by Charles Hansen
THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition January 23, 2020
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
gfo.org | 503-963-1932 | info@gfo.org Be sure to check the complete GFO CALENDAR.
Also, don’t miss the current issue of The Forum Insider
GFO Objects to Closure of National Archives Seattle
This week we were startled to learn that a secret plan to close The National Archives at Seattle is nearly a done deal. This facility provides access to permanent records created by Federal agencies and courts in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Idaho. Without the reporting of KIRO radio in Seattle, no one would have known this closure was in the works.
Courtesy of The National Archives at Seattle
Despite the lack of any public comment period, the GFO sent the following email to Russell Vought, the acting director of the Office and Management and Budget: Dear Mr. Vought, I am writing on behalf of the Board of Directors and the 1075 members of the Genealogical Forum of Oregon to register our strong objections to the planned closure of Seattle’s National Archives facility. The decision to close this federal repository of public records was made in complete secrecy, with no input from the public or any other government entities in the region. No local hearings or requests for feedback were held in Washington, nor in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, or Oregon. The Seattle National Archives and Records Center holds records, mostly un-digitized, starting in the 1840s for the five NW states. These records are vital public documents for anyone researching American history. No consideration of the importance of maintaining archival resources in the Pacific was made. The National Archives goals do not appear to include keeping local resources close to their origin and where most use will occur. We must ask, “Why not?” It is vital these record are kept in our region and remain accessible. Transferring records relevant to the Pacific Northwest to a records center in Kansas City, Missouri, effectively bars access to those to whom the records are most relevant. We urge you to keep Northwest records where they will be most used, and to keep the expert archives staff who specialize in Pacific Northwest records. Vince Patton
President, Genealogical Forum of Oregon
Spring Seminar with Karen Stanbary: Solve Puzzles with DNA
Join us for our 2020 Spring Seminar, “Solve Puzzles with DNA,” on April 4 & 5, to be presented by nationally-recognized genetic genealogy author and educator Karen Stanbary, CG®, MA, LCSW.
The Saturday, April 4 classes, will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.at Portland’s Center for Self Enhancement (SEI). Karen will guide experienced beginners and above in learning how to manage and interpret DNA evidence, then how to incorporate it into existing documentary research and provide guidance on managing conversations about unexpected DNA results. If you register now, the cost for GFO members for this full day is just $45 and for non-members, $50. The Sunday half-day classes on April 5 will be held at the GFO from 9:30 a.m. – Noon. Deepen and expand your intermediate- to advanced-level skills as Karen presents more complex genealogy puzzles requiring more complex DNA evidence analysis. Early registration price for this half-day is just $25 for GFO members and $30 for non-members. Download the Seminar Flyer for more details.

