Author Archives: Charles Hansen

Lower Columbia Genealogical Society August Meeting

by Charles Hansen

I HAVE MY DNA RESULTS;

……. NOW WHAT???

FRUSTRATED BY FINDING A DNA MATCH BUT NO LINKED FAMILY TREE??? FOR HELP WITH FINDING YOUR MATCHING ANCESTOR, YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THE AUGUST MEETING OF THE LOWER COLUMBIA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY.

Member TERRY MATTISONhas pursued this subject extensively, and will be sharing her approaches to the mystery. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to attend!

LOWER COLUMBIA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~walcolgs/

SOMERSET RETIREMENT APARTMENTS

DINING ROOM 7:00 PM

2025 TIBBETTS DRIVE, LONGVIEW

August 8, 2019

GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday E-News

by Charles Hansen
THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition July 25, 2019
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
September Half-Day Seminar Registration Now Open!
Newspapers can provide information about births, deaths, marriages, moves, business, naturalizations, court cases, and more. The GFO provides access to several newspaper subscription sites, plus additional databases.
Join GFO’s Janice Selllers for a half-day workshop for an overview of what is available and techniques to help improve your chances of finding information about your relatives. Janice is a professional genealogist who specializes in forensic, Jewish, Black, and newspaper research. The session will be held in the GFO Library, Sunday, Sept. 8, from 9:30 a.m. – Noon. For more detailed information, download the flyer. Registration is $25.00 for GFO members, $30.00 for non-members. Register before Aug. 12 and save $5.00!
Register Here
Mark your Calendar for the GFO Fall Seminar!
The 2019 GFO Fall Seminar, featuring Fritz Jeungling, Ph.D., AG, will be an exceptional educational opportunity that we are exited to be bringing to our membership and the community at large. Dr. Juengling is an Accredited Genealogist® (through the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists) for Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden, and he is certified by the Verband deutschsprachiger Berufsgenealogen. He is also a German, Dutch, and Scandinavian Research Consultant at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. The full-day session on Saturday, October 5th, will be held at the Center for Self Enhancement (3920 N. Kerby Ave., Portland) and will focus on German Research, while the half-day presentation at the GFO Library on Sunday, October 6th, will provide an introduction to Dutch research. Download the flyer for full details. Mark your calendar, spread the word, and register early!
Register Here
Beginners’ Boot Camp Returns
On Tuesday, August 20, join Laurel Smith for a full day of beginning genealogy from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the GFO Library. There will be sessions about the census, vital records, discussions about genealogy software and database use, organizing your research, using Ancestry.com, and more — all geared toward beginners — but basic computer skills are a prerequisite. All communications are done via email, and you must be able to download and print the class notes. Bring a sack lunch, snacks, and a beverage so you can keep going as the class does. GFO members may attend for free, non-members $20.
Register Here
Summer DNA eConference
Join the GFO’s own DNA group leader, Emily Aulicino, one of the featured speakers at Family History Fanatics’ second annual Summer of DNA eConference coming up on Friday, August 9th.
Featured this year:
Daniel Horowitz – Theory of Family Relativity and Other MyHeritage Tools
Donna Rutherford – Testing Family Members: Why and Who to Choose
