Let’s Talk About….. Chinese Genealogy

by Donna Phillips


True story: My Chinese daughter-in-law asked her father, who was born in China and immigrated to Vancouver, B.C. as a young man, to write the family genealogy. He did. He wrote it in Chinese. And she cannot read Chinese. But she treasurers it nonetheless.

Recently in Washington, a bill was passed to honor Americans of Chinese descent in January. The bill designates January as Chinese Descent History Month. This was planned to honor Americans of Chinese descent and their contributions to Washington state. Does your Society have something planned to honor those of Chinese ancestry in your community?

The FamilySearch Library (formerly Family History Library) in Salt Lake City, has been preserving records of Chinese families since the 1980s and is currently houses the largest collection of such records in the world. If you (like me) have a Chinese ancestor or relative, the FamilySearch Library is THE place for you to start digging into their history. (After talking to them, of course!


But I recently (April 2023) read a post by Huang Wei on the Voices & Opinion blog stating that the Shanghai Library (Shanghai, China) “is home to arguably the world’s top collection of Chinese genealogies, including more than 300,000 volumes of nearly 40,000 different genealogies, totaling 456 surnames.” 


A Chinese genealogy is a historical document that records (1) the lineage of a blood line descended from a single ancestor, (2) the blood relationship between family members, and (3) a family’s assets and customs. Sadly, one thing they do not typically include are records pertaining to female members of the family.


If you’d enjoy reading Huang Wei’s entire post, click to https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1012694

Seattle Genealogical Society Beginning Genealogy Classes

by Charles Hansen
REGISTRATION CLOSES JAN. 30th!

Make a fresh start on your family history work Learn how to research your tree the right way. The Seattle Genealogical Society is offering a beginning genealogy class that will set you up for success. You will learn how to evaluate evidence, where to find records and how to gain insights with DNA. 

Start your journey on a foundation of good habits and best practices. Whether you are just starting out, or want to reboot your research, this class will give you the tools you need.

The class runs four weeks: Thursdays, February 1–29, 1:00 – 2:30 pm (online). There is an optional in-person fifth week that will include a library tour and one-on-one research assistance. Register Today!  
  image credits:
background: Ivan Rohovchenko and Dan Cristian Padure on Unsplash
inset photos: Library of Congress


Watch the Calendar of Events for more programs from SGS!
Click here to make a $5.00 donation for a program you enjoyed or plan to attend.
Copyright © 2024 Seattle Genealogical Society, All rights reserved.
All SGS members have been automatically signed up for this e-letter.

Our mailing address is:
Seattle Genealogical Society
4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Suite 302
Seattle, WA 98103-6955

Clallam County Genealogical Society February & March 2024 Meetings

by Charles Hansen

Saturday, February 10th at 9:45, the Clallam County Genealogical Society will host a program presented by Mary Roddy.  The Hub of the Wheel: How Tracing a Brother with no Children connected Ten Siblings—

A family from Ireland emigrated in a chain migration Scheme to Western Pennsylvania between 1825 and 1845.  See how using the standards for researching connected siblings and their descendants and led to their origins in County Tyrone!

Mary Roddy is an author, coach, and lecturer.  She has published many articles in known Genealogical Magazines, and has provided lectures to Societies and National Conferences.

All are invited to watch the presentation via Zoom or by attending at the Clallam County Genealogical Society’s Research Center located at 403 E. 8th Street, Port Angeles, WA.  To obtain the Zoom meeting number and passcode, contact the Society:  360-417-5000 or askus@clallamcogs.org.

There is no charge to Claire Smith announcement

On Saturday, March 9th, the Clallam County Genealogical Society will present Claire Smith.  Her topic will be Shaking Loose the Clues: Using Timelines to Organize Your Research.

Claire Smith is a certified professional genealogist.  She always provides a very well organized, and interesting presentation that includes a gift of humor and supporting examples.

In Shaking Loose the Clues: Using Timelines to Organize Your Research, she will demonstrate how to organize the information you already have, Identify Gaps and determine what records you need to advance your research projects.  She will offer examples of adding historical context, parallel timelines, tracking FANS, tracking migration and resolving conflicting information.

The Program will be available to the public via Zoom or at the Clallam County Genealogical Society’s Research Center located at 403 E. 8th Street, Port Angeles.  One can obtain the Zoom meeting number and passcode by either calling the center at 360-417-5000 or by email request: askus@clallamcogs.org.

More information may be available at our website: www/clallamcogs.org.

There is no charge to join us watching this outstanding presentation.

JCGS Board of Directors Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Teams in 2023

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 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the JCGS Board of Directors who were nominated by the Jefferson County Genealogical Society (JCGS).  Board members included Barb Peterson, Kathie Wilkinson, Dora Whittaker, Lesa Barnes, Pam Stinson, Mary Stolaas and Ann McCreery.

