OPALS, and Q&A. Wednesday, February 12th PMUG College: Browsers and Email 6:00-7:55 p.m. To register: Call 503-228-1779; Email: college@pmug.org. Bring your Mac/iPad to participate with instruction. If you would like additional info for attending this class, please email us. Free to GFO and PMUG members. GFO Library Open Late to 8:00 p.m.

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition January 30, 2020

Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!

gfo.org | 503-963-1932 | info@gfo.org Be sure to check the complete GFO CALENDAR. Also, don’t miss the current issue of The Forum Insider

Northwest Loses National Archives in Seattle

The National Archives Seattle. We have a sad update to our top story from one week ago. The National Archives in Seattle is being closed. The public was never offered a single hint this was coming nor any chance to comment. Our Northwest historical records will end up at least 1,000 miles away in Riverside, California, or 1,800 miles away in Kansas City, Missouri, or both. The Seattle Times reported on the decision: “The move comes despite a letter sent Friday to the OMB by all senators from Washington, Alaska, Oregon and Idaho, and eight of the 10 Washington state representatives to Congress. The letter concluded the recommendation to close the archives “was flawed” and should be rejected.” Meanwhile, there may be one last fight over this decision. Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson might sue the Trump administration over the failure to follow legally required procedures. Ferguson says, “It’s the Procedural Act that requires them to take certain procedural steps before they make changes to people’s lives and they simply don’t do it over and over and over again.”

Spring Seminar with Karen Stanbary: Solve Puzzles with DNA

Join us for our 2020 Spring Seminar, “Solve Puzzles with DNA,” on April 4 & 5, to be presented by nationally-known genetic genealogy author and educator Karen Stanbary, CG®, MA, LCSW.

The Saturday, April 4 classes, will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.at Portland’s Center for Self Enhancement (SEI). Karen will guide experienced beginners and above in learning how to manage and interpret DNA evidence, then how to incorporate it into existing documentary research and provide guidance on managing conversations about unexpected DNA results. If you register now, the cost for GFO members for this full day is just $45 and for non-members, $50. The Sunday half-day classes on April 5 will be held at the GFO from 9:30 a.m. – Noon. Deepen and expand your intermediate- to advanced-level skills as Karen presents more complex genealogy puzzles requiring more complex DNA evidence analysis. Early registration price for this half-day is just $25 for GFO members and $30 for non-members. Download the Seminar Flyer for more details. Take advantage of those Early-Bird Registration prices! On March 1, all prices will increase by $5. This is a great opportunity to learn more about solving those genealogy puzzles with the use of DNA.

Register Now

February Workshop: Advanced Excel for Genealogy

Spreadsheets can be a powerful tool to help you analyze your genealogical data and keep track of your research; and they are essential in managing your DNA information.

From 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, join BCG Certified Genealogist Mary Kircher Roddy as she presents a hands-on guide for the experienced spreadsheet user using Excel to gain perspective on and to further your genealogy research. For a more complete description, download the seminar flyer. Seating is limited to 30 people! Everyone gets a spot at a table. Participants should bring their (fully charged) laptops pre-loaded with Excel. Mary is an active member of Seattle Genealogical Society, the Genealogical Speakers Guild, the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the National Genealogical Society. She has published articles in Family Chronicle, Internet Genealogy, and the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. For Early-Bird Registration on or before Jan. 31, the fee is $30.00 for GFO Members and $35.00 for non-members. You’ve got until tomorrow before the price increases $5 on Feb. 1.

Register Now

GFO Open House Brings 42 Free Events in March

It’s time for a genealogy conference in your backyard which doesn’t cost a dime! Save these dates for the 2020 GFO Genealogy Open House: March 13-22. Over these 10 days, the library is free to the public and everyone is invited to all classes. Of particular note, we have an Evening with Special Guest John Schmal on Mexican Ancestry, a Beginners Day, DNA Day, Software Day, and Irish Day. Check out the full schedule and save your favorite classes on your calendar. 42 events in all! It’s like having a free genealogy conference in your own backyard. Join us! There are no events that require registration this year.

News from the Library

Does anyone have research to do in Washington County, Indiana? Our most recent donation, listed below, is from the estate of Cindy Holsapple-Boone. Many thanks to her family for their generosity, and the help of her friend Trudie, who sent them cross country to the GFO.

