2017 - Need a Speaker for Your Conference?

Visit Ana Brandt's Site

These are just a few titles offered by Kathleen Brandt as a conference Keynote Speaker or seminar Presenter. All are tailored to your conference theme or celebration. If you don't see what you want here, know I offer custom designed presentations and workshops. Know that all of the presentations are chocked full of actual images and many have real life short case studies. 

I am now scheduling for 2017.  But remember, I am often called upon as a last minute substitute, because we can never plan for those unplanned "life" events. 

Be sure to review the Experience/Qualifications page. 

Kathleen Brandt

Keynote Speaker/Presenter

816-729-5995

Presentation Titles for Your Conference

Military

Revolutionary War

·         Finding Your Revolutionary War Soldier

·         Identifying Revolutionary War Era Parents 

·         7 Best Revolutionary War Resources

·         Your Blacksheep: Courts-martial and Courts of inquiry records

War of 1812

·         War of 1812 Records: 10 Places to Research

·         Researching Your War of 1812 Impressed Seamen

Revolutionary War and War of 1812

·         African Americans Served Too – Finding Records

Civil War

·         10 Best Bets for Civil War Research 

·         7 Tips to Researching Slaves and Slaveholders

·         Finding Your Elusive Civil War Veteran

·         Claim It!  Southern Claims Commission Records and Slave Claims Commission Records

·         Researching Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) and other Association Records

·         Civil War POW Records

Modern Wars (WWI - WWII

·         Military Records Were Destroyed? What to Do?

·         7 Easy Tips to WWI and WWII Research

·         Forgotten Records -  WWI and WWII

Research Methodology

·         Leaping Over Brickwalls

·         The Changing Surname - How to Trace It?

DNA

·         DNA: Spit or Swab?  (Beginner)

·         DNA for Genealogists: Who? What?, When? Where? (Intermediate)

·         From History to Present: DNA Research (Case Studies)

Research Tools

·         Tech Toys for Genealogists: It’s All Portable

·         Oral and Family History: Sharing Our Ancestors

·         The Cloud: Looking Forward to Backing Up

·         Technology Toolbox for Genealogists

African American Research

·         7 Tips to Researching Slaves and Slaveholders (with MO. Case Study)

·         Researching the Road to Freedom (Prior to the Civil War)

·         7 Resources to Researching Missouri Ex-Slaves and Free-Coloreds.

·         Using Ship Manifests for Slave Research

·         African Americans Served Too: Finding Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Records

International: Emigration - Immigration

·         When They Came to America Where Did They Go?

·         Blackbirding: Sugar, Cotton, and Slaves! Researching South Pacific Island Laborers

·         Did Your Ancestor Become a US Citizen? Where to find Records and Documents

Local Topics and Custom Designed Presentations

Have a unique topic?  Due to our vast client base and experience, presentation just for your local group can be customized. Of course actual images of documents and relevant research tips are shared and often accompanied by a case study.

·         “Delegation of Colored Men” 7 Resources to Researching Western-North Carolina Ex-Slaves and Free-Coloreds.

·         Pioneer Trail From Missouri to California: How to Trace Them?

·         Tracing My State Militia Records

·         Tracing Huguenots – From There to Here

Motivational

·         Your Pioneer Ancestor and You!  How Our Ancestors Did It?

·         The Invisible Staircase: How Missouri Did It!

Entrepreneur You

·         Make Money: Your Genealogy Empire

Midwest and Missouri Specific

Midwest German Settlers

·         Researching Germans from Russia Ancestors

·         8 Tips to Researching Your Missouri Rhineland Ancestors

Missouri Irish

·         Tips to Tracing Your MO. Irish Ancestor - From Immigration to Emigration

Bohemian Settlements

·         5 Research Tips to MO. Bohemian Ancestors

Furthering Danish Ancestry Research

Copenhagen Police Records of Emigrants

You’ve reached a brickwall in your Danish research, because the names are so similar. This is where genealogy becomes hard. What were our ancestors thinking? Sarcasm: Did our Denmark ancestors have only a limited pool of names to choose from?   

