Seattle Genealogical Society News

IN MEMORY

Sadly, over the last few months, several longtime members of the Seattle Genealogical Society have been lost. They served as volunteers, on committees, and on the board. Each was a special friend to the Society and they will be missed. Join us in extending condolences to their families.    


CHRISTINE E PULLIAM 
1934 – 2021

Christine Pulliam passed away January 20, 2021.  In life, she was a teacher, a successful business owner, a mother, a grandmother, and a world traveler on all seven continents!

Her family recalls that next to her love of family, her greatest passion in life was genealogy research. Her genealogy library contained numerous files, thousands of records, and she had countless genealogy conferences under her belt. 

Christine was a Life Member of SGS from 1984-2021. She served as SGS Vice President 1988-89. In 1991, she published in the SGS Bulletin a Directory of local Family History Centers and Libraries available for genealogical research. In 2015, she donated an extensive collection of local newspaper obituaries. They are being scanned and indexed to become part of our digital database resources. Christine remembered SGS with a bequest from her estate which will be put to good use in our new location. 

For more on Christine’s life, click here:
https://mcusercontent.com/2b76c2acbc8531a2e530e3d9c/files/2c08fa56-595a-6ad8-936f-fe7dee12d165/2021ChristineEPulliam_ObituaryCard.pdf


DANIEL P HARMON
1938 – 2021

Dan Harmon passed away July 25, 2021. He was a Life Member of SGS, joining in 1996. He was on the Board serving as Director of the Library 2013-2015 and Director of Publications 2015-2017.

Dan received both his MA and PhD in Classical Languages, Literature and Linguistics from Northwestern University.  Dr Daniel P Harmon’s entire career, 1967-2004, was spent in the Department of Classics at the University of Washington. Numerous students left memories of how fortunate they felt to have been taught by Professor Harmon.  

You can read Dan’s full obituary, as well as a link to the Seattle Times obituary, at: 
https://classics.washington.edu/news/2021/08/04/memoriam-daniel-p-harmon

MARY FIELDS STOEBUCK
1929 – 2021

Mary Stoebuck passed away August 25, 2021. She was an active member of SGS for thirty-three years, 1983-2016. In 1988-89,  she was on the three-member “space committee” that arranged the big SGS move from the Jones Building to 5th & Union. She was a speaker for the SGS 65th Anniversary and “Celebration of a Century” (the Washington State Centennial),  presenting a talk on  “Basic Genealogical Research-Part II: Census, Research Libraries, Immigration & Naturalization”. Mary was a founder and the first VP for the Fiske Genealogical Library. 

Her family recalls that Mary not only researched their own families, the Fields and Stoebucks, she aided countless others she met through the Seattle Public Library, the National Archives, the LDS libraries, SGS, DAR, and the Fiske with their research. 

Like others mentioned here today, there was teaching in Mary’s background. She graduated from Wichita State in 1951 with a BA in Home Economics, a minor in Mathematics, and a Kansas Teacher’s Certificate for Secondary Education. 

Here is the link to Mary’s full obituary:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/seattle-wa/mary-stoebuck-10323975

PATRICIA J YOUNIE
1932 – 2021 

Pat Younie passed away September 10, 2021. Right up until that time, she stayed involved with her homeowners association and with the Archives Committee at SGS. Her fellow committee members, and others, remember her for her knowledge, wit, and work ethic. Under her guidance as chair, the Archives Committee successfully processed a decades-long backlog of donated materials. And they laughed a lot and had fun doing it. 

Pat was SGS Director of Library 2001-2002 and Desk Volunteer Coordinator 2009-2010. She joined SGS in 1994. She was in the Irish SIG and often volunteered for Irish Week, the Highland Games, and SGS Seminars. These are just a few of her contributions. 

Take some time to play the wonderful Tribute Video her family compiled. It is on her memorial web page: 
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/lynnwood-wa/patricia-younie-10347277

RICHARD F AMBUR 
1936 – 2021 

Dick died September 20, 2021, at home, surrounded by his family.  

Dick graduated from the University of Washington, Medical School, in 1961, and joined the Navy. He spent ten years in the Navy, including a stint in Viet Nam. After leaving the military, with an honorable discharge and the rank of Commander, Dr Richard F Ambur established his private medical practice in Bremerton, WA.  

Dick joined SGS in 1990 and was a Life Member. He was a volunteer and donor who helped with the “heavy lifting”, literally. He served on the Seminar committee, set-up, take-down, trucking, and sound systems. He even donated a sound system. He also served at community outreach events like the Scottish Highland Games, and as a Desk Volunteer. Over and over, Dick is described by fellow SGS members as the nicest guy. 

