Honoring the 1st Genealogist I ever knew - Wilda Wimmer McRae - On her 100th Birthday Celebration September 30, 2008

To Honor the first "genealogist" I ever knew, Wilda Wimmer McRae, on the occasion of her 100th B-Day Celebration, September 30, 1908 -2008, Heirlines re-issues this Meridian Magazine Article written by professional genealogist, James W. Petty, AG, CG,. While she passed on in 1998, in the true spirit of family history, the family gathered together and we held a wonderful party for her on Sunday September 28, 2008. We served her favorite recipes including "G'Ma Wilda's Carrot Cake" in her very own handmade welded aluminum cake pan. She was a professional lead welder for McDonald Douglas Aircraft and made a mean weld and to die for cake! Enjoy!

GRANDMA WILDA'S CARROT CAKE

By James W. Petty

It's that time of the year, Family Reunion Time! Families get together at a favorite camp or picnic site. Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, and of course Grandpa and Grandma. We start off greeting people we haven't seen in, possibly...years, and reminisce about the last time we saw each other. A family picnic is laid out, with salads and casseroles set in pot luck formation. Soda pop is available in a big cooler full of ice. Potato chips scatter everywhere, and the kids are eyeing the array of chocolate cakes and apple pies sitting on the dessert table. Those will be served with melty ice cream after the family ball game. Later in the day, while the kids are off playing with all of their new found cousin friends, the adults kick back and rest; and talk about old times.

"Do you remember going to Great Grampa Willie's home in Ogden Canyon? He was a Dentist, but he always wanted to be a sheep rancher. Great Grandma used to fix a Hash that was out of this world!" "Did you ever get to try her special Roast Beef? It just melted in your mouth." "Do you remember Uncle Darrell? We'd go to his house for New Year's and at midnight he'd get his rifles out, and we'd fire them at the mountains! What a great noise they'd make!" "His wife Verda made wonderful Jello salads!" "When I was a kid, I remember Grandma Winter serving chicken gizzards. Every other time that I've tried gizzards, they were tough and rubbery, and quite unappetizing. But hers were so tender you could cut them with a feather, and they were so savory and delicious. I've never had anything like them." "Cousin Jim cooks the best steaks I've ever tasted. He loves to cook, and I'll let him cook any time he comes to visit." "Yeah, I've had his Pepper Steak. Wow, was it good. He said it was a recipe handed down from his Mother."

The talk would get around to Lewis's amazing skill as a Fly-Fisherman, and a disgusting thing he would do with cherry pits. Or stories about Grandpa Jerry and Uncle Paris and their adventures during the Depression. But in the end the high point was always Grandma Wilda's Carrot Cake. It was a bit of heaven in the memory of every person in the family.

Eventually, a family meeting is held, where the family genealogy is discussed. Genealogy is often the "old maid aunt" of the family. Everyone loves her, but no one wants to go out with her. Most of the family didn't realize that while reminiscing about the "good old times", and Aunt Mary's fabulous Pumpkin Pie (made with Banana Squash), they were doing genealogy. Ellen recalled eating "Battered Rabbit" at the home of Great Grandma Emma Melissa. It sounded like a case of abuse, which is just what it was in reality. Great Grandpa Rob raised rabbits because they multiplied so rapidly and were a good source of meat. He would "batter" a few in the barn, and Great Grandma would "batter" them in the kitchen, and drop them in a deep fryer. The family would then enjoy a delicious meal of Bunny and Broccoli.
Someone then recalled seeing an entry in Great Grandma Wilda's diary that she kept when she was a young girl, which stated that Wilda had found a recipe for carrot cake, something like "Mrs. Carlisle's Carrot Cake." Alarmed family members recognized heresy when they heard it. Grandma Wilda may have learned off of someone else's recipe, but her carrot cake was unique. No one else made anything like it. No dime store recipe had the taste, the texture, or the love in it like Grandma Wilda's Carrot Cake. No, we wouldn't discuss this blasphemy any further. It was alright to gossip about that thing Uncle Richard did with fish, or Aunt Deborah's dark little secret; but casting doubt on the origins of the ultimate family treasure was forbidden.

Herein lies the key. Almost every favorite family recipe was found in someone-else's cookbook in a previous life, but delicious dishes aren't remembered for the recipe; they are remembered for the love put into the meal by the cook, and the love returned by the family for the cook.

These wonderful stories and memories, along with the recipes can be preserved in a Favorite Family Recipes Book (create your own title). This can be a delightful experience for the whole family at a reunion, or any family get together. Each recipe should be included with a picture of the person associated with the given recipe, and a brief biographical sketch, and a personal story about that person. For each recipe pertaining to that person, a different personal story should be included. This way those favorite memories and recipes are passed on in a unique flavorful telling of family history. If the recipes are put into a three ring binder, new recipes, as they are prepared, can be added. There can be a section for "Murphy's Law"- "If something can go wrong, it will." This can include the recipe for "Uncle John's Flaming Franks" (put 18 hot dogs on a barbecue and set them on fire). No one will care about the recipe, but Uncle John will be remembered forever. Or the time Wilda prepared four large trays of carrot cake for a wedding, only to discover she had used salt instead of sugar.

With a Favorite Family Recipe Book, future family reunions will add new recipes and forgotten stories to the family history. A loved granddaughter may develop her own select version of a favored old recipe, and get a page with her picture overlaying that of Grandma Marion, a special honor. But in the end we always remember Grandma Wilda's Carrot Cake.