The JCGS Board of Directors exceeds expectations in their collective knowledge, patience, and dedication. Their leadership of JCGS through an unprecedented period of challenges, including enforced closure of the Research Center and the need to provide alternative approaches, have enabled JCGS to continue its mission. The Board members have adapted to online presentations, transferred large databases to an online site to allow access by its members, funded needed equipment and national presenters, expanded the website and Facebook pages, and maintained the monthly newsletter. They have also responded patiently to members’ questions and concerns, translating their knowledge into clear, accessible language. JCGS is grateful for their selfless contributions. They are individually deserving of this honor and as a team are worthy of the highest accolades for working together and emerging from this challenging time with the society intact and poised to move into the future.

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.

Let’s Talk About….. Serious Stuff

by Donna Phillips

Why does this joke make us laugh? Aren’t we like the disbelieving lady clerk, smirking at the poor fellow’s lack of knowledge?

At a recent EWGS Fall Seminar, I chatted with many of our marvelous members. Many of these members would classify themselves as “no longer spring chickens.” (Me among them!) But I was dismayed and saddened to chat with more than one senior genealogist who was struggling with “what SHALL I do with all the genealogy stuff I’ve collected??”

As a group, they offered the usual excuses: Don’t know what to do, don’t know where to start, don’t have time, don’t have interested family, not computer literate, “it’s just too overwhelming.”

I did understand. I was sympathetic. I did offer my one-on-one help. Hopefully some will take me up on that offer.

But bottom line:

  • YOU collected the stuff
  • YOU must so something with all of the stuff
  • Yes, it is terribly sorry that you didn’t do this earlier…
  • Do you really want all the stuff of your years’ work to go to recycling?
  • Chances are near 90% sure that if YOU don’t do something with all that stuff, nobody else will. 
  • No, your gene society doesn’t want it; the FamilySearch Library doesn’t want it; and your grandchildren surely DO NOT want boxes and binders of papers!!
  • And it’s patently unfair of YOU to expect that they will. 
  • YOU collected the stuff. 

Does this sad scenario have to be inevitable for you?? Don’t you want to leave a legacy and not a mess? There is an answer, I promise. Here’s how:

  • DECIDE to DO something
  • MAKE TIME to DO something
  • MAKE IT A PRIORITY
  • Ask for help………. your friends, EWGS folks
  • Ask me! I’ll happily come to you to help you get organized and started…

Started on what, do you ask? Getting all your information from those boxes and binders of paper into a computer database. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY. Believe me, that is the only way to leave your computer-oriented posterity a legacy. Think about it.

((** I posted this to my society, Eastern Washington Gen Soc, while I can come help one-on-one. Obviously you likely live too far away for me to personally come help. BUT I’m 100% sure there are your friends in your gene society who would come to help you. Just ask.)

Pioneer Pursuit: And the Winners are…

by Roxanne Lowe

WSGS is proud to announce the winners of the Pioneer Pursuit contest.

Most submissions by an individual:

  • Ralph Brown from Bothell, WA with 1,285 entries. We will introduce blog readers to Ralph in a future post. Ralph won a $150 cash prize for his amazing contribution.
  • Vickie Bullard from Wapato, WA with 272 entries. Vickie is a member of the Yakima Valley Genealogy Society and also a past member of the Chapter 8 Yakima Daughters of the Pioneers. She earned $100 for her efforts.
  • Jayne McCarley of Vancouver, WA with 269 entries. Jayne is the president of the Fort Vancouver Chapter #19 of the Daughters of Pioneers of Washington (DPW). Jayne earned $50 for her submissions.

A total of 60 individuals submitted 3,696 pioneers. Each pioneer was verified to have lived in Washington Territory on or before November 11, 1889. Every person who submitted an entry will receive a year’s membership to WSGS as a thank-you for their contribution.

Most submissions by a local genealogical or historical society (based on percent of membership):

North Beach Genealogical Society (Ocean Shores) contributed 150 submissions. The small society of 15 members earned $300 for its efforts. One of their submissions was for Chief Seattle (Sealth), interpreted and written variously as See-ahth, Seathl, See-Yahtlh, or Sealth. You can view Chief Seattle and his pioneer families’ genealogies in the Index.

Fort Vancouver Chapter #19 of the Daughters of Pioneers of Washington (DPW) submitted 269 pioneers among its 37 members. They earned a $200 award.

Kingston Historical Society submitted 52 submissions from its 14 members. They earned a $100 award.

Twenty-four societies submitted pioneer genealogies. Each will receive a $20 cash award.

It’s Not Too Late to Contribute

We are still accepting Pioneer Pursuit submissions. Although we received 3,696 pioneer genealogies, we want more! There is no deadline to submit. On the Pioneer Pursuit webpage, we have information on how to submit, including a form and an example. There are also frequently asked questions and hints and help resources. The index will forever be publicly available.

If you have more questions about Pioneer Pursuit, email Info@wasgs.org. Please put “Pioneer Pursuit” in the subject line.

JCGS Computer Advisory Committee Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Teams in 2023

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 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the JCGS Computer Advisory Committee who was nominated by the Jefferson County Genealogical Society (JCGS).  Members of the team included Cathy Beatty and Pam Stinson.

