Genealogist Obituaries – genealogists in 11 states pass away

Genealogists in 11 states pass away. CT, MA, MI, MN, NH, OK, PA, TN, UT, WA, WV Bell, Frederick R. (1945-2009) Spokesman-Review (Spokane, WA) – May 6, 2009 Brown, Robert Arthur. (1927-2009) Knoxville News Sentinel (TN) – May 6, 2009 Carrington, Hiram D., Jr. (1930-2009) Republican-American (Waterbury, CT) – May 5, 2009 Church, James.... (Read More)

Index to Early Philadelphia Obituaries – Public Ledger 1836

These early Philadelphia (PA) deaths were recorded in the Public Ledger, an early Philadelphia newspaper. Click on the links in the index citations to read each person’s obituary.Public Ledger. 25 Mar 1836Eure, Jonas. (-1836)Hendel, William B. (-1836) McClaskey, James. (1775-1836)Talcott, Samuel Austin (1789-1836)Taynton, Luther. (1791-1836)Townsend, Edwin. (1832-1836)Townsend, Maria. (1833-1836)Public Ledger. 26 Mar 1836Wooldridge, Jane.... (Read More)

‘Great American Success Story’ – William & James Ledford

We receive “fan mail” every day – this letter was so good I wanted to share it. _____________________________________________ Tom, I’ve been working, several months, on an ‘Great American Success Story’. William L. Ledford and his brother James E. Ledford were born in the mid 1840’s in Cherokee County, NC. by the time they were... (Read More)

If Captain James Garcelon was the first "Garcelon" to come to America – then who was Peter Garcelon?

Genealogies often begin with the comprehensive statement that “the first (insert surname here) to come to America was…”. In our family that would be Captain James Garcelon born in 1739 on the Channel Island, Guernsey, England. However in searching old newspapers you can find the details that just might change family traditions and supply... (Read More)

Mora Evelyn Boone (1901-2008) world’s oldest genealogist

Mora Evelyn Boone (1901-2008) has passed away.She was the nation’s and probably the world’s oldest genealogist. Her great-granddaughter Alice Boone wrote about her life on their online site at: Ben and Alice. She describes an indomitable woman who was beloved by her family and added that despite her age, “She was an enthusiastic Internet... (Read More)

Wild Bill Obama

May 27th was Wild Bill Hickok’s day – I wrote about how easy it is to find newspaper articles about him in GenealogyBank. Wild Bill Hickok is in the news again – when Barack Obama mentioned his family tradition that he was a distant cousin to Wild Bill – James Butler Hickok (1837-1876).  ... (Read More)

It’s Wild Bill Hickok’s Day ….

Wild Bill Hickok – James Butler Hickok – was born on May 27, 1837 in Troy Grove, Illinois. Famous in movies, films and hundreds of newspaper articles – he is central to the legends of the Old West. Newspapers serialized his story and pictured him fighting bears, outlaws and Confederate agents. Images by Van... (Read More)

James L. Sorenson – DNA Pioneer Dies at 86

James L. Sorenson, a pioneer in DNA research has died. A self-made billionaire, he used his wealth in many causes. Genealogists in particular are aware of his efforts with DNA and genealogy. In 1999 he started the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation. The group has collected more than 70,000 DNA samples, together with four-generation pedigree... (Read More)