Take advantage of those Early-Bird Registration prices! On March 1, all prices will increase by $5. This is a great opportunity to learn more about solving those genealogy puzzles with the use of DNA.
Register Now
February Workshop: Advanced Excel for Genealogy
Spreadsheets can be a powerful tool to help you analyze your genealogical data and keepi track of your research; and they are essential in managing your DNA information.
From 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, join BCG Certified Genealogist, Mary Kircher Roddy, as she presents a hands-on guide for the experienced spreadsheet user using Excel to gain perspective on and to further your genealogy research. For a more complete description, download the seminar flyer. Seating is limited to 30 people! Everyone gets a spot at a table. Participants should bring their (fully charged) laptops pre-loaded with Excel. Mary is an active member of Seattle Genealogical Society, the Genealogical Speakers Guild, the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the National Genealogical Society. She has published articles in Family Chronicle, Internet Genealogy, and the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. For Early-Bird Registration on or before Jan. 31, the fee is $30.00 for GFO Members and $35.00 for non-members. You’ve got one more week before the price increases $5 on Feb. 1.
Register Now
GFO Stars: Manuscripts Committee Volunteers
This month, the GFO Board is proud to select four volunteers as our GFO Stars of January. Cat Cope-Arnold, Anita Lustenberger, Bonnie Randolph, and Ruth Summers have contributed hundreds of hours over several years to help with one goal—creating digital files from 350,000 pages of donated personal papers collected by the GFO.
Top left, clockwise: Anita Lustenberger, Cat Cope-Arnold, Bonnie Randolph, and Ruth Summers
They sort, remove staples, unfold, and scan these papers so that one researcher’s life work can be available to others. Because of their dedication, there is an end in sight for this project! Thank you Anita, Bonnie, Cat, and Ruth!
Needed: Volunteers with Adobe Acrobat Pro Software
We need help to process our scanned periodicals! Sunday work parties have been lively, with volunteers prepping and scanning GFO’s periodicals collection while chatting about all things genealogy. To keep up with the steady stream of material, we need more people to help with the computer processing. Using Adobe Acrobat Pro, the scans are combined, reviewed for problems, and text recognition processing is done. If you have the software needed and can help, please contact Laurel Smith at library@gfo.org.
News from the Library
New Books ▪ A history of the German language: with special reference to the cultural and social forces that shaped the standard literary language ▪ Book of Gobi: Siskiyou Smokejumper Base, 1943-1981 ▪ City in the forest: the story of Lansing ▪ Estate records of Edgecombe County, North Carolina, 1730-1850 ▪ Garrett Surname: Ireland: 1600s To 1900s ▪ How our ancestors died: a guide for family historians ▪ Richardson County, Nebraska, 1985 ▪ Sesquicentennial sampler, a history of Mormons in the Rogue Valley (Oregon): to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ▪ Surname atlas of Germany ▪ Texas in 1850 ▪ The Applegate Trail of 1846: a documentary guide to the original southern emigrant route to Oregon ▪ The descendants of Alonzo Bartlett (1843-1933) and Ellen Bassett (1851-1897) ▪ The Family Tree cemetery field guide: how to find, record, & preserve your ancestors’ graves ▪ The great fire of London. ▪ The parish registers of Gulval (alias Lanisley) in the County of Cornwall (1598-1812) ▪ The Sutherland pioneers of Beaverton and Woodville, Ontario, Canada. ▪ The Virginia military surveys of Clermont and Hamilton Counties, Ohio, 1787-1849 ▪ Tracing your docker ancestors: a guide for family historians ▪ Tracing your Freemason, friendly society and trade union ancestors: a guide for family historians ▪ We, the people … of Winnebago County. Winnebago County Bicentennial Commission, 1975 New Digital Files ▪ Barney Family News ▪ Forge: the Bigelow Society quarterly ▪ WPA Historical Records Survey: Benton County Commissioners’ Journal, 1850-1855, Probate Book A ▪ WPA Historical Records Survey: Benton County, Oregon Cemetery Records ▪ WPA Historical Records Survey: Benton County, Oregon Churches
Surplus Book: Colorado Territorial History
Do you have Colorado roots? There’s a very good bet your people are mentioned in this book. Colorado Families: A Territorial Heritage includes 40,000 individuals in its 735 page.
This is a big work of history. The Colorado Genealogical Society encouraged everyone with ancestors settling in Colorado before January 1, 1877, to submit information.
This book says, “Every pioneer was eligible, regardless of race, creed, nationality or ghost
in the family closet. Never has a Colorado history book included so many people – some 40,000 individuals.”
They also add that they “made special efforts to recruit minority histories.” Colorado Families was published in 1981.
This copy is a retired library book with one library mark inside and a label on its spine. Otherwise, this heavy volume is in truly excellent condition. Our price to pickup: $35
Price to ship to you: $45 If you’d like to buy this book, email booksales@gfo.org.
Survey Results: You and the Family History Library
Forty-seven people responded to our survey about the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Of those, 66% reported having gone to the library to do research, and 100% of those said it was worth the trip! When asked if being unable to order microfilms would increase or decrease likelihood of a visit, most respondents said it made no difference. And all the digitized microfilms available through FamilySearch didn’t make a difference either. So it seems that most of us are hooked on the Family History Library. Here are some of the tips we received to help you plan your visit***:
Consult articles on prepping for your visit at FamilySearch and at FamilyTree Magazine. Organize. Prepare ahead. Have your research problem outlined clearly before you go, make a research list, and check the library catalog to be sure that you put in an advanced request for books and microfilm you want to see that are not on the shelves or in the building.
Once at the archives, stick to working on your research goals and don’t allow yourself to get distracted by other books or materials. Have options and alternatives – a Plan B – if your initial plan doesn’t work out. Before you go, use their catalog to make a list of what is only available at the library for research. Then organize by type of records and focus on that type until completed. Don’t spend a lot of time reading. Take a flash drive and save what you find. If the item is an original document make a photocopy. Verify that the items are saving to the flash drive. Take only photocopies of important documents you might want to reference or, better yet, scan them and have them on your thumb drive. Label your thumb drive with your address and phone number should you leave it at a work station or in a computer. Put a clearly named file on the drive with your contact information.
Be sure to visit the first floor you can now print a free big color fan chart from your FamilySearch tree. It’s nine generations and a big help in seeing where you need to concentrate your efforts. Go have fun. If you don’t feel satisfied with the first person who assists you, ask someone else. Everyone there is very friendly. Build in time in case you need to go the Utah State Archives. Particularly for divorce records in the early 1870s as UT was a divorce mecca with some done via mail. Allow as many days as possible, [as well as] time to eat. Look over your work on Sunday and go back Monday to reconcile problems. MY QUESTION — Would GFO ever organize/conduct a trip to the FHL in SLC? Go early in December, not very busy then. *Note that some responses have been combined or edited for brevity.
New Survey: Your Learning Style One of our respondents wanted us to ask our readers, “How do you learn best?”
Take the Survey Now
This week at GFO …
Saturday, January 25th
DNA Advanced Group 9:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.
Join us for two presentations: GEDmatch: An Introduction will be presented by Lisa McCullough. Handout can be downloaded here.
Maximizing Your Use of GEDmatch – will be presented by Tim Janzen. Handout can be downloaded here. Any questions? Contact dna@gfo.org.
British Interest Group 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
This group’s focus is on researching in the British Isles: England, Wales, Scotland, and Scots-Irish. This month, we will discuss online sources, news,
The Highland Clearances in Scotland, and any recent successes. Also, bring those brick walls if you got ’em. Questions to group facilitator, Duane Funk at uk@gfo.org.
Sunday, January 26th
Library Work Party 9:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Come help with the digitizing effort. Doors open at 9 and work will likely continue most of the day. Some people come for just an hour or so; others work the full time. You are welcome to do either. Any time you can share is valuable. Come join in the fun.
Wednesday, January 29th
GFO Library Open Late to 8:00 p.m.