New Books: • [Cemeteries] Washington County, Indiana, Posey Township, 1982, partial list 1983 • Affidavits and consents for persons making application for marriage license in Washington County, Indiana, years 1844-1877 • Bible records (Washington County (Indiana) Historical Society) • Celebrating Salem & Washington County, Indiana, 1814-2014 • Cemeteried [sic]:Franklin Township, Washington County, Indiana • Cemeteries in Pierce Township, Washington County, Indiana • Cemeteries of Washington Township, Washington County, Indiana • Census of Indiana Territory for 1807 • Death records, Washington County, Indiana, 1882-1950 • Divorce records for Washington County, Indiana, 1814-1921 • Early marriages in Indiana • Guardianships, 1820-1859, Washington County, Indiana • Map of Washington County, Indiana: showing the townships, sections, divisions & farm lands … • Obituaries, selected newspapers of Washington County, Indiana • Pioneer pickings, by Horace Heffren • Salem cemeteries, Washington County, Indiana • The Faris family of Washington County, Indiana: a genealogy of the descendants of William Farrie … • Washington County, Indiana Brown Township • Washington County, Indiana Franklin Township cemeteries • Washington County, Indiana Vernon Township cemeteries • Washington County, Indiana, Howard Township cemeteries, 1984 • Washington County, Indiana, Jackson Township cemeteries: copied from obituaries, death records, marriage records, family records, cemetery records, old church records • Washington County, Indiana, Jefferson Township cemeteries. • Washington County, Indiana, Madison Township, 1984: copied from death records, old church records, grave stones, obituaries, mortuary records, marriage records, newspaper items • Washington County, Indiana, Monroe Township cemeteries, 1985: copied from death records, old church records, grave stones, obituaries, mortuary records, marriage records, newspaper items • Washington County, Indiana, Polk Township_

New Digital Files • Alabama heritage: The Alabama Statehood Bicentennial Issue • Cemetery records and tombstone inscriptions of Benton County, Oregon, Index to volumes 1-5 • Genealogy news about our members, for our members (British Columbia Genealogical Society) • Inscriptions in St. Mary’s churchyard, Tickhill, Yorkshire, England • Last leaf (Montana) • Marriage records, Douglas County, Oregon: Book 1 (1852-1871) and Book 2 (1871-1879) • Mountain memories (Page County, Virginia) • Newsletter of Willamette Valley Genealogical Society • Portrait of an English parish church: St Mary the Virgin, Tickhill, Yorkshire • The Beall News • The Headhunter (Redondo Beach, California) • The Root digger (Solano, California) • Willamette Valley Genealogical Society News

Do You Have Professional Genealogy Skills to Offer?

Sometimes finding ancestors is just too daunting to do ourselves. Professional genealogists can help break down brick walls. The GFO lists the names and contact information of such researchers and other professionals on our Professional Resources page. Are you a professional and wish to be included? Some of the professionals have formal certification, some do not. All have experience in various facets of genealogy. You must be an active member of the GFO in good standing to be included. We invite you to submit your name, contact information and credentials to: info@gfo.org.

Surplus Books: Washington History Set of 4

Here’s a fun collection of Pacific Northwest history preserved in four editions of the Washington State Genealogical and Historical Review published in 1983. These four periodicals are retired library copies with a label on each spine. Each is in very good condition.

Featured stories include: Carbonado Mine Explosion December 9, 1899 The Great Seattle Fire June 6, 1889 The Pig That Went To War June 15, 1859 The Great Mount Baker Marathon August 10 & 11, 1911

Our price to pick up this set of four: $40 Price to ship to you: $45 If you’d like to buy these, email booksales@gfo.org.

Survey Results: Your Learning Style

Respondents had a lot to share about how they learn best. Reading in a book and hands-on workshop topped the list with one-on-one training and live presentations not far behind. Many indicated that a combination was best. Here are a few of the comments: • If it’s technology then a hands-on workshop is better for me. For genealogy I’ve found the online reading the best. • I teach adults and know about the four learning styles – very important that instructors understand how all students learn so that he/she can offer training that fits everyone.

• The advantage of an in-person lecture is being able to ask questions of the person you’re learning from while they’re fresh in your mind. • I’m a visual and kinesthetic learner. I learn best when seeing and doing—-not by just listening! Reading online is ok but reading it in a book makes it easier to go back to an example or reread an explanation without so much fumbling with the computer version. Also you can use post it note tabs to mark things that are important to you to be able to find [it] fast. • Learning depends on the topic. Some require reading, research; others hands on. • Too much rambling can turn me off and I may miss something important. Taking notes is also important as a means of learning. • I usually learn best by reading a paper or book (or online). But classes can be good too depending on the speaker/teacher. • I learn best when I have to teach something or explain it to another. Then it “sticks” and I don’t forget it.

