Friday, November 28, 2014

Got Your 2015 Calendar Yet?

We've still got some pretty important events in the next month, but if you're already looking ahead, be sure to mark Saturday, June 27 as the 2015 WSGS Annual State Conference in Ellensburg.

This single-day conference promises to be chock-full of classes, networking, and recognition, highlighted by our guest lecturer  David Rencher, Chief Genealogical Officer at FamilySearch.

Watch the blog for more details. And don't forget to mark your calendar!

Kittitas County Genealogical Society News

26 Nov 2014
WSGS news about
Kittitas County genealogical Society from Warren”Tuck” Forsythe, KCGS Treas.
 
Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2014 11:49 AM
Subject: Dec 1: no regular genealogy meeting
 

Monday Dec 1st no regular Genealogy Meeting but instead
If you’ve prepaid, there is a 6 pm dinner at Methodist Church, with
Serenade of seasonal songs by The Sparrow Choir

There will be good door prizes during dinner.

Also Tuck will be giving away some new copies of books on first come basis starting about 5 45 pm. But I tried to give away same books last year; so most people who want them already have them.

So I’ll save a set of books for new members Ruth Miller & Donna Senter.

NGS..... May Conference in St. Louis & More

What's Happening at the National Genealogical Society - November 2014

Inside this issue: 
  • Gifts Suggestions for your Family Historian this Holiday Season 
  • The Federal Census-An Historical Overview-FREE COURSE 
  • Full Conference Program for the NGS 2015 Family History Conference Released: Conference Registration Opens 1 December 2014
  • Upcoming NGS Research Trips 
  • Genealogy Courses Offered by NGS 
  • Register Now For Pharos Course: My British Isles Origins - When and How Do I Cross the Pond? 
  • NGS Quarterly 
  • NGS Magazine 
  • Upfront with NGS 
  • Upcoming NGS Family History Conferences

Gifts Suggestions for Your Family Historian This Holiday Season 

Do you have a family historian on your holiday shopping list? Here are five great gifts any genealogist would love to receive from the National Genealogical Society. 
  • Gift an Annual Membership with the National Genealogical Society http://goo.gl/H3b4cG 
  • Fold3 Annual Membership http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/fold3 
  • Genealogy and the Law: A Guide to Legal Sources for the Family Historian, an essential guide to the intersection between the law and genealogical research: 
- Paperback Edition: http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/genealogy_and_the_law 
- Kindle Edition: Coming soon; in time for Christmas! 
  • Mastering Genealogical Proof, an essential guide to genealogical research: 
- Kindle Edition: http://goo.gl/rwp1tP

The Federal Census-An Historical Overview 

The National Genealogical Society in partnership with FamilySearch has released a free course, The Federal Census: An Historical Overview. This is a series of five interactive online lessons developed by NGS to help people learn about finding their family in the Federal Population Schedules. For more information visit http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/educational_courses/online_courses/federal_population_schedules 

Full Conference Program for the NGS 2015 Family History Conference Released: Conference Registration Opens 1 December 2014 

The National Genealogical Society (NGS) is pleased to announce the 2015 Family History Conference program is now available in a sixteen-page registration brochure, which is downloadable at http://goo.gl/x92kAgThe online version of the St. Charles NGS Family History Conference program is also available on the conference website at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/agendaRegistration opens on 1 December 2014

The conference offers a number of workshops, tours, and social events that have limited seating. To secure tickets to these events, register on opening day,1 December 2014, or very soon thereafter at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/event-registration/

The St. Charles, Missouri Convention Center is the site of the13-16 May 2015 conference. The Conference features nationally known speakers and subject matter experts for more than 150 lectures given on a broad array of topics. Topics include records that highlight research in Midwestern states; national and regional migration paths; land, military, immigration, and naturalization records; and ethnic and religious groups including African Americans, Czech, German, Irish, Jewish, Native American, Polish, and Scots-Irish. Also covered is methodology, analysis, and problem solving; the use of DNA testing and genetic genealogy; the use of technology including mobile devices for genealogy, and websites useful in genealogical research. 

The registration brochure provides details about conference logistics, describes the social events, tours, workshops, and includes the daily conference program with the name of each speaker, the lecture title, and a brief description of the presentation. For additional information about what you might experience at the 2015 NGS Family History Conference, visit http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/tips-for-first-time-conference-attendees/

The sold out exhibit hall will be free and open to the public Wednesday through Saturday at the St. Charles Conference Center. Exhibitors include genealogy database companies, software offerings, online providers, booksellers, genealogical societies, research and educational institutions, genetic testing providers, and much more. 