G'ma Wilda's 14 (Kt.) Carrot Cake

2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
} Sift flour, baking powder, soda, salt and cinnamon together.

4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups salad oil
} Add sugar, oil, eggs and mix well.

2 cups finely grated carrots
1 can 8 1/2 oz. crushed pineapple drained
1 cup chopped nuts (walnut or pecan)
} Stir in carrots, pineapple and nuts.

Put batter into 3 - nine inch layer cake pans,
or 1 - thirteen by nine inch pan greased and floured.

Cook 35 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees till top springs back.
(Check at 20 25 minutes, until you know your oven)

Frost with cream cheese frosting when cake is cooled.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 8 oz pack Philadelphia cream cheese softened
1 tsp vanilla (up to 1 Tb)
} Combine butter, cream cheese, vanilla.

Beat until well blended.

1 lb. (about 4 cups) confectioner's sugar sifted
} Add sugar gradually, beating in thoroughly.

If frosting is too thick, thin with a very small amount of
milk until it is your desired spreading consistency.

Submitted by Mary E. Petty, BA (History), BA (Genealogy)
Family Health History Specialist

Petty’s Paradigm on Prevaricated Pedigrees ©

By James W. Petty, AG, CG

Petty’s Paradigm on Prevaricated Pedigrees, simply put is:

“If you have an idea, It’s a Possibility,
If you write it down, It becomes a Probability,
If you publish it, It becomes a Fact,
And If it get’s quoted, It is Gospel Truth!”

© 2008 Heirlines Family History & Genealogy, Inc.

Query:

I don't know anything about my heritage. My family didn't inherit anything? nothing. What is a good way to find out about my genealogy and family history?

Heirlines Professional Genealogy Tip:

No one family inherits their whole family history. Family pictures, letters, documents, heirlooms, memories, stories, memorabilia, genealogy and more are passed down generation to generation in bits and pieces. Often, the family history and genealogy that survives the “settling of the will”, ends up stored in boxes in a variety of known relatives’ or lost loved ones’ attics. And down through time, as memories dim, and relationships and treasures are lost or thrown away, new generations must find ways to work together to discover, gather, and learn their lost family history. Holding a family reunion is a sure-fire way to bring such treasured family history out of the boxes and attics of once lost, now-found cousins.

When you hold a family reunion, look for and make contact with all living descendents of your common ancestor, including the lost loved ones. Invite the attendees to bring and share what they know and have about the family. You will be well rewarded for your efforts as the treasures that have been stored in the various homes, are now made available. Encourage scanning and making copies of what is gathered and found so all can have the materials and preserve your family relationships and history.

This does not have to be a full-scale 3 day event, but it can be just a meeting over lunch with a small group of cousins or a mini-family reunion. Either way, using a traditional family reunion or a mini one, are great opportunities to discover the treasures in your cousins’ attics and to share yours with them.

We recently held such a mini-reunion with some of my cousins 2 to 5 generations removed from our common ancestor. In preparation for the 2008 Lars and Sidse Larsen Family Reunion that we held in June of 2008, I sought out all of the descendants from the surviving families of their two sons, Niels and Hans. In order to find living descendants and cousins, I discovered a lot of information about the Porcher and Toyn family ancestry, which is not my lineage but pertains to some of my cousins. When we met at the summer reunion, these previously unknown “lost-loved ones”, expressed an interest in a mini- reunion where we could discuss all of this newly found material. So, after the big reunion, we held a mini-reunion, with just 6 of us. And for 4 hours, we read stories and histories, shared pictures and memories, and became better acquainted. They brought pictures and family history from their attics and their cousins’ that I had never seen before, and went home with my notebook of genealogy and family materials that I had gathered on their family. Though this bridge to the past, we have now opened up the treasures our attics and our hearts to the future of our family. Such are the bounties found in Family History as it is accessed through the attics of our loved ones.

Query:

How do I use restricted LDS Family History Library records in my family tree research? I am searching for Newton Knight (1837-1922) and Davis Knight (1821-1863). They appear on the International Genealogical Index (IGI) as receiving LDS temple ordinances; Newton was sealed to parents in 1934, and Davis was endowed in 1906. These records are considered restricted and unavailable at my local Family History Center. What can you tell me about these men? What are these records and how can I access them?

Heirlines Professional Genealogy Tip:

The answer to this inquiry provides us with insight on what are and how restricted LDS Family History Library used in genealogy research. We were able to find the information you requested on Newton Knight and Davis Knight. We also determined from Internet sources (undocumented) that these men were Nephew and Uncle respectively. Newton Knight, and George Franklin Knight (who joined the Mormon Church and moved to Utah, where he performed the ordinances in behalf of his brother Newton and other relatives) were sons of Albert Knight and Mary Mason Rainey. Davis Knight was a brother to Albert Knight, and they were sons of John “Jackie” Knight and Keziah Davis. Davis Knight’s full name was Jesse Davis Knight. He was born Aug. 8, 1821 or 1822, and died Dec. 17, 1863, during the Battle of Atlanta (Georgia), where he fought as a Confederate Soldier.

