May Genealogy Events in Northwest Suburbs (Most are Free)

May 7 10:00 AM
Researching the Wisconsin Historical Society Library by George Findlen
Arlington Heights Senior Center
http://www.nwsgenealogy.org/

May 7 9:30 AM-4 PM

Genealogy Day
Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook
https://fountaindalegenealogy.wordpress.com/

May 10 7:00 PM

Mapping Your Migrating Ancestors by Tina Beaird
Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg
https://genealogywithtony.wordpress.com/2013-programs/

May 12 7:00 PM

Beginning Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

May 14 1:00 PM

Navigating the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court Archives by Raymond Johnson
Northbrook History Museum
http://nsgsil.org

May 17 7:00 PM

Polish Genealogy Research
Algonquin Area Public Library District
http://www.aapld.org/

May 18 1:00 PM

Genealogists Who Pin
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

May 19 7:00 PM

Going Beyond the Begats: Writing Your Family History with Details
Chamber Park Church 242 N. Wolf Rd, Wheeling (Due to Indian Trails Library remodel)
http://www.indiantrailslibrary.org/

May 21 10:30 AM

Find A Grave by Robert Allen
Schaumburg Township Public Library
http://caggni.shuttlepod.org/

May 24 7:00 PM

Fold3 In-Depth
Helen Plum Library, Lombard
http://www.helenplum.org/

June 5 3:00 PM

Central Europe is Easy – Merci Napoleon!  by Jacquie Schattner
Genealogical Forum of Elmhurst
Elmhurst.genealogy@YAHOO.com

June 8 9:30 AM

Finding Your Ancestors Online
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

June 8 7:00 PM

Uncle Jake’s Farm: Federal Land A-Z
Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook
ddudek@fountaindale.org or
https://fountaindalegenealogy.wordpress.com/

June 9 7:00 PM

Beginning Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

 

Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs April Genealogical Events (Most are Free)

Every month, the first week of the month, I list genealogical events being held in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago for about the next six weeks.  Most events are free, but sometimes you will need to register in advance, especially sponsored by a public library.  If it is sponsored by a genealogy society, you probably will not need to register unless there is a fee (which is designated by the $).  Check the website listed for more information.

If you’d like individual help, the following public libraries’ websites state that you may make an appointment with a librarian or genealogy volunteer: Schaumburg, Palatine, Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect. On May 11, June 8 and July 13, 3-4:30 PM, the Indian Trails Library, Wheeling has a genealogy question and answer session with the librarian. Due to their 2016 remodeling, starting in May, the meetings will be held at 70 W Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove.  The Palatine Public Library holds a group Thursday evenings at 7:00 on April 7. The Bloomingdale Public Library has a similar group on the fourth Thursdays of the month at 6:30 PM.    Check the library websites for more details.

If you know of any events that I have missed, please email me. I hope you see an event you’d like to attend.

 

April 2 10:00 AM

Get the Scoop: Interviewing by Diane Dassow

Arlington Heights Senior Center

http://www.nwsgenealogy.org/

 

April 3 3:00 PM

Digging Deeper into Probate Records by Grace Dumelle

Genealogical Forum of Elmhurst

Elmhurst.genealogy@YAHOO.com

 

April 4 7:00 PM

Overseas Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner

Prospect High School $

http://ce.d214.org/adult_classes/

 

April 9 1:00 PM

Mapping Your Migrating Ancestors by Tina Beaird

Northbrook History Museum

http://nsgsil.org

 

April 12 7:00 PM

What’s the Buzz about BillionGraves by Debra Dudek

Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg

https://genealogywithtony.wordpress.com/2013-programs/

 

April 13 7:00 PM

Top Ten Genealogy Tips by Jacquie Schattner

Sun City Genealogy Club – Huntley

http://www.sccah.com/?page=CC018

 

April 14 7:00 PM

Beginning Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner

Arlington Heights Memorial Library

http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

 

April 15 9:30 AM

Finding Your Ancestors Online

Arlington Heights Memorial Library

http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

 

April 16 10:30 AM

Mapping It: A DIY Tutorial by Sarah A.V. Kirby

Schaumburg Township Public Library

http://caggni.shuttlepod.org/

 

April 18 6:30 PM

Using Family Search

Palatine Public Library

http://www.palatinelibrary.org/

 

April 20 7:00 PM

Overseas Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner

Barrington Area Library

balibrary.org

 

April 30 1:00 PM

The Many Languages of Genealogy

Arlington Heights Memorial Library

http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

 

May 7 10:00 AM

Researching the Wisconsin Historical Society Library by George Findlen

Arlington Heights Senior Center

http://www.nwsgenealogy.org/

 

May 10 7:00 PM

Mapping Your Migrating Ancestors by Tina Beaird

Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg

https://genealogywithtony.wordpress.com/2013-programs/

 

May 12 7:00 PM

Beginning Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner

Arlington Heights Memorial Library

http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

 

May 18 1:00 PM

Genealogists Who Pin

Arlington Heights Memorial Library

http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

 

Unwed Mothers - Surprise!

