December 16, 2024
Introduction: In this article, Gena Philibert-Ortega provides links and discusses three sources of genealogy records you may not be using. Gena is a genealogist and author of the book “From the Family Kitchen.”
What records are you using to research your family tree? It is too easy to slip into a genealogical rut by searching the same old tried and true records. However, those must-have records aren’t the only ones you should be searching. There are other sources that could benefit your research and help you find what you’re looking for. The following are three records that you should be searching today.
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Record #1: U.S. Agricultural Census
You are familiar with the decennial United State Federal Census. It’s one of the first records we learn to use in the search for our ancestors. It’s easily searchable online and it covers every 10 years between 1790-1950 (currently).
But what about the other census schedules? Yes, there is more to the census than just the population schedule.
Was your ancestor “just a farmer”? Agricultural information began to be gathered with the 1840 census.
Today, the 1850-1880 agricultural schedules, part of the collection known as the non-population schedules, are available to researchers. These returns are part of the non-population schedules that include manufacturing and business. The Agricultural Schedule provides a snapshot of your mid-nineteenth century farmer ancestor’s life, including what he or she farmed, how big the farm was and its value.
Search Tip: If your ancestor is listed as a farmer in the population schedule, look at the corresponding agricultural census for more information.
You can learn more about the agricultural schedules at the National Archives Research Our Records webpage.
In addition, to learn more about the Agricultural Schedule see the book Hidden Sources by Laura Szucs Pfeiffer. I highly recommend this book for brief descriptions about genealogical sources that are valuable but are not as well-known.
Record #2: Periodical Articles
Periodical articles aren’t a “record” in and of themselves, but genealogy articles in PERSI lead to records. PERSI, the Periodical Source Index, should be one of your first stops in looking for your ancestor.
PERSI is compiled by the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With over “3.1 million citations to readily-available periodical sources,” PERSI is the largest index of historical and genealogical articles in the world. This index covers articles written in English and French since 1800.
PERSI is searchable through the ACPL’s Genealogy Center website. It is a subject index, not an every-word index, so you start by choosing a location, surname, research techniques or article title keyword. Because articles are not indexed by every word in the article, it’s important to note that names in an article will not appear in the index.
For this reason, it is a good idea to search locality. For example, articles listing cemetery transcriptions will be indexed under the locality, not by the individuals named in the article. By choosing to conduct only a surname search, you could miss out on articles important to your research.
PERSI articles are from genealogy and history periodicals, which means that the articles could consist of transcriptions, name lists, how-to’s, methodology, area histories, and interviews. Some articles are from genealogy societies documenting their local history projects detailing historical events, places or residents. These histories and transcriptions may not be available anywhere else.
Once you have searched PERSI and found the articles you are interested in, you can download an order form from the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center website here. Information about the ordering process can be found there.
Record #3: Voting Records
Have you traced your ancestor through voting records? Whether it’s voting for president or for their local school board, voting records reveal your ancestor’s place in time. Voting records can provide an address, occupation and political party affiliation.
Before you start researching, remember that not everyone could vote throughout the history of the United States. Reading more about suffrage in the state you are researching can help. For example, African Americans were granted citizenship in 1868 with the 14th Amendment. Two years later the 15th Amendment granted voting rights to African American men. However, poll taxes, violence, and other obstructions made it difficult, if not impossible, for many to vote.
Search Tip: Don’t forget that historical newspapers can be used to learn more about elections and suffrage laws. Seek out the newspaper for your ancestor’s hometown in GenealogyBank’s Historical Newspaper Archives. Search the Browse link at the top toolbar.
American women were granted the right to vote with the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. However, depending on the state, some women had suffrage rights before then. Some states allowed women to vote in local school board elections as early as the 18th century. Wyoming, the Equality State, was the first to grant women suffrage in 1869. Make sure to search out the suffrage laws for the state you are researching before assuming a female ancestor may not appear in election rolls.
Voting records can also be found by doing a Place search in the FamilySearch Catalog. Also, search the FamilySearch Research Wiki for information about the state you are researching and record types. Another repository for voting records are state archives.
Try Something New
It’s easy to feel stuck with your genealogy research and not know where to turn. By searching new-to-you records, you increase the probability of finding the information you seek. While I highlighted three such records, consider seeking out information about other records that can help in your search. Information about records can be found by viewing genealogy webinars, attending genealogy society meetings, and reading the FamilySearch Research Wiki.
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