Friday 30 June 2017

High Fives June 30, 2017




~by Patricia Greber at My Genealogy Life
My ancestors were missed on a census also.  In 1851 the numerator wrote at the beginning of his census papers for Pittsburgh Ontario that there was a huge snow storm that made it difficult to do his job. Neighbours are on the census, not my ancestors.  The house was a long way off the main road. At least they are in the City Directory for that year, although it does not list all family members.



~by Donna Moughty at Donna’s Irish Genealogy Resources
Second part of how to use the Griffith's Valuation in Ireland. Find your ancestor's property on maps and distinguishing people with the same name. That's what I need!


Two interesting history tours of Scotland this summer
If you are visiting Scotland this summer (or live there) you can immerse yourself in the history of the Jacobites and follow the Jacobite Trail.
When you have completed the Jacobite journey and have time for more sightseeing, you can tour the locations for filming the Outlander Series.



~by Lin Anderson at National Museums Scotland Blog
Listen to the audio of Lin’s interview with Diana Gabaldon and how she started writing this fabulous series of books. 


at The British Library
You can click on Gallery in the top menu, and to change pages click Reselect.
I love going through a used book or antique book shop, and seeing the books with beautifully crafted bindings. Even some books from the early 1900s have artfully done covers and bindings. I bought some antique children's books for decor in my grandson's room when he was born.  


~by Diane L Richard at UpFront with NGS
I had never heard of Linkpendium but will definitely add it to my resource list! Check out your surname page and see what links there are around the world... amazing!


~by Tristin Hopper at The National Post
French Canadian conscripts to be sent to Siberia?
You can read more about the Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force at wikipedia, in a 2008 article at the Legion Magazine and at Canadian War Museum.




Note: There will be no High Fives next week as I am away visiting family and telling my grandchildren about their ancestors.



Thursday 29 June 2017

Canada 150 - My 1867 Ancestors




Patricia Greber, of My Genealogy Life, challenges us to list all our ancestors who were living in Canada in 1867, the year of confederation, what year they arrived (or were born*), and where they first settled.

I also wrote where they were from. My ancestor's in Quebec worked off travelling debt and married in Quebec, then settled in Inverness, Qc.
Here is my list of 1867 ancestors...


George Hunter
Scotland
1812
Montreal, Qc
Anne Maddocks
Scotland
1812
Montreal, Qc
Elizabeth Hunter
Montreal
1818*
Pittsburgh, On
Joseph Campbell
Ireland
1827
Quebec, Qc
Sarah McCulloch
Ireland
1827
Quebec, Qc
Wilson Henderson
Caledon, Ireland
1827
Quebec, Qc
Susannah Mitchell
Armagh, Ireland
1827
Quebec, Qc
Robert Campbell
Quebec, Qc
1830*
Inverness, Qc
Ann Henderson
Inverness, Qc
1831*
Inverness, Qc
John Seale
Laois, Ireland
1832
Pittsburgh, On
William Porter
Belfast, Ireland
1839
Ulverton, Qc
Margaret Manley
Belfast, Ireland
1839
Ulverton, Qc
John Porter
Ulverton Qc
1840*
Ulverton, Qc
John Seale
Barriefield, On
1842*
Pittsburgh, On
William Johnston
Cork, Ireland
1842
Ulverton, Qc
Mary Johnston
Cork, Ireland
1842
Ulverton, Qc
Susanna Johnston
Ulverton, Qc
1846*
Ulverton, Qc
Thomas Miller
Laois, Ireland
1846
Pittsburgh, On
Hester Wilson
Tipperary, Ire
1846
Pittsburgh, On
Elizabeth Miller
Tipperary,Ire
1846
Pittsburgh, On
Alexander Mavor
Ellon, Scotland
1855
Ile aux Reaux, Qc
Margaret Bruce
Ellon Scotland
1855
Ile aux Reaux, Qc
George King
Devon, England
1858
Montreal, Qc
Elizabeth Nichols
Devon, England
1858
Montreal, Qc
Alexander Mavor
Ile aux Reaux, Qc
1864*
Ile aux Reaux, Qc
Rebecca Campbell
Iverness, Qc
1867*
Inverness, Qc
MaryJane Porter
Ulverton, Qc
1867*
Ulverton Qc




Wednesday 28 June 2017

Canada 150 - Industrial Canada






During our country's 150th anniversary celebration of confederation I will write posts titled Canada 150 with a link to a publication or website I find that may help you tell the story of your Canadian ancestors.
Click on the Canada 150 label on the right or at the bottom to see all the posts.