Probably the biggest genealogical surprise for me, was the discovery of many un-wed mothers throughout all of the generations.  Being a Baby Boomer myself, I saw the creation of the first birth control pill, signaling the beginning of the “Sexual Revolution”, Previous generations led us to believe they had “refrained until marriage.”  There had been a few “mistakes”, but those were relatively rare.

Wow!  Through family research, I found that this was just not the case.  The old saying that the first baby doesn’t necessarily take nine months, is true.  While I am not going to make a list of these children, or their mothers, you too might have already located this type of information. 

However, the example that shocked me, and may never be explained is in the story of Julie Ernestine Louise Ambellan, my husband’s gr-grandmother. In her US records, Ernestine always listed herself as a widow with the married name of Ambellan.  Her immigration records, census records and her death record list her as a widow. Even the 1913 Buffalo City Directory has her listed as the widow of Frederick Ambellan. For 20 years, I did not know her maiden name.  The family story was that their father was in the military and away at war, and not really around the family, so they did not know him well.

I first noticed that when five of her children who were born in Hardenbeck, Brandenburg, Germany between 1870-1886 registered to marry in Buffalo, New York, they listed various names for their parents. (Marie married in New York City, so I do not have her information.) 

Emilie listed Frederick and Ernestine Ambellan (no maiden name)

Bertha listed Frederick Ambellan and Ernestina Keppel
Herman listed Herman Ambellan and Ernestine Koppen
Anna listed unknown father and Ernestine Ambellan
Helen listed unknown father and Ernestine Ambellan

How could these children not know the name of their father and mother correctly?  Even if he was away in the military, I was surprised that they did not know even his name.

When the Hardenbeck records became available there was clarification and a surprise.

Ernestine’s children’s baptism records of show that she never married the father of her children.  Ambellan is her maiden name!

Each record for five of her six children, (unable to find Marie's) states that Ernestine's father, Johann Friedrich Ambellan came to the church to deliver the news that his unmarried daughter, Ernestine, had delivered a(nother) child.  This must have been very difficult for her father. 

In the late 1800's, being an unwed mother was not uncommon. In this case, there are several possibilities.  It may have been the same father. Many times, couples did not marry until the father completed his military commitment and the couple had enough money to pay a tax that was needed to marry.  OR, perhaps there were different fathers. (Sadly, there could be 6 different men.) 

However, the surname Koeppen frequently appears in Hardenbeck records during that time period.    (Koeppel not at all).  A man with surname Koeppen probably did father one or more of the children.  I do not have pictures of all of Ernestine’s children, so have not been able to see if there are resemblances.  DNA?  Nothing yet.  This mystery may never be solved. 

 . 

Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs March Genealogical Events (Most are Free)

Every month, the first week of the month, I list genealogical events being held in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago for about the next six weeks.  Most events are free, but sometimes you will need to register in advance, especially sponsored by a public library.  If it is sponsored by a genealogy society, you probably will not need to register unless there is a fee (designated by the $).  Check the website listed for more information.

 

If you’d like individual help, the following public libraries’ websites state that you may make an appointment with a librarian or genealogy volunteer: Schaumburg, Palatine, Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect. On May 11, June 8 and July 13, 3-4:30 PM, the Indian Trails Library, Wheeling has a genealogy question and answer session with the librarian. Due to their 2016 remodeling, starting in May, the meetings will be held at 70 W Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove.  The Palatine Public Library holds a group Thursday evenings at 7:00 on March 3, and April 7. The Bloomingdale Public Library has a similar group on the fourth Thursdays of the month at 6:30 PM.    Check the library websites for more details.

 

If you know of any events that I have missed, please email me. I hope you see an event you’d like to attend.

