Are you ready to begin your own Irish genealogical quest? You're not alone. Today, over 34 million people in the United States alone have Irish ancestry. It's one of the most commonly searched nationalities in American genealogy. Thanks to a huge wave of immigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Irish roots are found in every part of American life.
Not only is Ireland well-represented among the population of the United States, it can be found throughout the world. People in nearly every nation on earth have ancestry that could ultimately lead them on an Irish genealogical quest. The people of Ireland have been fanning out throughout the world since as early as the 7th century, when monks from the "Emerald Isle" set out to bring Christianity to the masses in Europe. Emigration continued at a steady pace until the 19th century, when it exploded! The infamous potato famine was happening then, and it caused 2 million Irish nationals to emigrate to nations all over the world, but particularly England, Scotland, Canada, Australia, and the United States.
If you want to identify your Irish ancestors and get to know who they were, there's now plenty of opportunity to do so. Today, there are more records than ever that have been opened to the public, and even made available online! Lots of websites, such as the Origins Network, now make Irish genealogical records available online for a small monthly fee. You can use these websites to find such important records as birth, death, and marriage records, church registers, census records, and rosters of property owners (also known as Griffiths Valuation). So, get out there and get started on your path to discovering your Irish ancestors! They're looking forward to meeting you!
Are you ready to dive head-first into the wonderful world of Irish genealogy? Are you excited by the prospect of discovering new ancestors from the Emerald Isle, but don't know how to start? Come to Irish Genealogical, the Internet's best place for Irish genealogy, where you'll learn everything you need to know about uncovering your Irish ancestry!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Varney
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2279165
Sunday 28 August 2011
Wednesday 18 May 2011
Family History and Geography
When you first start doing your family history, you are eager to add as many names as possible to your family tree. You know the surnames and possibly the given names of your ancestors so you start writing them down and then documenting the certificates that prove their existence.
Then, you find that your grandparents emigrated from the country that matches their name. Baker and Schmit from Germany. Larson from Sweden. Larsen from Denmark. Murphy from Ireland and so on.
Did the geography of the country affect your grandparents? I would think so. Some tiny countries have a large population. Some are surrounded by water. Some are governed by monarchs. Seamen tend to come from people living by the ocean and merchants and industrial workers come from the larger cities.
The United States has many different geological areas. Emigrants tended to migrate toward areas similar to their native country and they stuck together as neighbors, workers and club members.
They usually worshiped with the same religion that they used in the old country. Religion was a source of comfort to the lonely and often a source of welfare for the poor.
Emigrants tended to work at the same industries and jobs that they had in the old country. They tended to be poor and knew only one method of making a living.
Industrial workers went to such towns as Troy, New York. Tailors went to large cities such as New York, Chicago and Philadelphia. Merchants tended to follow other workers such as miners.
Farmers started working in farm country such as Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska. Miners came from Cornwall and Ireland to similar mines in Michigan and Montana.
Many laborers settled temporarily in places to build tunnels and railroads. The Chinese especially would take the leavings left from quartz miners looking for gold.
When I went to Ireland to get some certificates for my family, I was struck by the similarity of the geography to my own town and state. The mountains are not as high as in my town but they look similar. Between the similarity and the extraordinary hospitality of the Irish, I felt right at home.
My grandfathers and great grandfather worked in the copper mines in Allihies in County Cork and the copper mine in Knockmahon in County Waterford in Ireland. They were encouraged to immigrate to Montana and work in the copper mines in Butte.
The timing was perfect as the mines in Ireland had been worked dry since the famine in the 1850s. Fertile farmland in the area around the mine in Waterford contributed to the better status of those miners, but they still all emigrated to mines in Michigan and Montana.
I have not visited the copper mines in Michigan, but I know the geography of Allihies in Ireland is very similar to the geography of Butte, Montana, home of "the richest hill on earth."
Elizabeth Larsen has researched her family tree for 35 years. For more information on beginning a good genealogy and many tips, go to http://www.squidoo.com/basicgenealogy
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Larsen
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6096338
Then, you find that your grandparents emigrated from the country that matches their name. Baker and Schmit from Germany. Larson from Sweden. Larsen from Denmark. Murphy from Ireland and so on.