New Survey: Vintage Family Photos This week’s survey asks about the oldest photo in your family history collection, what it is of, how old it is, and how you dated the image.

Take the Survey Now

Our Privacy Policy: No Sharing

The GFO never shares your information. Period. Our website uses cookies to function but not to collect information about you. How’s that for a succinct privacy policy?

This week at GFO … Saturday, February 1st Virginia Group 10:00 a.m. – Noon Topic: The Natchez Trace. Those of us with ancestors in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and more, may have ancestors who floated their goods down the Mississippi to sell, or fought with Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812. Maybe they fought in the Civil War battle of Shiloh, or were early settlers in Tennessee or Mississippi. If so, the Natchez Trace may have played a part in your family history. But even if it didn’t, this short-lived rough road played an important role in the settlement and growth of the United States. We’re going to talk about the “Kaintucks,” the Native Americans, the soldiers, a mysterious death that is still being debated today, and even the bandits along the Trace. And show photographs that might entice you to take a trip through history yourself. For more information see our blog: “Virginia Roots and Vines.” German Group 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Join us as we provide information and inspiration for anyone with German speaking ancestors. We touch on a variety of topics related to Germanic history and migration. We also will provide time for members to share their research journeys and connect with others who may be researching the same region or time period. Send questions to german@gfo.org. Sunday, February 2nd Library Work Party 9:00 a.m. – noon Come and help us preserve the periodicals! We’ll be working to prepare periodicals for scanning and doing some scanning too! Doors open at 9 and work usually wraps up around noon. Some people come for just an hour or so; others work the full time. You are welcome to do either. Any time you can share is valuable. Hope to see you there. Monday, February 3rd Free to Non-Members All Day A great time to sample our resources. Tuesday, February 4th Italian Group10:00 – 11:30 a.m. The Italian group is dedicated to promoting Italian family history and genealogy through education using nationally-recognized genealogical standards and practices. If you have any questions, feel free to contact facilitator Stephanie Silenti at italian@gfo.org. Wednesday, February 5th Learn & Chat 10:00 a. m. – Noon Join our “genealogy self-help” group. Please bring tales of your latest genealogy related adventures and a wish list of subjects to build our calendar. Facilitators: Jeanne Quan and Sandy Alto. learnandchat@gfo.org DNA Q&A: Beyond the Basics1:00 – 3:00 p.m. This meeting is for those who have already taken a DNA test, understand the results and have begun to use the results in expanding your family tree. The meetings begin with a presentation or discussion regarding current changes in DNA testing, different DNA testing tools and analysis methods. General questions are welcome at the end of each planned discussion. Lisa McCullough leads this group.. Questions? dna_qa@gfo.org. GFO Library Open Late to 8:00 p.m.

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition January 16, 2020

Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!

gfo.org | 503-963-1932 | info@gfo.org Be sure to check the complete GFO CALENDAR. Also, don’t miss the current issue of The Forum Insider

Spring Seminar with Karen Stanbary: Solve Puzzles with DNA

Join us for our 2020 Spring Seminar, “Solve Puzzles with DNA,” on April 4 & 5, to be presented by nationally-recognized genetic genealogy author and educator Karen Stanbary, CG®, MA, LCSW. The Saturday, April 4 classes will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.at Portland’s Center for Self Enhancement (SEI). Karen will guide experienced beginners and above in learning how to manage and interpret DNA evidence, then how to incorporate it into existing documentary research. As a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Karen will also provide guidance on managing conversations about unexpected DNA results. If you register now, the cost for GFO members for this full day is just $45 and for non-members, $50. The Sunday half-day classes on April 5 will be held at the GFO from 9:30 a.m. – noon. Deepen and expand your intermediate- to advanced-level skills as Karen presents more complex genealogy puzzles requiring more complex DNA evidence analysis. Early registration price for this half-day is just $25 for GFO members and $30 for non-members. Download the Seminar Flyer for more details. Take advantage of those Early-Bird Registration prices! On March 1, all prices will increase by $5. This is a great opportunity to learn more about solving those genealogy puzzles with the use of DNA.