Newton Knight was “sealed” to his parents in the Mesa, Arizona Temple in 1934, along with other deceased members of his family, with the work being performed at the instance of or by his nearly ninety year old brother, George F. Knight,. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) believe in the concept of an “eternal family”, which means that all of mankind is related. The living have the mission or calling from God to provide saving and exalting ordinances for those who have died; that they might be able to be received into the presence of God, and eventually live in exalted form with Heavenly Father. This lineage of mankind helps individual members of the LDS Church to be focused on their individual responsibilities to their own direct ancestors, and provide the opportunity for the blessings and covenants of eternal life. Members of the LDS Church believe such ordinances must be completed in mortality, and must be done by those who are living, on behalf of those who are deceased. These ordinances include Baptism, Endowments, and Sealings (to spouses and to parents). Sealings refer to uniting couples, and families together in an eternal lineage, willing to be obedient to the commandments of God.

Sealing records are restricted in access to members of the Church who hold temple recommends (certificates that represent their faithfulness in adhering to the principles of the Gospel). Therefore, sealing records are only available in Salt Lake City at the Special Collections room of the Family History Library. Baptism and Endowment records are open to the public. Sealings are restricted to provide the privacy of living individuals and family relationships.

The information you requested does not pertain to living individuals, and is given as follows:

“Mesa, Arizona, Arizona Temple – Sealing of Children to Parents” – Page 692, Date: 7 Feb 1934

(Note: Your information indicated a date of April 1, 1932, but that date was simply the date on the first page of the volume.)

Ordinances performed at the instance of (or on behalf of) George F. Knight.

Knight, Albert, sealed 10 Jan 1907; William O. Crowther, proxy.
Knight, Mary Mason Rainey; Mary C. M. Crowther, proxy.

Children:

28243 “Son” Knight, born: 22 May 1833, Jones Co., Mississippi; Died: Child. Proxy:
Lehi Larsen.
28244 Newton Knight, born: 10 Mar 1837, Ellisville, Jones Co., Miss.; Died: 16 Feb
1922; Endowed: 27 Mar 1923. Proxy: Henry U. Russell.
28245 Martha Knight, born: 1846, Jones Co., Miss.; died: 1926. Endowed: 2 Dec 1932.
Proxy: L. Clarinda Knight.
28246 Zachary Taylor Knight, born: 1849, Jones Co., Miss.; died: 7 Jan 1907.
Endowed: 23 Jan 1907. Proxy: Thomas R. Hamblin.

This is not intended to be a complete list of the family of Albert and Mary Knight. This only represents members of the family that George F. Knight performed ordinances for, who were dead by 1934. Other ordinances may have been performed for others at an earlier date, or at a later date. Albert had a large family and these are only a few of his children.

The second requested record was the Endowment listing for Davis Knight in 1906. (By the way, this record was not restricted and could have been obtained at your branch family history center). This list is for Davis Knight and his brothers. Similar entries for the sisters of Davis Knight is probably available, but was done at another time for female ordinances.

“Manti, Utah, Manti Temple – Endowments for the Dead”; pg. 78; Dec. 19, 1906

(Instance of George F. Knight)

Number Names Birthdate/Birthplace Death Baptismal Date
Proxy Relationship

2776 James Knight Covington, Mississippi 1899 18 Dec 1906
Rasmus Hemmingson Rel: none given

2777 William H. Knight Covington, Mississippi 1872 “
Pleasant C. Turnbow Rel: none given

2778 Benjamin Knight Covington, Mississippi 1853 “
John E. Metcalf Rel: none given “

2779 Davis Knight Covington, Mississippi 17 Dec 1863 “
George F. Knight Rel: “Rel”

2780 Daniel Knight Covington, Mississippi 1863 “
Allen Russell Rel: none given

2781 John Knight Covington, Mississippi 1898 “
John Frischknecht Rel: none given

It is important to note that George F. Knight chose to be proxy for Davis Knight, his Uncle. George was born in 1843, and was twenty at the time Davis died. He may have had especially close feelings for Davis, and considered Davis to be a close friend, or may have held him in high esteem.

We checked the Internet at Ancestry.com, for lineage information that might help me understand the relationship between these people. We found several lineages, or versions of the lineage. (Note: none of these lineages are documented, and often have information that conflicts with the actual records). First we found a lineage showing George Franklin Knight as the son of Albert Knight and Mary Mason Rainey; and Albert as the son of John Jackie Knight and Keziah Davis. This lineage didn’t identify any other children of John and Keziah. Next we found a lineage for Newton Knight with complete data information for all of his children, all of the children of Albert and Mary Knight, and all of the children for John and Keziah Knight. In this record, we found that Davis Knight was recorded as “Jefferson Davis Knight”, born in 1822, Died Dec. 17, 1863, and married to Sarah Elizabeth Baylis in 1841. Another lineage shows Davis Knight listed as “Jesse Davis Knight” born in 1821, with all of the same information. Only one of his children was listed (the child the lineage pertains to). All of the family for John (“Jackie”) Knight and Keziah Davis were listed. This lineage also identifies John as the son of Miles and Mary Knight. Keziah Davis was listed as the daughter of Thomas and Keziah Davis. No further information was given.

Please note that there are differences in the lineages, but proper research in original records can correct that and extend family lines. As can be seen, LDS ordinance records may provide valuable personal knowledge of ancestors who have been forgotten.

