Tag Archives: Clallam County Genealogical Society

CCGS Nomination Team Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Teams in 2024

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2024 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the CCGS’s Nomination Team who was selected by the Clallam County Genealogical Society as their recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Team Award. The team is composed of Jackie Jardine, Pricilla Hudson and Carol Colman.

Finding members of genealogical societies willing to serve on the Board is always a difficult undertaking. Before our election for the CCGS Board of Directors, the members who volunteered to be on the nominating committee called every person on the membership list, asking if they would serve. They also asked for input as to how we could better serve them. These one-on-one conversations brought many suggestions and concerns, as well as reminding members that we are a caring and active Society, and they have chosen to be a part of it.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Clallam County Genealogical Society DAR Databases for Genealogy

by Charles Hansen

Clallam County Genealogical Society Announcement:

Using the DAR Databases for Genealogy will be the topic of a presentation by Georgianna Seko for the Clallam County Genealogical Society Saturday meeting, February 15th at 9:30am.  Georgianna is a longtime member of the DAR, and has been doing genealogical research for several years.  She volunteers at the CCGS Research Center in Port Angeles.

The DAR website offers more than just Revolutionary War information to the researcher.  This overlooked resource may help one find that missing clue that will break down a brick wall.

Everyone is invited to watch the program, either by coming to the Research Center at 403 E. 8th Street in Port Angeles, or via Zoom.  To obtain the Zoom meeting number and passcode, contact the Society by email: askus@clallamcogs.org or phoning 360-417-5000 Tuesday-Friday from 10am to 4pm.  Participants are requested to sign in 15 minutes before the program.

There is no cost to attend the meeting and program. 

Six Societies Awarded Supportive Grants

by Roxanne Lowe

In a one-time departure from the norm, the WSGS Board of Directors awarded Supportive Grants to six of the societies that applied for grants. In the past, only two grants have been awarded. This year, however, the Board agreed with the reviewers that all six society projects deserved funding. The average amount of each grant was $250. Diane Huckabay, WSGS Education Chair, announced the awards at the Annual Meeting on August 30, 2024.

The grants were awarded to:

Black Genealogy Research Group of Seattle – Two registrations to attend the Family Tree Magazine University Courses. The two attendees will share their knowledge at monthly BGRG meetings.

Clallam County Genealogical Society — Defray some of the costs of speakers for their “Speakers’ Series.”

Jefferson County Genealogical Society – Support publicity for the society’s 40th anniversary celebration. It will also support their speaker from Scotland (on Zoom).

Lower Columbia County Genealogical Society – Print and distribute brochures advertising/ promoting the society, so they can be placed around a variety of local establishments, mostly libraries.

Okanogan County Genealogical Society – Fund a web page that documents Okanogan County cemeteries and the individuals buried in those cemeteries.

Sno-Isle County Genealogical Society – Fund the purchase of audio and visual equipment to support hybrid online and in-person meetings.

For more information about the Supportive Grants, click here.

Clallam County Genealogical Society November Seminar with Judy Russell

by Charles Hansen

 November 9th, 2004

An all-day seminar featuring

Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL –           The Legal Genealogist

                 **A Legal Perspective for Genealogists**

Clallam County is hosting a three-part seminar featuring the incomparable Judy G. Russell.  She is one of the most popular speakers for Genealogical Societies and National Events.  Her unusual lectures reflect her legal background and are always interesting, educational, and fun to listen to.

Schedule and Topics Information:

          9:15 – 9:30am              Registration Sign-in/Tech Check

                           9:30 – 9:45am              Introductions/ Announcements

                           9:45-10:45am              Session I: Revelers, Hogkillers and Disobedient Children: Early State Laws.                  

The laws our ancestors lived by tell their own story of life in earlier times, and early state laws from every part of the nation tell the stories of Blue Laws, wild animals, and children needing humbling.  Judy will include a look at early Washington State laws.

10:45- 11:00am                 Break

11:00am – Noon          Session II:Landing The Ancestors: Federal and State Land Records

Land records are among the earliest, most complete and most valuable genealogical records and often among the most puzzling. Understanding how land was acquired, measured and recorded under the law is essential to using the records effectively.  This is a good introduction to land records overall according to Judy.

                            Noon – 12:45pm         Lunch Break

12:45 – 1:45pm             Session III:Landing the Fourths: Proving a Case with Court, Land, and DNA Evidence

The father of Gustavus Boone Robertson (1827 MS-1903 TX) was William M. Robertson (c1795 NC-1864 MS). But who was Gustavus’s mother? No record directly identifies her, but court, land, and DNA evidence combine to prove the case as to the identity of this third great-grandmother and, in doing so, landing the fourths—fourth great-grandparents, that is. (This is a complex case study but can readily be followed by a general audience)             

The Seminar will be presented via Zoom so that you may listen to at home, or attend at the CCGS Research Center located at 403 E. 8th Street in Port Angeles, Washington.

