End of 2016

We had an end of year afternoon tea at the Two Rocks Library today, after a bit of research.

18th January 2017 is when we meet up again.

  

From Peter at LOST COUSINS

Who should I add to my tree?

A recent enquiry from a LostCousins member prompted me to put together this piece of advice…..

I don't add someone to my tree unless I'm convinced that they're a relative of mine.

Citations don't prove anything but they do remind you why you thought someone was a relative of yours, and they allow others you might share the tree with to understand your logic. So they're a necessary but not sufficient condition.

Similarly, finding other trees online that show the same information doesn't prove anything - even if it has multiple citations. Many mistakes are made simply because the wrong information is more accessible than the right information, so if one person makes the mistake, the chances are others will too.

My family tree program allows me to record people and families who have a possible or probable connection to my tree without actually connecting them. There are lots of families whose details I recorded over a decade ago, but have yet to be able to connect to my tree. Having them present, but not connected, is extremely useful; one day I may be able to connect them - perhaps I never will - but being able to record information about them as I find it is very useful.

The program I use also allows me to connect someone who I am certain is an ancestor of mine, but where no proof exists (perhaps because a page is missing from the baptism register), with a different-coloured line, to remind me that I need confirmation from another source, possibly DNA.

If the family tree program you use doesn't allow you to do both of these things (albeit in a slightly-different way) you might want to consider changing it for one that does.

Never use an online tree as your main tree, and never post information online unless you are absolutely certain it is correct. Ideally never post a public tree online.

When it comes to adding relatives to your My Ancestors page at the LostCousins site the situation is a little more relaxed. There are times when it simply isn't possible to identify the right person on the census, especially someone who has recently left home and is working as a servant, so I introduced the 'possible relative' relationship. It's not intended as a replacement for research - it's designed for those situations where having tried everything you can't find the answer.

I hope this helps, and encourages you to complete your My Ancestors page so that I can start connecting you with the many other members who are your 'lost cousins'. Much as I like to be able to help and advise members, I can't possibly do as good a job as someone who shares your ancestors and understands the challenges you're faced with.

Hope this helps,

Peter

Note: the main family tree program I use is Genopro, but whilst it does what I want it's not necessarily the best for you; Family Historian is a very powerful program (and it was written here in Britain) - if I was starting from scratch it's the one I'd go for. Unfortunately I can't advise members on family tree programs, not even the two I've mentioned, because it's a very personal choice - what works for me may not work for you - but if a family tree program is worth buying they'll almost certainly offer a free trial version.

Why wasn't my ancestor's birth registered?

Good reasons given here at Find My Past Blog

1939 register

Interesting write-up in the Guardian newspaper. 

look here.

Irish blood in the family?

FIND MY PAST is giving FREE access to Irish records. From 15th to 18th Sep click here.

Family History at the Library

New set-up in the library 4 computers (another 2 coming!)

Family Tree programmes

For those of you looking to download a family tree programme here is another one. Family Historian  this programme is not for Apple Mac computers,
you can look here & see what is available.

Sorting out.....

While sorting my family history I came across some certificates that weren't mine. Managed to find a person on Genes Reunited to send one to, still have 4 to go.

m. JACKSON/TAYLOR Manchester 1865

m. BECK/JACKSON Skipton 1863

d. William BECK  Croydon 1943

d. Elizabeth POOLE Bristol 1901

1856 will of John George KESTEN

Executor Susanna KESTEN daughter also mentioned James Edward BALL.

Can't make out a lot! 

Help with your family history

Family History Group at Yanchep

Wednesday afternoon between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm volunteers help people with their family history research. This group (at the moment) uses all 4 computers in the main area.
Tea and coffee are provided. For further information contact the library on 9561 1110

Family History Morning at Wanneroo

Monday mornings from 10am to 1pm expert volunteers assist with family history research. The Centre offers free access to Ancestry Library Edition and Find My Past.  For further information contact the Community History Centre Librarian on 945 5925. 

