Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society DNA SIG

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society DNA Special Interest Group Meeting

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

We will be reading Your DNA Guide by Diahan Southard.

This month we will discuss pages 40 to 61.

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 Tuesday 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:

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Meeting ID: 827 2531 6888

Passcode: 811780

One tap mobile:

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Dial by your location:

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Meeting ID: 827 2531 6888

Passcode: 811780

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

Let’s Talk About…Southern Research

by Donna Phillips

Right off the bat, I’ll bet you’re surprised to see the number of states included under the umbrella of “southern,” as in Southern Genealogy Research. Surprise, indeed!

I attended the 2023 RootsTech and listened to a speaker (whose name I didn’t scribble down) speak about Southern Research and giving some tips for same:

  • Learn as much history on/from your family as you can! 
  • Reason out the facts……… was it indeed a southern state?
  • Brush up on your U.S. history from 1763 to 1775 for starters.
  • Then progress to the Civil War time period. 
  • Know that Georgia was only 1/2 British and was 1/2 Native American.
  • Yes, while many courthouses were burned and records lost, not everything was lost. The documentation of the county’s wealth and income was all important (how to levy taxes if you didn’t know who owned what land?) and were reconstructed.
  • Search the land records and deeds of target states.
  • Attempt a time line for each family in your target location.
  • Plot the family’s migration into and then through the Southern states. 
  • Check newspapers for that time and place.
  • Correlate info from all available records: land, census, probate, court, military
  • BE AWARE OF COUNTY BOUNDARY CHANGES!
  • Use period maps.
  • Watch for name changes or just misspellings.
  • Southern “speech” often use “brother/cousin” when there was no relationship
  • Each southern state has historical societies and archives as do many of the counties in those states. Many of these societies had many much of their holdings available online. 

Example: My hubby’s great-grandfather, Seaborn Phillips, born 1844 in Georgia and died in 1906 in Texas. Why Texas? He was a Confederate soldier (was at the Battle of Gettysburg, he said) and after the war, Georgia was devastated and had no resources to pay pensions to veterans, so he moved his family west to Texas where pensions were to be had (Texas was not heavily impacted by the war). 

Let’s Talk About…Filles du Roi

by Donna Phillips

Was your ancestral mother a filles du roi? If so, be proud. These women are known as the founding mothers of Canada.

Here’s the history:

To secure his colonial claims in North America, King Louis XIV of France had to strengthen his settlements in New France (Nova Scotia). French officials recruited girls and women to migrate to New France to increase the population. They became known as the filles du roi, or King’s Daughters.

From 1663 to 1673, nearly 1000 women came to New France. In exchange, the women received money, clothes and household items. Almost all of these women married and had children, doubling the population. 

From the perspective of the French Crown, the program was a success. However, little has been recorded of how these women viewed their experiences. 

The women were to be of child-bearing age and especially so, in good health. The women picked for this “adventure” were chosen by their age, health and physical strength, not necessarily for their looks. They had to be “in good health and strong enough for field work and have strong skills when it comes to domestic tasks…”

There are many Canada-based societies dedicated to preserving the memory, experiences and descendancy of these so-called King’s Daughter. Also, YouTube offers several video-stories. 

So be proud if your great-x-time-grandmother was a Kings’ Daughter!

Seattle Genealogical Society “Finally Get Organized”

by Charles Hansen
SGS Second Saturday Program
Saturday, April 13, 2024, 1:00 – 2:30 pm (PT)

“Finally Get Organized:
Conquer the Clutter Using Your Natural Learning Style”
presented by Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal
To view at the SGS Library, register here. (Available only if 2 or more people register in advance. Call a friend.)
Registration is optional, but it helps us know how many seats will be needed, and it allows us to notify you in case of elevator outage or unexpected closure.  Elizabeth will be presenting via Zoom.  Library attendance is for social and research purposes.

To view online from home, register here.
After registering, you will be able to join the meeting immediately from the registration window.  If you register in advance, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

About the program: Have you tried organizing your family history documents, photos, and digital files, but you just can’t find a system that you can stick to? Start organizing according to your natural learning style! This talk will help you identify your specific learning style and will share brain- and research-based organizing strategies for each style. Learn how you learn so you can finally get organized with the right system for YOU!