For up-to-date information about conference hotels, including the availability, amenities, and rates, visit http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/attend/accommodations/
Sign up for the NGS Conference Blog at http://conferenceblog.ngsgenealogy.org to receive the latest conference news and announcements. 

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Ruth Caesar Named Outstanding Volunteer

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, 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 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Today we’re introducing Ruth Caesar who was nominated by the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society. She was recognized for her leader­ship, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS).

In her second term as President of the SVGS, Ms. Caesar is a firm believer that excellence can be obtained if you care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical, and expect more than others think is possible. She channels the talents of her membership allowing them to reach for the stars.

Under her leadership, the Stillygen.org website was overhauled, ensured the Stillaguamish Valley Early Schools books got to press, and secured grants to keep the SVGS running. As chair of the Washington State Genealogy Conference planning committee, she kept the ball rolling even though her whole world changed on Saturday, March 22, 2014, when the Oso mudslide careened through her area.

Even the devastating mudslide did not stop her leadership and guidance to ensure a successful conference. As a result, she richly deserved to be a recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

 

Monday, November 24, 2014

Who Is Reading the WSGS Blog??

Pageviews today
7
Pageviews yesterday
8
Pageviews last month
421
Pageviews all time history
2,229
Folks are reading our WSGS blog!!!

The stats that I copied and pasted above for you are the stats from today on the website. (You cannot get into these stats.) The figures above mean that by 1:30pm today, seven folks had clicked to view the blog, and 421 clicked on last month. There are been 2,229 views since the blog began back in May. For sure, these are not fantastic figures, but they are a start. 

Susan Faulkner, WSGS Education Chair, and I have been working on the genesis of the Outreach Project. Phase One was to gather a viable email address and contact name for each genealogical society within the WSGS region. That list is mostly complete and Susan just sent out a letter explaining the aims and goals of the project.

With a database of contact people and emails, think how much more quickly the word can be spread about upcoming events in your society! You (or the contact person from your society) will email to me (Donna) a posting-ready blurb about your society's upcoming whatever, and I will asap post it on the WSGS blog. The contact person in each society is responsible for relaying the notice to all the members in their group. Think how quickly and how wide spread the word of YOUR event can go!

Susan Faulkner and I are quite enthused and excited about this project and how much good the WSGS blog can prove to be for all genealogical societies within the WSGS region. Hope you are too.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Book Talk Upcoming At Our Washington State Archives

(With thanks to Bonnie Jean MacDonald for alerting us and sharing this.)

Hello All,

In case you are interested, I thought I would pass along a book talk we are having at the Washington State Archives on Thursday, November 20th.  If you cannot make that date, the Washington State Library will be hosting one December 11 in the afternoon.  There is a flyer attached with more information.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thank you
Tracy


Tracy Rebstock
Washington State Archives Southwest Regional Branch
1129 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98504
(360) 753-1684
Business Hours Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

For research requests or information concerning local records management, please email wlmailhtml:SWBranchArchives@sos.wa.gov

OSOS Kim Signature block

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

New Book Reports

The following books have been reviewed for the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society Bulletin and the Washington State Genealogical Society’s Blog by Richard Kyle and are available for purchase on-line from the Southern Historical Press at <southernhistorialpress.com>

The next issue of the YVGS Bulletin is December 1, 2014. The WSGS Blog can be found at WashGenSoc.blogspot.com.
 
 
Marriage & Death Notices from Columbia, South Carolina Newspapers 1792-1839 Volume #1
by Brent Holcomb
114 pages and indexed
available from Southern Historical Press for $20.00 plus $5.00 shipping
 
     The city of Columbia was almost totally destroyed by a fire in 1865. One of the results of this fire was the probably destruction of any old newspapers and records that existed for the city and surrounding area. The author has gone to great length and effort to discover where copies of the old newspapers still exist. The extracts in this volume come from newspaper holdings held by the Library of Congress, and libraries in Massachusetts, South Carolina, North Carolina, Connecticut and Virginia. With the lack of available records for deaths and marriages for this location, this volume is invaluable for recording a large number of marriages and deaths appearing in the local paper. Not only do the notices give a name, place and date for the event, but also tend to include family members and their relationship to the individual listed. This is a must consult volume for research in this area. This may very well be the only place that marriage or death you are looking for appears.
 