Did the geography of the country affect your grandparents? I would think so. Some tiny countries have a large population. Some are surrounded by water. Some are governed by monarchs. Seamen tend to come from people living by the ocean and merchants and industrial workers come from the larger cities.
The United States has many different geological areas. Emigrants tended to migrate toward areas similar to their native country and they stuck together as neighbors, workers and club members.
They usually worshiped with the same religion that they used in the old country. Religion was a source of comfort to the lonely and often a source of welfare for the poor.
Emigrants tended to work at the same industries and jobs that they had in the old country. They tended to be poor and knew only one method of making a living.
Industrial workers went to such towns as Troy, New York. Tailors went to large cities such as New York, Chicago and Philadelphia. Merchants tended to follow other workers such as miners.
Farmers started working in farm country such as Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska. Miners came from Cornwall and Ireland to similar mines in Michigan and Montana.
Many laborers settled temporarily in places to build tunnels and railroads. The Chinese especially would take the leavings left from quartz miners looking for gold.
When I went to Ireland to get some certificates for my family, I was struck by the similarity of the geography to my own town and state. The mountains are not as high as in my town but they look similar. Between the similarity and the extraordinary hospitality of the Irish, I felt right at home.
My grandfathers and great grandfather worked in the copper mines in Allihies in County Cork and the copper mine in Knockmahon in County Waterford in Ireland. They were encouraged to immigrate to Montana and work in the copper mines in Butte.
The timing was perfect as the mines in Ireland had been worked dry since the famine in the 1850s. Fertile farmland in the area around the mine in Waterford contributed to the better status of those miners, but they still all emigrated to mines in Michigan and Montana.
I have not visited the copper mines in Michigan, but I know the geography of Allihies in Ireland is very similar to the geography of Butte, Montana, home of "the richest hill on earth."
Elizabeth Larsen has researched her family tree for 35 years. For more information on beginning a good genealogy and many tips, go to http://www.squidoo.com/basicgenealogy
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Larsen
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6096338
Sunday 15 May 2011
Choosing Genealogy Software: What Features To Look For
Author: Julia WestGenealogy software is likely your best tool for organizing the research of your family's history. Most of the software available today can connect people according to relationships, sort and combine individuals into family trees, locate and delete duplicate entries, and help uncover errors and solve problems. The best genealogy software packages give you comprehensive charts and reports for organizing your data, and for viewing the development of your genealogy research.
To find the right genealogy software, do NOT rely just on the software manufacturer's description of the program. You must also read both professional and customer reviews of the software. (A good source for customer reviews is Amazon.com.)
Choosing the right genealogy software can make a tremendous difference in the course of your research. Following are some important criteria for selecting the best genealogy program to meet your needs:
- Ease of use. The software should be intuitive and user-friendly in order to meet the needs of both beginners and experienced computer users.
- Ease of setup and installation. The genealogy software's installation process should be simple and straightforward.
- Feature set. The software should be equipped with numerous features for organizing and researching family historical information, including charts, reports, web access, searching capabilities, and other useful ways of storing data. Some genealogy software programs allow you to import information from online databases (such as Social Security death records, or pictures of census forms).
The various charts and reports should include:
• Ancestor charts. They show the direct lineage of a person's ancestors.
• Narrative reports of the ancestors. These are reports written in a story form, similar to books. They start with a specific individual, and are then followed by stories from his or her lineage. Sharing this research with your friends and family members can be enriching and enlightening.
• Family charts. These charts show entire families, including the wife, husband, and children.
• Family trees. A family tree shows multiple generations, and can be a thing of great beauty. The software should allow you to print a family tree in several different formats.
- Ample help and documentation. The genealogy software developer should provide help in various forms. The help can include FAQs, phone and email support, product tutorials, and online video courses. A bonus would be a support forum, where software users often help each other.
