Author Archives: Roxanne Lowe

Meet the Board: Frank McLean

by Roxanne Lowe

Do you know who’s running the show at the Washington State Genealogical Society? Who are these people? In the coming months, we’ll introduce them to you, so you can say “hi” the next time you see them. (Note: a variation of Frank’s story was published in July 2017.)

Frank McLean

In today’s “Meet the Board” series, we’re introducing you to Frank McLean. Frank lives in Yakima and is the WSGS Treasurer and chair of the Pioneer and First Citizen Program. He is also one of the main reviewers of the Pioneer Pursuit submissions. He has been a member of the WSGS since 1986, previously serving as President and Vice President. He was named as a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer in 2003, 2005 and 2006. He’s been a proud member (and past President) of the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society since 1986.

Frank’s high school picture

Frank Leroy McLean was born in Chewelah (Stevens County), Washington in 1937 to Jonathan Cornelius and Margaret Ella (Starz) McLean, the third of six children. After high school, Frank served proudly in the Army for 20-plus years, then worked for 19 years at the U.S. Department of Defense, with a short break in between working in Spokane. In 1958, Frank married Delma Dee Roloff. They have three surviving children and seven grandchildren.

Frank has a special interest and knack in technology and computers. In fact, he manages the WSGS Pioneer and First Citizen certificate database — almost 30,000 strong. For an index of the names, click here.

John Robertson McLean (1847 – 1919). Frank’s grandfather was born in Nova Scotia and moved to St. James, Minnesota in 1870 where he started a church in a boxcar.

Speaking of Germans from Russia…that’s how Frank got his interest in genealogy. No, he doesn’t have German ancestors from Russia, but Delma does. She joined the Central Washington chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia Society in 1985 and Frank tagged along as “driver, cemetery walker and microfilm cranker.” From there, his interest grew. His ancestors hail from Germany, Nova Scotia,  Maine and Minnesota. Frank’s grandfather, John Robertson McLean (pictured at left) was born in Nova Scotia, but moved to St. James, Minnesota in 1870. While there, he started a church in a boxcar. Frank and his family attended the 125th anniversary of the church, where they were given a copy of the picture that hangs in the church. There is also a miniature replica of the boxcar on the lawn in front of the church.

Frank likes the research part of the genealogical search, but he’s not as thrilled with the documentation part. He also prefers his hard-copy paper charts and lists over paperless research.

A few more interesting tidbits about Frank:
• Favorite genealogy website: Family Search
• Favorite color: Blue
• Favorite dessert: Lemon Cream Pie

Now you know a little more about another of the WSGS Board members. The next time you see Frank, say hello and thank him for his service to WSGS.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pioneer Pursuit

by Roxanne Lowe

The Washington Pioneer Pursuit contest is a little over half done. So far, we have more than 250 pioneers identified in our index and many more in the review process. While the contest part (a prize for everyone!) ends October 31, 2023, the program will continue as we march toward identifying every man, woman and child that lived in Washington Territory on or before Nov. 11, 1889.

We’re sure you’re not the only one with a question or two about the Pioneer Pursuit Contest. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions. To see a list of other FAQs, click here.

What is the Washington Pioneer Pursuit challenge?

  • Our goal is to research and document the family histories of every man, woman and child who lived in Washington Territory on or before Statehood was declared on November 11, 1889.
  • At a minimum, we want genealogies for the Pioneer, his/her children, and his/her grandchildren – a total of three (3) generations. If you want to include additional generations, please do so.
  • The family histories are posted online for any interested family history researcher. There is no charge to access the histories and you do not have to be a member of WSGS.

Are Pioneer Pursuit and the Pioneer Certificate program the same?

No, they’re not the same. The Pioneer Pursuit Contest is designed to document every man, woman and child that lived in Washington Territory on or before November 11, 1889. The Pioneer Certificate (and First Citizens) program is a way to purchase a certificate signifying that your ancestor was in Washington Territory on or before statehood. If your ancestor was in Washington on or before December 31, 1900, you may be eligible to purchase a First Citizen Certificate.  To get more information about the Pioneer Certificate program, click here.

How do I get started?

Before beginning your research, we suggest you check the WSGS Pioneer Index. You may find the Pioneer you’re planning to research has already been researched. If you do find the Pioneer in the index, please send an email to Washington State Genealogical Society asking to see the genealogical data associated with the pioneer. If you are a WSGS member, you already have access to the complete Pioneer histories in the Members’ Only section. If you’re not a member, we encourage you to join so you have full access to all the data.  It is only $12.00 per year.

We also suggest you take a look at the Hints and Helps document available here.

Click HERE for a video presentation explaining Pioneer Pursuit and answering questions. This video recording is from the Pioneer Pursuit Roundtable discussion, 24 Apr 2023.

How to Post Your Meetings & Events Website on the WSGS Blog and Website

by Roxanne Lowe

Do you want to broadcast information about your local society, workshop, genealogical tip, or a research query? Just send it to the WSGS Blog and WSGS Meetings and Events! You can more than 1,000 genealogists from around the state and beyond. Just email a Word document, text file, PDF or graphic to WSGSBlog@wasgs.org and WebManager@wasgs.org and we’ll do the rest!

We’re always looking to publicize local events and workshops, feature stories, updates from your society, and other genealogical information that might be of interest to our many subscribers and viewers.

We hope to hear from you soon! And don’t forget to encourage your Society members to subscribe to the Blog for the most up-to-date information from around the state.

You may manage your subscription options from your profile.