Closing Seattle National Archives

by Charles Hansen

Judy Russell gave me permission to copy her blog post for our readers.

2020 alphabet soup: B is for…

by Judy G. Russell | Jan 23, 2020 | Records Access

Buildings

One building in particular, that is.

This one.

The National Archives building in Seattle, Washington.

Which the Public Buildings Reform Board has decided should be sold… because the real estate it sits on is a hot property.

Not one whit of consideration for the fact that the records housed within that facility are of enormous value to the people of the Pacific Northwest.

Not one whit of consideration for the fact that records previously housed in Alaska have already been moved once, to the Seattle facility.

Not one whit of consideration for the fact that the alternate repositories proposed — Kansas City for some records and Riverside, California, for others — are not at all easy to access for folks from this part of the country.

And not one whit of consideration for the fact that accessing records at Kansas City is probably the least convenient of all the archival facilities in the country.

But only the fact that “Relocating (this facility) will make 10-acres of highly valuable land available, likely for residential housing, in the Hawthorne Hills neighborhood just to the west of Lake Washington in the Puget Sound region of Washington…”

All without a single opportunity for a single member of the public impacted by this decision to be heard.

A letter sent by Vince Patton, President of the Genealogical Forum of Oregon, to the federal Office of Management and Budget blasted the decision:

“The decision to close this federal repository of public records was made in complete secrecy, with no input from the public or any other government entities in the region. No local hearings or requests for feedback were held in Washington, nor in Alaska, Idaho, Montana or Oregon.

The Seattle National Archives and Records Center holds records, mostly un-digitized, starting in the 1840’s for the five NW states. These records are vital public documents for anyone researching American history.

No consideration of the importance of maintaining archival resources in the Pacific was made. The National Archives goals do not appear to include keeping local resources close to their origin and where most use will occur. We must ask, “Why not?”

It is vital these record are kept in our region and remain accessible. Transferring records relevant to the Pacific Northwest to a records center in Kansas City, Missouri, effectively bars access to those to whom the records are most relevant.

We urge you to keep Northwest records where they will be most used, and to keep the expert archives staff who specialize in Pacific Northwest records.”1

And the Records Preservation and Access Committee — jointly comprised of representatives from all the major national genealogical societies — has joined in opposing the move: “If a decision is made to sell the property, the National Archives Branch needs to be relocated into another facility in the Seattle area. Each National Archives Branch includes original documents from the region that are available at no other location and have not been digitized. If the Archives Branch were closed and not relocated, it is our understanding the records would be moved to Kansas City, Missouri (1,800 miles from Seattle) or Riverside, California, (1,200 miles from Seattle). Either location would make those records inaccessible to most residents of the northwestern United States.”2

And historians, researchers and others in the Pacific Northwest are just appalled.3

A final decision on this building sale could be made by the Office of Management and Budget as early as this Sunday, January 26th. If there’s any chance for us to be heard, we need to speak out NOW.