Using genealogy software is an excellent method for researching your family history in an organized and convenient fashion. Try it just once, and you'll NEVER go back to keeping your records using pen and paper again.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/genealogy-articles/choosing-genealogy-software-what-features-to-look-for-4767683.html
About the AuthorJulia West is an enthusiastic budding genealogist. Enjoy her free 5-part mini-course for genealogy newbies at http://www.findmyancestorsforfree.com.
Tuesday 10 May 2011
Find your Ancestors through Census Records
Author: Amy YencerThere are other countries that conducted census records prior to 1790, but the United States was the first nation to mandate a census in the Constitution. Article One, Section Two states that at least every ten years an “actual Enumeration” needs to be taken of the population. This has enabled genealogists, with the single most sought after document, to gain information about their family heritage.
In 1790, Federal Marshals had the job of visiting every house and recording their findings. The first census only contained six questions: name of the head of house, number of persons in the household, number of free white males over the age of sixteen, numbers of free white males under the age of sixteen, and the sexes and colors of everyone in the household. Since then every decade had produced another census. Each census has improved with more information making it easier to trace your ancestors.
Over the years, the census has changed according to what issues were important to our ancestors at the time. By 1820, the census did take into account women and “free colored persons” to show how our economy was expanding. By 1850, the census contained “social statistics;” which gives us insight to schooling that people had obtained, crime in that time period, and taxes. Later “Enumerations” reflect many turns that America was taking with the increasing number of immigrants. The 1900 census asks if foreign born, year of immigration and whether they have the ability to speak English or not. In 1920 the year of naturalization was polled.
The United States census can help you discover facts about your ancestors and fill in missing event information, helping to build your family tree. Among the information you can discover: birth dates, birth places, place of residence, occupations, income, immigration years, naturalization status, and more. Another benefit of using the census is finding families, giving the genealogist the ability to add missing ancestors, such as children and grandparents.
Censuses are available as Population Schedules. There are also Special Census Schedules that included: slave schedules, state records, agricultural schedules, mortality schedules, manufactures, social statistics, defective classes, and others are available. The state and mortality censuses just might help you with tracing your ancestors. Mortality schedules were recorded 1860, 1870, and 1880. Census takers were directed to secure additional information for persons dying with the 12 months preceding the census taking. For each person, the following information is listed: name, age, sex, marital status if married or widowed, state or country of birth, month of death, occupation, cause of death, and the length of the final illness. These schedules may be the only record of death for some individuals, as many states did not require recording of deaths until the late nineteenth century. In addition, gravestones or cemetery records may be nonexistent.
Some Noteworthy Tips
When looking for your ancestor, remember to look for them using different spellings. Many Census takers often wrote the name the best they could with the way it sounded. And people, who have indexed online databases, have erroneously made mistakes in recording names and information too.
If you are looking at copies of microfilms, don’t overlook the other people on the same page or the page before or after your ancestor. Many times, relatives lived in the same household, or within houses from each other.
Counties grew and developed over time either as land was expanded or by changing of boarders. This can be of importance to finding other ancestors and documents that are often filed by county such as Wills, Taxation lists, and Deeds.
The 1890 census records are almost completely destroyed and others have been lost. The best place to find what is available for each county is through Family Search, you can also use our guide below for general state information.
When you find a person you are looking for, remember there often is the same name, living in the same area. Verify the information belongs to your ancestor before you record the source and its details.
The 1940 census will be made available to the public on April 1, 2012 by the National Archives and Records Administration.
Connect, share, discover and record your family history with our online Family Tree software program.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/genealogy-articles/find-your-ancestors-through-census-records-1407624.html
About the AuthorAmy Yencer, I have been researching my family history for several years. I am the marketing manager of ourFamilyology; a new online genealogy software program that educates, inspires, and helps people to grow their family tree. Visit us as www.family-genealogy. For comments, I can be contacted at amy.yencer@ourfamilyology.com
Monday 9 May 2011
Celebrate Your Family History: 10 Activities to Preserve Your Family Story
Author: Susan SaundersYour family history, your heritage, is too important to let slip away. Set aside an afternoon for you and your family to discover you history and what makes your family unique.
Here are 10 activities your family can do together to learn more about their history and how the actions and decisions of their ancestors affected who they are today. These activities will help to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for your foundations and will provide a more complete record of your distinctive history that will be treasured for generations to come.