Today I have for you...


Industrial Canada



Industrial Canada was issued monthly as the official publication of the Canadian Manufacturer's Association. It was published in Toronto.

Issues hold lists of new members...




The first issues from 1900 have bylaw, fees, executive committee members names etc.
Sections to look for that may also hold names of ancestors or their companies are Among the Industries,  Situations Wanted, and Trade Inquiries, and of course lists of new members.


Relevant Links





Monday 26 June 2017

Wartime Hospital Ships







During WWI Women's groups all over the world held concerts, teas, bazaars and card parties to raise money for their Hospital Ship Fund. Their names and amounts were often printed in the local newspapers, to encourage others to donate.




On 27 June 1918 the Canadian Hospital ship Llandovery Castle was sailing from Nova Scotia to Liverpool when it was torpedoed by German U-Boat off the coast of Ireland. Only 24 persons survived out of 258 medics, nurses and crew.




This was one of two hospital ship sinking cases presented at the Leipzeig war crime trials after the war and considered one of the worst atrocities of the war.



During WWII the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur was attacked and sunk by a Japanese submarine, on 14 May 1943. Of the 332 medical staff and crew 268 lost their lives.







Relevant Links














Sunday 25 June 2017

Canada 150 - Alberta Public Accounts






During our country's 150th anniversary celebration of confederation I will write posts titled Canada 150 with a link to a publication or website I find that may help you tell the story of your Canadian ancestors.
Click on the Canada 150 label on the right or at the bottom to see all the posts.

Today I have for you...


Public Accounts of the Province of Alberta




The public accounts of Alberta revenue section includes fees from insurance, bank and other companies and various licenses. It also includes succession fees from estates, giving names and amounts.



The expenditure section includes expenses for the departments of justice, agriculture, dairy, education, public health, public institutions, public works, etc.

The Education Department includes salaries for inspectors, examiners and teachers; normal schools, special summer schools and English schools for foreigners...



The Agriculture Department includes expenses for destruction of wolves and weeds, stock inspectors, brand recorders, game protection, demonstration farms, agriculture schools, prairie fire guardians, and the Women's Institute...



The Public Institutes department includes salaries for jail workers, maintenance and transportation of prisoners and committal in the Asylum for the Insane salaries...



Miscellaneous Expenditures includes return of Big Game licenses purchased by Indians, Patriotic Fund salaries re returned soldiers, and unused marriage licenses... I guess someone(s) got cold feet!



Also under Miscellaneous are salaries for election workers, and in 1906 Indemnity for Losses from the Hail Insurance Ordinance...



Public Works Department includes salaries for river ferry workers, road construction (with list of roads), maintenance of public buildings like court houses, gaols, schools and asylum, surveyors and compensation for land for right of way...




Relevant Links





Friday 23 June 2017

New Book - Celebrating Canada: Decorating with History in a Contemporary Home



My friend Peter Baker, of Peter Baker Antiques, has recently released a book that was years in the making...


Celebrating Canada: Decorating with History in a Contemporary Home




The book was written to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Canada's confederation and the 375th anniversary of Montreal. Follow Peter as he takes you on a history tour of Canada through objects and the story of their artists and of Canada. He highlights a variety of antiques for every budget, and where they can best be showcased in any modern home.

Peter was a selected expert for BBC Antiques Roadshow when they visited Toronto and Ottawa in 2001, and then as an expert appraiser of Canadiana and Folk Art for the Canadian Antiques Roadshow while it aired. 