The Legal Genealogist would love to tell members of our community concerned about this where to write to express their own individual concerns — and our outrage at this decision and its secrecy. But there’s no clear path to comment on this because of the secrecy.

So here are our options:

1. Write (email) to the head of the Office of Management and Budget, acting director Russell T. Vought. His email is Russell.t.vought@omb.eop.gov.

2. Write (email) to the agency proposing the sale of the property, the Public Buildings Reform Board. Its email is fastainfo@pbrb.gov.

3. Contact the National Archives via its contact page at https://www.archives.gov/contact.

4. Contact your United States Senators (find the contact info for your two senators at https://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm) and your member of the House of Representatives (find the contact info for your representative at https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative).

The one option we do not have is to stand silent.

Access to our heritage is at stake.

Cite/link to this post: Judy G. Russell, “2020 alphabet soup: B is for…,” The Legal Genealogist (https://www.legalgenealogist.com/blog : posted 23 Jan 2020).

SOURCES

  1. Vince Patton to Russell T. Vought, Acting Director, Office of Management & Budget, email, 22 Jan 2020, copy provided to JG Russell. ↩
  2. RPAC to Public Buildings Reform Board, email, 23 Jan 2020, copy provided to JG Russell. ↩
  3. See Feliks Banel, “Officials, historians slam ‘horrendous’ plan to close Seattle National Archives,” MyNorthwest.com, posted 22 Jan 2020 (https://mynorthwest.com/ : accessed 23 Jan 2020). ↩

Eastern Washington Genealogical Society Meeting

by Charles Hansen

How to Date Old Photos and How to Preserve Them

Regular Meeting:  Saturday, February 1 How to Date Old Photos and How to Preserve Them  presented by Melode Hall (EWGS Meetings) 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm Bernardo Wills Architect 153 S Jefferson St, Spokane, WA 99201      (This is our new regular meeting place.) Melode Hall will be presenting“How to Date Old Photos and How to Preserve Them.”

Our Speaker, Melode Hall from Scrapbooking on GeigerHandoutsPrint your copies at home if possible. The first 2 arePhotos and the last is a Word document.Photo WorksheetReference ToolsTraditional Albums

EWGS Meets at New Location

The Bernardo-Wills Architecture Building where EWGS will meet for at least 2 years. It is located at 153 S Jefferson St,, Spokane, WA 99201 (just south of the Railroad). This picture on the left is the front of the building and their sign (along Jefferson St.) The view on the right is the front of the building from Jefferson. There are 20 free spaces in front and lots of parking meters (needing quarters or possibly your smart phone).   Also close to 6 STA bus routes.

Heritage Quest Research Library February Class

by Charles Hansen
Steven W. Morrison
Saturday, February 8, 2020
 
SESSION 1:    10:00 AM Fact Checking Your Family Traditions Some families are lucky, they have “family lore”.  But is this story true?  With new online collections we can now double check to see how it holds up to the light of some original records.  Only then will you know if it’s a keeper or just fools gold.  A case study of colonial Virginia entrepreneur Isaac Perkins/Parkins.
$ 20.00 per Session members
$ 25.00 per Session non-members 

Session 2:  11:30 AM Using Hinshaw and Other Finding Aids to Locate Original Quaker Records During the past century, Quaker historians and clerks have been busy copying old meeting records and have created a wide variety of finding aids.  In the 1930s, Willard W. Hinshaw began publishing six volumes of his historic Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy, with Willard C. Heiss following with six volumes for just Indiana.  We will learn how these tools can shortcut your search for original Quaker records. $ 20.00 per session members
$ 25.00 per session non-members
To reserve a place please call 253-863-1806 or drop by the library to sign up.  

AFTER RESERVING A SEAT, IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND, PLEASE CALL SO THAT OTHERS MAY ATTEND.
All of our classes are held in the HQRL Classroom. 

The German Interest Group of the Eastside Genealogical Society February 2020

by Charles Hansen

The German Interest Group

of The Eastside GenealogicalSociety (EGS)meeting

When: Friday, February 7, 2020 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm

(Doors open at 12:10 for networking)

Where: Relief Society Room of the Latter-day Saints Church

10675 NE 20th St, Bellevue, WA 98004

Topic: “More German Church and Civil Record Tips” – This presentation will enhance our prior programs with additional tips for 1) locating the German records in the United States and elsewhere, 2) reading the old German handwriting in those records and 3) translating the German words into English.