Make a Family Tree
Ask one person to sketch a family tree on a large piece of paper while everyone contributes information. Encourage Grandma and Grandpa to share what they remember of the older generations and have the younger children locate their positions on the tree. Later, make decorative copies of the family tree and give one to each family member. Frame them for a lovely gift!
Start a Family Journal
Recruit your fastest write to record the stories and information in a journal that will come to light throughout the afternoon or evening. Divide the journal into four sections: one for individual 'Family Members', one for 'General Family' stories and information, one for 'Family Gratitude', and one for 'Legacy'. Ask a lot of questions to get the best stories! Later, transfer this priceless information to a more durable keepsake book or post to an online family wesite for all to enjoy.
Put Faces to Names
Blow the dust off the box, bag or album containing old family photos and together, identify the subjects in the pictures. Discuss where that person fits into the family tree and who they most resemble. Note any other historical information that is known. This is also the perfect time to label any unlabeled photos with names, dates, ages, locations, and any other relevant information. Use a soft lead pencil on pre-1950's photos and a felt tip marker on post 1950 photos. Never use a ball point pen as it can damage the photos.
Generation Preservation
Old photos are fragile and cannot be replaced once lost or damaged. Consider scanning the images to computer or disc so they can be preserved digitally, a more resilient format and one that can be shared easily. Digital images can also be repaired if they are damaged and organized into a video slide show documenting your family history.
Their Turn
Shine the spotlight on Grandma and Grandpa and encourage them to talk candidly about their experiences growing up. Go ahead, ask questions as often a little probing can reveal a treasure trove of fascinating stories and family history. Consider recording these stories in video or audio format so help future generations can connect on a more personal level. For something a bit more special, a Family Documentary Family Documentary can capture their life story and your family history by weaving a filmed interview with photographs, maps, and other memorabilia to create a modern day 'moving' portrait.
Where in the World
Using a world map or globe, point out where the family originated from and the different places they lived. Ask the children to trace the route the family may have taken between the locations. Discuss why, when and how the family came to America (or their current location) and the challenges and emotions they faced throughout their journey. A quick internet search can reveal the historical context of their immigration.
Generation Transformation
Looking over the Family Tree, discuss what life was like for each generation; their professions, living conditions, education, opportunities, and limitations, and how their experiences affected the next generation and ultimately the family as it is today. Have the children make a list of all the different family professions.
We are Family
Identify any family traditions, characteristics, family traits, values, and practices that have been passed down through the generations. Discuss why, when and where they may have begun and and their significance within the family.This is a great time to ask Grandma why she makes the special dish for Thanksgiving, or to compare your artistic skills with Grandpa.
Family Gratitude
Ask each family member identify an experience or decision an ancestor (or current family member) made that contributed to a better life for their descendants. Discuss what their perspective may have been at the time, and whether they could have imagined the impact their experience or decision would ultimately have their descendants.
Leave a Legacy
Finally, ask each family member to reflect upon what they would like their own family contribution-their legacy-to be and why. Encourage everyone to share how they envision their contribution to impact on future generations. Now, take a portrait and label it with names, the date and your location and add it to the family journal.
Your family history changes every day. Begin a new family tradition by using these activities to embrace and celebrate the past while guiding you family as they look to the future.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/genealogy-articles/celebrate-your-family-history-10-activities-to-preserve-your-family-story-3666612.html
About the AuthorSusan (Saunders) Soble preserves life stories and family history for future generations through Personal and Family Documentary. She is the owner and production manager at Family Line Studios.
Sunday 8 May 2011
English Occupations: Finding More About Your Ancestor
Whilst rooting around in your family history, you will learn what your ancestors did for a living - at least as far back to the early 1800s. This is often one of the most fascinating aspects of discovering who your ancestors were. Whether they were a lowly agricultural labourer, or a highly respected surgeon or magistrate, the curious and wide range of English occupations can lead you to further knowledge of how they lived their lives on a day to day basis. For some people it can be exciting to discover that a creative gene, such as writing or painting has made its way down to the present.
