Steve Morse has added a one Step Search engine for Ancestry's new Canada - US Border Crossing Records 1895-1956.
See the next-to-last entry called Canadian Passengers (1895-1956) Searching the Canadian Border Crossings Lists in One Step in the Other Ports of Immigration section of Steve's website
For an explanation of the US Canada Border Crossing Records, and how to find ancestors in these records, see Sue Swiggum's article published on Olive Tree Genealogy Blog
Updates about Olive Tree Genealogy website and other FREE genealogy records. Bringing you tutorials, genealogy book and app reviews, genealogy news, genealogy specials and more. Helping you find your family tree and ancestors.
March 30, 2007
March 29, 2007
Understanding & Using the US-Canada St Albans Border Crossing Records
My friend Sue Swiggum of TheShipsList wrote out this explanation which she gave permission to publish on Olive Tree Genealogy Blog
The different types of border records require a different approach, so researchers will be learning as they go. These will also be a great asset for finding US destined passengers on the recently uploaded "Canadian Passenger Lists, 1865-1922" which are unindexed.
Using the CANADA-US border records (St. Albans Lists) researchers will find ship name and date of Canadian sea-port arrival, so they'll have the records kept by two
countries, however, remember the border records only begin with 1895.
M1461 and M1463 are the Soundexed cards, card manifests,most commonly used. And from about 1927 to 1954 those cards are the actual border record. In those years, if the immigrant was coming directly across the border from a steamship arrival, the card relates to a ship list. The actual ship lists are on M1464 (Atlantic ports). So for the years ca. 1927 to 1954 there are two cards for those transiting Canada--a ship list and a border card manifest. For those coming from Canada in those years there is just the card manifest.
But for the earlier years, 1895 to 1927, the Soundex card manifest from M1461 is an abstract of information taken from a Border port list. The cards were made in the early 1940's by INS to make reference easier (searching by name rather than by year, month, port). The original border port record was a land border port list. These are inter-filed with the ship lists on M1464.
The point is that for the earlier years, 1895 to 1927, there can be three records for a transmigrant.
1. The Soundex manifest card.
2. The border port list from which the card was later made.
3. The ship list showing their arrival at the Canadian port.
If the immigrant is coming from Canada then there are just 2 records--the port list and the corresponding card.
I won't delve in to some of the confusing aspects which some people might encounter, but will attempt to answer queries to the TheShipsList@rootsweb.com mailing list on a case by case basis.
The different types of border records require a different approach, so researchers will be learning as they go. These will also be a great asset for finding US destined passengers on the recently uploaded "Canadian Passenger Lists, 1865-1922" which are unindexed.
Using the CANADA-US border records (St. Albans Lists) researchers will find ship name and date of Canadian sea-port arrival, so they'll have the records kept by two
countries, however, remember the border records only begin with 1895.
M1461 and M1463 are the Soundexed cards, card manifests,most commonly used. And from about 1927 to 1954 those cards are the actual border record. In those years, if the immigrant was coming directly across the border from a steamship arrival, the card relates to a ship list. The actual ship lists are on M1464 (Atlantic ports). So for the years ca. 1927 to 1954 there are two cards for those transiting Canada--a ship list and a border card manifest. For those coming from Canada in those years there is just the card manifest.
But for the earlier years, 1895 to 1927, the Soundex card manifest from M1461 is an abstract of information taken from a Border port list. The cards were made in the early 1940's by INS to make reference easier (searching by name rather than by year, month, port). The original border port record was a land border port list. These are inter-filed with the ship lists on M1464.
The point is that for the earlier years, 1895 to 1927, there can be three records for a transmigrant.
1. The Soundex manifest card.
2. The border port list from which the card was later made.
3. The ship list showing their arrival at the Canadian port.
If the immigrant is coming from Canada then there are just 2 records--the port list and the corresponding card.
I won't delve in to some of the confusing aspects which some people might encounter, but will attempt to answer queries to the TheShipsList@rootsweb.com mailing list on a case by case basis.
March 28, 2007
US Canada Border Crossing records online!
Ancestry.com has added more than 4 million names of individuals who crossed the U.S.-Canadian border between 1895 and 1956. These records add to their Immigration Records Collection, which also includes more than 100 million names from the largest online collection of U.S. passenger lists, from 1820 to 1960.