You can read Dick’s full obituary here: 
https://bonneywatson.com/obituary/richard-frederick-ambur/





VIRTUAL SUNDAYS:
“SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW”
STARTS NOW

SGS is delighted to announce a new program, “Virtual Sundays: Something Old, Something New.” With the move to our new home in the Good Shepherd Center, we will be unable to offer Sunday hours, but we can still connect virtually. Jill Morelli, CG will host a lecture and discussion on the third Sunday of every month via Zoom. 

Come join us for the inaugural offering on Sunday, October 17, at 1:00 PM.  A small donation will be requested. For the monthly lecture topic and the Zoom link, see the SGS website Calendar of Events: 
https://seagensoc.org/eventListings.php?nm=67
STORAGE NEEDED FOR
SEMINAR MATERIALS!

  Our new home at Good Shepherd has very limited storage space. We have 4 bins of materials we use for in-person seminars–signage, tablecloths, name tags, etc. If you could store some or all of these materials for SGS, please notify Ceil Rogers, Director of Education, at education@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org   

We would like to get these moved out of the Sand Point location as soon as possible, or by October 25th at the latest.  

* SAVE THE DATE *
SGS 2021 Fall Seminar – Online via Zoom with Ari Wilkins
Saturday, October 16, 2021, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm


Register today for our all-day seminar! 

Ari Wilkins is a genealogist and library associate at Dallas Public Library, where she provides genealogy-programming education. She specializes in African American genealogy and research, with a focus on North Carolina and Louisiana, and has been researching her family history since 1998.
Register online  at https://sgsfallseminar2021.eventbrite.com.


Sacramento German Genealogy Society, 
“Your Ancestors & the World of Cartography: Pinpointing Time & Location”, 
Saturday, October 23, 2021
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PDT


Fee $20
Register here: 
https://sggs.us/eventListings.php?nm=54#er251

Join SGGS for their fall online webinar with three presentations focusing on the use of maps and how to find the ones you need.

Melinda Kashuba: Using Maps to Trace and Depict German Migration and Settlement in the United States

Előd Biszak: Arcanum Maps: Historical Maps

Heiko Mühr: The Long Shadow of the Habsburg Empire: A Hidden Collection of Austrian Maps Emerges

Lewis County Genealogical Society, 
“The Witches of Salem” with Jerri McCoy via Zoom 
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
7:00 PM


Jerri McCoy’s 8th great grandmother was tried for witchcraft. Come learn her fate. Everyone is invited. 

Jerri’s presentation will begin about 7 PM.  It will be preceded by the LCGS business meeting at 6:30 PM and some social time starting at 6:00 PM. This is a virtual presentation and meeting.  Send your request to info@walcgs.org by Monday, October 18. You will be emailed a Zoom link.  


SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS*

The SGS Library normally is open Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, for computer-based research only. We are in the process of moving to a new location. Please visit the SGS Website for details.
We recommend you plan your visit and call ahead – 206 522-8658. 
** Always check the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links and for any last minute updates or changes to the schedule.  


Saturday, Oct 16, 2021,   9:00 am-3:00 pm, SGS Fall Seminar – Virtual – with Ari Wilkins,  Join us for an full day of learning. Register today: https://sgsfallseminar2021.eventbrite.com/

Sunday, Oct 17, 2021,   1:00 pm-2:30 pm, Virtual Sundays: Something Old, Something New,  Jill Morelli will host this first session of our new monthly 3rd Sunday program. Visit the SGS website Calendar for all the particulars. 

Wednesday, Oct 20, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 am, Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual),  Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists. 

Tuesday, Oct 26, 2021, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. 

Wednesday, Oct 27, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 am, Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual),  Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.   Wednesday, Nov 3, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 am, Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual),  Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Saturday,  Nov 6, 2021, 10:15 am-12:15 pm, FamilySearch Interest Group with Lou Daly, Discover the many ways to use FamilySearch. At each meeting a different aspect of the website will be featured. There will be time for Q & A.  Want to join the mailing list? Email Lou: loudaly@nwlink.com

Sunday, Nov 7 , 2021, 1:00 pm-3:00pm, DNA Workshop, To be included you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at SGSDNASIG@gmail.com to join.  

Tuesday, Nov 9 , 2021, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. 

