Evaluating Sources -Take a Closer Look!

Recently I received a message from a distant relative doing genealogical research and was puzzled by what he found on the census when searching for a relative we have in common.   My shirttail cousin’s dilemma was that Samuel Fisher died in March 1909 but is listed on the 1910 U.S. Census as Head of Continue reading Evaluating Sources -Take a Closer Look!

Insight into Daily Routines

The U.S. Census is not the only historical document that can provide insight. Locating and gaining access to archival and historical documents can be a little bit tricky, but a bit of practiced and deliberate searching can reveal interesting and unexpected tidbits. I found Augusta listed on the 1874-1875 University of Minnesota student roster as Continue reading Insight into Daily Routines

Augusta and the 1870 U.S. Census.

          I had found my diary writer on the 1870 U.S. Census: Augusta Mansfield, 11 years old, daughter of William and Theresa Mansfield, living in the 4th Ward, St. Anthony, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Historical documents like the U.S. Census hold a wealth of information that inform the researcher. For example, I learned that Augusta had Continue reading Augusta and the 1870 U.S. Census.