How can you determine which “Cathrine [aka Catharina] Nielsen” is yours?  You have an approximate birthdate, and maybe even a place of origin or immigration date from various sources - census records, death record, children’s death records, etc.  But, there are too many Cathrine Nielsen options on the shipping manifests.  What to do next?

Have you tried the Copenhagen Police Records of Emigrants?

What are Copenhagen Police Records of Emigrants?

The Copenhagen Chief of Police approved and monitored all emigration agents in Denmark and authorized all overseas tickets for Denmark passengers traveling directly from Copenhagen to the United States or indirectly via another European harbor for destinations overseas. These records are stored in the Dansk Data Arkiv.

Emigration lists were compiled by the Copenhagen Police from 1869 to 1940. The lists resulted in 394,000 emigrants being recorded and give the name, last residence, age, year of emigration and first destination of the emigrant from Denmark during those years. So gather all the information you can from the USA records, and now it’s time to be patient and begin collaborating data.

Step 1 Denmark, Emigration Index

Begin with Ancestry.com: Denmark, Emigration Index, 1868-1908. This third party database abstracts data from the Dansk Demografisk Database . You can find this information also in Dutch on the Data Arkiv Emigration Database

Name:	Nielsen, Cathrine	Occupation:	Jomfru
Age:	30	Destination:	N.Y.
Contract no.:	173900	Registration date:	17-07-1889
Birth place:	?	Birth place:	?
Last res. parish:	København	Last res. county:	København
Last residence:	Kjbhnv.	Destination country:	USA
Destination city:	New York City	Destination state:	New York State
Name of ship:	Thingvalla
IDcode:	D8789N4401

Tips: Check parish information, occupation, age above.  Our example only mentions occupation as Jomfru (“virgin/single woman”), but it does provide us with her age allowing us to estimate her year of birth, and last resident. Often researchers will find a birth place that will lead us to easily verifying the correct person.

It is possible you don’t have the birth place, but you may have verified a residence in the US records.  Either way, the next step is to find out ship information.  

  

Step 2 Ship Research

Each traveler recorded has the name of the ship. You will want to extract all possible ship records. This Catherine Nielsen travelled 17 Jul 1889 on the Thingvalla, Norway Heritage Ship Lines.  This ship most often began voyage from Copenhagen. Ship information can be found on the Norway Heritage website.  

Step 3 Contract Number and Ledger

With a list of ancestors that meet your qualifications, it’s time to work.  I gathered 4 Cathrine Nielsen’s that were possible candidates. Again, in this case, I needed two research questions answered.  My abbreviated research questions were 1) Who were the relatives of  my Cathrine Nielsen? 2) From which parish can I find more information for my Cathrine Nielsen.

The key to confirming my Cathrine Nielsen was via identifying her travelling companions.  Who travelled with her helped identify her USA family group and determine their first point of entry. The Danish parish allowed me to narrow additional archives available for research.

So you will want to take special note of the Contract Number specified on the Denmark, Emigration Index, 1868-1908. Often it leads you to the birth place or at least the last parish/residence. Plus, the Contract Number and the ID Code will lead the clerk at the Police Archives to the original copies.

Contract no.:

173900

Researchers can contact the Dansk Data Arkiv and request an original copy of the ledger: Write to: emiarch@emiarch.dk

More Information: Dansk Demografisk Database

For more information, visit Using the Danish Demographic Database for an overview (in English) of other databases that may assist you with your Danish research.

Kathleen Brandt

a3Genealogy@gmail.com

Accurate, accessible answers

Courts-Martial and Courts of Inquiry Records

1816 Wm. Crawford, LOC

Navy Records 1799 - 1867

As family researchers we love that non-conformist ancestor.  The one soldier that pushes the rules and regulations, perhaps failing to behave “gentlemanly,” or even just opinionated and outspoken enough to result in a superior’s reprimand. These reprimands may have resulted in an inquiry or courts martial giving us a peek at our veteran’s military service. 

Most researchers understandably are quite familiar with the Army courts-martial records.  So let’s take a look at Navy records today. 

