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A good look at the 1860 U.S. Census
The 1860 U.S. census was taken right before the American Civil War. Comparing the 1860 U.S. census with the 1870 U.S. census can show the impact of the war on many American families, particularly in the Southern States.
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A good look at the 1840 U.S. Census
The 1840 U.S. census is the sixth census taken since the 1790 U.S. Census. The official census day was 1 June 1840 and the enumeration was completed in 5 months. The U.S. Marshalls and their assistants were responsible for taking the count in each district. The 1840 U.S. census had pre-printed forms and was similar…
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A good look at the 1830 U.S. Census
The 1830 U.S. census was the fifth census taken in the United States. This census is similar to the previous censuses in format and style. This census expanded on the questions that were asked by creating more age brackets broken down in 10 year increments
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Naming Patterns – The Search for Darthula Ross pt. 7
There are many examples around the world of naming patterns, the system of assigning names to individuals from one generation to the next. These naming patterns can make research easier in some ways because the naming pattern may give you a clue that you are on the right path.
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Hopeful DNA Research – The Search for Darthula Ross pt. 6
Beginning DNA research starts with analyzing your DNA matches. Ancestry compares your DNA match’s trees with your tree. By overlapping the trees, you can see new possible connections. These possible connections still need to be researched and verified, but they have definitely opened doors for many people.
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Civil War Era Newspapers – The Search for Darthula Ross pt. 4
One way to gain an insight into an ancestor’s life is to view historic newspapers. Alabama Archives have digitized Civil War era newspapers, which is a tremendous resource. This collection contains newspapers from the entire state, including some from Lauderdale and Limestone County.
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Marriage records – The Search for Darthula Ross pt. 3
Marriage records for Alabama began about 1820. Lauderdale County is not a burned county, so it did not experience major record loss. However, Florence was destroyed during the Civil War. The courthouse was still standing at the end of the war, but it is still possible there was some record loss. Limestone County, however, is…
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A Brick Wall – The Search for Darthula Ross pt. 1
A genealogical brick wall is a dead end or a very difficult research problem. There may be a lack of records, few records, or no records. Many of us have spent years researching brick wall ancestors with little success. DNA testing is helping some of us break through those brick walls, but even DNA testing…
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