An Explanation of the St. Albans Border Crossing Records
by Lorine of Olive Tree GenealogyMany immigrants came to US via Canada as fares were generally much cheaper that way.
In 1895 Canada and USA established a joint inspection system. Passengers arriving in Canada who intended to go on to United States were inspected by US Officials at the
Canadian Port of Arrival, then enumerated on US immigration lists. Immigrants were also given inspection cards which they turned in to US Officials once they were on board trains going to United States. Two sets of records were created - passenger lists and compiled inspection cards.
These CANADIAN BORDER CROSSING records were microfilmed by INS. They cover 1895-1954 and are indexed. They do NOT include Canadians before 1906. After September 30, 1906 both Canadians and non-Canadians are included on these lists.
More information on the St Albans (Canadian Border Crossing) Lists including film numbers is found on Olive Tree Genealogy
Finding Ancestors in Medical Records in Ontario
Medical Records in Ontario are held in various places - some are at the Ontario Archives, others are with the original institution.
To obtain these records, you should begin with the Ontario Archives. Find out what they have, and then how to request it. For example, Queen Street Hospital in Toronto has records that go back to 1839. There are nineteenth century records for institutions in London, Hamilton, and Kingston and from Penetanguishene from 1904.
Files less than 100 years old are restricted under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Requests for access must be submitted in writing to the
Access Unit of the Archives of Ontario.
Files created in whole or in part on or after 6 April 1954 are restricted under the Mental Health Act. Requests for access to records in Archives' custody must be submitted in writing to the Administrator of the appropriate psychiatric hospital.
See a partial list of the Ontario Archives psychiatric files and holdings
To obtain these records, you should begin with the Ontario Archives. Find out what they have, and then how to request it. For example, Queen Street Hospital in Toronto has records that go back to 1839. There are nineteenth century records for institutions in London, Hamilton, and Kingston and from Penetanguishene from 1904.
Files less than 100 years old are restricted under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Requests for access must be submitted in writing to the
Access Unit of the Archives of Ontario.
Files created in whole or in part on or after 6 April 1954 are restricted under the Mental Health Act. Requests for access to records in Archives' custody must be submitted in writing to the Administrator of the appropriate psychiatric hospital.
See a partial list of the Ontario Archives psychiatric files and holdings
March 27, 2007
Finding Ships Passenger Lists to Louisiana after 1820
The WPA (Works Project Administration) indexed names for New Orleans Louisiana passengers. Vols. 1, 2 and 3 of the 6 volumes they prepared are found on microfilm M2009 from NARA. It covers the years 1813-1849. Vol. 5 is missing; Vol. 4 & 6
have not been filmed.
You can also consult CD#358 New Orleans Passenger & Immigration Lists, 1820-1850
See Ships Passenger Lists to Louisiana for information on these resources.
You can also search OR browse 281 ships and their passengers to New Orleans Louisiana from Jan to July 1851
See a complete list of NARA and FHC microfilm numbers for ships arriving in Louisiana
Search for ancestors at Ships to Louisiana after 1820
To use custom search engines to search multiple websites at once, see the page Search FREE Ships Passenger Lists to Louisiana (over 528 ships)
have not been filmed.
You can also consult CD#358 New Orleans Passenger & Immigration Lists, 1820-1850
See Ships Passenger Lists to Louisiana for information on these resources.
You can also search OR browse 281 ships and their passengers to New Orleans Louisiana from Jan to July 1851
See a complete list of NARA and FHC microfilm numbers for ships arriving in Louisiana
Search for ancestors at Ships to Louisiana after 1820
To use custom search engines to search multiple websites at once, see the page Search FREE Ships Passenger Lists to Louisiana (over 528 ships)
March 26, 2007
Photographs Online on Lost Faces
I've just added the following photographs to Lost Faces:
Album #56 Fiske Family Album in New England
Civil War Era Fiske Family Album in New England Family Photo Album with CDVs (Cartes de Visites), circa 1860s. All family photographs available to view and save to your computer
Surnames: Fiske, Andrews, Clark, Seymour, Foster, Hart, Smead
Locations: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Italy
*********************
Album #57 Photo Album of the Stone & Sherman Families of Castleton Vermont
This is a photo album of the Stone, Sherman and Hoyt Families (and others) of Castleton Vermont. Descendants of these families will enjoy these wonderful Cabinet Cards, taken circa 1870-1890. All family photographs available to view and save to your computer
Surnames: Stone, Sherman, Hoyt, Hope, Childs, Armstrong, Hutchinson
*********************
Family Bible of Hailey Family in Texas
Not a true photo album but there are several CDVs in this Family Bible. See the Hailey Bible Family Register of Births and Deaths plus photos
*********************
Marriage Certificate Welsh & Waldorf in Ohio
Not a photo album but the photos of William Welsh and Clara Waldorf appear on this Marriage Certificate in Ohio 1880
Start at the index to LOST FACES
Scroll down until you see Album #56, and use the links to view all the photographs. Enjoy!