Peters book Celebrating Canada: Decorating with History in a Contemporary Home is available in most bookstores as hardcover and as an ebook for most formats. It is available in two editions, English edition and French edition.

If you look at it at Google Books there are some excerpts available, click on the book for viewing. When you get to the blank pages, scroll down to the index to see what else is there.




High Fives - June 23, 2017



~by Tom McGregor at Legion Magazine
I would love to try out this machine!! My grandfather was at Vimy Ridge and it would be enlightening to know a little of what he experienced. You don't have to travel to Vimy Ridge to try that one, as they are installing one at the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum in London, Ontario


~by Clare Paterson at University of Glasgow Library
My first sort-of-drinking-age birthday party my Mom decided she would make us a rum punch.  My brother’s friend arrived early and the two of them were pouring and tasting. A little more rum, a little more juice, a little more rum, a little more rum… the whole bottle of rum ended up in there. Best punch ever, and no recipe!
I also took a bartending course once.  Hint.... don't drive there. 


~by Donna Moughty at Donna’s Irish Genealogy Resources 
Great explanation and tips on how to use the valuation records.
To watch Donna's lecture "Researching Your Irish Ancestors Online", even though the Jamboree is finished, you sign up here for Free then log in with the password they send you. It is available until July 10th.


~by Niall Cullen at Find My Past
What is included and how to access the records. Thursday to Monday (incl)


~by Roz Ryan-Mills at University of Glasgow Library
Follow links to database of University of Glasgow students from 1451 to 1917, you can browse or search







Wednesday 21 June 2017

Canada 150 - High Court of Justice for Ontario






During our country's 150th anniversary celebration of confederation I will write posts titled Canada 150 with a link to a publication or website I find that may help you tell the story of your Canadian ancestors.
Click on the Canada 150 label on the right or at the bottom to see all the posts.

Today I have for you...


Reports of the High Court of Justice for Ontario





Even if none of your ancestors are mentioned, some of the cases are pretty interesting. Even in 1895 fathers were absconding with their children...




There are cases against non-Canadians that were tried in Ontario courts, as in the case of Ellis Phipps, arrested in Hamilton Ontario for forgery in Philadelphia.




There is a list of cases reported at the beginning of each volume, after the list of court officials.





Relevant Links





Monday 19 June 2017

Where did our Ancestors do their Banking?




Did you ever think of where your ancestors did their banking?

I know that my 3rd great uncles in New Deer, Aberdeenshire, Scotland did their banking at the North Scotland Banking Company.  In the Aberdeen Journal of February 19, 1879 there published a "Return of Persons of whom the Company or Partnership exists.." and it listed their name, address and occupation. So I know I have the right guys!  My Bruce ancestors lived at Knaven, New Deer.



Alexander had died intestate in 1877 and his brother Robert, as oldest brother, was named the executor of his estate, including his accounts at the bank. Their brother Joseph was a cattle dealer and also did his banking with the North Scotland Banking Company.


Look for annual reports where some banks provide a list of shareholders, and at the very least a list of officers and directors.



The Metropolitan Bank Note Reporter and Bank Register has images of American gold and silver coins and a description of the notes issued by each bank.  Near the back is a section of closed banks as well as Canadian banks with the warning "Refuse the notes of all the banks not quoted here!"





Relevant Links





























Sunday 18 June 2017

Canada 150 - The Quebec Jail Association






During our country's 150th anniversary celebration of confederation I will write posts titled Canada 150 with a link to a publication or website I find that may help you tell the story of your Canadian ancestors.
Click on the Canada 150 label on the right or at the bottom to see all the posts.

Today I have for you...


The Quebec Jail Association



The Quebec Jail Association was established to bring education to prisoners at the Quebec Jail. The association paid the teachers' salaries and did other good works through donations and subscriptions. A subscription of 5s a year was all that was needed to become a member of the association.



The report gives the conditions in the jail and states that their request to the Quebec Legislature for assistance and recognition of the gaol conditions fell on deaf ears. The association also tried to establish a House of Industry to employ prisoners on discharge.