Emily Aulicino – atDNA: Verify, Correct, Expand
Leah Larkin – When Your Tree Is a Banyan: Working with Endogamy and DNA The live online sessions will begin at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Friday, August 9th. Live Chat will permit questions during the presentations as well as participation in a fifth-hour panel discussion where questions about any of the topics or anything else related to DNA and genetic genealogy may be asked. Sessions will be recorded and available to all registered attendees for 30 days after the eConference. Early bird registration is only $19.99 until July 31st. Regular registration price is $24.99 after July 31st. Learn more at the website and register today.
Online Registration Deadline approaching for 2019 FGS Conference
The Federation of Genealogical Societies 2019 FGS National Family History Conference is coming up soon at the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC, August 21-24. In cooperation with sponsoring local societies, corporate sponsors, and partner organizations, the FGS 2019 conference program offers a new full four-day format jam-packed with topics of interest to every genealogist from beginner to expert. If you are making last minute plans to attend, note that Online Conference Registration for this event closes on August 2, 2019. Mailed in registrations must be postmarked by July 29, 2019. Registrations will be accepted on-site at the Omni Shoreham Hotel starting Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at 3:00 p.m.
Surplus Book: Let Portland History Rub You the Right Way
Here’s a fun piece of Portland History that most people walk right over. In 1983, C.A. Gossett traveled Portland, knelt on corner after corner and made rubbings of the builders names and construction dates stamped into Portland’s sidewalks between 1900 and 1930. He writes, “These “sidewalk signatures” are part of the historic character of many neighborhoods and business districts in Portland.”
Portland’s Historic Sidewalk Signatures” is a 79 page paperback book. Our surplus copy is in excellent condition, with a previous owner’s book plate on a front page. There are no other markings in the book. Our price: $10 if you pickup at the GFO. $14 if we mail it to you. Contact booksales@gfo.org if you’d like to buy it. (Please don’t just come to the library first to get it.)
Survey Results: Genealogy Myths
Wrapping up our series on genealogical myths, 62.5% of respondents reported believing, at one time or another, that the courthouse burned, and all the records are gone. “All” is where this belief turns to myth. The internet has many sites that refute common myths. We even have a page on the GFO website, courtesy of Dick Eastman. Genealogy Myths: Real, Fool’s Gold, or Both?
In our survey, more than one answer could be selected. 62.5% The courthouse burned (or flooded, was destroyed) and all the records are gone.
18.8% Hey look, it’s our family crest!
14.6% Our ancestors came over on the Mayflower.
10.4% Our family always spelled the name as …
10.4% Source citations are just for professionals.
10.4% Three brothers came to America. One went north, one went south and the third went west …
6.3% A town in England, (or Norway, Germany, etc.) is named for our family.
6.3% All the records you need to do your family history are online.
4.2% It’s in print. It must be true!
4.2% Our ancestor was a stowaway on a ship.
4.2% Our ancestor was burned at the stake as a witch in Salem, Massachusetts.
4.2% We have the same surname—so we have to be related.
New Survey: The Impact of Storms
This week, we’re asking about a specific type of natural disaster. Were your ancestors ever affected by a tornado, cyclone, or hurricane? Take the survey now.
Take the Survey Now
This week at GFO …