Presenter:  Dorothy Pretare started collecting family history in 1995 and is active in 2 local genealogical societies, leader of the EGS German Interest Group and a member of 3 societies in Minnesota.  In 2008, she visited her ancestral villages in old East Germany and present-day Poland.

More information: https://egsgermangroup.wordpress.com/ . Visitors are always welcome.

Heritage Quest Research Library January Class

by Charles Hansen
Reminder
January 2020 Class Schedule Join us on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 
as we Welcome our speaker
Michael Lee Stills.
10:30 AM
    Myths, Legends and Lies: The Dangers of Family History Research Can you handle the truth? Family History Research is a burgeoning pursuit thanks to TV pro-grams like “Who Do You Think You Are?” “Genealogy Roadshow” and “Finding Your Roots.” But before you jump in, have you asked yourself if you are prepared for what you might discover? Together we will be opening closets to expose skeletons, peeking under the lid of Pan-dora’s Box, and shining light on the ethical dilemmas you may encounter in the quest to find your missing ancestors. They may have good reasons for why they are hiding from you.
  $20.00 members $25.00 non members For reservations please stop by HQRL or call HQRL at 253-863-1806. Due to the size of our classroom after reserving a seat, if you are unable to attend the class, please call to cancel so that others may attend.

GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday E-News 2020

by Charles Hansen
THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Thursday Evening E-News Edition January 16, 2020
Curious about the status of your GFO Membership? We’d love to have you as a GFO Member!
gfo.org | 503-963-1932 | info@gfo.org Be sure to check the complete GFO CALENDAR.
Also, don’t miss the current issue of The Forum Insider
Spring Seminar with Karen Stanbary: Solve Puzzles with DNA
Join us for our 2020 Spring Seminar, “Solve Puzzles with DNA,” on April 4 & 5, to be presented by nationally-recognized genetic genealogy author and educator Karen Stanbary, CG®, MA, LCSW. The Saturday, April 4 classes will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.at Portland’s Center for Self Enhancement (SEI). Karen will guide experienced beginners and above in learning how to manage and interpret DNA evidence, then how to incorporate it into existing documentary research. As a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Karen will also provide guidance on managing conversations about unexpected DNA results. If you register now, the cost for GFO members for this full day is just $45 and for non-members, $50. The Sunday half-day classes on April 5 will be held at the GFO from 9:30 a.m. – noon. Deepen and expand your intermediate- to advanced-level skills as Karen presents more complex genealogy puzzles requiring more complex DNA evidence analysis. Early registration price for this half-day is just $25 for GFO members and $30 for non-members. Download the Seminar Flyer for more details.