Album #56 Fiske Family Album in New England
Civil War Era Fiske Family Album in New England Family Photo Album with CDVs (Cartes de Visites), circa 1860s. All family photographs available to view and save to your computer
Surnames: Fiske, Andrews, Clark, Seymour, Foster, Hart, Smead
Locations: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Italy
*********************
Album #57 Photo Album of the Stone & Sherman Families of Castleton Vermont
This is a photo album of the Stone, Sherman and Hoyt Families (and others) of Castleton Vermont. Descendants of these families will enjoy these wonderful Cabinet Cards, taken circa 1870-1890. All family photographs available to view and save to your computer
Surnames: Stone, Sherman, Hoyt, Hope, Childs, Armstrong, Hutchinson
*********************
Family Bible of Hailey Family in Texas
Not a true photo album but there are several CDVs in this Family Bible. See the Hailey Bible Family Register of Births and Deaths plus photos
*********************
Marriage Certificate Welsh & Waldorf in Ohio
Not a photo album but the photos of William Welsh and Clara Waldorf appear on this Marriage Certificate in Ohio 1880
Start at the index to LOST FACES
Scroll down until you see Album #56, and use the links to view all the photographs. Enjoy!
March 25, 2007
Canadian USA Border Crossing Records
Many immigrants came to US via Canada as fares were generally much cheaper that way.
In 1895 Canada and USA established a joint inspection system. Passengers arriving in Canada who intended to go on to United States were inspected by US Officials at the Canadian Port of Arrival, then enumerated on US immigration lists. Immigrants were also given inspection cards which they turned in to US Officials once they were on board trains going to United States. Two sets of records were created - passenger lists and compiled inspection cards.
These CANADIAN BORDER CROSSING records were microfilmed by INS. They cover 1895-1954 and are indexed. They do not include Canadians before 1906. After September 30, 1906 both Canadians and non-Canadians are included on these lists.
See more information on the St Albans (Canadian Border
Crossing) Lists (including film numbers)
In 1895 Canada and USA established a joint inspection system. Passengers arriving in Canada who intended to go on to United States were inspected by US Officials at the Canadian Port of Arrival, then enumerated on US immigration lists. Immigrants were also given inspection cards which they turned in to US Officials once they were on board trains going to United States. Two sets of records were created - passenger lists and compiled inspection cards.
These CANADIAN BORDER CROSSING records were microfilmed by INS. They cover 1895-1954 and are indexed. They do not include Canadians before 1906. After September 30, 1906 both Canadians and non-Canadians are included on these lists.
See more information on the St Albans (Canadian Border
Crossing) Lists (including film numbers)
March 24, 2007
Shame on Viewpoint!
I still haven't heard back from Nova Scotia Historical Vital Statistics website re incorrect images being linked to their searchable index, but it's only been 5 days since I reported the problems.
However I want to warn everyone about the Image Viewer you must download and use to view the images of the records. It's Viewpoint Media Player and you must install it to see the online images. I installed it on Tuesday when I first went to the site. It works great, that's not a problem. BUT two days later, I turned on my computer and a popup window informed me that Viewpoint had an "update" and asked if I wanted to install it. I thought the update would result in even clearer images so I clicked on OKAY.
Imagine my surprise a few minutes later to be informed that Viewpoint TASKBAR was now installed on my browser. I didn't want their Taskbar, I use the Google Taskbar. I had refused it once already. But here it was and I was also sitting on the Viewpoint home page (not my choice).
I tried opening a second browser window but it flashed on my monitor and closed. I tried going to another website and could not. The so-called "update" was nothing more than a sneaky way to get me to take the Viewpoint Taskbar.
