On June 1st the 1921 Canada census passed into public domain in the care of the Library and Archives Canada (LAC). I've been waiting a long time for this release as have many others researching their Canadian families. According to LAC the 1921 census will be made available in the next few weeks.
I have many family members to look up. Some of my first look ups will be my father, who should be recorded as a 3 1/2 year old boy. One of my maternal Great Grandfathers Oscar Anderson should also appear in this census. The only Canadian census he will be recorded in as he died in the fall of 1921. Also his children including my Grandmother Hilda Anderson.
Who will be your first 1921 census look ups?
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Sorting Saturday ~ How I Organize My Digital Files
Organizing your digital files is so important. It is so easy to misplace important files in the abyss of your hard drive! Not to mention having your files properly organized makes it so much easier to back up your data to the cloud or an external hard drive for safe keeping.
When I first started adding my genealogy records onto my computer, I tested out a few different file systems to see what worked for me the best.
I store all of my genealogical data in my Dropbox folder. I love Dropbox because it makes backing up your data so simple and it's easy to access your data from another computer.
In my Dropbox folder I have a sub folder called Genealogy. In this folder I keep sub folders for my correspondence copies, history books, photos, my RootsMagic back up files and working files and surnames.
Inside the surnames folder I create a folder for each person the tree belongs to. I have one for my tree, my hubby's tree and any other friends I might be helping with their research.
Inside each of these folders I break the lines down with surname folders. Inside each surname folder I give each family group their own folder. Inside these I make folders for birth, marriage, death, and any other fact that I have images or documents for. I store all documents created before a persons marriage in their parents folders.
I find this system works really well for me. I can quickly find any record by going straight to the persons family group folder.
Currently I've been keeping my genealogy photos separate from the records collections. I've been thinking it might be simpler if I merged these together by adding a photos sub folder to each family group that I have genealogical records for. I haven't fully made up my mind yet.
How do you organize your digital genealogy files?
If your not currently using Dropbox to backup your files and would like to try it out, using my affiliate link will give each of us an extra 500 MB of free space, on top of the 2 GB of free space they start you with. I receive no payment of any kind from Dropbox other than the extra free space, I'm just a very happy user. Thank you!
When I first started adding my genealogy records onto my computer, I tested out a few different file systems to see what worked for me the best.
I store all of my genealogical data in my Dropbox folder. I love Dropbox because it makes backing up your data so simple and it's easy to access your data from another computer.
In my Dropbox folder I have a sub folder called Genealogy. In this folder I keep sub folders for my correspondence copies, history books, photos, my RootsMagic back up files and working files and surnames.
Inside the surnames folder I create a folder for each person the tree belongs to. I have one for my tree, my hubby's tree and any other friends I might be helping with their research.
Inside each of these folders I break the lines down with surname folders. Inside each surname folder I give each family group their own folder. Inside these I make folders for birth, marriage, death, and any other fact that I have images or documents for. I store all documents created before a persons marriage in their parents folders.
I find this system works really well for me. I can quickly find any record by going straight to the persons family group folder.
Currently I've been keeping my genealogy photos separate from the records collections. I've been thinking it might be simpler if I merged these together by adding a photos sub folder to each family group that I have genealogical records for. I haven't fully made up my mind yet.
How do you organize your digital genealogy files?
If your not currently using Dropbox to backup your files and would like to try it out, using my affiliate link will give each of us an extra 500 MB of free space, on top of the 2 GB of free space they start you with. I receive no payment of any kind from Dropbox other than the extra free space, I'm just a very happy user. Thank you!
Friday, April 26, 2013
How to export from Evernote as a PDF and convert to JPG
I am a huge Evernote fan and I've used it daily for the past few years. I've found it to be a wonderful help when I'm researching. I can clip webpages, forum comments, images and make notes for the person or area I'm researching.
Evernote does have a flaw that I've had many genealogy friends mention. You can only export from Evernote in .enex, .mht, and html formats. This is not helpful if your wanting to export notes or images to attach to genealogy software! Most genealogy programs are able to link document files, PDFs and image files like jpg with out a problem.