Citations:

1. "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Arizona Temple, Sealing of Children to Parents, 7 Feb 1934" – pg. 692. Family History Library call number: 170,715.
2. "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Manti, Utah, Manti Temple – Endowments for the Dead; Dec. 19, 1906" - pg. 78. Family History Library number: 170,445.
3. Ancestry.com, World Tree Project, Anita Cantrell, "Relatives and Descendants of Patrick Brogan".
4. Ancestry.com, World Tree Project, Dan Stonecypher, "Seventh Seal".
5. Ancestry.com, World Tree Project, Richard W. Delrie, Delrie & White – "Prine & Williamson".

Recently I had the occasion to visit with Professor John Stauffer, Ph.D., about the historical context of African Genealogy Research. Chair of the History of American Civilization and a professor of African American Studies at Harvard University, he recommended the following Black History books for understanding the African Slave Experience. If your family tree includes black ancestry, before you plunge into the research, I recommend you become familiar with the times and the issues of the African Slave experience. Choose several of these books to read and learn more about this incredible period of history. It is important to know the era in which your family lived to properly research your family history and interpret the records of their lives.

1. INHUMAN BONDAGE: THE RISE AND FALL OF SLAVERY IN THE NEW WORLD by David Brion Davis.
2. AFRICA AND AFRICANS IN THE MAKING OF THE ATLANTIC WORLD, 1400-1800 by John Kelly Thornton.
3. AFRICA AND AFRICANS IN THE MAKING OF THE ATLANTIC WORLD, 1400-1680 by John Kelly Thornton.
4. AMERICAN SLAVERY, 1619, 1877 by Peter Kolchin, Eric Foner.
5. MANY THOUSANDS GONE: THE FIRST TWO CENTURIES OF SLAVERY IN NORTH AMERICA by Ira Berlin.
6. THE SLAVE TRADE: THE STORY OF THE ATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE, 1440-1870 by Hugh Thomas.

Mary E. Petty, B.A. History, B.A. Genealogy

Query:
My ancestor, James Harkins and his wife Christian Oglesby had children in Edgefield District, South Carolina in the early 1800’s. We can find several Harkins families including two James, a John, a William, and others in Edgefield District in the 1790 Census, but we can’t find any information prior to that. What can we do?

Heirlines Professional Genealogy Tip:
Following the American Revolution Edgefield District, South Carolina, began keeping major county records in 1784(after 1868 districts were called counties). If the Harkins family moved into Edgefield after 1784, search State Land Grants in Columbia County, where the Land Grants were filed. Search Indexes and actual grants. There may be surveys and other land documents that will be helpful, as well.

If they settled before 1784, search in Charleston District for Colonial Land Grants, as well as for deeds and probate records. The English government in South Carolina worked on the premise that the countryside of the Broad and PeeDee Rivers was too much of a bother because of bugs, heat, and other issues to spread government responsibilities, and so required the citizens to come to them in Charleston. These records date back to the 1600’s, and are available on microfilm through the LDS Family History Centers www.familysearch.org. Specific titles such as "Charleston District, South Carolina Wills Index 1671-1850", are available at www.Ancestry.com, and "South Carolinians in the American Revolution" can be found at www.WorldVitalRecords.com.

Answered by, James W. Petty, AG, CG
Professional Genealogist
www.heirlines.com

Our day is made! We heard today from Maurine Proctor,Editor-in-Chief of Meridian Magazine regarding a reader's response to James W. Petty, AG,CG's latest Turning the Hearts article, "Could the 'Monsters in the Closet' Be Your Ancestors?" Here is the link to read the article and the reader's note
http://www.meridianmagazine.com/turninghearts/080923monster.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jim helped me immensely back in the 70's and 80's on my Fraser/Breslin lines. He was excellent and I still look through his notes periodically
to see if I've missed anything. So nice to read of his success and continued service in this great arena of family history.
J.S. of CA

Query: Why does Professional Genealogy Research Services cost so much?

HEIRLINES Professional Genealogy Tip:

Recently a consumer contacted us about the expensive nature of professional genealogy research services. They proposed sending us a monthly payment over several years and having us work piecemeal for a reduced price for the over all services and asked if this kind of arrangement would work.

The consumer wrote:

“I know you want a big sum of money up front to do research, and I also know that you want to have steady work and steady income. I need to get my genealogy done and it will probably take several years to finish it off.

How about doing a long term arrangement (over 3-5 years) where we send you funds every month and pay for like 2 hours of research every month? Can we get a discount for having a long term arrangement with your company and be charged $50 to $55.00/hour every month because we bought just two hours from your company on a regular basis? Some months we may throw in more money for research hours too but we contract to for research for a period of 2-4 years at least $100 to $110 dollars. You would work on several of my lines and do what you can once a month. In a period of several years I should have a good percentage of my genealogy done and my wife's also. What do you think? This is a win win situation for both of us? My genealogy gets done; I would benefit and your company would benefit. What do you think? This is a win win situation for both of us.”

James W. Petty, AG, CG, HEIRLINES President and professional genealogist since 1969, responds:

I appreciate your proposal for extensive professional genealogy in-depth research on your family tree. We accept project payment in advance in US dollars via credit cards, checks, money orders, and electronic checks .Research on the family tree in professional genealogy is done in a three phase process including set up, research, and assemblage. ¾ of all project hours are devoted to research which includes professional genealogy research, analysis, and reporting. ¼ of the time on each project is spent on organizing the project in the beginning in preparation for the research phase and the assemblage or completion phase where the finished project findings are prepared and mailed to the client.

