Be sure to follow the Colored Marriages of Saline County, MO., 1865 - 1870 website (blog) for more tips, hints and data.
Kathleen Brandt
a3genealogy.com
a3genealogy@gmail.com
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Monday, April 14, 2014
5 Research Tips to Missouri Bohemian Resources
![]() |
| Map of Bohemia / Czech Republic, Geographicus |
Bohemian Settlements
Few researchers learn of their Bohemian ancestors’ colorful
history. Actually our informal poll
revealed that most researchers did not know Bohemia was part of the Austrian
Hungarian Empire that could boast of its independent “kingdom” from the 1400’s to the end
of WWI. Even fewer noted knowledge
of Missouri Bohemians colonies outside the popular south St. Louis settlements. But, Bohemian settlements scattered across America as far south as Louisiana to New York
City. Czech-Bohemian settlements populated midwest towns from Kansas and Minnesota
to the Dakotas. And, there
were colonies in Texas, Cleveland and Iowa. But the Missouri settlements are usually only
mentioned in St.Louis; yet, there were Bohemian settlements that lined the Missouri
River Valley. Even the Cuivre River Valley in Mo. had a small Bohemian settlement as early as 1840 (reference Lincoln County, Hawk Point, Mo. and historical Mashek, Mo.).
Bohemians were generally noted as those who originated from
western Czechoslovakia. Bohemian Jews, from southern Bohemia began populating Missouri
as early as 1816 (first noted in St. Louis). Czech Bohemians originating from
the Austrian Empire began migrating to Missouri about 1847 speaking Czech and
German. Whereas, many settled in south St. Louis, others settled in the following Missouri townships:
- Bolivar and Karlin
- Cainsville
- Fenton
- High Rdge
- Kansas City
- Mashek
- Rock Creek
- St. Charles
- St. Joseph
![]() |
| Civil War Provost Marshal Record |
Census records may give you a hint on your Bohemian ancestor’s
origin, but their birthplace may be noted as Bohemia,
Czechoslovakia, Austria, Austro-Hungary, or Germany. But, by corroborating census records with a few other useful documents, you may find answers to your Bohemian family research questions.
![]() |
| Provost Marshal Correspondence on Bohemians Form RG110, NARA - KC, Civil War |
- Civil War Records. Missouri Provost Marshal records found at the Kansas
City - NARA, gives us tips/hints to the residences and social life of the
Bohemians in Mo. (See RG110). In
Missouri more than 60 Bohemians served with the 2nd Regiment, US
Reserve Corps, Mo. Volunteers; and 80 Bohemians served in the 4th
Regiment Infantry, Missouri Volunteers.
- Naturalization Records. There
are 1143 indexed naturalization cards/records on the Missouri Digital Heritage site noting birth place as Bohemia. It is also possible however, that your ancestor recorded his place of origin as Czechoslovakia.
- Passenger List. Be
sure to review the Czech Immigration Passenger lists, Vol. I – IX compiled
by Leo Baca. We have found that many of the early Missouri Bohemians came
through New Orleans from Bremen Germany, but this passenger list
compilation includes most of the popular ports.
- Cemetery. When researching
your Bohemian ancestor, don’t forget to check the local Jewish cemetery. In St. Louis begin your cemetery research with the New Mount Sinai Cemetery. Although
many Bohemians were Jewish, others were practicing Catholics or FreeThinkers. For ancestors of Jefferson County, MO, review the Cemeteries in Jefferson County, MO. Czech-Slavonic Benevolent Association: C.S.P.S. (Bohemian) Cemetery
- Orphanage. Be sure
to learn about the Hessoun Bohemian Catholic orphanage in Fenton, St Louis
County, MO., 1908-1954. Bohemians and other Czech Slovak orphans from
across America were admitted into the St. John Nepomuk Church orphanage.
For More Information
- Cesko-Slovansky Podporujici Spolek, or C.S.P.S. (Czech-Slavonic Benevolent Association)
- Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
- St. Louis Genealogical Society
- Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Kathleen Brandt
a3Genealogy.com
a3Genealogy@gmail.com
Monday, April 7, 2014
7 Research Resources for U. S. Occupation in Latin America, 1915-1933
![]() |
| A U.S. Marine inspecting a troop of Haitian soldiers, 1920. |
Soldiers Serving in Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua
Rarely do researchers dig through the National Archives to
uncover veteran ancestors and learn of their experiences in occupied Latin
American countries during and shortly after WWI. Yet, our Army, Navy, and Marine Corps veterans
occupied the Dominican Republic (1916-1924), Nicaragua (1926-1933), and Haiti
(1915-1934). These stories have been overshadowed by the larger wars and
conflicts.