Saturday, July 27th
DNA Advanced Group 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Tim Janzen’s topic: “Auto-clustering Autosomal DNA Tools used for Genealogical Research”. The handout can be downloaded here.
Emily Aulicino’s topic: a discussion among attendees on various aspects of law enforcement using DNA. This will include the views of various people affected by major crimes, the ethics, the law, what your choices are regarding your test, etc. We welcome your opinion in an orderly discussion. Hopefully, for those of you who are on the fence about the topic or are concerned regarding your DNA test, this will help you realize what is happening and what you can and cannot do about your DNA.
If you would like more information about this group or have questions, please contact the facilitators at dna@gfo.org.
Sunday, July 28th
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.
Wednesday, July 31st
Open Late to 8:00 p.m.

GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday E-News

by Charles Hansen
THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition July 18, 2019
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 Fall Seminar Registration Now Open!
GFO is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2019 GFO Fall Seminar, featuring Fritz Jeungling, Ph.D., AG. He is an Accredited Genealogist® (through the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists) for Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden, and he is certified by the Verband deutschsprachiger Berufsgenealogen. The full-day session on Saturday, October 5th, will be held at the Center for Self Enhancement (3920 N. Kerby Ave., Portland) and will focus on German Research, while the half-day presentation at the GFO Library on Sunday, October 6th, will provide an introduction to Dutch research. Download the flyer for full details. Dr. Juengling is also a German, Dutch, and Scandinavian Research Consultant at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, and GFO is excited to bring this exceptional educational opportunity to our members and the community at large. Mark your calendar, spread the word, and register early!
Register Here
Beginners’ Boot Camp Returns
On Tuesday, August 20, join Laurel Smith for a full day of beginning genealogy from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the GFO Library. There will be sessions about the census, vital records, discussions about genealogy software and database use, organizing your research, using Ancestry.com, and more — all geared toward beginners — but basic computer skills are a prerequisite. All communications are done via email, and you must be able to download and print the class notes. Bring a sack lunch, snacks, and a beverage so you can keep going as the class does. GFO members may attend for free, non-members $20.
Register Here
GFO Star: Joann Taylor
Hi there, President Vince Patton here.
I’m hijacking this section of the E-News from regular editor Joann Taylor so we can shine the spotlight on her. The Board of Directors has selected Joann as our GFO Star of the Month! You may have seen her at our reception desk or in the research area helping patrons with their searches. Recently she came to the rescue when all our computers ground to a halt. She rebooted our network and the computers, getting the library back in action. Joann wears many hats for the GFO. She compiles this weekly E-News you receive. She has dived in to help with research for our Genealogy Problem Solvers group, particularly with her deep knowledge of Irish genealogy. Joann also volunteers on our Research Team, finding answers to questions sent in from people around the world. Plus, she co-taught a recent Gen-Talk on getting the most from Google Searching. A fellow research assistant nominated her saying, “Joann is amazing!” We agree!
Fall Seminar Needs Raffle Donations
We’re getting ready for the Fall Seminar on German and Dutch research. Can you help? We need items for our raffle. Do you have anything to donate? If your item is not new, it must be in exceptionally good condition for us to be able to offer it. Suggestions include genealogically related books, household decorations, carry bags, certificates toward GFO membership or research costs, and computer items. Leave the item(s) at the library reception desk with a donation form noting that it’s a donation for the seminar treasures raffle. At the seminar, tickets are sold for $1 each or 6 for $5, and they are placed in separate paper sacks for each prize, so you win only something you want. Thanks so much!
The GFO’s own DNA group leader Emily Aulicino is one of the featured speakers at Family History Fanatics’ second annual A Summer of DNA eConference coming up on Friday, August 9th. Last year’s eConference was very successful and had great attendance. This year’s speakers will be talking about the following:
Daniel Horowitz – Theory of Family Relativity and Other MyHeritage Tools
Donna Rutherford – Testing Family Members: Why and Who to Choose
Emily Aulicino – atDNA: Verify, Correct, Expand
Leah Larkin – When Your Tree Is a Banyan: Working with Endogamy and DNA The live online sessions will begin at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Friday, August 9th. This event is sponsored by MyHeritage who will be giving away 4 DNA kits during the presentations. It will be possible to ask questions during the presentations using live chat. For those who can’t watch the live sessions, they will be recorded and available to all registered attendees for 30 days after the eConference. As with past events there will be a fifth-hour panel discussion where you can ask questions about any of the topics or anything else related to DNA and genetic genealogy. Early bird registration is only $19.99 until July 31st. Regular registration price is $24.99 after July 31st. Learn more at the website and register today.
Get Some Beaver History: OSU Yearbooks From ’20s to ’50s
The GFO has an extensive collection of Pacific Northwest yearbooks. Did you know we sometimes have more than one copy? That’s why we have nine copies of the The Beaver from Oregon State University available on our surplus book shelves. We have yearbooks from the following years: 1920, 1922, 1923, 1926, 1927, 1949, 1953, 1954 and 1958. Each yearbook costs only $10. If you’re interested in buying one or more, come in to the GFO and check out our $10 shelves at the front of the library.
GFO Supports Moving Trains
What’s the second worst part of coming to the GFO? (We know parking is number one.) The trains!