Much of this information can be found on the census, at least back to 1841, and sometimes beyond depending on the availability of records. Some earlier parish records did mention a man's occupation, and other records, such as directories, wills, property deeds and tax records can also give occupational details.
Many of you will have come across occupations that are now obsolete, and will often need further explanation. What, for example, is a night soil man? Or a calenderer? Or a fag ender?
The first of these might have been found in any large town or city, emptying dry toilets in the days before plumbing. Not a job I would like to imagine any of my ancestors doing - but fascinating nonetheless.
The other two are connected to the textile industry, and will usually be found in those industrial areas where cotton was being produced - for example, Manchester. A calenderer was just a generic term for a textile industry worker. A fag ender was someone employed to trim off loose bits of cloth known as fags.
If you trawl through the census records for specific areas, you will of course find a wealth of occupations connected to that area's industry. Sticking with Manchester for the moment, you will find many jobs associated with the cotton industry, and among the weavers, winders, packers and piecers you might also come across Fustian cutters (cloth workers who trim corded cloth), beamers (people who handle materials before weaving), billiers, billy roller operations or billymen (all terms for cotton spinners) or even an impleachers (cloth weavers).
When you find that an ancestor's origins are in a particular area, it is worth while finding out about the major industries there, because this will no doubt have had some effect on your ancestor's life, even if he (or she) was not directly involved in it.
For example, shoemakers are known everywhere - but a shoemaker working in Manchester would probably have had a different experience to a shoemaker who worked in a more rural area, or on the coast. Is he making shoes for factory workers, agricultural labourers, fishermen or for the well-to-do?
If your ancestor moved around, it was very likely it was to find work. Undertaking a bit of historical research on the local industries can give you a good indication of why your ancestor moved from one town to another. My own great-great grandfather started out as a bricklayer in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and moved to Birmingham where he became a builder and employer. You only need to find out about the building boom going on in Birmingham in the mid-19th century to work out why he made the choice to move!
Some occupations can lead you to finding further documentation. For example, workers in skilled trades may well have started out as an apprentice, and you may find the apprenticeship records at the local record office. These can give you further details about his origins and parentage.
If your ancestor worked for a big company, it may be worth finding out whether there are staff records in existence. If the company still exists, they may even keep their own set of archives.
Not only are occupations interesting in themselves - they can lead you to find out further information, whether it is more family records, or information about how your ancestor lived, and under what conditions. Much information about trades and occupations can be found on the internet, and there are many books about various trades and industries. The Society of Genealogists publishes a range of books entitled "My Ancestor was...."
Old English occupations are varied and wide-ranging, and they can tell you much about your ancestor. Make sure you always follow up this line of enquiry and find out as much as possible about what he (or she) did for a living.
Ros is a professional genealogist and runs a UK ancestry tracing service for UK and international researchers who need help with their UK ancestry. Ros offers a one-stop-shop tracing service for all UK ancestors, or record look-ups in Warwickshire and Birmingham. Find out more at Tracing Your Ancestors
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rosamunde_Bott
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6045634
Much of this information can be found on the census, at least back to 1841, and sometimes beyond depending on the availability of records. Some earlier parish records did mention a man's occupation, and other records, such as directories, wills, property deeds and tax records can also give occupational details.
Many of you will have come across occupations that are now obsolete, and will often need further explanation. What, for example, is a night soil man? Or a calenderer? Or a fag ender?
The first of these might have been found in any large town or city, emptying dry toilets in the days before plumbing. Not a job I would like to imagine any of my ancestors doing - but fascinating nonetheless.
The other two are connected to the textile industry, and will usually be found in those industrial areas where cotton was being produced - for example, Manchester. A calenderer was just a generic term for a textile industry worker. A fag ender was someone employed to trim off loose bits of cloth known as fags.
If you trawl through the census records for specific areas, you will of course find a wealth of occupations connected to that area's industry. Sticking with Manchester for the moment, you will find many jobs associated with the cotton industry, and among the weavers, winders, packers and piecers you might also come across Fustian cutters (cloth workers who trim corded cloth), beamers (people who handle materials before weaving), billiers, billy roller operations or billymen (all terms for cotton spinners) or even an impleachers (cloth weavers).