The Zoom pass code and meeting number will be sent to participants via e-mail as soon as payment is received. (See below for cost)

Cost: 

$50 for CCGS members               $55 for non-CCGS members and at the door 

Early Bird Registration begins Tuesday, October 1st .  Save $10 off registration fee!

Early Bird Registration ends Tuesday, October 15th

Prepaid Registration by check or Paypal  ends Tuesday, November 5th

For more information, call CCGS Tues-Fri 10am to 4pm, and Saturdays noon to 4pm or visit our website:

Phone:  360-417-5000      Website:  www.clallamcogs.org.

Checks should be made out to CCGS.  Credit cards can use the Paypal app found on our website.

Clallam County Genealogical Society Ancestry Pro Tools

by Charles Hansen

Saturday, September 14th       9:45 to 11:00

The Clallam Genealogical Society will present Ancestry Pro Tools: Not Just for Professionals by Claudia Breland at their monthly meeting.

Earlier this year Ancestry.com rolled out an additional service called “Pro Tools,” which costs $10 per month.  This service includes charts, reports and analysis of your family tree discovering duplicates and errors.  And most useful to all those working with DNA, the program will include analyses of your shared matches and how much DNA they share with each other.  According to Claudia,  “This last one is a game-changer and worth every penny.”

In her presentation, Claudia will share how to use this new and powerful tool.

Claudia Breland is a professional genealogist since 2008, and has been involved with genealogy for 50 years.  She has a masters degree in library science.  She teaches classes, is a wonderful lecturer, has written several books and articles, and continues her studies in an everchanging world.

All are welcome to hear her presentation.   There is no charge for this lecture. 

You may join us by watching on Zoom or attending the lecture at the Clallam County Genealogical Society’s Research Center located at 402 E. 8th street in Port Angeles, Washington.

For more information or to get the Zoom meeting number and passcode, contact CCGS by phone:  (360) 417-5000 or by email: askus@clallamcogs.org. 

Clallam County Genealogical Society German Immigration Patterns

by Charles Hansen

Saturday, June 8th at 10:00am, the Clallam County Genealogical Society will welcome Claire Gebben, a noted genealogist.  She will appear in person at the KSQM-FM Community Room at 609 West Washington Street, in the Sequim Village Shopping Center, Sequim, WA.  Her topic will be German Immigration Patterns. 

Since the 19th Century millions of German-speaking emigrants were leaving Europe for places far and wide, especially North America.  Who were they and why did they leave?  The answer is complicated.  This talk explores waves of emigration in the historical context of wars, religious oppression, weather, economics, and other factors.  Presentation also includes a look at the patterns of settlement of German migrants on arrival in North America.

Clair Gebben is a public speaker, teacher, and writer.  She specializes in German genealogy, migration patterns and 19th century history. She has authored award winning novels and memoirs based upon the documented accounts of her ancestors.  Her articles have appeared in numerous periodicals.  Claire holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts.

Join us at our June 8th gathering, and meet Claire Gibben.  Her books will be available for purchase at that time. 

There is no cost to attending the meeting. 

The presentation will also be available on Zoom.  Call or e-mail the Society for the Zoom codes. (Please arrive or Zoom in at 9:45am.)

Phone:  360-417-5000       e-mail:  askus@clallamcogs.org          website: www.clallamcogs.org

Clallam County Genealogical Society The Musical Chicago and all that Genealogical Jazz

by Charles Hansen

Saturday, May 11th at 9:30 am, the Clallam County Genealogical Society (CCGS) will host Mike Karsen and his presentation: The Musical Chicago, and all that Genealogical Jazz.

The Broadway musical and Hollywood movie CHICAGO was based on the stories of two real-life women by the name of Belva and Beulah. Just as in the show and movie, these women killed their lovers. By collecting standard genealogical documents Mike Karsen pieces together their lives, and puts their tales into context relating to Chicago history.

A professional speaker from Chicago, Mike Karsen has spoken on family legacy topics locally and nationally, has presented at conferences and authored genealogy articles.  He is back with us at Clallam County by popular demand. His approach to genealogy is unique and entertaining as well.

All are invited to hear his presentation via Zoom or by coming to the CCGS Research Center located at 403 E. 8th Street in Port Angeles, WA. To join us with Zoom, contact the Society to obtain the Zoom Meeting number and passcode. Our phone number is 360-417-5000. Our web address is askus@clallamcogs.org. The Research Center is open Tuesday – Friday 10am – 4pm and on Saturdays noon to 4pm.

There is no cost to attending his wonderful presentation.