My work around for this is instead of using the Evernote export option I use print to file. Then I have it print the note as a PDF. Linux and Mac's can do this normally with out issue, but if your running Windows and don't have Adobe Acrobat you can still set this up. You will need to install a free PDF printing program. I've used both PDF995 and CutePDF in the past and both worked well. As with most free software remember to check for browser add-on bars and unselect these if they are not something you want during the install.
The screenshots I'm demoing below where taken with the Evernote web interface, but it works the same what with their desktop software. I'm a Linux user and since Evernote doesn't have a Linux version I often find I work in web format. As a sidenote I do have Evernote installed in Crossover and use NixNote as well, I'll post more about that another day. Your screen might look slightly different depending on what operating system your using but the options should sill be there.
In Evernote, select the note you want to export then go to the File Menu and select Print. When the print window comes up select Print to File.
After selecting Print to File you will have the option to enter a file name and decide where you want to save the PDF.
You can see below I've given the PDF the name evernotetest.pdf and told it to save in my Kim folder.
After clicking print go to your destination folder and your Evernote note will be there in PDF format. Now you can easily attach this to your genealogy software or upload it to Ancestry.com.
If you prefer to work with JPGs instead of PDFs you can now convert this PDF into a JPG. I like to use the free GIMP software for this.
In GIMP go to File then OPEN and find your PDF. You will see an option screen to select how you want to import your PDF. If it has multiple pages, you can select any or all of them to import. You can also select the image resolution option. If your only going to use this for web then the default 100px is more then enough. However if you want to print this then you will want to increase it to 300px. When ready click on Import.
Your PDF has now been imported into GIMP. Now you can crop and edit it if you like.
When you are finished and ready to save it as a JPG, go to the File menu and select Export. Now you can give your file a name and use the Select File Type box to pick JPG.
After clicking Export you will get one more menu pop up to select the quality of the JPG file. Click on Export when you are done here.
Now your JPG is ready and you can work with it as you would any image.
Because you are using the Export option you will still have your original PDF copy and your new JPG copy on your computer to work with. Now you can go a head and link either file to your favourite genealogy software, add the jpg to your blog or share with others who don't use Evernote.
Evernote does have a flaw that I've had many genealogy friends mention. You can only export from Evernote in .enex, .mht, and html formats. This is not helpful if your wanting to export notes or images to attach to genealogy software! Most genealogy programs are able to link document files, PDFs and image files like jpg with out a problem.
My work around for this is instead of using the Evernote export option I use print to file. Then I have it print the note as a PDF. Linux and Mac's can do this normally with out issue, but if your running Windows and don't have Adobe Acrobat you can still set this up. You will need to install a free PDF printing program. I've used both PDF995 and CutePDF in the past and both worked well. As with most free software remember to check for browser add-on bars and unselect these if they are not something you want during the install.
The screenshots I'm demoing below where taken with the Evernote web interface, but it works the same what with their desktop software. I'm a Linux user and since Evernote doesn't have a Linux version I often find I work in web format. As a sidenote I do have Evernote installed in Crossover and use NixNote as well, I'll post more about that another day. Your screen might look slightly different depending on what operating system your using but the options should sill be there.
In Evernote, select the note you want to export then go to the File Menu and select Print. When the print window comes up select Print to File.
After selecting Print to File you will have the option to enter a file name and decide where you want to save the PDF.
You can see below I've given the PDF the name evernotetest.pdf and told it to save in my Kim folder.
After clicking print go to your destination folder and your Evernote note will be there in PDF format. Now you can easily attach this to your genealogy software or upload it to Ancestry.com.
If you prefer to work with JPGs instead of PDFs you can now convert this PDF into a JPG. I like to use the free GIMP software for this.
In GIMP go to File then OPEN and find your PDF. You will see an option screen to select how you want to import your PDF. If it has multiple pages, you can select any or all of them to import. You can also select the image resolution option. If your only going to use this for web then the default 100px is more then enough. However if you want to print this then you will want to increase it to 300px. When ready click on Import.
Your PDF has now been imported into GIMP. Now you can crop and edit it if you like.
When you are finished and ready to save it as a JPG, go to the File menu and select Export. Now you can give your file a name and use the Select File Type box to pick JPG.
After clicking Export you will get one more menu pop up to select the quality of the JPG file. Click on Export when you are done here.
Now your JPG is ready and you can work with it as you would any image.
