Eastern Washington Genealogical Society Meeting

by Charles Hansen

How to Date Old Photos and How to Preserve Them

Regular Meeting:  Saturday, February 1 How to Date Old Photos and How to Preserve Them  presented by Melode Hall (EWGS Meetings) 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm Bernardo Wills Architect 153 S Jefferson St, Spokane, WA 99201      (This is our new regular meeting place.) Melode Hall will be presenting“How to Date Old Photos and How to Preserve Them.”

Our Speaker, Melode Hall from Scrapbooking on GeigerHandoutsPrint your copies at home if possible. The first 2 arePhotos and the last is a Word document.Photo WorksheetReference ToolsTraditional Albums

EWGS Meets at New Location

The Bernardo-Wills Architecture Building where EWGS will meet for at least 2 years. It is located at 153 S Jefferson St,, Spokane, WA 99201 (just south of the Railroad). This picture on the left is the front of the building and their sign (along Jefferson St.) The view on the right is the front of the building from Jefferson. There are 20 free spaces in front and lots of parking meters (needing quarters or possibly your smart phone).   Also close to 6 STA bus routes.

Heritage Quest Research Library February Class

by Charles Hansen
Steven W. Morrison
Saturday, February 8, 2020
 
SESSION 1:    10:00 AM Fact Checking Your Family Traditions Some families are lucky, they have “family lore”.  But is this story true?  With new online collections we can now double check to see how it holds up to the light of some original records.  Only then will you know if it’s a keeper or just fools gold.  A case study of colonial Virginia entrepreneur Isaac Perkins/Parkins.
$ 20.00 per Session members
$ 25.00 per Session non-members 

Session 2:  11:30 AM Using Hinshaw and Other Finding Aids to Locate Original Quaker Records During the past century, Quaker historians and clerks have been busy copying old meeting records and have created a wide variety of finding aids.  In the 1930s, Willard W. Hinshaw began publishing six volumes of his historic Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy, with Willard C. Heiss following with six volumes for just Indiana.  We will learn how these tools can shortcut your search for original Quaker records. $ 20.00 per session members
$ 25.00 per session non-members
To reserve a place please call 253-863-1806 or drop by the library to sign up.  

AFTER RESERVING A SEAT, IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND, PLEASE CALL SO THAT OTHERS MAY ATTEND.
All of our classes are held in the HQRL Classroom. 

The German Interest Group of the Eastside Genealogical Society February 2020

by Charles Hansen

The German Interest Group

of The Eastside GenealogicalSociety (EGS)meeting

When: Friday, February 7, 2020 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm

(Doors open at 12:10 for networking)

Where: Relief Society Room of the Latter-day Saints Church

10675 NE 20th St, Bellevue, WA 98004

Topic: “More German Church and Civil Record Tips” – This presentation will enhance our prior programs with additional tips for 1) locating the German records in the United States and elsewhere, 2) reading the old German handwriting in those records and 3) translating the German words into English.

Presenter:  Dorothy Pretare started collecting family history in 1995 and is active in 2 local genealogical societies, leader of the EGS German Interest Group and a member of 3 societies in Minnesota.  In 2008, she visited her ancestral villages in old East Germany and present-day Poland.

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

Heritage Quest Research Library January Class

by Charles Hansen
Reminder
January 2020 Class Schedule Join us on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 
as we Welcome our speaker
Michael Lee Stills.
10:30 AM
    Myths, Legends and Lies: The Dangers of Family History Research Can you handle the truth? Family History Research is a burgeoning pursuit thanks to TV pro-grams like “Who Do You Think You Are?” “Genealogy Roadshow” and “Finding Your Roots.” But before you jump in, have you asked yourself if you are prepared for what you might discover? Together we will be opening closets to expose skeletons, peeking under the lid of Pan-dora’s Box, and shining light on the ethical dilemmas you may encounter in the quest to find your missing ancestors. They may have good reasons for why they are hiding from you.
  $20.00 members $25.00 non members For reservations please stop by HQRL or call HQRL at 253-863-1806. Due to the size of our classroom after reserving a seat, if you are unable to attend the class, please call to cancel so that others may attend.

GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday E-News 2020

by Charles Hansen
THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition January 16, 2020
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
Spring Seminar with Karen Stanbary: Solve Puzzles with DNA
Join us for our 2020 Spring Seminar, “Solve Puzzles with DNA,” on April 4 & 5, to be presented by nationally-recognized genetic genealogy author and educator Karen Stanbary, CG®, MA, LCSW. The Saturday, April 4 classes will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.at Portland’s Center for Self Enhancement (SEI). Karen will guide experienced beginners and above in learning how to manage and interpret DNA evidence, then how to incorporate it into existing documentary research. As a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Karen will also provide guidance on managing conversations about unexpected DNA results. If you register now, the cost for GFO members for this full day is just $45 and for non-members, $50. The Sunday half-day classes on April 5 will be held at the GFO from 9:30 a.m. – noon. Deepen and expand your intermediate- to advanced-level skills as Karen presents more complex genealogy puzzles requiring more complex DNA evidence analysis. Early registration price for this half-day is just $25 for GFO members and $30 for non-members. Download the Seminar Flyer for more details.

Take advantage of those Early-Bird Registration prices! On March 1, all prices will increase by $5. This is a great opportunity to learn more about solving those genealogy puzzles with the use of DNA.
Register Now
February Workshop: Advanced Excel for Genealogy
Spreadsheets can be a powerful tool to help you analyze your genealogical data and keep track of your research; and they are essential in managing your DNA information. From 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, join BCG Certified Genealogist, Mary Kircher Roddy, as she presents a hands-on guide for the experienced spreadsheet user using Excel to gain perspective on and to further your genealogy research. For a more complete description, download the seminar flyer. Seating is limited to 30 people! Everyone gets a spot at a table. Participants should bring their (fully charged) laptops pre-loaded with Excel. A frequent lecturer in the Seattle area, as well occasionally farther afield, Mary is an active member of Seattle Genealogical Society, the Genealogical Speakers Guild, the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the National Genealogical Society. She has published articles in Family Chronicle, Internet Genealogy, and the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. For Early-Bird Registration on or before Jan. 31, the fee is $30.00 for GFO Members and $35.00 for non-members. The price increases $5 on Feb. 1.
Register Now
GenTalk: A Few Seats Still Available!
Come hear our panel of experts this Saturday, Jan. 18 from 2:15 – 3:45 p.m. as they present GFO’s January GenTalk, DNA and Genealogy for Crime Solving. Portland Police Bureau Detective Brendan McGuire, genetic genealogists Dr. Tim Janzen and Emily Aulicino, and crime victim advocate Laurel Smith will all be on hand to discuss various issues including the ethics of using DNA for law enforcement, the viewpoint of the victim and their family, the suspect’s privacy, what crimes should be allowed to use DNA, your choices and rights regarding your DNA, and the future of using DNA for law enforcement. We expect a lively discussion, so bring your questions! This event is free and open to the public, but online pre-registration is required. 4 seats have opened up, so register quickly to claim yours: gfo.org/DNApanel. The handout was updated yesterday, so if you downloaded it on Tuesday, please download the revised handout here.
People who are registered MUST arrive before 2:10 p.m. to claim your seat, because at 2:10 p.m. we will start giving away open seats to those on the wait list. Late arrivals will not be seated if there are no open chairs.
Register Now
Family Tree Maker (FTM) Questions: Yes or No?
___ I have FTM but haven’t installed it.
___ I’ve installed FTM but haven’t used it.
___ I have a tree on Ancestry I want to get into FTM.
___ I’ve got my tree in FTM but I need help. If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then plan to attend the FTM Beginners Meeting on Sunday, January 19th from 1-3 p.m. at the GFO. Laurel Smith will show you how to get off to a great start with this amazing family tree software program.
Look What’s Coming Soon
Webinar viewings are coming to the GFO on Monday mornings. Kristin Parks, education chair and Monday morning RA, has volunteered to set this up so anyone can come in to watch some of the latest free webinars from Legacy Family Tree Webinars. They’ll likely start about 11 am. More details to follow!
News from the Library
Here’s what’s new this week: New Digital Records: ▪ Ashley Addenda Annual ▪ Ashleys of America ▪ Ball Beginnings ▪ Barner Family Newsletter ▪ Bell Family Newsletter ▪ Bensonian ▪ Berry Bulletin ▪ Bishop Families in America ▪ Blauvelt News ▪ Blois Voice ▪ Johnson County [Kansas] Genealogist New Books: ▪ Deeds of Franklin County, Georgia, 1784-1826 ▪ Dictionary of German names ▪ German dialects: phonology and morphology, with selected texts ▪ The German language ▪ Irish famine immigrants in the state of Vermont: gravestone inscriptions ▪ One hundred fifty years in Pike County, Alabama, 1821-1971 ▪ The promise of the New South: life after Reconstruction ▪ The slaves’ war: the Civil War in the words of former slaves ▪ Trans-Appalachian frontier: people, societies, and institutions, 1775-1850 ▪ The way we lived in North Carolina