Register Now

February Workshop: Advanced Excel for Genealogy

Spreadsheets can be a powerful tool to help you analyze your genealogical data and keep track of your research; and they are essential in managing your DNA information. From 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, join BCG Certified Genealogist, Mary Kircher Roddy, as she presents a hands-on guide for the experienced spreadsheet user using Excel to gain perspective on and to further your genealogy research. For a more complete description, download the seminar flyer. Seating is limited to 30 people! Everyone gets a spot at a table. Participants should bring their (fully charged) laptops pre-loaded with Excel. A frequent lecturer in the Seattle area, as well occasionally farther afield, Mary is an active member of Seattle Genealogical Society, the Genealogical Speakers Guild, the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the National Genealogical Society. She has published articles in Family Chronicle, Internet Genealogy, and the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. For Early-Bird Registration on or before Jan. 31, the fee is $30.00 for GFO Members and $35.00 for non-members. The price increases $5 on Feb. 1.

Register Now

GenTalk: A Few Seats Still Available!

Come hear our panel of experts this Saturday, Jan. 18 from 2:15 – 3:45 p.m. as they present GFO’s January GenTalk, DNA and Genealogy for Crime Solving. Portland Police Bureau Detective Brendan McGuire, genetic genealogists Dr. Tim Janzen and Emily Aulicino, and crime victim advocate Laurel Smith will all be on hand to discuss various issues including the ethics of using DNA for law enforcement, the viewpoint of the victim and their family, the suspect’s privacy, what crimes should be allowed to use DNA, your choices and rights regarding your DNA, and the future of using DNA for law enforcement. We expect a lively discussion, so bring your questions! This event is free and open to the public, but online pre-registration is required. 4 seats have opened up, so register quickly to claim yours: gfo.org/DNApanel. The handout was updated yesterday, so if you downloaded it on Tuesday, please download the revised handout here.

People who are registered MUST arrive before 2:10 p.m. to claim your seat, because at 2:10 p.m. we will start giving away open seats to those on the wait list. Late arrivals will not be seated if there are no open chairs.

Register Now

Family Tree Maker (FTM) Questions: Yes or No?

___ I have FTM but haven’t installed it. ___ I’ve installed FTM but haven’t used it. ___ I have a tree on Ancestry I want to get into FTM. ___ I’ve got my tree in FTM but I need help. If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then plan to attend the FTM Beginners Meeting on Sunday, January 19th from 1-3 p.m. at the GFO. Laurel Smith will show you how to get off to a great start with this amazing family tree software program.

Look What’s Coming Soon

Webinar viewings are coming to the GFO on Monday mornings. Kristin Parks, education chair and Monday morning RA, has volunteered to set this up so anyone can come in to watch some of the latest free webinars from Legacy Family Tree Webinars. They’ll likely start about 11 am. More details to follow!

News from the Library

Here’s what’s new this week: New Digital Records: ▪ Ashley Addenda Annual ▪ Ashleys of America ▪ Ball Beginnings ▪ Barner Family Newsletter ▪ Bell Family Newsletter ▪ Bensonian ▪ Berry Bulletin ▪ Bishop Families in America ▪ Blauvelt News ▪ Blois Voice ▪ Johnson County [Kansas] Genealogist New Books: ▪ Deeds of Franklin County, Georgia, 1784-1826 ▪ Dictionary of German names ▪ German dialects: phonology and morphology, with selected texts ▪ The German language ▪ Irish famine immigrants in the state of Vermont: gravestone inscriptions ▪ One hundred fifty years in Pike County, Alabama, 1821-1971 ▪ The promise of the New South: life after Reconstruction ▪ The slaves’ war: the Civil War in the words of former slaves ▪ Trans-Appalachian frontier: people, societies, and institutions, 1775-1850 ▪ The way we lived in North Carolina

Do You Have Professional Genealogy Skills to Offer?

Sometimes finding ancestors is just too daunting to do ourselves. Professional genealogists can help break down brick walls. Or perhaps you need help organizing your research or using your database program. The GFO lists the names and contact information of those who can help on our Professional Resources page. Some of the professionals have formal certification, some do not. All have experience in various facets of genealogy. Are you a professional and wish to be included? You must be an active member of the GFO in good standing to be included. We invite you to submit your name, contact information and credentials to: info@gfo.org.