Records of the Office of the Judge Advocate General (Navy)

The Records of the Office of the (Navy) Judge Advocate General  records are held at the National Archives (NARA) Washington DC and are part of Record Group (RG) 125. The extensive collection includes personnel records, correspondence, claims, and more. 

The courts-martial and courts of inquiry transcripts are located in RG 125.2.2 Personnel Records (microfilm: M273).  The transcripts of proceedings of general courts- martial and courts of inquiry, 1799-1867 cases have been microfilmed on abt. 180 reels.  And, in addition to the collection held at the NARA, the Family History Library has a copy of this collection as well as other libraries (check WorldCat).

Indexed Records

The best news is this collection is indexed by name.  We suggest you begin with the index for another reason, it gives you the exact date and case number making this research relatively quick especially for the return of knowing more about your pre-Civil War Navy veteran. Additionally, the index gives you a summary of your veteran’s offenses. For some researchers, this may be all you need, but the case transcripts are descriptive and should not be overlooked. Note: We have not shown actual cases in this post, only index images. 

What to Expect

Cases may be 2 pages or 200 pages of testimonies, court records, and minutes/notes. Through these records we have solved the following cases:

1. Explanation of name changes
2. Tracing Jewish ancestry from 1816
3. Cause of death (see below)
4. Birthplace
5. Rank and Service dates of veteran

Marine Research

Researchers may also find information on their marine.  Little, a Sargent in the Marines, was found guilty of theft and “unsoldierlike” conduct, and contempt of superior officer.  Like many of those recorded in the courts-martial records he was demoted. 

Another popular Sentence of the Court was to be publicly reprimanded. 

Cause of death

Have you had that ancestor just vanish during military service never to return to his family?

Although many sailors were found not guilty and charges dismissed, others were put to death during service. The above John and Peter Black and Matthew Biddy were ordered “to be hung by the neck until death. On 9 Oct 1849.”  This was due to the following infractions:

1) meeting with intent to kill. 

2) desertion with an attempt to kill and running away with a boat the property of the US.

Of course desertion, a serious offense, could result in as many as 150 lashes or a call for the soldiers’ death by being shot to death.  This was not uncommon in 1817. 

Be sure to add this collection to you research plan.

Kathleen Brandt

a3Genealogy@gmail.com

Accurate, accessible, answers

Confederate Soldier Records - Another Resource

James William Calhoun Blizzard,
Confederacy, 3rd Regiment, Missouri Infantry

Missouri and other Confederate States

Whereas the Union had the U.S. Adjutant General’s Office, the Confederate Army had the Office of the Adjutant and Inspector General.  Both offices were diligent in enumerating their soldiers and tracking their military strength. After each engagement the Confederate units submitted names of those “killed, wounded and missing, with narrative reports of the action.”  These confederate records were recovered by U.S. Adjutant General’s Office according to the Confederate Army Regulations.

State Confederate Records

Robert B. Davis, Missouri Volunteer Confederacy, 3rd Infantry

In addition to the familiar Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, researchers may find additional Confederate records locally that may add to ancestors’ stories. As part of Confederate accounting, documents of the Missouri Confederate States (CSA) of America Final Statements can be located at the Missouri State Archives, Jefferson City, or the Midwest Genealogy Center, Kansas City, Mo.  For transcribed information on the Civil War in Missouri, be sure to review the reference materials of Kenneth E. Weant that may be found at Gone West Publications.  All Final Statements in this post were provided by Weant. 

These records include the final pay for the 1st Cavalry Volunteers, Calvary 2nd Battalion, Jackson and St. Louis County; 3rd Battalion Cavalry, 1st Infantry; 2nd Infantry; 3rd Infantry (no index) located on microfilm roll S929.

On microfilm roll S930 Missouri researchers will find 3rd Infantry (cont’d); 4th Infantry; 5th Infantry; CSA Veteran Register, Joplin, CSA Missouri State Guard Register, 1861-1865 with index; CSA Missouri State Guard Registers and others, 1861. 