We used to set up projects like you have proposed, where clients paid us on a monthly basis. This created an accounting and scheduling nightmare for us and did not give the client the best use of our research time as we were always stopping and going. With a monthly payment plan we would do a little work or wait until we had enough paid hours to do a block of time of in-depth research (usually ten or more hours). We found that every time we received funds, we spent time encouraging the client to pay, time to record the payment, time to acknowledge payment, time for the accountant to submit the payment and record the transaction to the account, and time for the secretary to add the additional time to the project, organizing it for the next period of research. Each transaction occupied all or a portion of one hour. This extra time spent on set up and assemblage left the client with fewer actual research hours. Consequently, to do a twenty or thirty hours project at the $50-$55 rate, it took two or more years to accumulate enough research time for the type of extensive research that is required. We've learned this is not a good system.

That is why we recommend payment in advance for specific projects or blocks of time purchased (10 hrs - $650, 20 hrs - $1200, 40 hrs - $2200, and 120 hrs - $6600 this is the premium rate project). The larger the purchase of time, the less the cost per hour for the client. Plus, the greater the opportunity for discovery because we have more time to look at and study more records about their family tree. We accept payment in advance because it guarantees us payment and it guarantees you the price and the time commitment. If the client pays by credit card, he can pay the credit company as fast or as slow as he wants; they can manage a payment program that is their business (not ours). This is a win win all around for you the client, and for us.

We will be glad to assist you in all of your research, but using the system we have established and now operate as standard procedure.

James W. Petty, AG, CG, B.A. (History), B.S. (Genealogy)
Ancestors are the People of History. Do you know who yours are?
Let the Professionals at HEIRLINES Family History & Genealogy find your Ancestry!
1-800-570-4049 ▪ www.heirlines.com ▪ PO Box 893 ▪ Salt Lake City, UT 84110

Query: What are some ideas to online survey my ancestors at the Family History Library - http://www.familysearch.org?

Heirlines Professional Genealogy TIP:

Always record your positive and negative findings on your research log, with citations.

1. IGI - International Genealogical Index - Search this database for all names that appear on your pedigree chart. If new names and information are found, try to extend the pedigree. If it appears that there is considerable information, stop temporarily, and go to #2 Ancestral File, to see if the lineage you are searching is filed there. If it is, use the Ancestral File for this part of the survey. If the lineage does not appear in the Ancestral File, then return to the IGI and copy the entries found at least one generation beyond the information on your chart, then stop. Make proper citation on your research log of all discoveries.

If you do not find the names of the pedigree chart in the IGI, pick two or three of the principal names on the chart, and look for surnames in the IGI, in the same area. Remember that you can have the computer focus on just a specific state or country, for example: Bennetts of Maine. This way you can copy out all Thomas Bennetts or Ann Bennetts who appear in Maine. Make a paper copy of this file so you can see what families or informa6tion appear in the IGI for that area.

2. Ancestral File - Search for each Family line on the pedigree chart in this database. It may only go back one generation or 5 generations or more. If a large lineage is found, make a copy of it on a disk or flash drive and also a copy of the pedigree chart on paper. If no lineage is found, then just indicate such in your research log.

3. Pedigree Resource File - do the same here as you did in #1 and #2.

4. Social Security Death Index - Check this database for any findings and record on your research log.

5. Family History Library Catalog -- Family Histories -- Check the catalog for the principal family surnames on the pedigree chart. If any are found, make a paper copy of one or two of the entries, and then print the catalog index sheet which shows how many histories pertaining to that surname appear in the library collections.

6. Family History Library Catalog -- Locality -- Identify the principle counties and states that the families on the pedigree chart were from. Locate that county and state in the catalog (such as Adams, Pennsylvania) and copy the index page that identifies what types of sources and the numbers of sources available for that country.

7. Census Records Search - At the end of the computer database searches, you need to search one or two census records for the families on the pedigree chart as a beginning of research and to show the client evidence of their families on original records.

Submitted by:

Mary E. Petty, BA (History) BA (Genealogy)
Professional Genealogist
Heirlines.com

Query -How do I search for my ancestor who may have served in the Civil War?

Heirlines Professional Tip:

Step 1 - First things first - Each generation must be accurately documented to properly establish your lineage and correctly determine your Civil War time period ancestor.

Step 2 - Once you have a documented or authenticated pedigree, you will have some sound evidence about your ancestor who may have served in the Civil War. It is very important to acquire correct information about your ancestor's name, location, and timeline, who may have served in the Civil War. The records hopefully will have produced some solid collateral information about the people who were associated with your ancestry as well as providing additional valuable information to use as you continue your search for your ancestor's part in history. With the name of a potential Civil War Soldier who may have served in either the Union or the Confederacy, we then need to learn more about him in relationship to his family by searching the 1860 or 1870 Census for their name and location. If the soldier has a real common name, then we will need to look for other items first and then search the Census. You will need to check your repository to see what records they have that might be useful in your search for your Civil War Ancestor. Here are some valuable records to search for.

Step 3 - The Compiled Service Records Index is available for Union Civil War Ancestors in the index for the state of service (if known). indexes. In the case of Confederate Soldiers, searching the Consolidated Service Records Index is required. If the state of service is not known for a Union Soldier, the Pension Files must be searched.

Step 4 - When the Company and regiment (or the described unit) is identified, then search for copies or summaries of that Service Record. The compiled services records for the Confederacy can list all known military units for each state, with the compiled service record cards for each soldier in the Regiment arranged in alphabetical order as well as many important military notes and comments about the soldier and letters and documents.