 
Marriage Bonds and Minister Returns of Halifax County, Virginia 1753-1800
by Catherine Lindsay Knorr
107 pages and indexed
available from Southern Historical Press for $20.00 plus $5.00 shipping
 
     This volume is a reprint of the original book which was first published in 1957. It has been reproduced in its entirety exactly as the original. Halifax County was formed in 1753 and this book presents the marriages and minister returns from that year up to the year 1800. The book was produced from the early county records and vestry books held in the Halifax County courthouse. The author has done a commendable job in extracting out the information from these sources giving information about the marriages occurring during this time period. Many of the records give other family relationships. An excellent reference book to consult to see if your Halifax County ancestor is listed.
 
 
The "Cornstalk" Militia of Kentucky 1792-1811
by G. Glenn Cliff
206 pages and indexed
available from Southern Historical Press for $30.00 plus $5.00 shipping
 
     This volume is a reprint from the original book published in 1982. This book is basically the history of the individual units and the officers of the Kentucky state militia from the time of statehood (1792) until the beginning of the War of 1812. The 16 page preface details out the acts that created the militia and then gives the dates that each unit existed. The rest of the volume is a listing of the officers of the militia giving their rank, county and date of service. This is a good, basic reference book identifying a large number of the early members of the state militia. A good book to have and/or to consult if you have a lot of family in Kentucky during this time period. Finding service in the early militia may help you identify county of residence or give clues for finding other records.
 
 
 
Marriage, Death, and Estate Notices from Georgetown, South Carolina Newspapers 1791-1861
by Brent Holcumb
208 pages and indexed
available from Southern Historical Press for $25.00 plus $5.00 shipping
 
     The Georgetown District of South Carolina was one of the last districts of the state to be broken up into counties. During the Civil War the records for the Georgetown District were taken to Cheraw, South Carolina for safekeeping where they were destroyed in a fire in 1865. These extracts from the Georgetown newspapers at least partially makeup for the lost records for the Georgetown District. They are a wealth of data for determining family relationships in a time period where few records exist. If you have family in Georgetown or the surrounding area during this time period, this is one book you will want to look at and have on hand. There are a lot of records recorded here you may not see anywhere else.
 
 
The Supplement to Wilkes County, Papers (1773-1889)
by Robert Scott Davis
157 pages and indexed
available from Southern Historical Press for $22.50 plus $5.00 shipping
 
     This book is comprised of a collection of articles that author wrote and contributed to the Georgia Genealogical Magazine and the Georgia State Genealogical Society, The articles have been collected, compiled and reformatted to make this volume. The articles contained within the book are a cross section of records obtained from various county sources, some not readily available to the average genealogist. Among the records included are various lists of soldiers, land court minutes, estate records from the Toomey Collection, Justice of the Peace Court cases and tax digests. Because of the broad range of records included it is very likely your family member may be included among the entries. This is another interesting and valuable reference book that might provide you with the exact data you have been looking for. A must see volume for Wilkes County research.

New Book Reports

The following books have been reviewed for the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society Bulletin and the Washington State Genealogical Society’s Blog by Richard Kyle and are available for purchase on-line from the Southern Historical Press at <southernhistorialpress.com>

The next issue of the YVGS Bulletin is December 1, 2014. The WSGS Blog can be found at WashGenSoc.blogspot.com.
 
 
Obituaries From Tennessee Newspapers 1851-1899
by Jill K. Knight
434 pages and indexed
available from Southern Historical Press for $38.50 plus $5.00 shipping.
 
     This is a very valuable book to those doing Tennessee research in the 1851-1900 time period. The obituaries in this volume mainly come from microfilms of old newspapers held by the Tennessee State Library, but also include a large number from volumes and clippings owned exclusively by the author. They include newspapers from across the entire state. In addition, when available the author has added in additional data and insights. A large number of the obituaries contained in the book are lengthy and  full of detail, humor and pathos we normally don't see in today's obits. This volume is a very interesting read, even if you don't have family in Tennessee. The obits contained therein give a very colorful and vivid insight into the customs, morals and society of this time period. This would be a valuable addition to the bookshelf of any dedicated Tennessee genealogist.
 
 
Early Court Records of Columbia County, Georgia   1792-1840
by Mrs. F.F. Butler
151 pages and indexed
available from Southern Historical Press for $22.50 plus $5.00 shipping
 
     This volume provides a large amount of genealogical insight into the families that populated Columbia County, Georgia from 1792 to 1840. The extracts and records provided in this book were actually hand copied straight from the original records stored in the courthouse at Appling, Georgia. At a time where genealogical records of any type can be scarce, especially for the time period listed, this volume could hold the key to proving out lineages for people from this area. The court records included range from all types of probate proceedings to land transactions to civil and criminal court cases. An important book to consult or own if you have family from this county.
 