Wednesday, Nov 10, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 am, Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual),  Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Wednesday, Nov 10, 2021,   7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, MAC Computer SIG ,  Jointly sponsored by the Fiske Library and SGS this group meets every other month on the second Wednesday of the month. Meetings address topics and resources helpful for those using MacIntosh (Apple) computers and the Reunion program in their genealogy research. Visit the SGS website Calendar of Events for instructions on joining the MAC email list.  

Saturday, Nov 13, 2021, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm, Second Saturday Speaker Series: Indirectly Evident: Finding William’s Parents, with Debbie Wilson Smyth 

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 am, Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual),  Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

Sunday, Nov 21, 2021,   1:00 pm-2:30 pm, Virtual Sundays: Something Old, Something New,  Jill Morelli will host our new monthly 3rd Sunday program. Visit the SGS website Calendar for all the particulars. 

Tuesday, Nov 23, 2021, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcome. No appointment necessary. 

Wednesday, Nov 24, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 am, Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual),  Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.

German Interest Group of The Eastside Genealogical Society

The German Interest Group of The Eastside Genealogical Society (EGS)meeting

When: Friday, November 5, 2021 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm PDT– Virtually

Topic: “Learning about my Oswald and Rendtorff Ancestors”

Janice will highlight the discoveries in her journey while researching the German branch of her family tree — New and surprising family stories, helpful research finds, historical context, gratifying contacts with others, joy of finding cousins, useful DNA finds, and a quick virtual trip to Gimbsheim, Germany will be included. She is excited to share the joy she has had finding these family stories and collaborating with others.

Presenter: Janice Leitzke

Janice’s love of family history began when her children started school, and she began recording their history in scrapbooks.  About the same time, her father wrote a book of his family history.  The two interests combined and she became involved in researching and recording her family’s genealogy. She was delighted to uncover information about her mother’s unknown early American roots as well as more details about her father’s German roots. She gets particularly excited learning about connections between family and historical events, and discovering new cousins. When Janice is not researching genealogy, she loves to travel, sew and read.

More information: https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/  Visitors are always welcome and may request an invitation by using the Contact tab on our website, no later than 2 days prior to the meeting.

Sacramento German Genealogy Society Annual Fall Webinar

October 23rd is fast approaching, but there is still time to sign up for the Sacramento German Genealogy Society Annual Fall Webinar: Your Ancestors and the World of Cartography (Pinpointing Place and Time).  The webinar will be via Zoom with a $20.00 fee.  Registration link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_alwalRE6QyKomhZYYKxmdA
This promises to be a phenomenal webinar.  We have arranged an amazing lineup of speakers:Elod Biszack, CEO of Arcanum Database Ltd, will speak to us from Hungary.  If you have ever done research in the Austrian Empire, you have heard of the amazing mapping source, Mapire.  This is just one of the projects Arcanum is responsible for.  They have digitized historical maps all over Europe and beyond.Heiko Mühr, Map Metadata and Curatorial Specialist at UC Berkeley, will share how to use their collection of German Captured Maps from WWII and then talk about the hidden collection of Austrian maps discovered in the process of making the German Captured Maps available to the public.  Melinda Kashuba rounds out our trio.  She has a doctorate degree in Geography.  She will show us how to use maps to trace our ancestors from their homes in German-speaking Europe to their settlements in the United States.  Class Descriptions and Presenter Bios:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/hyhtczd7i0su2su/SGGS%202021%20Annual%20Fall%20Webinar%2C%20presentation%20descriptions%20and%20bios%20final.pdf?dl=0
Regards,Amy Chidester

State Archives’ upcoming events

State Archives’ upcoming events:
Ask an archivist: Genealogy open mic Q&A webinar — Oct. 22
Bring your questions and a notebook, and come chat with Research Archivist Tracy Rebstock! Learn how to use state and local government records in your family history. New records are added to our collections all the time — updates to vital records means more access to birth, death, marriage, and divorce collections. Ask questions so you can dig deeper into your genealogical research! Register here for this free webinar.
Haunted (virtual) tour — Oct. 29
The fourth annual Halloween haunted tour will take you on a spooky trek through the dark stacks in the underbelly of the Archives Building. We’ve brought some infamous Washingtonians back from the dead to tell their stories, and you don’t want to miss it!
Newsletter subscribers will be emailed a link upon release.
A public trust: Webinar on records and research at Puget Sound Regional Branch — Oct. 30
Trick or treat yourself to the final Archives Month adventure with the Puget Sound branch. Senior Records Consultant Emily Venemon will discuss the importance of public records and the role of the State Archives’ regional branch system in preserving public access. Reference Archivist Jessica Jones will talk about the scope of archival government records held at the Puget Sound branch and how those records are used by researchers, and provide a look into how research requests are fulfilled. Register here for this free webinar.

