In episode #300 of Research Like a Pro, Diana and Nicole discuss the evolution of their genealogy research methodology, Research Like a Pro (RLP), over the years, focusing on past, present, and future perspectives. Past Developments: Technology: Initially, Diana and Nicole utilized tools like PAF and Ancestral Quest for family trees, Google Sheets for research logs, and Evernote for notes. They also used a lot of paper files and some digital files for organization. Genealogy...
In this episode of Research Like a Pro, we discuss strategies for researching ancestors who emigrated to the United States after 1820, emphasizing the wealth of ship manifests and other records available for identifying individuals among those with the same name. We explore immigration trends from the 19th to the early 20th century, the impact of U.S. immigration laws on the process, and the roles of key immigration stations like Castle Garden and Ellis Island....
Diana and Nicole discuss tracing ancestors back to the Colonial Era in the United States, emphasizing the scarcity of immigration records before the establishment of the U.S. Federal Government in 1789. They highlight strategies such as cluster research and the use of DNA testing to overcome the challenge of limited documentation, particularly for those who emigrated from England, Scotland, France, Germany, and other regions. They explain the significance of creating a locality guide based on...
This episode of Research Like a Pro focuses on the intricacies of tracing immigration records in genealogical research. Diana and Nicole discuss the common challenges faced when trying to locate an ancestor’s passenger list and the various entry points into the U.S., such as New York, New Orleans, Boston, San Francisco, Canada, and Mexico. They emphasize the importance of combing through U.S. records for clues about an ancestor’s home country, ship’s name, date of immigration,...
Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro features a discussion with Barry Chodak from genealogical.com about a new feature called the My GPC Library. This digital library provides access to 800 of the best titles in genealogy and family history, making it an invaluable resource for researchers. Diana and Nicole, the hosts, share their excitement about this tool and its potential to enhance genealogical research. They explore various aspects of the My GPC Library, including...
In this episode, Diana and Nicole delve into the agricultural roots of American ancestry, spotlighting Richard L. Bushman’s book, “The American Farmer in the Eighteenth Century: A Social and Cultural History.” They discuss the profound role of farming in shaping American society and the individual stories of ancestors who contributed to this agricultural legacy, including Diana’s own forebears, the Isenhours. The hosts explore farming’s evolution, the impact of land inheritance, and the migration westward for...
Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro we delve into the intricacies of naturalization records, with a special focus on 20th-century cases. A significant part of the episode is dedicated to a case study of Adolph Salmon, a German immigrant. We discuss how Diana traced his naturalization journey through various records, including census data, newspapers, and court documents. We highlight the significance of creating timelines and merging information from diverse sources to reveal a comprehensive...
Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about the evolution of naturalization laws in the U.S., tracing how these laws have shaped the process of becoming an American citizen from the country’s early days to the modern era. By examining specific acts from 1790 through to the 20th century, we shed light on the legal landscape that our ancestors navigated as they sought to establish new lives in America. This exploration not only aids...
Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about naturalization records in the United States. We review the genealogical information naturalization records can hold, and discuss various records created in the process. We talk about Declarations of Intention (first papers), Petitions for Naturalization (second or final papers), and Certificates of Naturalization. We also go over the use of census records for clues about naturalization status, including columns for alien status, declaration of intent filed, and...
In today’s episode of Research Like a Pro, we delve into the life of William Henry Kelsey Jr. (1856-1918), exploring his various roles as a tradesman, entrepreneur, and homesteader. His ventures in the sawmill industry, wholesale fruit and berry business, and homesteading in Idaho are thoroughly examined. Personal accounts from his children enrich our understanding of his experiences and contributions. We also consider his impact on his family and community, highlighting his entrepreneurial spirit. As...