Do You Have Professional Genealogy Skills to Offer?
Sometimes finding ancestors is just too daunting to do ourselves. Professional genealogists can help break down brick walls. Or perhaps you need help organizing your research or using your database program. The GFO lists the names and contact information of those who can help on our Professional Resources page. Some of the professionals have formal certification, some do not. All have experience in various facets of genealogy. Are you a professional and wish to be included? You must be an active member of the GFO in good standing to be included. We invite you to submit your name, contact information and credentials to: info@gfo.org.
Surplus Book: Glassell Family of Scotland and Virginia
Here is a truly rare book you can own. 129 years ago, the Reverend Horace Edwin Hayden published a positively enormous volume called The Genealogy of the Glassell Family of Scotland and Virginia; also of the families of Ball, Brown, Bryan, Conway, Daniel, Ewell, Holladay, Lewis, Littlepage, Moncure, Peyton, Robinson, Scott, Taylor, Wallace, and others, of Virginia and Maryland.
This book runs 758 pages including the index and appendix. Rev. Hayden writes that it took “eight years of careful preparation.” This is a work of its era where the author glorifies the soldiers of the Confederacy in the U.S. Civil War. Ours is a rare book from 1891 which is in acceptable condition.
It is a retired library copy with crumbling paper edges, library marks, and some handwriting in the front and back. The binding is taped to hold the cover, while the pages inside are sound. Someone years ago pasted a newspaper article inside the front cover about the first settlers. 322 years before. Our price to pickup: $70 Our price to ship: $80 If you’d like to buy this piece of history, email booksales@gfo.org.
Survey Results: On the Road Again?
It looks like most of our respondents will be taking one or more trips this year, with most going to U.S. locations, followed by Europe, and then Canada.
And it’s good to know that many of you are going to dig into regional archives and advancing your education. We’d love to hear about the archives after your trip.
Here are just a few of the many comments we received: ▪ Genealogy Pre-conference at the American Library Association Sponsored by ProQuest. ▪ In September we will be attending the 400th Celebration of the Mayflower arrival in Plymouth MA. ▪ Have traveled to Northern England a few times over the last 10 years and passed through Leeds via train. Well, as luck would have it–3 yrs ago I found ancestors of my Grandmother Webster’s line! So this time I will be staying and visiting the addresses his documents have noted and hopefully finding more info. Very excited! ▪ Travel to RootsTech, IAJGS, and a teacher institute in Mobile, Alabama. ▪ It’s time to finally go to Ireland to see where my great-great-grandparents came from and find records available only there. ▪ Going to the Association for Gravestone Studies annual conference, June 23-28, 2020, this year in Austin, Texas. ▪ RootsTech and National Genealogy Society Conferences, both in Salt Lake City, so in addition to learning more, a chance to do some research too! ▪ I plan a return trip to central Wisconsin after a successful trip last September. ▪ Hoping to crash through a wall!
New Survey: Family History Library in Salt Lake City This week’s survey, that asks you about use of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, was one of the suggestions we received from our readers.
Take the Survey
This week at GFO …
Saturday, January 18th
Genealogy Problem Solvers
No meeting this month.
African American Group 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
This will be one of our quarterly “Bring Your Own Brick Wall” help sessions. Bring your problems, questions, and documents (copies, please, no originals if at all possible), 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. We will keep each person to one question until everyone has had an opportunity. Questions: african_american@gfo.org.
GenTalk: DNA and Genealogy for Crime Solving 2:15 – 3:45 p.m.
Act Quickly! Only Four Seats Available.
Come hear firsthand about this trend from a panel of experts, including Portland Police Detective Brendan McGuire, genetic genealogists Dr. Tim Janzen and Emily Aulicino, and crime victim advocate Laurel Smith. See detailed description above for information on topics, downloading revised handouts, and registration.
This event is free and open to the public, but online pre-registration is required.
Sunday, January 19th
Library Work Party 9:00 a.m. – noon
We’ll be prepping periodicals for scanning and doing some scanning too. 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.
Held quarterly, this is a beginning class for Family Tree Maker users and for those considering a purchase. Questions? Or if you have Family Tree Maker topics you’d like covered, email Joyce and Laurel at FTM@gfo.org.
French Canada Group 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Share stories of our history. Come and join this group to learn more about French Canadian ancestry and Acadia. The group leader is Bob LaMarche. FrCan@gfo.org.
Wednesday, January 22nd
PMUG College: Mac Basics 6:00 – 7:55 p.m.
Come learn the 10 Basic things you need to know about a Mac and the latest operating system.
To register: Call 503-228-1779; Email: college@pmug.org. Bring your Mac/iPad to participate with instruction. If you would like additional info for attending this class, please email us. Free to GFO and PMUG memberrs.
GFO Library Open Late to 8:00 p.m.

