Ancestor Weddings: Genealogy Tips for Finding the Dress

By on August 11, 2015

Introduction: Mary Harrell-Sesniak is a genealogist, author and editor with a strong technology background. In this blog article, Mary searches old newspapers to find a variety of pictures and articles about our ancestors’ wedding dresses. Historical newspapers not only give you the names and dates you need to fill in your family tree –... (Read More)

Did Your Ancestor Fight at the Battle of Monmouth?

By on August 10, 2015

Did your ancestor fight at the Battle of Monmouth during the Revolutionary War? My cousin Joel Pratt (1752-1844) did and his obituary records some of his personal recollections of that battle. We learn that in the Battle of Saratoga and the Battle of Monmouth, “…he carried the colors of his regiment.” At the battle... (Read More)

The Evertons’ Genealogy Workshop 50 Years Ago Hooked Me

By on July 31, 2015

It was 50 years ago this week – 25 July 1965 to be specific – that George and Ellen (Nielsen) Everton conducted their genealogy workshop in the lower-level auditorium of the Ferguson Library in Stamford, Connecticut. They were road warriors who routinely conducted classes and day-long genealogical workshops, teaching the basics of genealogy across... (Read More)

Our Ancestors’ Age-Old Sayings from 100 Years Ago, Part II

By on July 29, 2015

Introduction: Mary Harrell-Sesniak is a genealogist, author and editor with a strong technology background. In this blog article, Mary presents some of the enlightening and entertaining sayings she found from 100 years ago while browsing through newspapers from the year 1915. The allure of genealogy makes genealogists curious – or perhaps it is the... (Read More)

Will You Mention Your Ancestors in Your Obituary?

By on July 28, 2015

Have you noticed how many obituaries include details about the ancestors of the deceased? George Green’s obituary summarizes his life, compactly detailing his accomplished life in a paragraph or two – and prominently, we learn that he “had deep roots in Michigan.” According to his obituary: He was officially recognized as a direct descendant... (Read More)