Step 4a - Some states have published abstracts of military service records for their soldiers, such as Georgia and Virginia. Some states do not. You will have to know the state of service to determine the potential records for research on your ancestor.

Step 5. Search for a Pension Application File for the soldier. If Union, all soldiers and sailors should be listed. If Confederate, pensions were not readily available and are more difficult to find. Because there is no general index, it is necessary to find the soldier in the state where they were residing when the pension was applied for. Get a complete copy of their pension if it is available.

Step 6- Identify if possible the history of the company or regiment that the soldier served in to learn more about your ancestor.

Step 7 - Additional Sources may be available. Remember, they may have been a prisoner of war in a Military Prison or have had a history written about them if they were famous.

O Canada! What a Great Place! for a Genealogy Conference on "Olde England to New England"
By James W. Petty, AG, CG, BS (Genealogy), BA (History)

Smithers is a town of ten thousand or so, situated at the base of a large rugged mountain in the Canadian Rockies of north central British Columbia. It was established as the Bulkley Valley hub for the Canadian Railroad back in the early 1900’s. Miners fly in every day to pick up assignments in one of the many work projects in that area. In September and October avid fishermen from around the world gather for some of the best fly fishing found anywhere. Those are the only two months when the lodges are open. September is also time for the annual Bulkley Valley Genealogical Seminar (September 20, 2008). It’s a lot cheaper to fly two or three expert genealogy researchers in for a two day seminar, where they can teach sixty to eighty avid hobbyists about the intricacies of English Poor Law, Probate records, Paleography, Sailing and Shipping Records, and Basic New England Research methods, than it is for those sixty to eighty fans of family history to go out and find it on their own.

We met in the Old Anglican Church, newly remodeled, and housing the Bulkley Valley Historical and Genealogical Societies. A group of about 50 to 60 people were in attendance. The theme of the conference was “Olde England to New England”. Clark Brewer, a former resident of Smithers, and a Certified Genealogist in English research, presented the first lecture delving into the Poor Law Ecclesiastical records in English parishes. The parish in English communities held jurisdiction in many of the customs relating to the spiritual welfare of the people. The poor people in the parish looked to the parish priest for care, and it was important to establish who was responsible in such situations. All marriages in a parish regardless of religion were performed by the Anglican Priest. Once a person was accepted as a citizen in a parish, the parish was responsible for their care and up keep. Consequently, if a poor person was deemed to be a drain on the community, both the ecclesiastical authorities and the civil authorities sought to remove them from their parish. If the person was born in the parish, or had lived in the parish for a length of time, the parish was obligated to care for them. Civil law also required the community to provide for their support, health, and up keep, such as housing and food. Care was never sufficient to make life pleasant for the poor, and when there were too many poor, a community was often unable to provide a living substance.

Following Clark’s remarks, Jim Petty, a Certified Genealogist, and also an Accredited Genealogist, with a Degree in Genealogy from Brigham Young University, spoke on the topic of New England Research. Many of the people at the conference had interests in Colonial New England, and those ancestors moved north and west into Canada, before eventually settling in the western provinces. Jim presented information on the basis that Colonial New England had once been part of the British Commonwealth, and the development of records in Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Vermont, would have been typical of other English settlements. Basic record groups such as vital records, church registers, probate files, deeds and mortgages, court records, and military sources were discussed with emphasis on how research can be done in those resources. Paleography, the study of old handwriting was also discussed in relationship to colonial records.

During the afternoon, Mr. Brewer discussed English Probate Records, not just wills, but inventories, administrations, guardianship, and other resources relating to death and estates. He placed special emphasis on Estate Duty Wills and Admons. From 1812, a special tax was attached to estates probated in court. This caused wills and administrations to be duplicated from 1812 to 1900 and filed in the Prerogative Court at Canterbury. This of particular benefit to people of Irish descent, because when the Irish Rebellion took place in 1921-1922, the Irish National Records Office was burned to the ground, and all Irish probate records prior to 1828 were destroyed forever; but because of the Estate Duty laws, all of the wills and admons between 1812 and 1828 survived in England, and can be access both on microfilm and on-line.

Next, Mr. Petty spoke on the topic of “Sailing the Seven Seas.” This discussion was not so much about immigration and emigration, as about discovering genealogy through the records of sailors and seamen, shipping and naval records. Prior to 1945, when air service came into its own, the World functioned on the decks of thousands of ships plowing the sea to transport people, goods, armies, and all manner of activities. This information tied right into Mr. Brewer’s discussions of English Probate Records, and Poor Law research because sailors and seamen were required to record wills in the event of their deaths on the seas, and in as much as many sailors retired into poverty as required care by the government, their personal information was found in Poor Law pensions, and other benefits records.

Following a delicious dinner, topped with wonderful homemade dessert delights, the group met again for an evening of general discussion, including further handwriting studies, and further details on Civil Poor Laws. We discussed individual Brickwall research problems, before calling it a day. It was generally recognized that this was one of the best seminars ever. Plans are in the works for next year’s conference.

To make arrangements to have Mr. Petty speak at your next genealogy society conference, please contact Heirlines on the website url www.heirlines.com, or call toll free 1-800-570-4049.