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week 2020

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK – FOLD3 NEW UK RECORDS
  If you have an ancestor who may have served in the military of the United Kingdom between 1806-1915, be sure to check out the collection recently added to FOLD3, “UK, Militia Attestation Papers, 1806-1915”.

Fold3 explains Attestation Form data was collected on the soldier at the time of recruitment. It forms a record of military service for those who fought in conflicts during  the 1806-1915 time period. The Attestation Paper contains a wealth of information about the soldier such as parish, town, and county of birth, address at the time of enlistment, age, trade or job, a physical description of the soldier, as well as the name and address of next of kin. The files list military service rendered and whether a soldier was wounded or received medals or decorations. Quite often the date of discharge is noted.  The collection is arranged alphabetically under regiments and in order of seniority.

If you don’t have a Fold3 subscription of your own, come into the SGS Library and access it via one of our patron computers.

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

FIRST SNOWFALL OF THE DECADE

Welcome to 2020! Seattle has already had its first snowfall of the decade. Here’s a reminder that while normal operating hours for the SGS Library are Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, during times of inclement weather the SGS Library may be closed. During icy, snowy, excessively windy or stormy weather, call in first to make sure we are open. Our phone# is 206 522-8658.     CALLING FOR INTERESTED CANDIDATES 
FOR SGS ELECTION 2020-2021
As we move toward the upcoming SGS election in April 2020, we are seeking candidates for SGS officer and director positions. SGS is a member-driven and volunteer-run organization. We could not succeed without the support of our members and welcome anyone interested to let us know of your interest in any of these positions:

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Director of Education
  • Director of Library
  • Director of Membership
  • Director of Operations
  • Director of Publications
  • Director of Volunteers
  • Director of Technology
  • Director of Social Media
  • Nominating Committee (six positions, for 2021-2022 election)

Short descriptions of the duties associated with these positions can be found on the SGS website at: https://seagensoc.org/cpage.php?pt=93

New officers and directors will assume their offices in early June 2020. If you have questions regarding these positions, the outgoing directors of these offices are more than willing to discuss the position responsibilities. The new Nominating Committee members (also voted on by the membership) will not start their work until Fall 2020 in preparation for the 2021-2022 elections. 

If you have any questions or are interested in any of these positions. please email nominations@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org or call the main SGS phone# 206 522-8658 and leave a message.

HOW YOU CAN HELP THE CITY OF SEATTLE 
DOCUMENT AND DECODE HISTORY 
Thanks to Dick Eastman for staying abreast of all things genealogy including this project in Seattle that needs your help. 

In his January 8, 2020, newsletter Dick reported that Seattle Municipal Archives department needs some help and he cited a story by Ellen Meny on the King5 News website as his source. It says:  

“Seattle is rich with history- and the archivists at the Seattle Municipal Archives keep it all safe and accounted for. But as dedicated as they are, this time, they need some help. 

Part of the job as an archivist is transcribing old documents, both printed and written. Usually, the archivists use transcription software that makes it easy for them to decode handwriting or decipher old printing. However, sometimes the software gets hung-up on handwriting, which can be messy or hard to read. That’s where you come in.”

This is a job you will do online from the comfort of your home. If you are interested in helping out, read the full story at : http://bit.ly/39QSi4s  “The Price of Love:
American Women, the Cable Act and Lost Citizenship” 
February 8, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Lisa Oberg kicks off Seattle Genealogical Society’s lecture and workshop series: Women’s Suffrage in your Family History with this lecture you won’t want to miss it. 


American women proselytized and protested for more than 70 years to finally win the right to vote. And yet, the victory wasn’t complete with the ratification of the 19th amendment in 1920. In this session, Lisa explores the rights of women from the founding of America’s colonies to the turmoil of the suffrage era in the 20th century and beyond. She will delve into various laws that have affected the rights of your female ancestors.   SAVE THE DATE
Spring 2020 SGS Seminar 
with Fritz Juengling,
Fairview Christian School,
844 NE 78th St,
Seattle, WA
Saturday, May 16, 2020   Mr Juengling is the German, Dutch and Scandinavian Research Specialist at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. SGS is happy to have Fritz as the presenter for our spring seminar.  