Compiled Service Records (CSR) of Confederate Soldiers

Daniel Faulkner, Missouri Final Statement
Confederacy, 3rd Infantry

Be sure to review the compiled service records of Confederate soldiers.  And for additional information on your veteran check the National Park Service Soldiers / Sailors. This database may provide hints to middle names and the film number of the Compiled Service Record

Daniel Faulkner, CSR
fold3.com

NPS Soldiers / Sailors Database
Note: CSR MO Index microfilm:  M380, Roll 5

Where are Confederate CSR Records?

The Confederate States Army Casualties: Lists and Narrative Reports, 1861-1865  records, part of the War Department Collection of Confederate Records, Record Group 109 are housed at National Archives I, Washington, D. C.  

Researchers will also find some records digitized on fold3.com.

The Compiled Service Records (CSR) are indexed and arranged by states:

Alabama: M311, index M374

Territory of Arizona: M318, index M375

Arkansas: M317, index M376

Florida: M251, index M225

Georgia: M266, index M226

Kentucky: M319, index M377

Louisiana: M320, index M378

Maryland: M321, index M379

Mississippi: M269, index M232

Missouri: M322, index M380

North Carolina: M270, index M230

South Carolina: M267, index M381

Tennessee: M268, index M231

Texas M323, index M227

Virginia: M324, index M382

Other Microfilms

• Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers who Served in Organizations Raised by the Confederate Government - M258
• Compiled Service Records of Confederate General and Staff Officers and Non-regimental Enlisted Men - M331

The index to both M258 and M331 are on microfilm:M818. Note: Microfilm M253 is the Consolidated Index to Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers.

Kathleen Brandt

a3Genealogy@gmail.com

Accurate, Accessible Answers

For Your Trust and Estate Planning

WSJ, 13 June2016 Family Genealogy by Financial Networks Video (After Ads)

From Whence "It" Came

Since 2008, a3Genealogy has seen a steady increase in our “Genealogy for Your Estate Package.” Although most clients wish to include this package as part of personal estate planning or filed with family trust papers, we also have seen an increase of genealogical books detailing information on corporate founders, successful entrepreneurs and politicians. (See Genealogy and Corporations). 

Corporate investors, French and Napa Valley vintners, media and communication families, and commercial real estate successors all have the same goal:  “please provide a thorough documentation of our family history.”  They wish to have their history preserved. Some have inherited their assets, while others have built from nothing, but each want their descendants to understand the source, the drive, and often the DNA.

6 Things to Look For:

1. DNA. Yes, as mentioned in the WSJ video, clients will want a package that includes a full DNA analysis.
2. Destination Genealogy. Many clients wish to travel overseas for reunions, or visits of origin.  Your researcher should have the overseas connections, and preferably multilingual, willing to travel with or meet the family in destinations.  You’ve seen this on the popular TV shows like NBC, Who Do You Think You Are?
3. Proper Citation.  This is a research project. It is imperative for descendants and heirs to have a properly sourced book.
   
4. Hardcover Books.  Your family book should include embedded family photos and images of research with text.  It’s not enough to just have a family tree. Be sure your researcher is a historian and will include the social history and times of your ancestor for clarification.
5. Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).  If you wish to have 5 generations or 15 or more, be sure your researcher signs a NDA.  Most professional forensic genealogists will offer this as part of their services.
6. Anonymous Research.  If you choose to be anonymous, your researcher should also be your voice. This is most important in cases of adoption, or other private family relations.  For complete privacy we suggest your researcher be a licensed private investigator. 

Other Services

• Adoption and Guardian Research
• Probate Research
• Locating Heirs and Heir Searches
• Deed and Estate Research
• Locate Beneficiaries
• Inheritance, Estate and Trusts Research
• Citizenship and emigration

Kathleen Brandt

a3Genealogy.com

Accurate, Accessible Answers
History Channel, Travel Channel, NBC, TLC & PBS

Memorial Day Remembrance of Veterans

Obtaining Veterans' Ribbons, Medals, Certificates

It’s Memorial Day and we are remembering the stories of our veterans. Did they serve overseas?  Did they participate in a campaign in WWI or WWII?  Were they Korean War or Vietnam veterans. Your veteran may have served in the Cold War or one of the early wars.