About the Speaker:Elizabeth Swanay O’Neal is a professional genealogist who writes, lectures, and consults on a variety of topics. For 35 years, she has made it her goal to research, preserve, and share her family stories. Elizabeth is the author of the family history lifestyle blog Heart of the Family™, and her mission is to help others make the past part of their present.

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

German Interest Group of the Eastside Genealogical Society National Socialism and Family Research

by Charles Hansen

The German Interest Group

of The Eastside GenealogicalSociety (EGS)meeting

When: Friday, May 3, 2024 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm PDT

Zoom Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/mrwca3bd

(This presentation will not be recorded.)

Topic:  National-Socialism – “Euthanasia” and family research
During the Nazi era, people were transferred from hospitals and homes for the disabled to various institutions in the German Reich and in the annexed territories and murdered there. This took place in 2 phases.
Based on the speaker’s own relative, it is possible to follow his path in today’s Poland and the Pomeranian institutions until he was murdered in Meseritz (today Międzyrzecz) in Brandenburg. There will be an overview of the history surrounding the forced sterilization of mentally ill and disabled people and their murder (“euthanasia”).

Presenter:   Inga Guttzeit

Inga Guttzeit, is a Citizen Scientist and Genealogist residing in Lübeck, Germany. She has been doing genealogical research for more than 20 years. She is a volunteer on several projects such as “Transkribus for Hanse-Documents” where she is helping to train the Transkribus AI Software platform, building the “Hanse-Recess Model” enabling better transcriptions of handwritten and printed documents of the Hanseatic League. Inga is a member of the “Working group for research into Nazi-“euthanasia” and forced sterilization” ( www.ak-ns-euthanasie.de ) which was founded in 1983 and she is a member of the group “Researching Lübeck 20th Century”. She has spoken several times in person and online about genealogy and Euthanasia. In June 2023, she began working on a remembrance book (Gedenkbuch) for victims of National Socialist-“Euthanasia” who were born in, deported from, or lived in Lübeck. Inga’s areas of research are Silesia, East Prussia, Thuringia (South), Schleswig-Holstein (near Kiel) and the Salzburg Protestant Expulsion. 

More information: Visitors are always welcome. Our website is https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/

Italian Interest Group of the Eastside Genealogical Society AI

by Charles Hansen
20-Apr-2024 Meeting
Welcome to Italian Genealogy Let’s explore the world of Italian genealogy together, one person at a time.
                          ZOOM Meeting Topic:    FamilySearch.org – Full Text Search
When:        20-Apr-2024, Saturday
Time:         1:30 PM – 3:30 PM (PST)
FamilySearch has introduced a new full-text search feature for historical records. This powerful tool leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to help you uncover valuable information in historical documents. This innovative search capability allows you to explore historical records more comprehensively, making your genealogical research even more exciting! AI Searches every word of text including unindexed documents.
If you aren’t an active member, please request a Zoom meeting request. Request Here
COUNTDOWN TO THE MEETING:
Days Hours Minutes Seconds
Eastside Genealogy Group – Italian Interest Group 2410 East Helen Street, Seattle WA, United States of America

Heritage Quest Research Library Finding Ohio Ancestors before 1850

by Charles Hansen
Shelley Bishop is a professional genealogical researcher, writer, and speaker with a passion for finding and preserving the stories of our ancestors.  She is a frequent contributor to Family Tree Magazine, NGS Magazine, and other publications.  As the owner of Buckeye Family Trees, Shelley specializes in Ohio and midwestern research. Her projects often involve work with military, court, and land records. Shelley is President of the Great Lakes Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists and a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild.  You can find out more at www.buckeyefamilytrees.com
 
Finding Ohio Ancestors Before 1850 Researching Ohioans before the advent of birth and death records and an every-name census presents a challenge to genealogists of all skill levels.  Yet by employing time-tested research methods, seeking out some lesser-known resources, and understanding how to work with evidence, you can overcome difficulties caused by the scarcity of early Ohio records.  When:
April 18, 2024
11:00 AM to 12 PM

Where: ZOOM or limited in-person

Cost: $20 members
               $25 non-members

  Sign-up and Payment:
www.hqrl.com  
go to the HQRL Store (be sure to sign in as a member to receive the discount)
In-Person (8 only)
Call 253-863-1806 or come into the library.
2102 E Main, Suite 105
Puyallup, WA 98372
Copyright © 2024 Heritage Quest Research Library, All rights reserved.
You have told us that you want to receive our news and updates from our library.