Those freight trains can inch back and forth or even just park on the tracks for an hour. This blocks traffic and traps anyone who’s parked in the lot behind the Ford Building where our library sits. The Albina Rail Relocation Project is picking up steam in its efforts to fund a study on how to get Union Pacific to move rail yards out of Portland’s Albina and Brooklyn neighborhoods. Studies are expensive: $25,000. The effort has received endorsements for its efforts from Metro and the mayor of Portland. To pay for the needed study, nearly $8,000 has been raised so far, and neighborhood associations nearby have chipped in. The tracks or the roads need to be raised or lowered, or the rail yards need to be moved out of the area entirely. The GFO Board shares your frustration about the impact of the trains near our library, so we’re going to lend our support too. We have donated $200 to the study and sent a letter expressing our emphatic support.
Survey Results: Ellis Island Name Change Myth
One of the most prevalent myths in genealogy is the tale of names being changed by immigration agents at Ellis Island. Last week our survey asked if your family had a story of a name change at Ellis Island. 87% of you said No.
13% said Yes.
A few replies:
“Not only do I not have that myth in my family (thank goodness!), my maternal grandmother actually knew and told me her father’s original name from when he immigrated.” “Spelling of names changed but due to phonics and ancestors unable to write.” “Actually, it is true. Mr & Mrs Kjemphol of Sykkelven in Norway became Mr & Mrs Pederson early in the 20th century.” If you want to learn more about the myth, here’s a terrific article, Debunking the Ellis Island Myth. But wait! Here’s a story about a name that was changed (but it really wasn’t!) Why Your Family Name Was Not Changed at Ellis Island (and One That Was).
New Survey: Genealogy Myths
Our surveys have examined two of the most widespread genealogy myths in the last two weeks. This week’s survey lists some additional genealogy myths. We’d like you know if you were ever a believer.
Take the Survey Now
This week at GFO …
Saturday, July 20th
African American Group 12:00 – 2:30 p.m.
“Bring Your Own Brick Wall.”
Bring your problems, questions, and documents (copies, please, no originals), 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.
For more information, contact us at african_american@gfo.org.
Sunday, July 21st
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.
Family Tree Maker for Beginners 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
This is a beginning class for Family Tree Maker users and for those considering a purchase. It will be repeated quarterly.
Questions? Or if you have Family Tree Maker topics you’d like covered, email Joyce and Laurel at FTM@gfo.org.
Wednesday, July 24th
Open Late to 8:00 p.m.

Heritage Quest Research Library Class

by Charles Hansen

                         WEDNESDAY, JULY 24th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

    Join us for our regularly scheduled Class with Janet Camarata.
                            Making Sense of the Supplemental Censuses  

Besides the Federal Population Census, the U.S. Government also collected non-population, special supplemental censuses: territorial data, agriculture, manufacturing, slave schedules, state, veterans, social statistics, and mortality (causes of death) schedules. Learn how to build a personal guidebook for help in reading and understanding each census. Learn what’s available and where to find them in Ancestry, FamilySearch and the National Archives.
                                         $20.00 members / $25.00 non-members

Time is Running Out

by Charles Hansen

Sunday July 28th the bill passed by the legislature to lock up Birth, Death, Marriage and Divorce records starts working. Births for 100 years and Deaths, Marriages and Divorce records for 25 years. You can still get your own record, your parents, grandparents and great grandparents, and the other way your children, and grandchildren, but if you are searching, or are an aunt, uncle, nephew or niece you are out of luck. The cost for a certified record goes up by $5 also. They will have information copies with a big disclaimer that cannot be used for any legal purpose. The information death certificates will NOT have the cause of death. The law did not list a cost for an informational copy.

So if you need a Birth, Death, Marriage or Divorce record right now it is cheaper, and available to all. After July 28th you might not be able to get it unless you wait 25 years or 100 for a birth record.

They did agree to leave the indexes open for research, but finding a Washington birth index is pretty hard. Family Search does have a birth index on microfilm in Salt Lake City from 1907 to 1954 and there are some of the birth certificate microfilms on permanent holds in our state. Problem here is that Family Search does not send out microfilm anymore, so you need to go to Salt Lake City to see the index.

Here is the article with the copy of the bill passed by the legislature.

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK
 AMERICAN ANCESTOR ACCESS  
Established in 1845, the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) is America’s founding genealogical organization, one of the most respected names in family history, and the largest society of its kind in the world.

AmericanAncestors.org by the New England Historic Genealogical Society is one of the most widely used online genealogical resources in the world, providing access to over 1.4 billion searchable records. Records that reach beyond New England; they cover the entire United States, the British Isles, continental Europe, and more. AmericanAncestors.org also provides many educational resources.    

A perk of visiting the SGS Library, you can access AmericanAncestors.org absolutely free of charge to you from one of our patron computers. Come see what you can discover about your ancestors in this top-notch database.  

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen
BOY SCOUT GENEALOGY MERIT BADGE
It was a little over a year ago when young Ian Gunnell and his mother, Tanya, showed up at our library looking for a little help getting started on the tasks Ian needed to do to earn his Boy Scout Merit Badge in Genealogy. The ladies present in the library that day found him to be a little shy, but “delightfully charming”. They said they simply gave him the same advice they would give any beginning genealogist. They answered his questions and offered hints on how to ask open ended questions when interviewing relatives, which they explained to him is a great way to gather family history data.    