Because you are using the Export option you will still have your original PDF copy and your new JPG copy on your computer to work with. Now you can go a head and link either file to your favourite genealogy software, add the jpg to your blog or share with others who don't use Evernote.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Saturday Night Genealogy Fun - Social Media Genealogy Meme
Randy at Genia-Musings has posted another great Saturday Night Blog Challange.
Here is your assignment if you choose to play along (cue the Mission Impossible music, please!):
1) Go to Jill Ball's Geniaus blog post describing A Small Social Media Geneameme. Note the 8 questions.
2) Answer one, two, some or all of the questions in your own blog post, in comments to this post, in comments to Jill's post, in a Facebook Status post, or a Google+ Stream post.
1. Tell us about your favourite social media tool and why you like it.
It would be hard to pick just one, but blogging would have to be it. I've had a website/blog on different topics for the past 10 years. They really help you to connect and share with other people who share the same interests.
2. How do you use social media to further your genealogy career or business?
I don't run a genealogy business!
3. What advice would you give the cruiser who said “I must be living
under a rock” and is not sure about coming out from under it? (This came from my Social Media presentation)
Jump in! Social media has been a huge help for me in tracking down long lost family lines. It is also a great way to keep up with the latest available resources for genealogy research.
4. What aspect of Social Media makes you grit your teeth?
The long and hateful posts on any topics but often politics that circle around places mainly Face Book. These really serve no purpose other then to hurt most of the people involved. I can't stand how people will hide behind social media to say cruel things they likely would not say in person.
5. How does social media assist with your CGD (continuing genealogical development)?
I use Google reader to keep up or try to keep up with many genealogy and technology blogs. I love to know when new record sources come online. I've also learned many new research strategies from reading blogs and chatting with people on Facebook and Google Plus. I like to read technology blogs, mostly Linux related ones since that is the OS I use. I always find new programs to help keep track of notes, photos etc.
6. How do you fit social media time into your busy day?
HA! That is a challenge. I'm a homemaker with young children, so my online time is limited. If I have to choose between checking in on Facebook or research, I'll pick the research. I don't go on Facebook, Twitter or Google Plus everyday, but I do try to check my blog reader.
7. Do you have a story of how social media enabled you to connect with a long lost relation or fellow researcher?
Only one? I have found many cousins on Facebook. When I find an obit for a family member I always try to see if I can find the people mentioned on Facebook. This has lead to some wonderful family connections, who have shared stories and photos with me.
I've met cousins through forum posts and WikiTree as well.
8. You have a minute to share a piece of advice about genealogy and social media. Go for it.
Use social media as another tool, enjoy it as a way to keep in touch with family and friends. Don't let yourself feel like you MUST check every site through out the day, or run to your pc or phone ever time you get a new message. Find the right balance for you!
Here is your assignment if you choose to play along (cue the Mission Impossible music, please!):
1) Go to Jill Ball's Geniaus blog post describing A Small Social Media Geneameme. Note the 8 questions.
2) Answer one, two, some or all of the questions in your own blog post, in comments to this post, in comments to Jill's post, in a Facebook Status post, or a Google+ Stream post.
1. Tell us about your favourite social media tool and why you like it.
It would be hard to pick just one, but blogging would have to be it. I've had a website/blog on different topics for the past 10 years. They really help you to connect and share with other people who share the same interests.
2. How do you use social media to further your genealogy career or business?
I don't run a genealogy business!
3. What advice would you give the cruiser who said “I must be living
under a rock” and is not sure about coming out from under it? (This came from my Social Media presentation)
Jump in! Social media has been a huge help for me in tracking down long lost family lines. It is also a great way to keep up with the latest available resources for genealogy research.
4. What aspect of Social Media makes you grit your teeth?
The long and hateful posts on any topics but often politics that circle around places mainly Face Book. These really serve no purpose other then to hurt most of the people involved. I can't stand how people will hide behind social media to say cruel things they likely would not say in person.
5. How does social media assist with your CGD (continuing genealogical development)?
I use Google reader to keep up or try to keep up with many genealogy and technology blogs. I love to know when new record sources come online. I've also learned many new research strategies from reading blogs and chatting with people on Facebook and Google Plus. I like to read technology blogs, mostly Linux related ones since that is the OS I use. I always find new programs to help keep track of notes, photos etc.