 

                            March 5 10:00 AM
Researching the Wisconsin Historical Society Library by George Findlen

Arlington Heights Senior Center

http://www.nwsgenealogy.org/

March 5 10 PM

Researching a Cemetery by Diane Lanigan

Arlington Heights Memorial Library

http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

March 5 1:30 PM

Probate Records: Beyond the Will by Jean Haldeman

Arlington Heights Memorial Library

http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

March 8 7:00 PM

Using Ancestry

Palatine Public Library

http://www.palatinelibrary.org/

March 9 7:00 PM and/or March 10 3:00 PM

Learn to Use findmypast and Historic Newspapers Websites

Mount Prospect Library

www.mppl.org

March 10 6:30 PM

Overseas Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner

Fremd High School $

http://adc.d211.org/academics/continuing-education/continuing-education-home/

March 12 1:00 PM

DNA, Behind the Scenes by Dr. David Hubbard

Northbrook History Museum

http://nsgsil.org

March 13 By Appointment

Swedish Genealogy Research Help by Kathy Meade

Arlington Heights Memorial Library

http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

                                     March 17 7:00 PM

Beginning Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner

Arlington Heights Memorial Library

http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

March 19 1:30 AM

What’s New in Technology by Ed Rosenthal

Schaumburg Township Public Library

http://caggni.shuttlepod.org/

March 22 7:00 PM

Finding Your Chicago Ancestors by Grace Dumelle

Helen Plum Library, Lombard

http://www.helenplum.org/

March 23 7:00 PM

Where Did I Put Grandpa? - Organizing Your Genealogy Files by Caron Brennan

Palatine Public Library

http://www.palatinelibrary.org/

April 2 10:00 AM

Get the Scoop: Interviewing by Diane Dassow

Arlington Heights Senior Center

http://www.nwsgenealogy.org/

April 3 3:00 PM

Digging Deeper into Probate Records by Grace Dumelle

Genealogical Forum of Elmhurst

Elmhurst.genealogy@YAHOO.com

April 4 7:00 PM

Overseas Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner

Prospect High School $

http://ce.d214.org/adult_classes/

April 9 1:00 PM

Mapping Your Migrating Ancestors by Tina Beaird

Northbrook History Museum

http://nsgsil.org

 

My Memorable Monthly Mentions (AKA My Favorite January Blogs)

I admit, I love reading genealogy blogs...daily. AND...I keep a list of my favorites. Each month, I am happy to share these with you. I call them my monthly mentions. I hope you enjoy them too. Blogs I've liked in the past month are:

Very detailed review of 2015 software and web changes for genealogists – a must read: http://www.tamurajones.net/Genealogy2015.xhtml

A wonderful chart that keeps track of your yearly progress, I use this every year: http://www.geneamusings.com/2016/01/saturday-night-genealogy-fun-your.html

Familysearch 2015 year in review: https://familysearch.org/blog/en/2015-year-review-familysearch-grows-worlds-foremost-family-history-resource/

Randy Seaver is a top blogger.  Here is a list of his best blogs: http://www.geneamusings.com/search?updated-min=2015-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2016-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=50

Top ten posts by Judy G. Russell, the Legal Genealogist: http://www.legalgenealogist.com/blog/2015/12/30/2015-all-time-top-posts/

In writing a family story, how do you write about others, without hurting their feelings?: https://brevity.wordpress.com/2016/01/05/do-i-own-my-story/

Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs February Genealogical Events (Most are Free)

Every month, the first week of the month, I list genealogical events being held in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago for about the next six weeks.  Most events are free, but sometimes you will need to register in advance, especially sponsored by a public library.  If it is sponsored by a genealogy society, you probably will not need to register unless there is a fee (which is designated by the $).  Check the website listed for more information.

 If you’d like individual help, the following public libraries’ websites state that you may make an appointment with a librarian or genealogy volunteer: Schaumburg, Palatine, Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect. On the first Thursday of the month from 3-4:30 PM, the Indian Trails Library, Wheeling has a genealogy question and answer session with the librarian.  The Bloomingdale Public Library has a similar group on the fourth Thursdays of the month at 6:30 PM.  See the library websites for more information and the Palatine Public Library holds a group Thursday evenings at 7:00 on January 7, March 3, and April 7.  Check the websites for more details.

If you know of any events that I have missed, please email me. I hope you see an event you’d like to attend.

