Program “Brick Walls”

This month we will discuss “brick walls.” Since we are all presumably doing research, it is just possible that we may run across something that may refer to someone else’s brick wall. So please bring into the meeting a blank piece of paper so you can take notes on other members’ brick wall concerns such […]

Deciphering Handwriting

Just a reminder when you are having trouble deciphering someone’s handwriting such as on a census etc… See how the person wrote names and other words on other sections of a page. As some in the group do, try tracing the letter. That may perhaps trigger muscle memory or that action between your hand and […]

Understanding Surnames

Going over the lists of guilds I found surnames and even given names all derived from occupations. Here are a few: Baker, Brewer, Collier, Cooper, Draper, Dyer, Fuller, Glover, Goldsmith, Mason, Merchant, Sadler, Skinner, Smith ***, Tanner, Taylor, Tyler, Weaver ***There are many different kinds of smiths and the colors can be surnames too. -Blacksmith […]

Research on Aaron Smith and Genealogy in General, cont.

Special Note: This month’s article is by guest author, Orlan Smith The most difficult descent in my tree has to be my Great, Great Grandfather Aaron Smith. I found him living in Fredericton, New Brunswick Canada in 1820 and that he married Mary Davis a new arrival from Wales. There was plenty of information on […]