6. How do you fit social media time into your busy day?
HA! That is a challenge. I'm a homemaker with young children, so my online time is limited. If I have to choose between checking in on Facebook or research, I'll pick the research. I don't go on Facebook, Twitter or Google Plus everyday, but I do try to check my blog reader.
7. Do you have a story of how social media enabled you to connect with a long lost relation or fellow researcher?
Only one? I have found many cousins on Facebook. When I find an obit for a family member I always try to see if I can find the people mentioned on Facebook. This has lead to some wonderful family connections, who have shared stories and photos with me.
I've met cousins through forum posts and WikiTree as well.
8. You have a minute to share a piece of advice about genealogy and social media. Go for it.
Use social media as another tool, enjoy it as a way to keep in touch with family and friends. Don't let yourself feel like you MUST check every site through out the day, or run to your pc or phone ever time you get a new message. Find the right balance for you!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Saturday Night Genealogy Fun - Signs You Have Genealogy OCD
Randy Seaver at Genea Musings has posted another great Saturday Night Genealogy Fun Challenge!
From his blog:
Your mission, should you decide to accept it (and I hope that all of you do!), is to:
1) Read Michael John Neill's post 10 Signs You Have Genealogy OCD (come on, give Michael some link love) and the comments too (I know it's an old post, we did this in 2011 too!).
2) Make up any number of sentences that will add to his list of signs that you have Genealogy OCD. From one to many, no limit! Be creative!!
3) Share your ingenuity and humor with us in your own blog post, in Comments to this post, in comments to Michael's post, or in a comment on Google Plus or Facebook.
I had a great time reading Michael Neill's post of 10 Sings You Have Genealogy OCD. I was laughing and nodding my head for most of the list!
Here is my list:
From his blog:
Your mission, should you decide to accept it (and I hope that all of you do!), is to:
1) Read Michael John Neill's post 10 Signs You Have Genealogy OCD (come on, give Michael some link love) and the comments too (I know it's an old post, we did this in 2011 too!).
2) Make up any number of sentences that will add to his list of signs that you have Genealogy OCD. From one to many, no limit! Be creative!!
3) Share your ingenuity and humor with us in your own blog post, in Comments to this post, in comments to Michael's post, or in a comment on Google Plus or Facebook.
I had a great time reading Michael Neill's post of 10 Sings You Have Genealogy OCD. I was laughing and nodding my head for most of the list!
Here is my list:
- You spend your "extra" time randomly Google searching ancestor names.
- You check RootsWeb trees and forums multiple times a day to see if anyone has posted on your surnames.
- You spend hours building family trees for DNA matches to try and find how your related to them.
- You check Family Tree DNA and GEDmatch daily to see if you have new matches.
- Your pile of sewing, knitting and crochet projects continue to pile up as every extra minute you would rather be searching Ancestry or FamilySearch.
- Your children's story time is more about what Grandma and Grandpa did then the Little Red Hen.
- You go to all the used book sales in the area to scout for local history books.
What would you add to the list? Head over to Randy's post to see additions from others "suffering" from GOCD.
Citing Wikipedia Articles in RootsMagic 6
While I've been working on a newer family line (Howatt from PEI) I discovered some of my cousins were involved in politics there. I found this out by doing a Google search on their names and articles from Wikipedia came up in the top searches.
One of my projects this year is to add more social history to my files and using Wikipedia to find short biographies on people, places and events is helpful. Yes they are secondary sources but there are many wonderful pages there.
The first page I'm working with is for my 1st cousin 5 times removed John Howatt Bell. He was born 13 December 1846 in Cape Traverse, PEI and died 29 January 1929 in Los Angeles, CA. John Howatt Bell was the 12 Premier of Prince Edward Island.
To source the page for John Howatt Bell in Roots Magic 6, I chose the "Website as a book" template. This seemed to fit an encyclopedia style website the best.
Wikipedia has a good page on how to cite pages from their website.
I chose to name my source with Wikipedia followed by the persons name or event. This will make it easy to find in my source list.
The remaining fields I filled in as follows:
This produces the following footnote:
Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia John Howatt Bell (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Howatt_Bell&oldid=535676491 : accessed 16 February 2013), John Howatt Bell December 13, 1846 – January 29, 1929.