 
1790 Census of Kentucky
by Charles B. Heinemann
181 pages
available from Southern Historical Press for $25.00 plus $5.00 shipping
 
     In 1790 the first United States federal census of the country was taken. This first census included the name of the head of household and then listed other family members by number, age and category. During the War of 1812 the British burned the U.S. capital. One of the things destroyed in the fire was the 1790 census for the District of Kentucky. In an effort to at least partially recreate this census, the 1789 to the 1792 personal property tax lists held by the Kentucky State Historical Society were extracted and published in this publication. Because of the rarity of early Kentucky records for this time period, this volume is an important asset to anyone performing early Kentucky research. The listing in the volume are alphabetical and give the county where taxed and the tax date. A good reference item for the bookshelf for Kentucky researchers.
 
 
History of Truro Parish, Virginia (Fairfax County)
by Rev. Philip Slaughter
164 pages and partially indexed
available from Southern Historical Press for $25.00 plus $5.00 shipping
 
     This is a reprint of the original first published in 1907. Truro Parish, located in Fairfax County, Virginia, was established in the early 1700's and covered a large amount of the area of the Northern Neck of Virginia. The volume was written by using the original Vestry Books covering the time period from about 1732 to about 1802. At a time when the church was involved with a large number of items in the community, the book covers things from the administration of the parish to dealing with the poor. Although the book does not give a lot of genealogical data for the common parish member, it is rich in detail about the clerks and vestrymen who ran the parish. It is also a valuable book for giving the social insight of the power and effect the church exercised in the local community. Certainly a book you will want to read through and consult if you have family in this area.
 
 
Earliest County Court Records of Bedford County, Tennessee
by Helen and Timothy Marsh
188 pages and indexed
available from Southern Historical Press for $25.00 plus $5.00 shipping
 
     In 1863 there was a fire in the courthouse of Bedford County which destroyed a large portion of the county records, especially those records that pre-date 1848. This volume presents abstracts of the county court records from 1848 to 1860. Since the fire destroyed almost all of the wills, probate records, guardianship records, etc., these remaining court records are invaluable in helping identify family members and genealogical data. The authors have done a superb job of extracting out genealogical data from these records and the book is full of important details and family connections pertaining to deaths, probates, administrations and guardianships. If you have family in Bedford County, the data you need to prove your relationships may be included in this volume. It is certainly an important volume due to the large number of individuals and relationships covered. A "must look at" book for this area.
 

Query: Charles Brown m. Thursa Maneval in Whatcom County in 1902; Who Were His Parents?

Query posted to the Skagit Valley Gen Soc and forwarded to me from Hazel Rasar to share with all the genealogists in the WSGS region:
Robert Brown    brow2215@bellsouth.net  wrote:
I have been searching for any information on Charles Brown.  Charles died 12 Feb 1941 in Sedro-Woollley.  He was married to Thursa Maneval.  I found a death notice on Family Search historical records which stated his father was Bruce Brown and his mother was Eliza Yoho.  The father that I had for Charles was Hiram Shepherd Brown.  The Hiram Shepherd Brown family was in Missouri in 1879 when Hiram Shepherd Brown died.  I would like to find an obituary for Charles or better some of his descendants.  Or, an old family bible record to settle who the Father was would be nice.  I am not sure who the father  since many old records used nick names and folk lore names rather than their  birth given names.  Any help in answering the father question would be greatly appreciated.
Ans:  Charles Brown with a wife of Thursa was not found in Skagit County  until the 1940 census.  He was married in 1902 in Lynden, Whatcom County.  He was located in Clear  Lake, Skagit County, WA on the 1940 census.  Both Charles  and  Thursa are buried in Union Cemetery in Sedro Woolley.  Funeral Home record lists the father of Charles as Hiram and this information was given by his 70 year old wife).
From Hazel:  This gentleman is attempting to determine what the father's actual name is.  We have found no evidence that the name Bruce should be considered, it is possibly a transcription error.  Anyone else having a different opinion is welcome. A Skagit County obituary is not readily available.    