Pam and Cathy form an outstanding team, working for the support of JCGS as a society, and on an individual basis as volunteers to support its members in their research. They are both incredibly knowledgeable about family research, DNA, and Jefferson County history, collections and databases.

As a team, Pam and Cathy have supported the IT function at the JCGS Research Center, guiding daily maintenance, encouraging responsible upkeep, and navigating a sometimes challenging relationship with computer vendors. They serve as representatives to the Jefferson County Historical Society, members of the JCGS board, and train and support new volunteers. During the pandemic closure and re-opening, they faithfully served JCGS in a way that was invaluable and irreplaceable.

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.

Joleen Aitchison Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2023

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 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Joleen Aitchison of Kingston, Washington, who was nominated by the Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society (BIGS).

Joleen’s volunteerism started even before she joined BIGS. In 2013, as director of the Family History Center in Poulsbo, she volunteered to give a presentation at a BIGS monthly meeting and then became a member. And she’s been a consistent and valuable volunteer ever since, serving as a mentor, working on the newsletter and now the website, making full-scale presentations, and offering one-on-one help to anyone interested. In addition to serving as a Special Interest Group leader, Joleen is a major resource for BIGS’s members in other special interest groups. She is a past board member and was a major contributor to several Family History Month special events open to the public.

Joleen is one of BIGS’s most knowledgeable members in both traditional genealogy and genealogical DNA and is able to make complex information understandable and approachable to the less experienced.

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.

WSGS President and Secretary Nominee Statements

by Roxanne Lowe

Kathleen “Kathy” Weddle Sizer of Granger has been nominated to serve a second two-year term as WSGS President. Additionally, Jill Scott of Yakima has been nominated as Secretary. The term of offices is 01 Jan 2024 through 31 Dec 2025.

Online voting for the slate will begin 22 Jan 2024 and run through 29 Jan 2024. All WSGS members will receive an email with a Google link to their anonymous ballot. Members are asked to vote for each position. Write-in nominations are allowed.

Kathy’s candidate statement

Through the years it has been hard to fill board positions. Many enjoy the benefits of organizations and clubs but few run for office. I am running for president for a second term to fill a need; I enjoy being the “play crew” and not the “actor,” but see the need. I joined Yakima Valley Genealogical Society in 1975 and have served as president, vice-president, secretary and currently treasurer. At the state level, I was appointed membership chair in 2017 and am still in that position and have served as secretary and one term as your president of WSGS.

WSGS has become a clearinghouse for local societies and, as such, is very important to our state. The Pioneer Pursuit contest added 3,696 more names of individuals who lived here before statehood, including those who were indigenous to the area. Check out Chief Sealth’s family history in our Pioneer Pursuit index. I have enjoyed working with our board, but encourage all of you to step outside your box and run for a WSGS office in the future. We meet virtually once a month on the third Tuesday of the month at 2:00 PM and I, as president, like to keep the meeting to an hour.

Jill’s candidate statement

I am thrilled to be nominated to the Washington Society Genealogy Society Board as Secretary. I eagerly anticipate contributing to the betterment of our membership. Here’s a little about me:

I was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho. After graduating from high school, I moved to Spokane and attended Kinman Business University. I found not only a job, but a husband in Portland while I worked for Pacific Power & Light as an executive secretary. We moved to Klamath Falls where my only child, Alison, was born. Then we moved to Sunnyside for Charlie’s job and retired to Tucson in 1994. In 2000, I moved to Escondido, California to take care of my aging dad.  After his death in 2003, I decided to stay in Southern California and then moved to Yakima in 2017.

I am a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution – Narcissa Whitman Chapter in Yakima, where I am the immediate Past Honorary Chapter Regent; P.E.O. Chapter FR; Daughters of Utah Pioneers; Huguenot Society; Daughters of the Republic of Texas; U.S. Daughters of 1812; Flagon & Trenchers and a Utah Genealogy Society supporter of their Utah Founding Pioneer program.

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society DNA SIG

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society DNA Special Interest Group Meeting

Tuesday, January 23 Starting at 7:00 pm via Zoom

We will be reading Your DNA Guide by Diahan Southard.

This book is available from the author, the publishers, Amazon, or perhaps through your local public library or via Inter-Library Loan.

Check WorldCat to see what libraries may have copies.

Calendar reminder: TPCGS DNA Special Interest Group Meeting

Every month on the Fourth Tue beginning at 7:00 PM Pacific Time

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYqdeyrrz0iEtx-c_J3gNfcI8mebT1zajLo/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGqqTkvGdWTuBGPRpwQB4joZ-nzmCFHj7dF0RzaKXNUTAX1H7pPN7BLQcLR

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82725316888?pwd=MDc3UEZrUVJNbmxmK2ZORmw5YzdDdz09

Meeting ID: 827 2531 6888

Passcode: 811780

One tap mobile:

+12532050468,,82725316888#,,,,*811780# US

+12532158782,,82725316888#,,,,*811780# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location:

        +1 253 205 0468 US

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 827 2531 6888

Passcode: 811780

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kIKCyZLQy