Pioneer Pursuit Roundtable Answers Questions

by Roxanne Lowe

Participants in the recent WSGS Pioneer Pursuit Roundtable heard details about the program from how the applications should be completed to how the data are reviewed. Using the Pioneer Pursuit web pages as a starting point, listeners were walked through each step of the process to document every man, woman and child that lived in Washington Territory on or before November 11, 1889.

After the presentation, an open Q&A period answered specific questions in more detail. The roundtable was recorded and is available here. Note: If you are asked for a password, it is Dj%t1tfJ.

The contest runs from November 1, 2022 until October 31, 2023. For more information, email WAPioneerPursuit@gmail.com. 

Reminder: Pioneer Pursuit Roundtable on Monday

by Roxanne Lowe

Are you interested in learning more about the Pioneer Pursuit? Well, join us for a roundtable presentation on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

We’ll show you what resources are available, how to complete the forms and how the review process works. PLUS, there’ll be plenty of time to get your questions answered. There is no pre-registration. Attendance is limited to 100 participants. The roundtable will be recorded and available on the WSGS website.

Monday, April 24, 2023, 6:30 p.m.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82158112359?pwd=ZlJpak1pUjNjTDROcmFjckMxUlljdz09

Meeting ID: 821 5811 2359
Passcode: 840493

Phone: (253) 215-8782,,82158112359#,,,,*840493# 

For more information, visit the Pioneer Pursuit webpage or email Info@wasgs.org.

YVGS Website Team Named One of 2022’s Outstanding Teams

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2022 award recipients and learn why they received the 2022 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the YVGS Zoom Team that was nominated by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society (YVGS). The team was comprised of Judy Jones Schuster and Richard Kyle.

Richard Kyle

Richard was a librarian, a program presenter and sets up seminars and workshops. He also registered YVGS as an affiliate library with the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.  He served as a librarian at the LDS library in Yakima many years and, when they shut down, was instrumental in acquiring their microfilms and fiche for YVGS’s library.  He serves as YVGS’s vice president and webmaster.

Judy Jones Schuster

Judy currently serves as president (for the second time) and was vice president. She has also been the society’s program chair and presents programs for their meetings. She worked many hours at Indian John Hill rest stop serving coffee to raise funds. Judy was YVGS’s bulletin editor from 2006 to 2021 and teaches bi-annual genealogy classes and currently works on obituaries for scanning. 

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award.”

Jim Witham Named One of 2022’s Outstanding Volunteers

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming weeks, you will be introduced to each of the 2022 award recipients and learn why they received the 2022 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Jim Witham of Colville, Washington, who was nominated by the Northeast Washington Genealogical Society.

Jim Witham

Jim has been a longtime member of NeWGS and is always ready to help where needed. Much of that need has been with the maintenance of Evergreen Cemetery in Stevens County. He has spent countless hours mowing and helping with general maintenance of the cemetery. He has also served as the society’s publicity chairman for many years, picks up the mail on a regular basis and is the society’s resident audio/visual go-to guy at their seminars.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Jennilyn Weight Named One of 2022’s Outstanding Volunteers

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming weeks, you will be introduced to each of the 2022 award recipients and learn why they received the 2022 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Jennilyn Weight of Spokane, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society.

Jennilyn Weight

Jennilyn has been a vibrant, enthusiastic member of EWGS. She volunteered as membership chairperson immediately. Through the years, and especially during our pandemic, Jennilyn focused on personally keeping members apprised about the changes the society was making to keep in touch with other members.  Most importantly, she kept them coming back! Her time spent calling and talking with members that had not renewed was an integral part of keeping EWGS’s membership active and the society vitally alive for the past two years. As membership chair, she encouraged several new members to become involved with other committees. 

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Expansive Borders in Washington Territory

by Roxanne Lowe

If you’re thinking about researching a Washington Pioneer for the Pioneer Pursuit Contest, don’t forget that from 1860 – 1863 the borders of Washington Territory extended as far east as Missoula, Montana and as far south as the Idaho/Utah border. Anyone living in that territory during that time is considered eligible to be a Washington Pioneer.

If you need more information about the Pioneer Pursuit Contest, visit our web page. Or join us on Monday, April 24, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. for a Pioneer Pursuit Roundtable discussion. You’ll learn about the resources available, how to complete the forms and the review process. There’ll also be plenty of time to get your questions answered. For the Zoom link, click here.

Source: SC 1, Historic Maps Collection https://libraries.wsu.edu/masc/finders/sc001.htm at Washington State University Libraries’ Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections (MASC) https://libraries.wsu.edu/masc

Pat Tostevin Honored Posthumously as Outstanding Volunteer in 2022

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming weeks, you will be introduced to each of the 2022 award recipients and learn why they received the 2022 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Pat Tostevin who was nominated by the Mason County Genealogical Society.

Pat Tostevin

When Pat joined MCGS in 2009, she hit the ground running by taking on their library, bringing order out of chaos by inventorying and organizing all the books and uploading them to LibraryThing. She carefully tracked where all the books were stored, keeping the inventory in pristine order. Pat led the society into the 21st century by guiding them to acquire tiny “cat” scanners and barcode labels.

Pat unexpectedly passed away in the middle of the barcode project, but her team was able to continue due to her excellent training and instructions. Consequently, Pam Harrell, Barbara Moore, and Sue Sheldon successfully completed the project.

Pat was truly one-of-a-kind, and the Mason County Genealogical Society is so grateful for all she did for them. Also, they are extremely gratified that the WSGS Awards program has returned so they can honor Pat by presenting this posthumous certificate to her children.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.