The fifth annual report tells that in the jail during the winter they were able to "erect a loom and machinery for the manufacture of coarse hempen cloth, which is now in full operation." Voluntary employment was a successful endeavor that gave the prisoners a bit of money to support themselves until they could find work. 




Maybe the provincial government did not sit up and take notice, but other prison associations did.  
This excerpt is from the Annual Reports of the Prison Discipline Society of Boston...





Friday 16 June 2017

High Fives - June 16, 2017



~by Louise Jack at National Library of Scotland Blog
When I was young my family went from Montreal to Calgary by train and we slept in berths. For me it was fun, like camping out.
Quite a few years ago I looked into travelling on the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul. What can I say, I’m a romantic history buff. The travel agent had to look into it, as apparently there is not much call for that trip.  She got back to me with a brochure and a price… over $15,000 CDN.  “We’re not bringing the kids” I told her.  
Ah, no.  That is per person.  GASP!
If you think you might want to go, here is where you can book.  
At the time I looked into the trip £1 was approximately $2.50 CDN.
If it is just the sights you want without the pomp, with a Europe Interrail pass you can do the trip on a budget, like Sarah wrote about in this article.


~by Cassandra Lee at McGill Office for Science and Society
The latest in many articles and posts about DNA testing and the springboard
for my last post.


~by Lisa Louise Cooke at Genealogy Gems
I had an idea Lisa would come up with easy follow instructions, she is so good with maps! Thank you Lisa!


~by Harold Henderson at BSG Springboard News and Notes
I was able to listen to a snippet and it sure whet my appetite! I have many family members who crossed into the US. Seems like a good webinar to order or keep an eye out for a rerun.


~by Gail Dever at Genealogy à la carte
Try it!  You’ll like it!  Type a surname in the search box, you may be surprised at where in the world they show up! Even though they are French publications, there are English names in the books too.





Thursday 15 June 2017

Is DNA testing right for me?




Many companies are offering DNA testing for genealogy, and a DNA test is not cheap, over $100 and more a pop! Even when it is on sale it is a lot of money to spend for a trend.

I have never been a follower.  I weigh the pros and cons to decide what is right for me.


ADN animation


You do not need a DNA test to know who you are.  You are the sum of your upbringing and your life experiences. I know and am confident in who I am.

I also know where my heritage lies. Some of our family recipes and traditions were passed down because of our heritage. I know where I come from.

On my paternal side I have my Dad's father's line back to Ireland in the 1600s and his mother's line back to Scotland in the 1500s.

On my maternal side I have my Mom's father's line back to Aberdeenshire in 1800 and her mother's line back to Devonshire in the 1700s.

Taking a DNA test may help you to find a cousin or two (if they also tested with the same company) and hopefully they can then help you with your research.
Via my tree on Ancestry, through genealogy forums, and a couple of times via genealogy groups on Facebook, I have virtually met dozens of cousins (I'm a poet) in all my lines and we share information, records and stories. I find that with all the media attention genealogy is getting these past few years, more Gen X and Y people are looking into their family history, giving us a better chance at meeting family.

From what I have read on both sides of the DNA coin, I see no upside to my taking the DNA test.  I don't think that the information DNA testing can tell me is specific enough to be worth $100. For me it is more of a fun thing, like going to a good fortune teller. I would rather put the money towards my travel fund to go to Scotland and do more research in Aberdeen. Or subscribe to British Newspaper Archive to find more stories on my ancestors.

Many people are not as lucky as I am with their research and may not know where their deep roots are buried. All I am saying is don't take the DNA test just because everyone else is doing it. But DO take it if you have weighed all the scientific information and decide for yourself it is right for you.

I am open to any reasons you can give me of why I should test my DNA and how it will help me know more about my ancestry. I don't know everything!

What is your experience with DNA testing?



Relevant Links



How does DNA testing work, BBC Science

DNA Testing: An Introduction for Non-Scientists 







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