Clallam County Genealogical Society February & March 2024 Meetings

by Charles Hansen

Saturday, February 10th at 9:45, the Clallam County Genealogical Society will host a program presented by Mary Roddy.  The Hub of the Wheel: How Tracing a Brother with no Children connected Ten Siblings—

A family from Ireland emigrated in a chain migration Scheme to Western Pennsylvania between 1825 and 1845.  See how using the standards for researching connected siblings and their descendants and led to their origins in County Tyrone!

Mary Roddy is an author, coach, and lecturer.  She has published many articles in known Genealogical Magazines, and has provided lectures to Societies and National Conferences.

All are invited to watch the presentation via Zoom or by attending at the Clallam County Genealogical Society’s Research Center located at 403 E. 8th Street, Port Angeles, WA.  To obtain the Zoom meeting number and passcode, contact the Society:  360-417-5000 or askus@clallamcogs.org.

There is no charge to Claire Smith announcement

On Saturday, March 9th, the Clallam County Genealogical Society will present Claire Smith.  Her topic will be Shaking Loose the Clues: Using Timelines to Organize Your Research.

Claire Smith is a certified professional genealogist.  She always provides a very well organized, and interesting presentation that includes a gift of humor and supporting examples.

In Shaking Loose the Clues: Using Timelines to Organize Your Research, she will demonstrate how to organize the information you already have, Identify Gaps and determine what records you need to advance your research projects.  She will offer examples of adding historical context, parallel timelines, tracking FANS, tracking migration and resolving conflicting information.

The Program will be available to the public via Zoom or at the Clallam County Genealogical Society’s Research Center located at 403 E. 8th Street, Port Angeles.  One can obtain the Zoom meeting number and passcode by either calling the center at 360-417-5000 or by email request: askus@clallamcogs.org.

More information may be available at our website: www/clallamcogs.org.

There is no charge to join us watching this outstanding presentation.

Let’s Talk About….. Clallam Co Gen Soc & Cattle Brands

by Donna Phillips

The Clallam County (Washington) courthouse, built in 1914, in Port Angeles, is surely one of the most picturesque courthouses in America. I remember being in that building years ago and the women’s restroom stalls had pink marble walls!

The Clallam County Genealogical Society (CCGS) was founded in 1981. In 2020, the group purchased a newer and larger building ……… which they desperately needed to house their library of 3000 books, periodicals and microfilms. If you’re thinking of a trip to Port Angeles, and want to visit their library, know that their entire catalog is accessible online:  www.clallamcogs.org.  

CCGS also maintains  offers an index to the 500 Pioneer Family files…… pioneers who were in Clallam County prior to Washington statehood in 1889. 

The Fall 1988 issue of their society’s periodical (no longer published), there was a great article originally found in a 1945 issue of The Genealogy Magazine of New Jersey. The title was “The Use of Livestock Brands and Earmarks in Genealogy.”

The article states: “The system of marking the ears of cattle and hogs was used in the early days just as cattle brands are employed in the West today. In colonial times, livestock were often allowed to roam freely on the village green. When evening came, the marks were necessary to separate which animals belonged to which owner. The registration of marks was kept by the village clerk and later by the county auditor.

“Such registrations were continued well into the 20th century when vast herds of cattle and sheep roamed the vast acreage of public lands in the West.”

I know that the Eastern Washington Branch of our Washington State Archives has brand books for our state. I’ve looked up the registered brand for hubby’s uncle and VIOLA, there it was. If your Pacific Northwest ancestor had roaming livestock, it’s quite likely that he had a brand and that that brand (or ear mark) was legally registered.

Clallam County Genealogical Society DNA- Centi What; Morgan Who; Working with DNA Results

by Charles Hansen

The Clallam County Genealogical Society is beginning it’s Speaker’ Series Saturday, January 13 beginning at 10:10. Beth Swarz will present a lecture on DNA – Centi What; Morgan Who…Working with DNA Results.

Beth has specialized in helping solve unknown parent/family connections through DNA and creating, building & researching family trees.

She presently is President of Moreno Valley Genealogical Society; a member of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy; National Genealogical Society; and Family Search Center Staff and is involved in several other Societies.

All are invited to watch this interesting presentation, by either by coming to the CCGS Research Center or via Zoom.  There is no cost to attend.

To obtain the Zoom meeting number and codes, email the Society at askus@clallamcogs.org or phone us at 360-417-5000.  We are at the Research Center Tuesday-Friday, 10am to 4pm and on Saturdays noon to 4pm.  The research center is located at 403 8th Street in Port Angeles, on the corner of 8th Street and Peabody.  

Everyone is invited to visit and do research at our Research Center during open hours at no cost.  We share our data bases, computers, and library materials with the public.  If you visit Clallam County, do stop and see us.