Background
![]() |
| Fold3.com, Medal of Honor Recipients |
To provide the complex history and politics that play the
strategic role of occupying these counties would be impossible here. However we
recommend the researcher to have at least a cursory understanding of the
politics which help lead to a successful research project. Topics from the
beginning of President Woodrow Wilson’s term to the 1934 term of President
Franklin D. Roosevelt should be reviewed.
Where to Research?
1) Fold3.
A search on Fold3.com may solidify
your ancestors’ Latin American service. A
quick search revealed the service of U. S. Marine Corps, First Lt Earnest
Calvin Williams.
2) NARA,
Record Group 80. Secret and Confidential Correspondence of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and the Office of the Secretary of the Navy,1919-1927. For the publication of the 117 rolls of microfilm visit .
3) NARA,
Textural Records, RG 127.8. For Records of the US Marines in Haiti and
Nicaragua and Records of Expeditionary Forces and Detachments, review the RG
127.
![]() |
| Served in Haiti, 1914 |
4) NARA, Maps and Cartographic Records. RG 127. Maps are a key tool when researching our
military ancestors. Record Group 127.10 has an extensive collection of maps and
plans of Haiti, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua and of the U. S. installations
in these counties.
5) NARA,
Department of State, Central Decimal Files, RG 59, General Records of the Dept.
of State to include organizational unites, special subjects and events. Individuals
are also periodically named. Central Decimal Files are located at Archives II.
6) Navy
Dept. Listing. For a listing of Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Nicaragua
military Marine vessels visit the List of Expeditions, 1901-1929.
Kathleen Brandt
a3Genealogy.com
Accurate, accessible answers
Friday, March 28, 2014
The DNA Rain Dance
![]() |
| Click Here for Savings |
Some
people can make it rain, I obviously can change the price (if only for 4 days)
of the mtFullSequence DNA test at FamilyTreeDNA.
Yes I'm taking credit for it! Just two days ago 26 March, I mentioned how the
costs of the mtDNA Full Sequence tests is prohibitive. See Understanding
mtDNA. My only con: "The
full sequence mtDNA tests are expensive and the likeliness of
matching is slim due to the fact that there are too few
participants."
I guess FamilyTreeDNA was listening, (or not...I'm still taking credit
for it). For 4 days only they have reduced their Full Sequence mtDNA tests
to $139.00 (a $60.00 savings). If this is a new kit, you get the savings; or if you need to upgrade your mtDNA tests (standard HvR1 & 2 ) it can be
done at a $60.00 savings. Check to see if your kit is eligible. Our a3Genealogy clients
have all received emails.
As I mentioned before, for the maximum results of your
mtDNA tests, the Full Sequence is needed. And, no, I do not work for FamilyTreeDNA, or get
any compensation for sharing this information. It just helps the entire family
research community. Let's help build this database.
Kathleen Brandt
a3Genealogy.com
a3Genealogy@gmail.com
Accurate, Accessible AnswersWednesday, March 26, 2014
Understanding mtDNA
![]() |
| Photo From Maternal Ancestry Store, Genebase |
HVR1 and HVR2 Results
Over and over the a3Genealogy DNA team are asked if mtDNA and X chromosome are the same. Simply, the answer is no. Yet, the mitochondrial DNA , carried down the female line to her children (sons and daughters), is passed from mothers and contributes to the X chromosome path. Sons, do not pass mtDNA.
Over and over the a3Genealogy DNA team are asked if mtDNA and X chromosome are the same. Simply, the answer is no. Yet, the mitochondrial DNA , carried down the female line to her children (sons and daughters), is passed from mothers and contributes to the X chromosome path. Sons, do not pass mtDNA.
