Genealogy Tip: Research Every Clue in Newspapers, Including the Social Columns

When using newspapers to find family history information, look at the entire paper—don’t stop with just the obvious articles such as obituaries and marriage notices. Look at all of the articles.

Genealogy is everywhere in a newspaper: even in the social columns, as in the following example.

social column, Times Picayune newspaper article 28 August 1917
Times Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana), 28 August 1917, page 4

Briefs, Locals, Chatter—social columns have different headings in newspapers around the country.

They often are just quick notes—passing comments, really, giving locals an update on the activities of their friends and neighbors in the community.

Although brief, these social updates can provide a surprising amount of family history. Look at the genealogical clues in the above newspaper article example from the Times Picayune social column:

  • Names: Marion Monroe, along with the name of her sister’s husband, her father and her brother.
  • Places: Biloxi, Mississippi, where Marion’s sister lived; New Orleans, Louisiana, where Marion and her parents lived; Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and Corpus Christi, Texas, where her brother had been stationed.
  • Details: Marion’s father was a judge in New Orleans; her brother was a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Engineering Corps; the Monroe family lived on Philip Street in New Orleans.

Genealogists, like any detective, gather clues and track down all possible leads to learn everything they can about the target person.

Search newspapers thoroughly for your ancestor: read every clue.

One thought on “Genealogy Tip: Research Every Clue in Newspapers, Including the Social Columns

  1. When I first started looking for my Great Grandfather Frederick Somerville Morgan 1862- 1932 I could not find too much on him. I then started looking into newspapers. Wow, what a find. I found out he worked for The Philadelphia Inquire 1898-1932. Hw as a Cartoonist. Drawing on mainly Political cartoons. Then I found out he was summoned from London England from his father Matthew Somerville Morgan in 1885 but waited to come over untill 1889. Matthew wanted him to help him with his work on Broadway, in NYC where he was working on the scenery. After searching more I found out alot about Matthew, Like he also started out doing cartoons as well. Even making fun of the Queen of England. If I did not start looking in the news articles and people sections I may still be looking..

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