February 1 (4 weeks) 1:30 PM
             Family History Writing Challenge
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

February 4 (4 weeks) 1:30 PM
Writing Your Family History

Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

February 6 10:00 AM
Irish Emigrants to North America by Paul Milner

Arlington Heights Senior Center
http://www.nwsgenealogy.org/

February 9 7:00 PM
Finding Your Ancestors in Ireland by Paul Milner

Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg
https://genealogywithtony.wordpress.com/2013-programs/

February 9 7:00 PM (4 week class)
Seeds to Tree - Beginning Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner

Fremd High School $
http://adc.d211.org/academics/continuing-education/continuing-education-home/

February 10 7:00 PM and/or February 11 3:00 PM
Learn to Use fold3 and Heritagequest Websites

Mount Prospect Library
www.mppl.org

February 13 1:00 PM
Truth or Fiction?  Unraveling a Family Yarn by Teresa McMillan

Northbrook History Museum
http://nsgsil.org

February 18 7:00 PM
Overseas Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner

Indian Trails Library, Wheeling
http://www.indiantrailslibrary.org/

February 20 10:30 AM
Uncle Jake's Farm:  Federal Land A - Z  by S. Elizabeth Ross

Schaumburg Township Public Library
http://caggni.shuttlepod.org/

February 22 7:00 PM (4 week class)
Seeds to Tree - Beginning Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner

Prospect High School $
http://ce.d214.org/adult_classes/

February 22 6:30 PM
Genealogy 101

Palatine Public Library
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/

March 5 10:00 AM
Reading Between the Lines of the City Directory by Teresa Steinkamp McMillan

Arlington Heights Senior Center
http://www.nwsgenealogy.org/

March 8 7:00 PM
Using Ancestry

Palatine Public Library
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/

My Top 2015 Genealogical Finds

As 2015 comes to an end, I like to look back and enjoy revisiting my big genealogical discoveries and events for the year.  Here are my top six:

6. I spent many hours using https://www.wiewaswie.nl/en/search/, the awesome archival website from the Netherlands to fill in information on my Dutch ancestors going back to the 1700’s. This includes many BMD’s I’d been missing for the Knudde and Verbeke (Verbeck) families.  Unlike 1996 when I ordered dozens of films from the Church of Latter Day Saints for information, it is now nicely indexed from all over the country.

5.  Likewise, I found the Geneseo Public Library, in Henry County, Illinois has the Henry County local newspapers 1836-now available online at http://geneseo.advantage-preservation.com/.  Love OCR! I spent many hours finding obits, and stories that would otherwise have been lost in time.

4. One of my genealogical goals is to present outside the local area. Last winter, the well-known and popular Florida State Genealogical Society asked me to present my “Overseas Genealogy” class as a webinar.  Information about giving and finding webinars is here: http://seedstotree.blogspot.com/2015/03/my-first-webinar-im-presenter-you-can.html  Also, about 10 years ago, my brother-in-law suggested teaching a class at the elegant Chautauqua Institution in New York.  I nervously applied for their summer 2015 program and taught a one week genealogy class there.  So one goal, two successes!  Yeah! Both were a thrill!

3.  While researching Rice Dunbar (b. 1802), the leader of a Oregon Trail wagon train, I found troubling information about his nephew, my 3x gr-uncle Rice O. Dunbar (b 1848), who served time in a Texas prison for a felony.  The courthouse in Fannin County, Texas sent me a copy 1875 trial transcript!  The three part story starts here:  http://seedstotree.blogspot.com/2015/10/rice-dunbar-familys-black-sheep-part-1.html

2.  For 18 years, I looked for the parents and siblings of my 3^nd gr-grandfather Hiram R. Dunbar (1804 KY-1880 KS). A sharp eyed genealogical friend, and a single article at http://www.genealogybank.com/ broke down that brick wall.  I’m still doing the happy dance.  You can read about it here: http://seedstotree.blogspot.com/2015/01/ater-18-years-hiram-dunbars-father-has.html

1.  The birth of my fourth grandchild, and third grandson.  In my eyes, the best genealogical event of 2016.

What strikes me is that there is such a variety of sources, websites, and just plain luck involved in finding new genealogy gem.  You never know what you are going to find next.  Isn’t that what makes it all so exciting?

As an additional review of 2015, my readers may be interested in my most read blogs.  Here are the links:

4.  George Smarsty (1896-1980) – Was Grandpa a High School Dropout? http://seedstotree.blogspot.com/2015/03/george-smarsty-1896-1980-was-grandpa.html

3.  After 18 Years, Hiram Dunbar’s Father has been Found

http://seedstotree.blogspot.com/2015/01/ater-18-years-hiram-dunbars-father-has.html

2.  Reflections of a Grandmother

http://seedstotree.blogspot.com/2015/08/reflections-of-grandmother.html

(Drum Roll)

My most read blog in 2015 is:

Crowd Control and Genealogy – What Would you Do?
http://seedstotree.blogspot.com/2015/06/crowd-control-and-genealogy-what-would.html

Thank you to all of my readers for a great 2015, and I look forward to the unexpected discoveries in 2016.