When you find that an ancestor's origins are in a particular area, it is worth while finding out about the major industries there, because this will no doubt have had some effect on your ancestor's life, even if he (or she) was not directly involved in it.
For example, shoemakers are known everywhere - but a shoemaker working in Manchester would probably have had a different experience to a shoemaker who worked in a more rural area, or on the coast. Is he making shoes for factory workers, agricultural labourers, fishermen or for the well-to-do?
If your ancestor moved around, it was very likely it was to find work. Undertaking a bit of historical research on the local industries can give you a good indication of why your ancestor moved from one town to another. My own great-great grandfather started out as a bricklayer in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and moved to Birmingham where he became a builder and employer. You only need to find out about the building boom going on in Birmingham in the mid-19th century to work out why he made the choice to move!
Some occupations can lead you to finding further documentation. For example, workers in skilled trades may well have started out as an apprentice, and you may find the apprenticeship records at the local record office. These can give you further details about his origins and parentage.
If your ancestor worked for a big company, it may be worth finding out whether there are staff records in existence. If the company still exists, they may even keep their own set of archives.
Not only are occupations interesting in themselves - they can lead you to find out further information, whether it is more family records, or information about how your ancestor lived, and under what conditions. Much information about trades and occupations can be found on the internet, and there are many books about various trades and industries. The Society of Genealogists publishes a range of books entitled "My Ancestor was...."
Old English occupations are varied and wide-ranging, and they can tell you much about your ancestor. Make sure you always follow up this line of enquiry and find out as much as possible about what he (or she) did for a living.
Ros is a professional genealogist and runs a UK ancestry tracing service for UK and international researchers who need help with their UK ancestry. Ros offers a one-stop-shop tracing service for all UK ancestors, or record look-ups in Warwickshire and Birmingham. Find out more at Tracing Your Ancestors
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rosamunde_Bott
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6045634
Wednesday 4 May 2011
‘IGI’ is a road map to your ancestry
Author: Peter N. CollinsONE of the fundamental building blocks for anyone searching their pedigree is the International Genealogical Index, or the IGI.
The IGI is a finding tool for a computer file that lists several hundred million names of deceased persons from throughout the world.
It also lists some vital information, such as a birth or marriage date and place.
Many names in the index come from transcriptions of vital records from the early 1500s to 1885. Others have been submitted by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons.
The IGI is available on the Internet, on compact disc (CD), and on microfiche.
Copies of the IGI may be viewed at any LDS Family History Centre throughout the world, or any of the established genealogy societies, as well as most capital city municipal libraries.
It is primarily an index to Mormon temple work for individuals, which explains why there are often multiple entries for the same person.
LDS Church members have often submitted names for temple work to be done without having first found out whether it has been done before.
There are various reasons why this has been very difficult to do in the past.
There seems to be a general recognition that there are two main kinds of entries in the IGI, those submitted by church members (often called patrons) and those extracted directly from original records.
Family historians and other researchers tend to trust the latter entries, and it is relatively easy to check out the original source. If using the IGI on microfiche, these extracted entries usually have a batch number beginning with C or M or occasionally another letter, but some begin with numbers.
The CD-ROM edition gives pretty complete information for each entry. But if you’re using the IGI on fiche there is no substitute for reading detailed instructional material about this.
For anyone with an Internet connection, the IGI can be found on-line at this address: www.familysearch.org. It's all free.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/genealogy-articles/igi-is-a-road-map-to-your-ancestry-1007792.html
About the AuthorProfessional genealogist, local historian, broadcaster, editor and author, Peter N. Collins, founded Garrison Communications Family History Research Services in 1995. He whet his genealogy appetite with the launch of the Alexander Henderson Award-winning book, Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives: A History of the Maudsley Family, in 1988. Offering commissioned family history and archival research services, Peter serves an Australian and international clientele who typically have ancestral links with Queensland. Garrison Communications stocks state-of-the-art genealogy research software and other information technology equipment (including the ScanPro 2000).
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