Weekly Genealogy Toolkit

Military Records - War of 1812

Fall in! It's time to learn a bit about how to research your military ancestors. I'll be looking through a number of American Conflicts and talking about some of the specific resources available for that conflict and probably sprinkling in some more broadly applicable military research tips. This week we talk about the War of 1812. 
Links in this episode:
Campaign of 1812 (PDF)
1812: The War that Forged a Nation by Walter Borneman
War of 1812 Index to Service Records (FamilySearch, Ancestry)
Order Compiled Service Records from the National Archives
US Army Register of Enlistments (FamilySearch, Ancestry, Fold3)
Pension Records (FamilySearch, Ancestry, Fold3)
1840 Census of Pensioners 
1883 Pension Roll (Ancestry)
Bounty Land Warrants (Ancestry)
US Army Center of Military History
US Naval History and Heritage Command
American Battlefield Trust
USMA Digital History Center - Atlases
 
 
@theWGTPod

Military Records - American Revolution

Fall in! It's time to learn a bit about how to research your military ancestors. I'll be looking through a number of American Conflicts and talking about some of the specific resources available for that conflict and probably sprinkling in some more broadly applicable military research tips. 
Links in this episode:
US Army Center of Military History
The Continental Army
US Naval History and Heritage Command
Patriot Pirates (Book)
NARA Revolutionary War Resources
Military Bounty Land Map
American Battlefield Trust
USMA Digital History Center - Atlases
 
@theWGTPod

Using Maps in Genealogy

Let's look at the crucial role of maps in genealogical research. Learn how to use maps for verifying geographic details, understanding historical boundaries, and locating ancestral lands.
 
Library of Congress
David Rumsey Maps
Arcanum Maps
FamilySearch.org
Google Earth Pro
Georectification tutorial
 
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They won't always be there

Sorry to leave you without any tips this week. But I'll be back next week. 
 
Take care -Ed

Probate 101

Let's have a look at the intricate world of probate records. Discover how understanding probate processes and documents can uncover valuable insights about your ancestors. Learn key terms, the steps involved, and how to navigate this complex area of genealogy. Whether you're a beginner or looking to deepen your research skills, this episode provides essential tips to help you master probate records. 

The Great Wagon Road

Come along as I explore the fascinating journey along the Great Wagon Road, the I-95 of colonial America. Discover how this historic migration route shaped cultural identities and settlement patterns in the eastern United States. Learn tips for tracing your ancestors' steps and breaking through genealogy brick walls. 
If you're just starting or you've been at this for a while, it never hurts to learn about the context in which your ancestors lived and in this case... moved.
 
@theWGTPod

Reading Old Handwriting

Let's dive into the fascinating world of historical documents and the art of deciphering old handwriting. 
Discover the secrets to identifying common letterforms, distinguishing between different historical writing styles, and overcoming the hurdles of faded ink and archaic language. We'll also explore the tools and resources available to aid in your document decoding journey. Enhance your skills and unlock the stories hidden in old manuscripts with our practical advice and insights.
BYU Handwriting History
 
@theWGTPod

Why Care About Family History

In this special episode of the Weekly Genealogy Toolkit, I share my personal journey into genealogy and the reasons behind my passion for family history. 
I talk about the therapeutic and enlightening aspects of genealogy, emphasizing how uncovering the stories of my ancestors provided him with perspective, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of his own identity. 
Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or someone new to the hobby, this episode offers a look at the motivations behind family history research and encourages listeners to explore their own roots.
Tune in to hear my story and learn why family history matters not just to me, but to all of us. If you find this episode meaningful, please share it with someone who might benefit from a new perspective on their own family history.
Don't forget to reach out to me on Twitter @theWGTPod with any questions or to share your own family history stories. Thank you for listening, and see you next time!

Solving Problems with Timelines

Just like with any good detective, building timelines can help the genealogist make sense of all the information they've found on a particular ancestor. You can use them to audit your research, reject hypotheses, and identify indirect evidence to answer your questions. Listen this week as we dig into timelines. 
Aeon Timeline Website

Immigration part 2 - 1840s - 1920s

Late 18th century into the early 19th century of American immigration has become the iconic imagery for what American immigration is all about. Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and huddled masses of unfortunate Europeans, yearning for their shot at the American Dream. But who were they? Where did they come from and where did they settle? And most importantly how do we research them? 
 
Steven Morse One-Step Webpages