NOTE:  A query is a query; in order for a query to be posted here there does not have to be an answer too. The idea is to get the query in front of more eyes in hopes of just the "right" eyes.  Donna

Monday, November 17, 2014

Patrick Bundy Named Outstanding Volunteer


Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, 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 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Patrick James Bundy of Yakima was nominated by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society for a 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award. He was recognized for his leader­ship, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the society.

 A 30-year member of YVGS, Mr. Bundy has served in a number of society capacities. He is currently Vice-President and program chair, as well as handling the duties of publicity.  In the early years of YVGS, he served as Recording Secretary and President. Mr. Bundy is also on a three-person board for the expansive YVGS library, and is in charge of book binding.

 Mr. Bundy was instrumental in developing a library affiliation with the Genealogical Society of Utah Affiliate Library Program in Salt Lake City. 

 Besides his many activities with the YVGS, he is also active in the Washington State Genealogical Society, currently serving as historian. As a result of his many and varied activities, he richly deserved to be a recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page at the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

How Did Thanksgiving Become the Fourth Thursday?

Just how did Thanksgiving become a national holiday? With big thanks to American Spirit, magazine of the Daughter of the American Revolution, Nov-Dec 2015, for this information (from which article I liberally quoted).

We can thank Sarah Joseph Buell Hale who convinced President Lincoln to issue that famous proclamation.

Sarah Josepha Buell was born in New Hampshire in 1788. In 1813 she married David Hale who left her a widow with five young children in 1821.

Having to support her children, Sarah took to writing was was successfully published. While she was self-educated she pushed for women's rights and wrote many editorials using her authority to promote a variety of causes she was passionate about.



In 1837, Sarah wrote the first of many editorials aimed at making Thanksgiving a national holiday. At the time, it was observed at the state level, usually on the last Thursday in November. Sarah kept up her efforts through the 1840s  and in 1860 she wrote, "This year the last Thursday in November falls on the 29th. If all the States and Territories hold their Thanksgiving on that day there will be a complete moral and social reunion of the people of America in 1860. Would this not be a good omen for the perpetual political union of the States? May God grant us not only the omen but the fulfillment is our dearest wish!"

The clouds of the Civil War were gathering on the horizon and Sarah felt them keenly and dreaded what the war would bring to her country, family and friends.

After one more letter to him in September 1863, finally on October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation making the last Thursday in November a national day of Thanksgiving.  Not fully satisfied, Sarah continued her efforts into 1871 pressing Congress to enact legislation proclaiming a set date for Thanksgiving.

When you gather friends and family, and serve that roast turkey this year on November 27th, remember Sarah Josepha Buell Hall for helping establish this holiday.

Remember, too, that in the fall of 1863 the war was raging and yet President Lincoln took time for this. That tells me how important this day really is.  Donna

WSGS Secretary Roger Newman Receives Honor

I received this notice from Dick Moody regarding Roger Newman. The link he provided goes directly to Facebook and a great photo of Roger.  This pix is of the entire WSGS Board; Roger is pictured here at the extreme right. We are proud of you, Roger!   Donna


Hi Donna:

I recall you telling the group at the state conference about the WSGS moving from a newsletter to a blog, and that you were the WSGS' blogger. If not, please forward this to the appropriate person.

Roger Newman was honored this week by the Olympia Genealogical Society with Special Life Member status. The Facebook link to the photo and story that you can share to the WSGS site is:

Thanks,

Dick Moody
Member, Olympia Genealogical Society Board of Directors
Editor, Olympia Genealogical Society Quarterly


Monday, November 10, 2014

Chelan Valley Genealogical Society & Cemeteries on the Road to There

I was once again invited to spend a day with the small-but-eager group of folks of the Chelan Valley Genealogical Society on Saturday, November 8th. I'm pictured below with Maureen White, outgoing president. Chris Courtwright is the incoming president with Susan McKinnon as VP, Maureen White as secretary, and Sue Young as treasurer. They meet in the brand new Chelan Public Library's meeting room. The little group is struggling a bit; their website and Facebook page are a bit behind.


On my drive over and back I stopped to take photos at two cemeteries because I found them so picturesque. This first is in Douglas County and when I mentioned my stop to the group, Maureen spoke up that her grandparents are resting there!



This next was of the Hartline Cemetery in Grant County:


I think all of us who claim to be genealogists have an affinity for cemeteries. And we learn that no matter how seemingly rural or remote, they have flowers of remembrance and when talking to local folks, the dead resting there are remembered. My point is: They are dead but not forgotten, no matter that few ever see or visit their resting places.

