Thoughts

  • Research
    Tips & Opinions,  Tools

    Genealogy, Data Quality

    Data Quality is the first in a series of posts on “Genealogy Gotchas”. (I thought this might present useful tips & pointers to our readers while I await your votes on my little poll.) One of the biggest problems I encounter when using tools like Ancestry, RootsWeb, HeritageQuest, or FamilySearch is that much of the available data is of extremely poor or questionable quality.  Before I proceed any further let me clarify: I do NOT mean the original source data presented by any of the aforementioned sites is of poor quality. Source data from them forms very the background of our on-line life-blood.  We really can’t do without the source…

  • ManyRoads,  Thoughts

    Zeyer ev. Church Records

    Today is a big day for me. As of this writing I now have full-time access to all but two of the Zeyer ev. Kirche books.  It is like having my mother’s family come home.  Or more precisely, it is more like have them nearer to me. I am now able to go to the local LDS Family History Center (in Parker, Co)  and read the texts, research my family, or reread the texts whenever I have the need or desire. Over the next month or two, I should have the remainder of the Zeyer ev. Kirche records here on a permanent basis.  I am not certain which microfilms will…

  • Our Families,  Thoughts

    A wonderful day of research!

    I guess this is what makes genealogy addictive… I found another generation of Saengers in my mother’s family.  Not only did I find a set of g-g-g-g-parents but I found all of their children as well as the spouses of these children. I am always amazed at what original source documentation provides in terms of insights and clues to the past.  In spite of bad handwriting, blurry photos and water damage, ancestors just seem to jump off the page at me.  It is a true journey into the past.

  • ManyRoads,  Thoughts

    Spectacular resources for reseach

    I have come across a few extra-special web based resources for genealogy and history research.  The resources include: The Internet Archive-“The Internet Archive, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is building a digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artifacts in digital form. Like a paper library, we provide free access to researchers, historians, scholars, and the general public.” europeana-“a place for inspiration and ideas. Search through the cultural collections of Europe, connect to other user pathways and share your discoveries.” dlibra– “dLibra is used by institutions such as academic and public libraries to make stored digital publications available on the Internet. These institutions by using PIONIER network and dLibra software create…

  • Our Families,  Thoughts

    The LDS & Zeyer ev. Kirche Records

    Yesterday was the very first time I was able to view Zeyer Church records, courtesy of my local LDS (Mormon) Church Family History Center and the Salt Lake City, UT Genealogy LDS Offices. I can hardly find the words to explain the experience. It was like a trip into the past. I had my very first opportunity to ‘meet’ people and touch the lives of some of the most important individuals in my life and my family’s lives. I found a photographic image (microfilm) of the official church record of my grandfather’s (Opa’s) birth and baptism. Items I had thought destroyed in the ravages in of World War 2 were…

  • Thoughts

    Genealogy

    I am not certain if there will be multiple posts here or simply one on-going post. Either way, I think it is worthwhile sharing some thoughts on ‘doing genealogy’ work. The first thing I noticed when I began tracing genealogical information is that there is lots of it!  Some is easy to find, some is not.  It is a curiosity to me that everything you really want or need seems to be missing. I am pretty sure that means, or perhaps better said, it almost seems there is a conspiracy out there somewhere. Somehow crucial information is always lacking.  This generally means the genealogist (me or you in this case)…