I was annoyed but immediately went to my Windows Add/Remove Programs icon, found Viewpoint and removed it. Gone. Next surprise -- I opened a second browser window and the Viewpoint Taskbar was back! I went back to Add/remove -- the Viewpoint files were back. I removed them again. The same thing happened. This went on several times until I was finally able to remove the unwanted Viewpoint Taskbar permanently.
I wasted a lot of time getting rid of something I didn't want in the first place. And to the skeptics, no, the popup did not advise me that the Taskbar was going to be installed. At no time did I get an opt-in or opt-out choice.
Shame on Viewpoint! That's very underhanded!
However I want to warn everyone about the Image Viewer you must download and use to view the images of the records. It's Viewpoint Media Player and you must install it to see the online images. I installed it on Tuesday when I first went to the site. It works great, that's not a problem. BUT two days later, I turned on my computer and a popup window informed me that Viewpoint had an "update" and asked if I wanted to install it. I thought the update would result in even clearer images so I clicked on OKAY.
Imagine my surprise a few minutes later to be informed that Viewpoint TASKBAR was now installed on my browser. I didn't want their Taskbar, I use the Google Taskbar. I had refused it once already. But here it was and I was also sitting on the Viewpoint home page (not my choice).
I tried opening a second browser window but it flashed on my monitor and closed. I tried going to another website and could not. The so-called "update" was nothing more than a sneaky way to get me to take the Viewpoint Taskbar.
I was annoyed but immediately went to my Windows Add/Remove Programs icon, found Viewpoint and removed it. Gone. Next surprise -- I opened a second browser window and the Viewpoint Taskbar was back! I went back to Add/remove -- the Viewpoint files were back. I removed them again. The same thing happened. This went on several times until I was finally able to remove the unwanted Viewpoint Taskbar permanently.
I wasted a lot of time getting rid of something I didn't want in the first place. And to the skeptics, no, the popup did not advise me that the Taskbar was going to be installed. At no time did I get an opt-in or opt-out choice.
Shame on Viewpoint! That's very underhanded!
March 23, 2007
Ships Passenger Lists to New Netherland (New York) 1624 to 1664 online
All "passenger lists" for travel from The Netherlands to New Netherland 1654-1664 came from information on the debit side of the West India Company Account Book. They show who owed money when they arrived. This account book is found in New Netherland Colonial Mss, vol. 14, Book KK. The lists of Passengers to New Netherland in the Year Book of the Holland Society of New Netherland 1902:1-37 were taken from this Account Book ...continue reading
Olive Tree Genealogy is reconstructing ships' passenger lists from various source and will provide these passenger lists online as I complete them. In some cases, I've been able to reconstruct names for a ship list that has never been published before! In other cases, I've been able to add names to previously published lists.
The 81 Ships Passenger Lists 1624 to 1664 below can be viewed freely at Ships to New Netherland (New York)
Olive Tree Genealogy is reconstructing ships' passenger lists from various source and will provide these passenger lists online as I complete them. In some cases, I've been able to reconstruct names for a ship list that has never been published before! In other cases, I've been able to add names to previously published lists.
The 81 Ships Passenger Lists 1624 to 1664 below can be viewed freely at Ships to New Netherland (New York)
- De Eendracht Sailed from Amsterdam January 25, 1624 to New
- Nieuw Nederland (New Netherland Sailed from Amsterdam March 30, 1624
- Drie Koning (Three Kings) Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands 1628
- de Eendracht Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands May 1630
- de Eendracht Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands after July 1631
- Soutberg Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands after July 1632
- de Eendracht Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands after May 1634
- Rensselaerswyck Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands March 1637
- Dolphyn Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands 28 March 1638
- Den Harinck Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands 28 March 1638
- Calmer Sleutel Arrived Delaware from Netherlands early 1638
- Wapen van Noorwegian (Arms of Norway) Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands August 1638
- De Liefde (The Love) Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands 27 Dec. 1638
- De Nassau Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands 1638
- Brant van Troyen (Fire of Troy) Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands June 1639
- Den Harinck Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands July 1639
- Den Waterhondt Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands Oct. 1640
- Eyckenboom Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands Aug. 1641
- Brandaris Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands 1641/42
- Den Houten Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands Aug. 1642
- Coninck David Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands 1642
- Wapen van Rensselaerswyck Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands March 1644
- St. Peter Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands Dec. 1644
- Mautirius Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands 1644
- Jager (Hunter) Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands Sept. 1646
- Prinses Amelia Arrived New Amsterdam May 1647 from Netherlands . Voyage from Netherlands , and a return voyage when she sank with a great loss of life.
