July 19, 2013
Continuing my search in GenealogyBank’s Historical Newspaper Archives for the history of the Crofoot family (see: “Case Study: Using Old Newspaper Articles to Learn about Your Ancestors” & “Case Study Part 2: How to Find Old Newspaper Articles about Family”) I found information about the death of Ephraim Crofoot.
When we found the obituary of Thomas S. Crofoot published in August 1852, the newspaper article referred to his father as “the late Ephraim Crofoot, Esq.”
This clue told us that Ephraim Crofoot had died before August 1852.
Digging deeper into the archives I found Ephraim Crofoot’s obituary that stated he died on 24 February 1852 at the age of 51.
A week later a notice appeared in the same newspaper alerting everyone that probate proceedings for Ephraim Crofoot’s estate had begun on 28 February 1852.
So far we have found quite a bit of genealogical information and clues about Ephraim Crofoot and his family in the newspaper archives including information about his marriages, children and death. It takes time to piece together the clues and facts that document a family tree.
In the weeks ahead I will continue to report on my findings about the Crofoot family and provide similar examples from other typical families to help you better understand the kinds of information that you can discover about your family history in old newspaper articles.
I am unable to find any Suffolk news papers, or and papers in and around Nansemond county va. all my ancesters or from this area they lived and died , and got married in this area of Virginia, do you have any newspaper clipping from this area. and also Smithfield va. area and isle of wight county va.
Hi John,
We’re sorry to hear you’re having trouble finding the newspapers you need.
A list of our newspapers can be found here: https://www.genealogybank.com/gbnk/newspapers/sourcelist/
You’ll notice that there aren’t any Suffolk or Smithfield papers specifically, but keep in mind that it was in the best interest of newspapers to publish information in the surrounding areas. In fact, you’d be surprised how often you will find an obituary in a neighboring state, or even on the other side of the country, because the deceased had family or friends there.
We recommend doing statewide searches for the names you’re looking for, and perhaps entering the name of their city as a keyword.
You’re welcome to give us a call at 866-641-3297 between 10am-7pm EST, Monday-Friday if you would like help searching.
I am interested in doing newspaper research on my genealogy but know nothing about it.
Hi Joan,
Our Family History Consultants would be happy to answer any questions and help you get started! Give us a call at 866-641-3297 between 10am-7pm EST, Monday-Friday.