Ian and his mother agreed he was going to interview his grandmother that evening. Wouldn’t any grandparent be thrilled to have a grandchild call, showing an interest in their family tree and family stories?  

The ladies in the library said it was fun working with this young man. He brightened their day and we certainly hope he got his Merit Badge.   

Charlotte helps Ian as his mother looks on 
    CGSI GENEALOGICAL & CULTURAL CONFERENCE
OCTOBER 15 – 19, 2019
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA 
  The Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International (CGSI) is the leader in genealogy and family history in the geographical areas now known as the Czech and Slovak Republics. Their 2019 conference is the premier event to learn about techniques for genealogical research in those areas. This is their 17th conference. 
Presentations throughout the conference will explore the history and culture of the Czech and Slovak people. Ethnic-focused bus tours of greater Lincoln, live performances of regional music, and special-interest movies will all be a part of the CGSI Conference. 

For additional information and registration, visit the website: 
www.cgsievents.com
RESEARCHING  CZECH OR SLOVAK ANCESTORS? 
SGS has a subscription so access to the Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International (CGSI) databases is available for your use from the patron computers in the library. Stop in and use our computers to see what you can discover about your Czechoslovak ancestors.       SAVE THE DATE
“Researching Family in Pennsylvania”,
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, PA
July 29-August 2, 2019 Do you have Pennsylvania ancestors? Is a research trip to Philadelphia on your wish list? If so, here is an opportunity for a one-week immersion in Pennsylvania record sources, in the heart of Center City Philadelphia.
 
Geared to all researcher levels, with a focus on original record sources as well as the outstanding holdings in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Library, this course will deepen your research skills and acquaint you with Pennsylvania¹s unique resources. Course highlights:
  * Pennsylvania court and vital records 
* Land and tax records 
* Revolutionary War and militia records 
* Early German, Moravian, and Quaker and Welsh settlers 
* Western Pennsylvania research        
 
The Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia-Midtown, 1305 Walnut Street, has rooms available for registrants at $144.00/night. To reserve a room call: 215-735-9300 and mention HSP.   
 
Conference details and registration can be found at:   www.hsp.org/events   
      

“2019 Northwest Genealogy Conference”, 
Stillaguamish Valley Genealogy Society, 
Byrnes Performing Arts Center, 
18821 Crown Ridge Blvd,
Arlington, WA 
August 14-17, 2019 

As they do every year, the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogy Society kicks off their summer genealogy conference by offering free Beginning Genealogy classes on Wednesday, August 14th, from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm.  

For complete details on the offerings of this multi-day, premier conference, visit their website: 
https://stillygen.org
  SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be canceled or postponed because of inclement weather. In observance of Labor Day, our library will be closed August 31 –  September 2nd.
JULY
 
Thursday, July 18, 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm, 
“DNA Learning Series”, at Mountlake Terrace Sno-Isle Library, Seattle and Sno-Isle Genealogical Societies are co-sponsoring the   
“DNA Learning Series”. Class 4 of the 7 class series is “Understanding your Autosomal DNA & DNA inheritance”. 

Pre-registration required. To register send an email to sgsdnasig@gmail.com
Deadline to register is July 15, to allow you time to complete the required assignment. Class assignments are part of the learning experience and you must be on our list to receive them by email.
AUGUST
Thursday, August 15, 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm, 
“DNA Learning Series”, at Mountlake Terrace Sno-Isle Library,  
Seattle and Sno-Isle Genealogical Societies are co-sponsoring the “DNA Learning Series”. Class 5 of the 7 class series is “Using GEDmatch and 3rd Party Tools”. 

Pre-registration and class assignments are required. To register send an email to sgsdnasig@gmail.com
Sunday, August 25, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, 
“SGS Tour of Washelli Cemetery: From Pioneers to Patriots”, special event with tour guides Lisa Oberg & Amber Brock. Tour Washelli Cemetery, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133. Join us for a walk through Washelli Cemetery as we explore the history of this hallowed ground and the stories behind the stones including Seattle’s white founders, Medal of Honor winners, and others less well-known. Good walking shoes are recommended as the ground is uneven in areas. Limited to 15 participants. 
 
Sign Up for Cemetery Tour