Another option would be to list the author as Wikipedia contributors since it is a multi user written site. I opted to use the permalink on Wikipedia for the article It might not look as "pretty" as the default URL but it will take the person to the page exactly as it was when I viewed it. Then the person has the option to view older or newer versions of the article.
To find the permalink option, in the menu area on the left hand side of the page click on "toolbox" permalink is currently the 5th option down under that menu.
Next I copied the text from the Wikipedia page into my detail text field This way I will always have a copy of that page. Then I added a weblink to that page. I set the source rating to Derivative, Secondary, Indirect.
How do you cite your Wikipedia articles?
One of my projects this year is to add more social history to my files and using Wikipedia to find short biographies on people, places and events is helpful. Yes they are secondary sources but there are many wonderful pages there.
The first page I'm working with is for my 1st cousin 5 times removed John Howatt Bell. He was born 13 December 1846 in Cape Traverse, PEI and died 29 January 1929 in Los Angeles, CA. John Howatt Bell was the 12 Premier of Prince Edward Island.
To source the page for John Howatt Bell in Roots Magic 6, I chose the "Website as a book" template. This seemed to fit an encyclopedia style website the best.
Click on the image to view full size.
Wikipedia has a good page on how to cite pages from their website.
I chose to name my source with Wikipedia followed by the persons name or event. This will make it easy to find in my source list.
The remaining fields I filled in as follows:
- Author: Wikipedia
- Creator or Owner: Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
- Title of Website: Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia John Howatt Bell
- URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Howatt_Bell&oldid=535676491
- Access type: accessed
- Access date: 16 February 2013
- Item of interest: John Howatt Bell December 13, 1846 - January 29, 1929
This produces the following footnote:
Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia John Howatt Bell (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Howatt_Bell&oldid=535676491 : accessed 16 February 2013), John Howatt Bell December 13, 1846 – January 29, 1929.
Another option would be to list the author as Wikipedia contributors since it is a multi user written site. I opted to use the permalink on Wikipedia for the article It might not look as "pretty" as the default URL but it will take the person to the page exactly as it was when I viewed it. Then the person has the option to view older or newer versions of the article.
To find the permalink option, in the menu area on the left hand side of the page click on "toolbox" permalink is currently the 5th option down under that menu.
Next I copied the text from the Wikipedia page into my detail text field This way I will always have a copy of that page. Then I added a weblink to that page. I set the source rating to Derivative, Secondary, Indirect.
How do you cite your Wikipedia articles?
Monday, January 14, 2013
2013 Research Goals
It's hard to believe that it's 2013 already! This past year seemed to just fly by.
I don't normally make New Years Resolutions but I do like to take time through out the year to reevaluate how things are going. There is always room for improvement, right?
Looking back at my blog, it looks like I didn't post any goals in 2012, but I did in 2011.
My 2011 goals were:
Organization: I have a huge amount of documents and scanned images that need to be organized. I'm working to finish my pc hard drive organization. Get all the files in their proper place and linked into my genealogy software.
Scanning: I would like to finish scanning in my older photos and the newer ones taken before I started having them put on CD's.
Research: I would like to order the BMD (Birth, Marriage, Death) certificates for for my direct ancestors that I'm missing.
I would like to get a subscription to the Swedish online archives. My Great Grandfather Oscar Anderson came from Sweden and I would like to find his family there.
Keep searching for the marriage info on Frederick Robichaud and Elizabeth Gallant. They are the parents of my Great Grandmother. I have Frederic's info from his second marriage, but have been unable to find Elizabeth's parents.
I would also LOVE to find some photos of my father when he was a young man or boy.
Looking back many of these goals were not accomplished in 2011, but they were in 2012!
Starting with my organizational goal.
I have a huge amount of documents and scanned images that need to be organized. I'm working to finish my pc hard drive organization. Get all the files in their proper place and linked into my genealogy software.
I have scanned a large amount of papers and photos. Yes there are more to come, but I've made a big dent in it. I've also worked out a system for storing documents and photos on my computer.
My scanning goal.
I would like to finish scanning in my older photos and the newer ones taken before I started having them put on CD's.