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

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 reach hundreds of genealogists from around the state. 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.

Genealogical Forum of Oregon Online Indexing Party

Help Index Oregon Marriage Records

You are cordially invited to an online “wedding” recaption – and indexing party!

On Tuesday, Nov. 30, the Genealogical Forum of Oregon is sponsoring an online event to index Multnomah County marriage records from 1917-1924.

Way back in 1981, the GFO acquired the county’s original marriage register books for 1885-1924. Over four decades, dedicated volunteers have indexed the registers to 1916. But we get many requests in the “missing” years, so it’s time to finish the job!

These records have proven to be an invaluable source for Oregon and Southern Washington researchers.

For the first time, GFO is trying out our annual volunteer work party as a one-day, interactive event entirely online. You can join the fun for the whole day or even just an hour. You do not need to be a member, just willing to dedicate a little time to support genealogy. For more information and to RSVP, please visit http://gfo.org/givingtuesday.

WSGS Supportive Grant Deadline — October 31

It’s not a trick — only a treat. The deadline for WSGS Supportive Grant applications is October 31.

WSGS is awarding two $250 Supportive Grants to local genealogical societies for special projects or purchases. The grants are designed to fill a need or support a special project of WSGS-member societies and organizations.

The simple application is only one page and is available here. There is also additional guidance on the program. For more information, visit our website at http://www.wasgs.org/cpage.php?pt=49.

Questions should be directed to Info@wasgs.org. Please note “Awards” in the Subject Line.

Lewis County Genealogical Society invites you to The Witches of Salem

Lewis County Genealogical Society invites you to The Witches of Salem presented at our meeting on
Tuesday, 21 October. We have social time at 6:00PM, business meeting at 6:30 and the program beginning shortly after 7:00. Keep reading for more about the presentation and how to join us.

Jerri McCoy will present The Witches of Salem at the October Meeting of the Lewis County Genealogical Society. Today we do not expect to see witches on broomsticks and hexing neighbors, but in 1692 good sense, as will as charity and mercy, had disappeared. Persecution of women and girls reached a new height with witch hunts and trials taking over Salem Village and nearby towns. Who accused them? How were they identified? What happened to them? Come to our virtual meeting and learn about these times of gossiping, and sometimes honestly terrified, neighbors.

Jerri has a personal interest as her 8th great grandmother was Rebecca Nurse, a well-respected 71-year-old grandmother and wife of a local artisan who was accused, arrested and tried for witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials. Learn her fate. See how she and others are remembered today.

Jerri McCoy was born and raised in San Diego, California. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from San Diego State University, and worked in the computer industry for 30 years before retiring. Jerri has been active in genealogy for over 45 years. She is a member of her local genealogical society in Olympia, the Washington State Genealogical Society, and several lineage societies. She is a past president of two genealogical societies, and has held numerous lineage society offices. Jerri has published three books on her family.

Please email info@walcgs.org by Monday before the meeting or the Zoom Link.

Visit Lewis County Genealogical Society online at: walcgs.org

Olympia Genealogical Society October Meeting

What?: October Olympia Genealogical Society Monthly Member Meeting

When?: Thursday, Oct 14th, 7:00pm

Where?: virtual via Zoom link available on the OGS website: olygensoc.org

Why?: We all have a story and sharing with others may lead to new discoveries. Come share your family lore or maybe you have ghost story or two to share. Members and those interested in genealogy are welcome to attend. 
Questions about becoming a member: membership@olygensoc.org.
Thank you,
Mandy StahreOGS – Publicity chair 

South King County October Happenings

SKCGS October 2021.jpg


OCTOBER – EARLY NOVEMBER 2021 MEETINGS & EVENTS

Be in the know! Receive notices for our virtual meetings, as well as the latest genealogy news and tips, by subscribing (free) to the online group at https://skcgs.groups.io

Skcgs.groups.io is the SKCGS online discussion and collaboration arena where:

  • we communicate and share information with each other
  • other than your email, you are not required to provide personal information
  • you can unsubscribe at any time

PROGRAM UPDATES

  • IMPORTANT: Be sure to check meeting invitations for updated Zoom meeting links this month
  • All meetings except the Research Group are virtual
  • Live transcription (captioning) is available during our Zoom meetings by request


Monday, October 11, 2021, 1:00pm – 3pm PT
GG/DNA (virtual)

Family Tree DNA Y & mtDNA Surname projects; locality & haplogroup projects 
Using Y and mt DNA testing is a team sport! Find your teams on the Family Tree DNA site and elsewhere. Family Tree DNA has specialized groups for Y and mt DNA, including haplogroup groups, and also some locality and other special groups. How can these help you with your research? How do you find, join, and get help from them? Go to https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Genetic-Genealogy for meeting link, meeting reminders and discussion.