What Can Be Gleened from the mtDNA Tests?
mtDNA covers the hyper-variable regions of the genome and covers both recent and distant generations : 1) HVR1 (16024-16569) produces large number of matches 2) HVR2 (00001-00576) test results combined with HVR1 assists in identifying maternal ethnic and geographic origin, haplogroup. But genealogical gains are limited:
mtDNA covers the hyper-variable regions of the genome and covers both recent and distant generations : 1) HVR1 (16024-16569) produces large number of matches 2) HVR2 (00001-00576) test results combined with HVR1 assists in identifying maternal ethnic and geographic origin, haplogroup. But genealogical gains are limited:
- Matching on HVR1 means that you have a 50% chance of sharing a common maternal ancestor within the last fifty-two generations. That is about 1,300 years. (1)
- Matching on HVR1 and HVR2 means that you have a 50% chance of sharing a common maternal ancestor within the last twenty-eight generations. That is about 700 years. (1)
- Matching on the Mitochondrial DNA Full Genomic Sequence test brings your matches into times that are more recent. It means that you have a 50% chance of sharing a common maternal ancestor within the last 5 generations. That is about 125 years. (1)
Con: The full sequence MtDNA tests are expensive and the likeliness of matching is slim due to the fact that there are too few participants.
Is mtDNA Testing Helpful?
Yes. Researchers may uncover the following:
- Haplogroup: Identify the origin/general region of my maternal ancestors (Native American, Jewish, etc.? What was their migratory path?
- Indigenous: Identify an indigenous match. This is most helpful when matching ethnic groups. Are you Native American? Aborigines?
- Exact Match: With the assistance of your papertrail, descendants of maternal ancestors can be identified.
The mtDNA contains the 3 regions mentioned: HVR1, HVR2 and Coding.
Referenced Articles
The information provided above was extracted from the following articles:
(1) How many generations back does mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) testing trace?, FamilyTreeDNA
(2) mtDNA Testing for Genealogy, About.com
(2) mtDNA Testing for Genealogy, About.com
Visit
Kathleen Brandt
a3Genealogy.com
a3Genealogy@gmail.com
Accurate, Accessible Answers
a3Genealogy@gmail.com
Accurate, Accessible Answers
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Tech Toys for Genealogists
![]() |
| LiveScribe |
At the
GenealogyKC 2014 conference, I shared a few of my favorite tech tools for the On-the-Go genealogists. Attendees quickly learned that I don't leave home without my
FlipPal scanner, my LiveScribe Pen and my Smartphone. These tools make
genealogical visits to the homestead, cemetery, or library successful.
Record and Notes
The Livescribe pen is my favorite. It reduces tension when I'm interviewing family members. They feel free to talk and expound on their past without the constant reminder of a recording device. The LiveScribe pen captures and syncs written notes, interviews and diagrams. With a simple USB cord from the pen to your computer, you can upload all your notes to your PC and Mac. (Funny...when I explained the uploading process at GenealogyKC, it probably sounded like magic. But really, your pen is programmed and syncs seamlessly to your computer. And the upload to the computer is compatible with Evernote.
Other toys to consider:
- Flip UltraHD Video Camera - 8GB, 2Hours
- Sony Digital Flash Voice Recorder
Portable
scanners are best used when visiting repositories and family members. You never
want to be caught without a copier. The plus is these scans are electronic, and
in color.
Best for: Photos, Newspapers obits/clips, Deeds, Vital
Records, Crafts, etc.
My favorite is the Flip Pal Scanner, but whichever you use, be sure to call the repository in advance to verify they will allow your scanner.
My favorite is the Flip Pal Scanner, but whichever you use, be sure to call the repository in advance to verify they will allow your scanner.
- Flip-Pal Scanner
- CanoScan LiDE200 - portable flatbed color scanner
- NeatReceipts Mobile Scanner and Digital Filing System Bundled With NeatReceipts Travel Case
Of course you can carry a camera, a GPS, a computer, a
video camera or tape recorder, a To-Do-List pad with pencil and notes of
inspiration. Or you could use your SmartPhone (or Tablet). There are
times that you really need a great camera or recorder for long sessions, but,
often SmartPhones and Tablets do the job and for the common household, the smartphone camera is better than your digital camera.
I could talk forever about useful Apps for Iphones and Android phones, but at
minimum know your Smartphone is great for the following basic needs of any
family historian researcher working in the "field." Just go to the Play Store or Iphone Apps to shop for genealogy apps. Most are free. Here are a few other apps that will help the On-The-Go Genealogists:
- Camera
- To Do List
- Notes
- GPS
- Video/Voice Recorder
- Mobile Apps
Travel Hints
For additional travel hints, visit Archives.com: Planning A Genealogy Research Trip.
Kathleen Brandt
For additional travel hints, visit Archives.com: Planning A Genealogy Research Trip.
Kathleen Brandt
a3Genealogy.com
Accurate, Accessible Answers
Accurate, Accessible Answers
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)