Take advantage of those Early-Bird Registration prices! On March 1, all prices will increase by $5. This is a great opportunity to learn more about solving those genealogy puzzles with the use of DNA.
Register Now
February Workshop: Advanced Excel for Genealogy
Spreadsheets can be a powerful tool to help you analyze your genealogical data and keep track of your research; and they are essential in managing your DNA information. From 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, join BCG Certified Genealogist, Mary Kircher Roddy, as she presents a hands-on guide for the experienced spreadsheet user using Excel to gain perspective on and to further your genealogy research. For a more complete description, download the seminar flyer. Seating is limited to 30 people! Everyone gets a spot at a table. Participants should bring their (fully charged) laptops pre-loaded with Excel. A frequent lecturer in the Seattle area, as well occasionally farther afield, Mary is an active member of Seattle Genealogical Society, the Genealogical Speakers Guild, the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the National Genealogical Society. She has published articles in Family Chronicle, Internet Genealogy, and the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. For Early-Bird Registration on or before Jan. 31, the fee is $30.00 for GFO Members and $35.00 for non-members. The price increases $5 on Feb. 1.
Register Now
GenTalk: A Few Seats Still Available!
Come hear our panel of experts this Saturday, Jan. 18 from 2:15 – 3:45 p.m. as they present GFO’s January GenTalk, DNA and Genealogy for Crime Solving. Portland Police Bureau Detective Brendan McGuire, genetic genealogists Dr. Tim Janzen and Emily Aulicino, and crime victim advocate Laurel Smith will all be on hand to discuss various issues including the ethics of using DNA for law enforcement, the viewpoint of the victim and their family, the suspect’s privacy, what crimes should be allowed to use DNA, your choices and rights regarding your DNA, and the future of using DNA for law enforcement. We expect a lively discussion, so bring your questions! This event is free and open to the public, but online pre-registration is required. 4 seats have opened up, so register quickly to claim yours: gfo.org/DNApanel. The handout was updated yesterday, so if you downloaded it on Tuesday, please download the revised handout here.
People who are registered MUST arrive before 2:10 p.m. to claim your seat, because at 2:10 p.m. we will start giving away open seats to those on the wait list. Late arrivals will not be seated if there are no open chairs.
Register Now
Family Tree Maker (FTM) Questions: Yes or No?
___ I have FTM but haven’t installed it.
___ I’ve installed FTM but haven’t used it.
___ I have a tree on Ancestry I want to get into FTM.
___ I’ve got my tree in FTM but I need help. If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then plan to attend the FTM Beginners Meeting on Sunday, January 19th from 1-3 p.m. at the GFO. Laurel Smith will show you how to get off to a great start with this amazing family tree software program.
Look What’s Coming Soon
Webinar viewings are coming to the GFO on Monday mornings. Kristin Parks, education chair and Monday morning RA, has volunteered to set this up so anyone can come in to watch some of the latest free webinars from Legacy Family Tree Webinars. They’ll likely start about 11 am. More details to follow!
News from the Library
Here’s what’s new this week: New Digital Records: ▪ Ashley Addenda Annual ▪ Ashleys of America ▪ Ball Beginnings ▪ Barner Family Newsletter ▪ Bell Family Newsletter ▪ Bensonian ▪ Berry Bulletin ▪ Bishop Families in America ▪ Blauvelt News ▪ Blois Voice ▪ Johnson County [Kansas] Genealogist New Books: ▪ Deeds of Franklin County, Georgia, 1784-1826 ▪ Dictionary of German names ▪ German dialects: phonology and morphology, with selected texts ▪ The German language ▪ Irish famine immigrants in the state of Vermont: gravestone inscriptions ▪ One hundred fifty years in Pike County, Alabama, 1821-1971 ▪ The promise of the New South: life after Reconstruction ▪ The slaves’ war: the Civil War in the words of former slaves ▪ Trans-Appalachian frontier: people, societies, and institutions, 1775-1850 ▪ The way we lived in North Carolina
Do You Have Professional Genealogy Skills to Offer?
Sometimes finding ancestors is just too daunting to do ourselves. Professional genealogists can help break down brick walls. Or perhaps you need help organizing your research or using your database program. The GFO lists the names and contact information of those who can help on our Professional Resources page. Some of the professionals have formal certification, some do not. All have experience in various facets of genealogy. Are you a professional and wish to be included? You must be an active member of the GFO in good standing to be included. We invite you to submit your name, contact information and credentials to: info@gfo.org.
Surplus Book: Glassell Family of Scotland and Virginia