I did scan most of my older photos and have them backed up to dropbox. I still have some of the newer photos to scan. These are ones taken in the last 20ish years.
Research goal.
I would like to order the BMD (Birth, Marriage, Death) certificates for for my direct ancestors that I'm missing.
I would like to get a subscription to the Swedish online archives. My Great Grandfather Oscar Anderson came from Sweden and I would like to find his family there.
Keep searching for the marriage info on Frederick Robichaud and Elizabeth Gallant. They are the parents of my Great Grandmother. I have Frederick's info from his second marriage, but have been unable to find Elizabeth's parents.
I would also LOVE to find some photos of my father when he was a young man or boy.
I'm happy to say in 2012 I was able to accomplish most of these goals! Ordering the BMD records for my direct ancestors, well money has been a bit tight this past few years so I'm still working on that. But I have been able to fill in a lot of them with the free images on Family Search.
I didn't get a subscription to the Swedish archives. However Ancestry bought Genlines and now has the Swedish records as part of their collection. That has been a big help! If you have access to the library addition from home, you can search it any time with out a subscription.
Arkiv Digital is another great site and they offer a few free weekends a year.
My Frederick Robichaud and Elizabeth Gallant, marriage has been found. At least the Northumberland County copy. I did already have a transcription of it, but the image had some more details. The local parish one that would have more details is still missing. With all the researchers, archives and pro. genealogists who have looked for it, I'm beginning to think it has been lost. Yet I have been able to use other resources to confirm Eliza parents. More on that puzzle to come!
And last but certainly not least, my fathers photos. A cousin (thank you!!) was able to find some photos of my father as a boy and young man and sent me some scans. It was amazing to see how much our son looked like my dad when he was little! I had to laugh at one with my dad crying and he looked to be about 2 or 3. My son who is 4 has the same pout!
Looking back over this year I've made a great headway in breaking down some brick walls. I've been so blessed to find new cousins who have an interest in genealogy.
Now looking at my goals for 2013.
I would like to focus on some brick walls, especially my Irish ones. I'm currently working on my Smith (oy, yes Smith!) Irish line. I'm making steps towards breaking it down.
I would also like to keep working on my Irish Stinson line.
Now I tend to jump around a lot in my research. I seem to spend a few weeks on one line, then jump to another when I stumble on to information for it. This has both good and bad sides. The good is I find more data and connections then I was expecting. The bad is it's easy to forget what you were doing with the first line. To fix this I want to make better use of my research logs. RootsMagic has a great research log in it's program. My problem is remembering to use it! So this year I would like to get in the habit of writing down each step and source I check.
This should make it easier to come back to a line after spending time working on another.
I would like to get caught up on my data entry. I have a lot of info I've found this past year sitting her saved in notes or paper piles that need to be entered. I would like to think I would do all this before moving on in research. I know I should, but likely that wont happen! lol
So I would like to spend at least a few hours a week working on just this project.
This past year I was gifted with a Family Finder DNA test and it has been an amazing help in my research. It has helped to solve a brick wall and confirm other lines. However I have many cousins I'm matching at the 3rd and 4th cousin relationship that we can not figure out how we are related yet. I would like to keep working on finding the puzzle peaces here.
I would also like to get in the habit of blogging more. I often plan to sit here and write, but then I get distracted researching and before I know it it's midnight or later.
So in summary I would like to:
What are your family history goals?
I don't normally make New Years Resolutions but I do like to take time through out the year to reevaluate how things are going. There is always room for improvement, right?
Looking back at my blog, it looks like I didn't post any goals in 2012, but I did in 2011.
My 2011 goals were:
Organization: I have a huge amount of documents and scanned images that need to be organized. I'm working to finish my pc hard drive organization. Get all the files in their proper place and linked into my genealogy software.
Scanning: I would like to finish scanning in my older photos and the newer ones taken before I started having them put on CD's.
Research: I would like to order the BMD (Birth, Marriage, Death) certificates for for my direct ancestors that I'm missing.
I would like to get a subscription to the Swedish online archives. My Great Grandfather Oscar Anderson came from Sweden and I would like to find his family there.
Keep searching for the marriage info on Frederick Robichaud and Elizabeth Gallant. They are the parents of my Great Grandmother. I have Frederic's info from his second marriage, but have been unable to find Elizabeth's parents.