Replacement Awards and Decorations

Often we hear of their heroic actions, or details of their battles. Yet, the earned awards have been lost or misplaced over time.  But did you know veterans, next of kin, and even the general public can receive replacement military awards or decorations? This can include certificates of service, copies of your veteran’s discharge papers, medals and ribbons. Veterans may even obtain a Cold War Recognition Certificate.

What Is Needed

• Discharge Papers specifying eligible awards, ribbons, medals
• Proof of Relationship: Birth Certificate (next of kin), Driver’s License (veteran)
• Death Certificate, obituary of Veteran (if next of kin)

4 Tips / Hints

1. Obtain the veteran’s military service record online, by mail, or by fax.  Submit Request.
2. If your veteran’s separation documents were lost in the 1973 St. Louis Fire (read about it here), there are alternatives to locating discharge papers which will list awards and decorations.
3. Visit the National Archives Military Awards and Decorations page, for complete procedure and costs information for replacement medals and ribbons.
4. Cold War Recognition Certificate may be available to members of the armed forces and qualified federal government civilian personnel between 2 Sept 1945 to 27 Dec 1991.

More Information

Expect a 60-90 day response time to receive your awards/decorations once all paperwork has been submitted.

Kathleen Brandt

a3Genealogy.com

Accurate, accessible answers

Are You Overlooking Chancery Court Records?

Sally Grimes, daughter of Gabriel Winston

Kinships Named: Parents and Maiden Names

As family researchers and genealogists, one of our common brick-walls is a result of the lack of resources to confirm kinships. Familiar relationships, parents’ names,  maiden names are all needed to complete family units, but what happens when we’ve exhausted all the normal resources - census, wills/probates, deeds, vital records, church records…etc.? Well, hopefully the researcher has not overlooked Chancery Records when they are available.

What are Chancery Court Records?

Chancery Court records hold a wealth of genealogical information. Although not necessarily a part of every states’ historical legal system, when available it will behoove the researcher to take more than a cursory glance at these genealogical-rich documents. Researchers will find personal testimonies that include family relationships. In some states (i.e. Virginia, Tennessee, etc) chancery court records are available from the early 18th century through early 1900’s. In Virginia alone there are over 233,000 multi-paged cases. More on Virginia Chancery Courts can be found at this informative piece on ancestry.com. 

What is "Next Friend?"

Of course the key to understanding any court record relies on period vocabulary. In the Chancery Court record of Sally Grimes of Hanover County, VA vs. Joseph Grimes, Sally’s father Gabriel Winston is identified as both “father” and “next friend.”

A "next friend" can be considered the person who represents and speaks on behalf of the plaintiff. The next friend may be a parent, a guardian, an older sibling , etc.  By no means should the researcher assume it is a parent or even a relationship. We have uncovered many next friends proven not to be of blood relation.  In many cases the next friend is identified, removing the tempting guessing game and solidly identifying kinships. This is most useful, when also looking for a maiden name.  

Unlike many states, Delaware's "Court of Chancery" has survived since 1792.  Of course its roles, jurisdictions and litigation realms have been consistently updated to meet the needs of the court to include corporate litigation. Visit Delaware Courts for a quick history of the English Origins of the "Court of Chancery." 

As the times have changed, so has the role of the Chancery Court. In current day Mississippi Chancery Courts are the repository for land records.  Researchers will also find divorces, guardianships and wills in the Mississippi Chancery Courts.

Other states like Missouri, may boast of early records of the Chancery Court.  For St. Louis MO. Chancery Court Records may be found as early as 1811 to about the Civil War.  These records can be found at the Missouri State Archives. Like other states, Missouri researchers may find other counties with salvaged Chancery Court Records.  

Be sure to check FamilySearch Wiki for your state / county. 

(Updated from Chancery Court Records for Genealogy Brickwalls posted 12 Oct 2013).

Kathleen Brandt

a3Genealogy@gmail.com

Accurate, accessible answers