Genie Exchange at Joondalup

On Friday mornings, between 10.00am and noon, volunteers from the Western Australian Genealogical Society help people with their family history research. The Genie Exchange is held in the Local History Library. No bookings are required for these free sessions. There are 6 computers (more available if needed). Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. For further information contact the library on 9400 4746 

Free online course

Develop an understanding of genealogy – how to research your family tree and communicate the results – in this free online course.

Requirements

No special knowledge or previous experience of studying is required.
This course will be suitable if you:

• have no experience with genealogy or family history research;
• have some experience with genealogical research but want to develop your skills and knowledge further;
• are a more experienced genealogical researcher but want to learn new searching, analytical or communication techniques or
• find it difficult to access opportunities for training and development.

Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree. click here.

14 December 1946

My great aunt on my fathers side, she was 81 when she died.
A cutting from the Bath Chronicle newspaper.

In 1930 she was mentioned in the same paper.

 A high honour has been conferred upon Miss Elizabeth Mary Butler, of Draycott, Newbridge Hill, daughter of the late councillor A.H. Butler. Miss Butler has been made a life member of the Red Cross Society and is the 100th person to be thus distinguished. The Royal Red Cross was instituted as a decoration by Queen Victoria by royal warrant of 23 April 1883 for award to ladies who showed special devotion while nursing the sick and wounded of the Army and Navy.

In November 1915, the Royal Red Cross was expanded to two classes: First Class, or Member (RRC); and Second Class, or Associate (ARRC).In 1917, arrangements were made for Members of the First Class who perfomed further outstanding services to be awarded a bar.

The decoration was specifically extended to the Nursing Services of the Royal Air Force in 1920 and to men in 1977. Award is now restricted to members of the Nursing Services of the Armed Forces and properly constituted Auxiliary Nursing Services working under Armed Forces control.

Pretty church

St Bartholomew's Church, Burwash, Sussex  

A marriage took place here on the 12 June 1944.

Why, oh why?

Yanchep Two Rocks Library is changing! The staff are still as welcoming & helpful, just not so many of them. The same may be said of the computers!! I understand that the computers that are on loan from the Mens Shed are going & not being replaced. The new computers in the main area around the hub are very good for the public but when the Family History Group meets on a Wednesday afternoon there will be only 4 for at least 10 people (that doesn’t include other public users). Why couldn’t the older computers that are being replaced be put in the space room where the existing set up is? 

Full house again!

All computers were occupied this afternoon. 

Come the end of this month they are going to be taken away!

We are not very happy about that.

Pictured here are from the left - Lois, James, Terry, John, Kathryn & Jacquie.

10 Easy Tips for Using Ancestry.com

Following on from the talk last Wednesday, go here for 10 easy tips for using Ancestry.com 

Gravestone Photographic Resource

Interesting site click here.

!939 register

(taken from the newspaper in 1939)

Find My Past & Lost Cousins

Findmypast are having a flash sale, with 20% off all 12 month subscriptions - however it ends at midnight (London time) on Saturday 27th February, hence this rather rushed email.

To take advantage of this offer, which applies at all Findmypast sites around the world, and get a free LostCousins subscription, see my last newsletter. The following link will take you straight to the relevant article:

 

http://lostcousins.com/newsletters2/latefeb16news.htm#Offer

Alternatively, visit the LostCousins website where there's always a link to the latest newsletter in the menu. Remember, the 1939 Register is included in all 12 month Britain and World subscriptions.

For all the inside information on the 1939 Register see my special newsletter:

http://lostcousins.com/newsletters2/1939special.htm

It really is the place to go if you have any questions about the 1939 Register - not only will you find exclusive revelations, overall it's more up to date than the information on Findmypast's own website!

A final tip: if you have Irish ancestors remember that Findmypast will be launching their index to the Catholic Parish Registers next month - so it might be worth splashing out a little extra to get a World subscription.

My next newsletter will be out in early March - let's hope the daffodils are too!

Peter Calver

State Library visit to Yanchep/Two Rocks

Hope to see you there.