I would also LOVE to find some photos of my father when he was a young man or boy.
Looking back many of these goals were not accomplished in 2011, but they were in 2012!
Starting with my organizational goal.
I have a huge amount of documents and scanned images that need to be organized. I'm working to finish my pc hard drive organization. Get all the files in their proper place and linked into my genealogy software.
I have scanned a large amount of papers and photos. Yes there are more to come, but I've made a big dent in it. I've also worked out a system for storing documents and photos on my computer.
My scanning goal.
I would like to finish scanning in my older photos and the newer ones taken before I started having them put on CD's.
I did scan most of my older photos and have them backed up to dropbox. I still have some of the newer photos to scan. These are ones taken in the last 20ish years.
Research goal.
I would like to order the BMD (Birth, Marriage, Death) certificates for for my direct ancestors that I'm missing.
I would like to get a subscription to the Swedish online archives. My Great Grandfather Oscar Anderson came from Sweden and I would like to find his family there.
Keep searching for the marriage info on Frederick Robichaud and Elizabeth Gallant. They are the parents of my Great Grandmother. I have Frederick's info from his second marriage, but have been unable to find Elizabeth's parents.
I would also LOVE to find some photos of my father when he was a young man or boy.
I'm happy to say in 2012 I was able to accomplish most of these goals! Ordering the BMD records for my direct ancestors, well money has been a bit tight this past few years so I'm still working on that. But I have been able to fill in a lot of them with the free images on Family Search.
I didn't get a subscription to the Swedish archives. However Ancestry bought Genlines and now has the Swedish records as part of their collection. That has been a big help! If you have access to the library addition from home, you can search it any time with out a subscription.
Arkiv Digital is another great site and they offer a few free weekends a year.
My Frederick Robichaud and Elizabeth Gallant, marriage has been found. At least the Northumberland County copy. I did already have a transcription of it, but the image had some more details. The local parish one that would have more details is still missing. With all the researchers, archives and pro. genealogists who have looked for it, I'm beginning to think it has been lost. Yet I have been able to use other resources to confirm Eliza parents. More on that puzzle to come!
And last but certainly not least, my fathers photos. A cousin (thank you!!) was able to find some photos of my father as a boy and young man and sent me some scans. It was amazing to see how much our son looked like my dad when he was little! I had to laugh at one with my dad crying and he looked to be about 2 or 3. My son who is 4 has the same pout!
Looking back over this year I've made a great headway in breaking down some brick walls. I've been so blessed to find new cousins who have an interest in genealogy.
Now looking at my goals for 2013.
I would like to focus on some brick walls, especially my Irish ones. I'm currently working on my Smith (oy, yes Smith!) Irish line. I'm making steps towards breaking it down.
I would also like to keep working on my Irish Stinson line.
Now I tend to jump around a lot in my research. I seem to spend a few weeks on one line, then jump to another when I stumble on to information for it. This has both good and bad sides. The good is I find more data and connections then I was expecting. The bad is it's easy to forget what you were doing with the first line. To fix this I want to make better use of my research logs. RootsMagic has a great research log in it's program. My problem is remembering to use it! So this year I would like to get in the habit of writing down each step and source I check.
This should make it easier to come back to a line after spending time working on another.
I would like to get caught up on my data entry. I have a lot of info I've found this past year sitting her saved in notes or paper piles that need to be entered. I would like to think I would do all this before moving on in research. I know I should, but likely that wont happen! lol
So I would like to spend at least a few hours a week working on just this project.
This past year I was gifted with a Family Finder DNA test and it has been an amazing help in my research. It has helped to solve a brick wall and confirm other lines. However I have many cousins I'm matching at the 3rd and 4th cousin relationship that we can not figure out how we are related yet. I would like to keep working on finding the puzzle peaces here.
I would also like to get in the habit of blogging more. I often plan to sit here and write, but then I get distracted researching and before I know it it's midnight or later.
So in summary I would like to:
- Spend more time working on my Irish brick walls.
- Make better use of research logs.
- Catch up on the data entry backlog .
- Keep learning about DNA and try to figure out some mystery connections there.
- Blog more!
What are your family history goals?
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