Be pro-active in improving your health this year. In addition to living a healthy lifestyle, starting an exercise program, and smart eating, make plans now for Family Health History to be a part of your next Family Reunion. Family Health History is a valuable way to help your whole family have better health. It is having a knowledge of the health issues that your family members past and present have experienced in their lifetime. Family Health History information is available in their historical and genealogical records, both the living and the dead. You can learn all about your Family Health History through a family reunion.

A family reunion is a great way to have fun, learn about your ancestors, and to find out about the health concerns that you share in common with your relatives. Contact your brothers and sisters, your aunts and uncles and cousins and seek out lost family members for that family reunion you are holding next year. Encourage everyone to bring pictures, family memorabilia, and the records of their family tree past and present. And be sure to include the gathering and sharing of family health history information to help you all make better choices about your health.

For help in putting on a family reunion or discovering your family health history, contact www.heirlines.com or call 800.570.4049 for a free consultation on how to get started. You can have better health in the future by knowing your past. Get started today.

Posted by Mary Petty, B.A. Family Health History Specialist

James W. Petty, AG, CG – President of HEIRLINES Family History & Genealogy, Inc. and nearly 40 year-long career professional genealogist is available to speak at your upcoming genealogical society seminar or family history conference in 2009. Drawing on his expert experience with thousands of lineages and world wide family trees, he will share his professional expertise in this special class “Stumped? Climb your family tree professionally, with a Real Pro”. This is a hands-on class so come prepared with your tough brickwall research problems and learn how to really dig for answers to your roots questions. He is prepared to address research in the USA, Canada, British Isles, European, LDS, Native American, African American, Military, Civil War, Revolutionary War, Lineage Society Applications to research methodology, standards, paleography or old handwriting in English, German and other European languages. For a list of his talks and to schedule your 2009 conference date, call toll Free 1.800.570.4049 today!

James W. Petty, AG, CG
www.heirlines.com
1.800.570.4049
PO Box 893
Salt Lake City, UT 84110

Query: I HAVE ALL OF MY INFO (UNDOCUMENTED) IN A POWERPOINT (FAMILY TREE) I HAVE FROM MY GREAT GREAT GRANDMOTHER. HOWEVER, EACH FAMILY IS ON ONE SHEET. I WANT ALL FAMILIES ON ONE, LIKE A BIG FAMILY TREE. DO YOU PROVIDE A SERVICE FOR CONSTRUCTING A LARGE FAMILY TREE?

Professional Genealogy Tip: Yes, HEIRLINES has helped thousands of people discover, determine, document, and display their family pedigree. A computer genealogy software file (GEDcom) must be created of your information and the data put onto a decorative family tree of your choice. Depending upon how accurate a family tree you want displayed, whether this is a do-it-yourself job or you want a professional product, you must make several decisions.

1. Do you want your family tree to be verified and documented for accuracy or do you want to use your original PowerPoint information to create the data for the decorative family tree?

2. Do you want to do the needed data entry yourself or do you want professional results through standardized data entry?

3. Which Decorative Family Tree is right for you?

You have to determine what level of accuracy you want on your decorative family tree. Do you want a professional genealogy research services company like Heirlines to verify your known ancestry and to professionally extend your lineage through in depth research analysis, and reporting for a very large family tree? Do you want professional data entry for best decorative outcomes?

If your family wants professional quality, Heirlines.com is available now authenticate and document your family tree. We recommend an initial 10 hour Bronze project (1A-R10 Bronze Family Tree Custom Research Services) that you can order by phone 1.800.570.4049 or online at www.heirlines.com.

Please note that this is a recommendation for a beginning project and that larger, more extensive projects are available upon request. While 10 hours does not include everything about your roots, it is a great way to start the in depth process needed to produce an accurate and professional family tree. And when you are ready to create the finished product, we can help you get the best decorative family tree for your custom needs.

For the do-it "yourselfer" who wants an unverified decorative family tree:

Go to www.familysearch.org to get a copy of their very popular and easy to use PAF Software(Personal Ancestral File) and install it on your computer for your data entry. Once this is done you can go to www.generationmaps.com for their decorative family tree options.

Remember, Heirlines has been "Climbing the Family Tree Professionally, Since 1969" and we are here to help you! Call us Toll Free at 1.800.570.4049.

It is unethical for a professional genealogist to identify their client's personal family tree. While Celebrity Genealogy is very popular, no reputable practitioner does this kind of work. When genealogy is produced without working through the family in question and consulting the professional genealogist currently serving them, it is considered unethical and is regarded as the professional genealogy equivalent of “paparazzi”.

In a day and age where client privacy is protected and considered the pinnacle of customer care by such professions as medicine, law, and accounting, and when identity theft is rampant by the underbelly of society, I call upon my fellow practitioners of Professional Genealogy Research Services to demand the institution of ethical codes of behavior and standards of performance to prevent Paparazzi Genealogy. This is Celebrity genealogy or expose´ family history unauthorized by an individual in the public limelight. This kind of research smacks of slimy voyeurism that is an anathema to all that we hold dear in our profession, customer rights to respect, identity protection, truth, and quality of discovery, service, and production.

Consumers know it is unethical for medical personnel to give out unauthorized medical information to the press or to the inquiring public about anyone in their care, including a celebrity or famous person. When you go to the hospital, what happens there stays there. The public knows that ethically, the legal profession has strict rules of conduct regarding the sanctity of client information. Both of these professions have strong sanctions against unethical behaviors that jeopardize the privacy and personal nature of client activities or patient care. Consumers should demand the same for Paparazzi Genealogy or unauthorized celebrity genealogy.