Friday, October 15, 2021, 1:00pm – 3pm PT
Research Group (in-person)
For SKCGS members
Kent Family History Center 12817 SE 256th St. Kent
Seating is limited
RSVP REQUIRED to Winona at w.laird@skcgs.org

Saturday, October 16, 2021, 9:30am PT social time; 10:00am – 11:30am PT program
SKCGS General Meeting (virtual)

Thomas McEntee presents “You Can Do This, Photo Organizing Preservation”


MACENTEE Thomas 20200901 Chicago.jpg


Are you sitting on a pile of old family photographs and wondering what is the best way to preserve them? What about boxes of family vacation slides, photo negatives or home movies? As more and more Baby Boomers take on the task of organizing family history materials, we’re uncertain about the best way to preserve these memories. And an over-abundance of technology doesn’t help! Participants will learn the best ways to organize and preserve family photos including outsourcing as well as the DIY approach. Starting with quick and easy inventory and organizing tips, we’ll move on to creating a strategic plan to finally get this photo project done!
Register in advance for this meeting:

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwqdeusqz4uHt2RCEtfhhWjiUfLjkphWVgX

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
NOTE: Session will be recorded and available to SKCGS Members for playback in the Members Only section on our website a week or so after the event. Interested in becoming a member? More info at  http://skcgs.org/membership

Monday, October 18, 2021, 1:00pm – 3:00 pm PT
Technology User Group (virtual)

Collaboration: Wikitree, FamilySearch Family Tree, Geni 
Refer to https://skcgs.blogspot.com/2021/07/the-magic-of-collaboration-and-wikitree.html and https://skcgs.blogspot.com/2021/09/genealogy-collaboration-nitty-gritty.html for background. Bring success stories and brick walls; we will cheer and take inspiration, and also help you strategize your plan to break that brick wall! Go to https://skcgs.groups.io/g/TUG for meeting link, meeting reminders and discussion.

Sunday, October 24, 2021, 11:00am – 1pm PT
SKCGS/BDHS present Janice Lovelace “Black Miners in the West” (virtual)
South King County Genealogical Society hosts Janice Lovelace presenting “Black Miners in the West” to the Black Diamond Historical Society Annual Meeting in Black Diamond. They invited historians and genealogists alike to learn the little-known story of the Black families who moved west to mine coal and other minerals.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0rde2srzwjEtZ3Wa1B8mt7xbaaYvQhhr2y
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.


Monday, October 25, 2021, 1pm – 3pm PT

Genealogy Chat (virtual)

Meet up and chat about genealogy subjects and topics. We have no agenda; we just like one another! Go to https://skcgs.groups.io/g/Society for meeting link, discussion and meeting reminders.

Friday, November 5, 2021, 12:30pm-2:30pm PT
German Interest Group (EGS) (virtual)

The topic will be “Learning about my Oswald and Rendtorff Ancestors.” Speaker Janice Leitzke highlights discoveries made while researching the German branch of her family tree. Visitors are always welcome and can request an invitation via Contact tab on the website no later than 2 days prior to the meeting: https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/

Saturday, November 6, 2021, 10:00am PT
Family Tree Maker Users Group (virtual)

Question & Answer. Each month, we will learn about using the features of FTM. Go to https://skcgs.groups.io/g/FTMUG for meeting link, meeting reminders and discussion.

———-

MEMBERSHIP:  We welcome guests to our meetings and special interest groups, which are free. Naturally we hope that visitors will want to become members. Support like yours helps us to educate and engage with our community to foster interest in family and local history. Regarding our programs, even if and when we can meet again in person, we will continue with some virtual programs. You can find more information about membership at our website at http://skcgs.org/membership.

Like – Facebook :: Subscribe – Blog :: Follow – Twitter :: Website – SKCGS.org :: Member support – info@skcgs.org

SOUTH KING COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
PO BOX 582
AUBURN, WASHINGTON 98071-0582