Here is a truly rare book you can own. 129 years ago, the Reverend Horace Edwin Hayden published a positively enormous volume called The Genealogy of the Glassell Family of Scotland and Virginia; also of the families of Ball, Brown, Bryan, Conway, Daniel, Ewell, Holladay, Lewis, Littlepage, Moncure, Peyton, Robinson, Scott, Taylor, Wallace, and others, of Virginia and Maryland.
This book runs 758 pages including the index and appendix. Rev. Hayden writes that it took “eight years of careful preparation.” This is a work of its era where the author glorifies the soldiers of the Confederacy in the U.S. Civil War. Ours is a rare book from 1891 which is in acceptable condition.
It is a retired library copy with crumbling paper edges, library marks, and some handwriting in the front and back. The binding is taped to hold the cover, while the pages inside are sound. Someone years ago pasted a newspaper article inside the front cover about the first settlers. 322 years before. Our price to pickup: $70 Our price to ship: $80 If you’d like to buy this piece of history, email booksales@gfo.org.
Survey Results: On the Road Again?
It looks like most of our respondents will be taking one or more trips this year, with most going to U.S. locations, followed by Europe, and then Canada.
And it’s good to know that many of you are going to dig into regional archives and advancing your education. We’d love to hear about the archives after your trip.
Here are just a few of the many comments we received: ▪ Genealogy Pre-conference at the American Library Association Sponsored by ProQuest. ▪ In September we will be attending the 400th Celebration of the Mayflower arrival in Plymouth MA. ▪ Have traveled to Northern England a few times over the last 10 years and passed through Leeds via train. Well, as luck would have it–3 yrs ago I found ancestors of my Grandmother Webster’s line! So this time I will be staying and visiting the addresses his documents have noted and hopefully finding more info. Very excited! ▪ Travel to RootsTech, IAJGS, and a teacher institute in Mobile, Alabama. ▪ It’s time to finally go to Ireland to see where my great-great-grandparents came from and find records available only there. ▪ Going to the Association for Gravestone Studies annual conference, June 23-28, 2020, this year in Austin, Texas. ▪ RootsTech and National Genealogy Society Conferences, both in Salt Lake City, so in addition to learning more, a chance to do some research too! ▪ I plan a return trip to central Wisconsin after a successful trip last September. ▪ Hoping to crash through a wall!
New Survey: Family History Library in Salt Lake City This week’s survey, that asks you about use of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, was one of the suggestions we received from our readers.
Take the Survey
This week at GFO …
Saturday, January 18th
Genealogy Problem Solvers
No meeting this month.
African American Group 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
This will be one of our quarterly “Bring Your Own Brick Wall” help sessions. Bring your problems, questions, and documents (copies, please, no originals if at all possible), and we will brainstorm to come up with information and suggestions that can direct your next steps and may help you solve some of your family mysteries. We will keep each person to one question until everyone has had an opportunity. Questions: african_american@gfo.org.
GenTalk: DNA and Genealogy for Crime Solving 2:15 – 3:45 p.m.
Act Quickly! Only Four Seats Available.
Come hear firsthand about this trend from a panel of experts, including Portland Police Detective Brendan McGuire, genetic genealogists Dr. Tim Janzen and Emily Aulicino, and crime victim advocate Laurel Smith. See detailed description above for information on topics, downloading revised handouts, and registration.
This event is free and open to the public, but online pre-registration is required.
Sunday, January 19th
Library Work Party 9:00 a.m. – noon
We’ll be prepping periodicals for scanning and doing some scanning too. Doors open at 9 and work usually wraps up around noon. Some people come for just an hour or so; others work the full time. You are welcome to do either. Any time you can share is valuable. Hope to see you there.
Family Tree Maker for Beginners 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Held quarterly, this is a beginning class for Family Tree Maker users and for those considering a purchase. Questions? Or if you have Family Tree Maker topics you’d like covered, email Joyce and Laurel at FTM@gfo.org.
French Canada Group 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Share stories of our history. Come and join this group to learn more about French Canadian ancestry and Acadia. The group leader is Bob LaMarche. FrCan@gfo.org.
Wednesday, January 22nd
PMUG College: Mac Basics 6:00 – 7:55 p.m.
Come learn the 10 Basic things you need to know about a Mac and the latest operating system.
To register: Call 503-228-1779; Email: college@pmug.org. Bring your Mac/iPad to participate with instruction. If you would like additional info for attending this class, please email us. Free to GFO and PMUG memberrs.
GFO Library Open Late to 8:00 p.m.