Because this kind of genealogy is not client-authorized, there is an unavoidable assault on the family being researched. This unsolicited search of family vital records can result in identity theft or loss of privacy in the most personal way as well as unavoidable “mudslinging” from the results of such uncontrolled research. In such cases, because no reputable professional would expose their clients to this demeaning kind of exposure, the paparazzi genealogists, whose standards of performance or concern for the client-provider relationship are not professionally qualified or regulated, are the producers of celebrity genealogy. Consumers should be aware that because of this lack of standards and ethics, the results can be questionable. Remember, the incentive here is money, not the truth.

In professional genealogy research services, the integrity of the client family tree, the professional reputation, and the sanctity of the client-provider relationship are the hallmarks of the profession. Paparazzi Genealogy is an embarrassment for the professional genealogy community and paints members of the profession as carnivores, seeking personal acclaim at the expense of others. It is unethical and should be prohibited.

Professional thoughts by James W. Petty, AG, CG - Climbing the Family Tree Professionally, Since 1969

For additional thoughts, contact me at Heirlines.com.

James W. Petty, AG, CG –Accredited in New England States Research – to lecture at Bulkley Valley Genealogical Society Seminar in Smithers, British Columbia on Saturday September 20, 2008

Class 1) Yankee Ancestors in Early New England
Class 2) Sailing the Seven Seas
Evening Discussion) Brickwall Research

The seminar is 8.30am until 9.00pm Pacific time, with a catered lunch break. Following a break for dinner we will have an informal round table, of approximately two hours, where the seminar participants can ask questions of the speakers, perhaps on a broader range of research than the presentations.

Mr. Petty,a full-time career professional genealogist has been climbing the family tree professionally since 1969. He has experience on world wide lineages and pedigrees and is available for speaking engagements at genealogical and historical societies on wide variety of topics. Please call Heirlines.com 800.570.4049 to make arrangements for him to speak at your next conference or seminar.

This topic has really covered a broad discussion; starting as a concern over APG Executive Committee management, to what the name of APG should be, to how we think about ourselves. Where is it going to take us from here? The question over Ethical Membership is NOT going to be resolved because we have no ethical membership in place in APG. Tom Jones asked some pointed questions about who we are, and what our field is? We’ve had factions encouraging education, and credentialing, and other factions complaining that credentialing is sophistry and nonsense, and those who claim credentials are snobs. We have those who argue that Professional Genealogy is about doing genealogy for hire to make a living, and those who declare the being a professional genealogist is all about how you think of yourselves. Professional genealogists were once those people who did genealogy for hire, and now the organization advocates all who can fit under the genealogy umbrella to sit and define the profession with them. No wonder there are questions about ethics; we don’t even know who we are, or what we are going to be.

How can we worry about ethics when we can’t even agree over what it means to be a professional genealogist? It has been reported that I advocated (in a private conversation, I might add) that APG should change its name to AGP, for Association of Genealogy Professionals, because the organization isn’t about professional genealogists anymore, and isn’t interested in professional genealogists. I did argue in support of such a change. But the name isn’t the problem; it’s the loss of direction and purpose that is the problem.

I consider myself a professional genealogist, because I sought to learn about genealogy, I sought to train as a genealogist, I sought to qualify myself as a skilled genealogist by the credentials and degrees I earned, and I make my living doing genealogy for clients. Doesn’t that qualify me to define what the ethics of my business should be, along with others who share the activities of my profession? Yet today there are many people who are genealogy professionals, but not professional genealogists, who want to define what my business and profession should be. When those who are not professional genealogists define what a professional genealogist should be, or tell people who don’t conduct themselves in the business of genealogy, that they a professionals because thinking good thoughts will empower them, my profession is diminished.

What is the public consumer to think, when looking for professional genealogy assistance, when those calling themselves “professional genealogists” don’t provide that commercial service, and those who do provide it are ridiculed because of their credentials? Isn’t there a question of ethics because of that dichotomy? How can the Executive Committee of APG promote ethics when they don’t know who or what they are serving?

If you are interested in ethics in Professional Genealogy, please call Heirlines 800.570.4049.

James W. Petty, AG, CG, Climbing the Family Tree Professionally, Since 1969 - Professional Genealogist Lecturer at UGA Fall 2008 Conference "Solving Family Mysteries" at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, Saturday, September 13, 2008.

Classes, times, and rooms:
Stumped ….? Come Climb Your Family Tree with a Professional!
(B224 FHL 9 AM)
Big City Research--HEIRLINES Professional Genealogy Approach and Methods (B224 FHL 11:30 AM)
Early American Handwriting
(B 120 FHL 3:15 PM)
Sailing the Seven Sears
(B 224 FHL 4:30 PM)

For speaking availability for your genealogy conference - Please contact Heirlines 800.570.4049

Native American Ancestry Sources

John Ehle, Trail of Tears: The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation (New York: Doubleday, 1988)

Location:
Website: http://www.cherokeepublications.net/store/
1-800-948-3161

Cherokee Publications
PO Box 430
Cherokee, NC 28719

704.488.8856

Submitted by Mary E. Petty, BA (History)

Ancestors are the People of History.● Do you know who yours are? ● Let the Professionals at HEIRLINES FAMILY HISTORY & GENEALOGY find your ancestry! ●1-800-570-4049 ● www.heirlines.com ● PO Box 893 ● Salt Lake City, UT 84110

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