Surplus Book: Glassell Family of Scotland and Virginia

Here is a truly rare book you can own. 129 years ago, the Reverend Horace Edwin Hayden published a positively enormous volume called The Genealogy of the Glassell Family of Scotland and Virginia; also of the families of Ball, Brown, Bryan, Conway, Daniel, Ewell, Holladay, Lewis, Littlepage, Moncure, Peyton, Robinson, Scott, Taylor, Wallace, and others, of Virginia and Maryland.

This book runs 758 pages including the index and appendix. Rev. Hayden writes that it took “eight years of careful preparation.” This is a work of its era where the author glorifies the soldiers of the Confederacy in the U.S. Civil War. Ours is a rare book from 1891 which is in acceptable condition.

It is a retired library copy with crumbling paper edges, library marks, and some handwriting in the front and back. The binding is taped to hold the cover, while the pages inside are sound. Someone years ago pasted a newspaper article inside the front cover about the first settlers. 322 years before. Our price to pickup: $70 Our price to ship: $80 If you’d like to buy this piece of history, email booksales@gfo.org.

Survey Results: On the Road Again?

It looks like most of our respondents will be taking one or more trips this year, with most going to U.S. locations, followed by Europe, and then Canada.

And it’s good to know that many of you are going to dig into regional archives and advancing your education. We’d love to hear about the archives after your trip.

Here are just a few of the many comments we received: ▪ Genealogy Pre-conference at the American Library Association Sponsored by ProQuest. ▪ In September we will be attending the 400th Celebration of the Mayflower arrival in Plymouth MA. ▪ Have traveled to Northern England a few times over the last 10 years and passed through Leeds via train. Well, as luck would have it–3 yrs ago I found ancestors of my Grandmother Webster’s line! So this time I will be staying and visiting the addresses his documents have noted and hopefully finding more info. Very excited! ▪ Travel to RootsTech, IAJGS, and a teacher institute in Mobile, Alabama. ▪ It’s time to finally go to Ireland to see where my great-great-grandparents came from and find records available only there. ▪ Going to the Association for Gravestone Studies annual conference, June 23-28, 2020, this year in Austin, Texas. ▪ RootsTech and National Genealogy Society Conferences, both in Salt Lake City, so in addition to learning more, a chance to do some research too! ▪ I plan a return trip to central Wisconsin after a successful trip last September. ▪ Hoping to crash through a wall!

New Survey: Family History Library in Salt Lake City This week’s survey, that asks you about use of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, was one of the suggestions we received from our readers.

Take the Survey

This week at GFO … Saturday, January 18th Genealogy Problem Solvers No meeting this month. African American Group 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. This will be one of our quarterly “Bring Your Own Brick Wall” help sessions. Bring your problems, questions, and documents (copies, please, no originals if at all possible), and we will brainstorm to come up with information and suggestions that can direct your next steps and may help you solve some of your family mysteries. We will keep each person to one question until everyone has had an opportunity. Questions: african_american@gfo.org. GenTalk: DNA and Genealogy for Crime Solving 2:15 – 3:45 p.m. Act Quickly! Only Four Seats Available. Come hear firsthand about this trend from a panel of experts, including Portland Police Detective Brendan McGuire, genetic genealogists Dr. Tim Janzen and Emily Aulicino, and crime victim advocate Laurel Smith. See detailed description above for information on topics, downloading revised handouts, and registration. This event is free and open to the public, but online pre-registration is required. Sunday, January 19th Library Work Party 9:00 a.m. – noon We’ll be prepping periodicals for scanning and doing some scanning too. Doors open at 9 and work usually wraps up around noon. Some people come for just an hour or so; others work the full time. You are welcome to do either. Any time you can share is valuable. Hope to see you there. Family Tree Maker for Beginners 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Held quarterly, this is a beginning class for Family Tree Maker users and for those considering a purchase. Questions? Or if you have Family Tree Maker topics you’d like covered, email Joyce and Laurel at FTM@gfo.org. French Canada Group 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Share stories of our history. Come and join this group to learn more about French Canadian ancestry and Acadia. The group leader is Bob LaMarche. FrCan@gfo.org. Wednesday, January 22nd PMUG College: Mac Basics 6:00 – 7:55 p.m. Come learn the 10 Basic things you need to know about a Mac and the latest operating system. To register: Call 503-228-1779; Email: college@pmug.org. Bring your Mac/iPad to participate with instruction. If you would like additional info for attending this class, please email us. Free to GFO and PMUG memberrs. GFO Library Open Late to 8:00 p.m.