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week 2020

by Charles Hansen

TIP OF THE WEEK – FOLD3 NEW UK RECORDS
  If you have an ancestor who may have served in the military of the United Kingdom between 1806-1915, be sure to check out the collection recently added to FOLD3, “UK, Militia Attestation Papers, 1806-1915”.

Fold3 explains Attestation Form data was collected on the soldier at the time of recruitment. It forms a record of military service for those who fought in conflicts during  the 1806-1915 time period. The Attestation Paper contains a wealth of information about the soldier such as parish, town, and county of birth, address at the time of enlistment, age, trade or job, a physical description of the soldier, as well as the name and address of next of kin. The files list military service rendered and whether a soldier was wounded or received medals or decorations. Quite often the date of discharge is noted.  The collection is arranged alphabetically under regiments and in order of seniority.

If you don’t have a Fold3 subscription of your own, come into the SGS Library and access it via one of our patron computers.

Seattle Genealogical Society News

by Charles Hansen

FIRST SNOWFALL OF THE DECADE

Welcome to 2020! Seattle has already had its first snowfall of the decade. Here’s a reminder that while normal operating hours for the SGS Library are Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, during times of inclement weather the SGS Library may be closed. During icy, snowy, excessively windy or stormy weather, call in first to make sure we are open. Our phone# is 206 522-8658.     CALLING FOR INTERESTED CANDIDATES 
FOR SGS ELECTION 2020-2021
As we move toward the upcoming SGS election in April 2020, we are seeking candidates for SGS officer and director positions. SGS is a member-driven and volunteer-run organization. We could not succeed without the support of our members and welcome anyone interested to let us know of your interest in any of these positions:

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Director of Education
  • Director of Library
  • Director of Membership
  • Director of Operations
  • Director of Publications
  • Director of Volunteers
  • Director of Technology
  • Director of Social Media
  • Nominating Committee (six positions, for 2021-2022 election)

Short descriptions of the duties associated with these positions can be found on the SGS website at: https://seagensoc.org/cpage.php?pt=93

New officers and directors will assume their offices in early June 2020. If you have questions regarding these positions, the outgoing directors of these offices are more than willing to discuss the position responsibilities. The new Nominating Committee members (also voted on by the membership) will not start their work until Fall 2020 in preparation for the 2021-2022 elections. 

If you have any questions or are interested in any of these positions. please email nominations@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org or call the main SGS phone# 206 522-8658 and leave a message.

HOW YOU CAN HELP THE CITY OF SEATTLE 
DOCUMENT AND DECODE HISTORY 
Thanks to Dick Eastman for staying abreast of all things genealogy including this project in Seattle that needs your help. 

In his January 8, 2020, newsletter Dick reported that Seattle Municipal Archives department needs some help and he cited a story by Ellen Meny on the King5 News website as his source. It says:  

“Seattle is rich with history- and the archivists at the Seattle Municipal Archives keep it all safe and accounted for. But as dedicated as they are, this time, they need some help. 

Part of the job as an archivist is transcribing old documents, both printed and written. Usually, the archivists use transcription software that makes it easy for them to decode handwriting or decipher old printing. However, sometimes the software gets hung-up on handwriting, which can be messy or hard to read. That’s where you come in.”

This is a job you will do online from the comfort of your home. If you are interested in helping out, read the full story at : http://bit.ly/39QSi4s  “The Price of Love:
American Women, the Cable Act and Lost Citizenship” 
February 8, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Lisa Oberg kicks off Seattle Genealogical Society’s lecture and workshop series: Women’s Suffrage in your Family History with this lecture you won’t want to miss it. 


American women proselytized and protested for more than 70 years to finally win the right to vote. And yet, the victory wasn’t complete with the ratification of the 19th amendment in 1920. In this session, Lisa explores the rights of women from the founding of America’s colonies to the turmoil of the suffrage era in the 20th century and beyond. She will delve into various laws that have affected the rights of your female ancestors.   SAVE THE DATE
Spring 2020 SGS Seminar 
with Fritz Juengling,
Fairview Christian School,
844 NE 78th St,
Seattle, WA
Saturday, May 16, 2020   Mr Juengling is the German, Dutch and Scandinavian Research Specialist at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. SGS is happy to have Fritz as the presenter for our spring seminar.  

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
  Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes,  and corrections. Programs may be canceled or postponed because of inclement weather. 
JANUARY

Saturday, January 18, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish  SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, January 18, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, German  SIG, with Jean Roth

Saturday, January 25, 10:00am-12:30pm, DNA SIG, Meets quarterly in the fellowship hall of Wedgwood Presbyterian Church, 8008 35th Ave NE, Seattle. Come early for the Beginner Session 9:30-10:00am. Co-chairs Cary Bright & Herb McDaniel. An annual $5 contribution is collected at the door to fund rental of the space.   

FEBRUARY

Saturday, February 8, 10:15 am-12:15 pm, FamilySearch  SIG, with leader Lou Daly, discover the many ways to use Family Tree & FamilySearch.org. Each meeting will feature an aspect of the FamilySearch website.  There will be time for Q&A.  

Saturday, February 8,  1:00 pm-3:00 pm, Second Saturday Series: “The Price of Love: American Women, the Cable Act and Lost Citizenship” – presenter will be Lisa Oberg. American women proselytized and protested for more than 70 years to finally win the right to vote. And yet, the victory wasn’t complete with the ratification of the 19th amendment in 1920. Come learn more. 

Saturday, February 15, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish  SIG, with Jean Roth
Saturday, February 15, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, German  SIG, with Jean Roth 


Not a SGS member yet? Join now for $60

During January 1st through March 31st, 2020, new members may join the Seattle Genealogical Society with a membership that extends through May 31, 2021. Dues are $60 individual, or $75 dual (two people in the same household). That’s nearly a year and a half of free research requests, discounted class and event registration fees, and access to exclusive SGS publications and databases. Read more…
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