We would welcome your cemetery photos for sharing on our blog. Send them to me, Donna, at Donna243@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

WOW News from Dick Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter, 4 Nov 2014:

Huge New King County, Washington, Database Unveiled

The following announcement was written by the Seattle Genealogical Society:
The Seattle Genealogical Society is proud to announce the availability of a huge database, the SGS King County Court Cases Index, 1881-1980, or KC3I for short. This index contains over 1.7 million records. Of these, divorces and other end-of marriage cases comprise over 700,000 of the entries, and probate and similar cases account for nearly 300,000 more.
The KC3I was created over a ten year period by a small but resolute group of SGS volunteers from over 100 boxes of index cards from the Chicago Title Company. It is an index of ALL King County court cases that could potentially affect property rights, and therefore the title to property from before 1881 through 1980. In addition to divorce and probate cases, the KC3I also includes all King County court cases involving name changes, community property agreements and guardianships, among others. Nearly 80,000 hours of volunteer time went into the creation of the KC3I.
As its name suggests, the KC3I is an index only. It does not contain abstracts or summaries of these cases. A search of this index:
a) informs you if your ancestor was a party in one or more cases during this period; b) lists the date and a few other details about each case (such as date of marriage or death, wife's maiden name, etc.); and c) provides you with the case number and date of each case.
Once you have the case numbers, you can then obtain the complete case records from the King County Court Clerk's office.
Anyone with ancestors who lived in King County, Washington between 1850 and 1980 should be aware of this index, which is not available anywhere else, other than in the King County Superior Court Clerk's office.
For more information, please visit http://www.seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/kc3i or email us atSGSkc3iLookups@gmail.com.
Please feel free to forward this announcement to other groups or individuals.
Do you have comments, questions, or corrections to this article? If so, please post your words at the end of this article in the Standard Edition newsletter’s web site where everyone can benefit from your words. You might also want to read comments posted by others there.

Don Boatright Awarded Outstanding Volunteer Award


Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.
 
 

Don Boatright of Yakima was nominated by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society (YVGS). He was recognized for his leader­ship, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the society.

Mr. Boatright has served as membership chairman of the YVGS for the last two and one-half years.  His duties included updating and maintaining membership records on the YVGS website, as well as verifying addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and other pertinent information.  He has also taken it upon himself to update the society’s life members list.

Mr. Boatright has volunteered his time at many fundraisers, including serving coffee at the Indian John Hill rest stop off Interstate 90 and at society-sponsored yard sales.  He has contributed to the society’s library needs by making, erecting and maintaining locator signs above the book shelves.

Under Mr. Boatright’s leadership, YVGS’s membership has grown while many societies have seen their memberships shrink.  As a result of his concerted efforts, he richly deserved to be a recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page on the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

 

Monday, November 3, 2014

Eric Stroshein Offers Great Researching Tips



During the June 2013 WSGS conference in Yakima, Eric Strochiem used the image of the 140 year old banyan tree in downtown Lahina, Maui. "There is no danger of this tree being blown over in a tropical storm," he explained. "Each branch that curves to the ground, and then roots, becomes part of the forest of trunks of the tree that firmly help anchor the tree. No wind will blow over this tree!"

So it is with a well-rooted family tree. If the "roots," the foundation of that tree, are sound, then the branching tree will withstand scrutiny and testing and will stand as the correct tree for your family.

Eric offered tips and suggestions as to how we can have a family tree "rooted as firmly as that banyan in Lahina." I loved this quote of his, "Genealogy is not the act of looking up ancestors; it is the process of tracking down and tracing relevant information about persons. And hope is not a strategy!"

The suggestions Eric taught us that day included applying the GPS:  Genealogical Proof Standard in all its parts. (Ask Google to learn more.)

1.  Perform a reasonably exhaustive search.
2.  Write complete and accurate source citations.
3.  Analyze and correlate the collected data.
4.  Resolve any conflicting evidence.
5.  Write up a soundly reasoned, coherent conclusion.

In more "kindergarten" terms, these points might be stated thusly:

1.  When working on a genealogy problem you don't have the luxury of picking and choosing what records and sources to look at; you must look at everything.
2.  Keep written track of where you find every little bit of information.
3.  Take the time to study what you've found and see if it makes sound sense.
4.  Don't do generalogy, do genealogy.
5.  Write up the story of what stories you've learned about the events in your ancestor's life.


You must not, should not and really cannot build a solid family tree with roots that are barely hanging on in a sandy bank over the lake!

Thanks, Eric, for your good teachings.