Our mailing address is:
Heritage Quest Research Library
2102 East Main Suite 105
Puyallup, WA 98372-3205

Jan WellsMinzel 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. Over the last year, you were introduced to each of the 2023 award recipients and learned why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Jan WellsMinzel of Shelton, Washington, who were nominated by the Mason County Genealogical Society (MCGS).

To assist visitors seeking information about their Civil War ancestors in Mason County, MCGS in partnership with Mason County Historical Society Museum (MCHS) decided to assemble the vital records of Civil War veterans residing in Mason County as identified in the 1890 U.S. Veteran’s Census. Jan took on researching and writing a narrative page for more than 33 veterans. Her narratives are well written and contain the vital records required for sound genealogical practices.

Jan has completed 90 percent of the Civil War veterans that Mason County is tracking. The society is building a three-ring binder containing Jan’s narratives with headstone photos for use at the MCHS Museum.  Jan also recognized our newsletter editor needed help when she was ill and immediately pitched in to assist the editor and keep the newsletter on schedule. Jan’s super power is she recognizes when help is needed and acts.

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….Are You A Francophone?

by Donna Phillips

A francophone, simply put, is one who speaks French primarily as a first language. We might guess that there are many French speaking people in Canada and Louisiana but I never would have guess that there are so many francophones in the rest of the world, especially Africa. 

According to an article in American Ancestors, Fall 2010, by Felix Lafrance:

Between 1840 and 1930, more than 900,000 French-Canadians left Canada for the U.S. This massive exodus was the result of many complex factors. In 19th century French Canada faced significant economic and socio-cultural changes as it transformed from a rural society to an industrial economy. …… as economic development exploded, the lives of the working people became worse…. pricing, lack of farmland, poor quality of arable land, debt.. left many French Canadians without a home or a job.

So they came to the United States. But where? By 1900 there was a sizable French-speaking population in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Smaller groups were in New Hampshire, and Maine. And they did well in their new home. 

What attracted them to the U.S.? If lack of jobs, debts and poverty were the primary reasons why French-Canadians left their native land, the pull exerted by America was a factor.  By the end of the Civil War, American industry found itself with a shortage of workers in all sectors….. housing, construction, dam and canal building, installing and maintaining roads, sewage and aqueduct systems, farming, timber and especially industrial manufacturing. These industries experienced unprecedented growth due to the influx of French-Canadians eager to work.  

American life itself was a powerful attraction. American cities promised a new way of life and escape from agricultural work. “City delights” attracted the young. 

Bottom line, the “fever of departure” caused almost one million French-Canadians to immigrate to the U.S. between 1840 and 1930. Perhaps your ancestor was among them??

Do you still speak some French?? 

Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society Chat

by Charles Hansen

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society Genealogy Chat

Tuesday, April 16, 2024, starting at 7:00 PM via Zoom



This month’s conversation starter topic is: What Special Interest
Group (SIG) would you like to see our society offer? We currently have
a Book Club, DNA, Legacy Family Tree, and this Genealogy Chat. Ideas
recently mentioned are Family History Writing and Mayflower Ancestors
groups. What genealogy topics are you the most interested in?



Please join us and let’s chat!



This is a monthly opportunity to connect with others and talk about
anything and everything genealogical. The value of this meeting
increases with the participation of each person that attends and
contributes to the conversations. This is your chance to celebrate the
breaking down of a brick wall in your research or ask questions of
others that can help you find records or relatives. Everyone, members,
and guests are welcome and encouraged to attend and participate.



Date & Time: Every month on the Third Tue, from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM
Pacific Time

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

Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZMldOCprTsqGtSoVglOBTElUaBRgTq5IEgI/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGvpjgjG9eVsBmHRpwEGojCXevztmJfjbdukyniDw9xVib6A-NgALVLAY35

Join Zoom Meeting:

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Meeting ID: 878 3913 0000

Passcode: 836216

One tap mobile:

+12532050468,,87839130000#,,,,*836216# US

+12532158782,,87839130000#,,,,*836216# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location:

        +1 253 205 0468 US

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 878 3913 0000

Passcode: 836216

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdesX0el3t