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. 
JANUARY

Saturday, January 18, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish  SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, January 18, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, German  SIG, with Jean Roth

Saturday, January 25, 10:00am-12:30pm, DNA SIG, Meets quarterly in the fellowship hall of Wedgwood Presbyterian Church, 8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle. Come early for the Beginner Session 9:30-10:00am. Co-chairs Cary Bright & Herb McDaniel. An annual $5 contribution is collected at the door to fund rental of the space.   

FEBRUARY

Saturday, February 8, 10:15 am-12:15 pm, FamilySearch  SIG, with leader Lou Daly, discover the many ways to use Family Tree & FamilySearch.org. Each meeting will feature an aspect of the FamilySearch website.  There will be time for Q&A.  

Saturday, February 8,  1:00 pm-3:00 pm, Second Saturday Series: “The Price of Love: American Women, the Cable Act and Lost Citizenship” – presenter will be Lisa Oberg. American women proselytized and protested for more than 70 years to finally win the right to vote. And yet, the victory wasn’t complete with the ratification of the 19th amendment in 1920. Come learn more. 

Saturday, February 15, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish  SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, February 15, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, German  SIG, with Jean Roth 


Not a SGS member yet? Join now for $60

During January 1st through March 31st, 2020, new members may join the Seattle Genealogical Society with a membership that extends through May 31, 2021. Dues are $60 individual, or $75 dual (two people in the same household). That’s nearly a year and a half of free research requests, discounted class and event registration fees, and access to exclusive SGS publications and databases. Read more…
Join Online Now

Whitman County Genealogical Society April 2020 Free Seminar Postponed

by Charles Hansen

For questions or more information contact WCGS President, Sue Kreikemeier at: 509-635-1303 or aerocraft@completebbs.com. Please RSVP to Sue or whitmancgs@gmail.com by March 28 to accommodate handouts & refreshments. The seminar is free, but donations are welcome at the door.

Directions: Turn off Bishop Boulevard onto Klemgard Ave., follow Klemgard Ave. up the hill and turn left at the top. Do not go into the front entrance, but turn right, continuing up the hill and turn left at the white car ports. Find an appropriate parking place, enter the building through the main doors and go straight ahead to the Social Room.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SPRING SEMINAR SPEAKERS

Robert King’s biography includes the following:

Robert E. King grew up in Pullman where he graduated from WSU with degrees in Anthropology and History.  He completed his Ph.D. at the Univ. of Pennsylvania in Anthropology (specialty: Ethnohistory & Archaeology) and since 1981 has worked for the Bureau of Land Management in Alaska.  He has been the BLM’s State Archaeologist in Alaska for over 33 years, with his work taking him to much of the state.  He has a strong interest in federal land laws including homesteading, and has spoken and written on this subject for several years.  Currently, he writes a guest monthly column on the history of homesteading for the Homestead National Monument of America’s electronic newsletter.  Locally, he is best known in Whitman County as a frequent contributor to the “Bunchgrass Historian,” having authored over 30 articles in the past nearly 25 years on a variety of topics.  He is also an avid genealogist and has co-written several books on various families, with some of his relatives settling in Whitman County in the 1870s.  He maintains homes in both Anchorage and Pullman.  

Steven Branting’s biography includes the following:

Since 2000, many of this country’s leading history, geography and preservation organizations — including the American Association for State and Local History, The History Channel and the Society for American Archaeology — have honored Steven Branting for the depth, scope and variety of his research and field work.

In 2009, he was nominated for the American Historical Association’s prestigious William and Edwyna Gilbert Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the teaching of history through the publication of journal articles. Branting has written eight (8) books on the history of Lewiston. Branting’s articles have appeared in, among others, the Western Historical Quarterly, The History Teacher, Idaho Magazine, Nostalgia and Idaho Yesterdays.

The Idaho State Historical Society conferred upon him the 2011 Esto Perpetua Award, its highest honor, citing his leadership in “some of the most significant preservation and interpretation projects undertaken in Idaho.” Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter awarded him that year’s Outstanding Cultural Tourism Award for showcasing Idaho’s heritage.

In 2013, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution awarded Branting its coveted Historical Preservation Medal. In 2015, Lewis-Clark State College selected him for the Marion Shinn Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2016 he was awarded the President’s Medallion for his efforts to safeguard the heritage that the college and community have shared since the 1890s.

During 2018, the Lewiston Tribune published 104 of his columns highlighting events and people who featured greatly in the history of Lewis-Clark State College, which was celebrating its 125h anniversary and for whom Branting holds the office of “Institutional Historian,” the first since Henry Leonidas Talkington in the 1940s.

Branting’s eighth Lewiston book — The Words That Were Our Names — was released in October 2019.