- Groote Gerrit Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands May 1647
- Valckenier Arrived New Amsterdam from Netherlands July 1649
- Hoff van Cleef 1651 from Netherlands
- Gelderse Blom 1651/52 from Netherlands
- Waterhondt 1651 from Netherlands
- Groote Christoffel 1654 from Netherlands
- St. Charles 1654 from Recife Brazil
- Gelderse Blom (Gelderland Flower) 1654 from Netherlands
- Pereboom (Pear Tree) 1654 from Netherlands
- Bonte Koe (Spotted Cow) 1655 from Netherlands
- Waegh 1655 from Netherlands
- Blauwe Duiff (Blue Dove) Netherlands arrived 5 Sept. 1656 in New York
- Bever 1656 from Netherlands
- Bonte Koe 1656 from Netherlands
- den Otter 1656 from Netherlands
- De Vergulde Otter (The Gilded Otter)1657 from Netherlands
- De Vergulde Beer (The Gilded Bear)1657/1658 from Netherlands
- Draetvelt 1657 from Netherlands
- Jan Baptiste 1657 from Netherlands
- The Brownfish 1658 from Netherlands
- The Gilded Beaver (De Vergulde Bever) 1658 from Netherlands
- De Moesman (The Market Gardener) May 1658 from Netherlands
- Vergulde Meulen (Golden Mill) 1658 from Netherlands
- Otter 1659 from Netherlands
- Beaver 1659 from Netherlands
- De Moesman (The Market Gardener) April 1659 from Netherlands
- The Faith (De Trouw)Feb. 1659
- The Love 1660
- De Moesman (The Market Gardener) March 1660
- De Bonte Koe April 1660 from Netherlands
- The Gilded Beaver (De Vergulde Bever) 1660 from Netherlands
- De Trouw June 1660 from Netherlands
- The Faith (De Trouw) Dec. 1660 from Netherlands
- De Vergulde Otter (The Gilded Otter) 1660 from Netherlands
- Otter 1660 from Netherlands
- The Purmerland Church arrived 29 March 1661 New Amsterdam from Netherlands
- Purmerland Church (Purmerender Kerck) Texel to New Amstel, Delaware Nov 24, 1661
- The Beaver 1661 from Netherlands
- The St. Jan Baptist 1661 from Netherlands
- The Hope 1661 from Netherlands
- The Golden Eagle 1661 from Netherlands
- The Golden Eagle Jan. 1662 from Netherlands
- The Hope Apr. 1662 from Netherlands
- The Faith (De Trouw) Mar. 1662 from Netherlands
- The Fox 1662 from Netherlands
- Purmerland Kerk 1662 from Netherlands
- De Sint Pieter 1663 from Netherlands
- Stetin 1663 from Netherlands
- The Star 1663 from Netherlands
- The St. Jacob, June 1663 from Netherlands
- De Arent (The Eagle) March 1663 from Netherlands
- The Roseboom 1663 from Netherlands
- De Bonte Koe April 1663 from Netherlands
- The Faith (De Trouw) Jan. 1664 from Netherlands
- The Eendracht Jan. 1664 from Netherlands
- Beaver 1664 from Netherlands
- Gekruyste Hart (Broken Heart) 1664 from Netherlands
March 21, 2007
Finding ancestors on Pennsylvania Ships Passenger Lists
Pennsylvania ships lists have been kept, and are on microfilm, as far back as 1800 (1820 was the first year it was a requirement that they be kept)
There are indexes you can use to search for an ancestor. See a complete list of film numbers for ships going to Pennsylvania after 1820 Find the film you need and write down the
NARA or Family History Centre film number you need. Then you can order the film in to your nearest FHC or have NARA do the lookup for you.
If you want to try your luck ONline, there is a custom search engine that will search most Internet sites with ships going to Pennsylvania. Choose PENNSYLVANIA from the state choices. Scroll down to the yellow search engine.
The Philadelphia Baggage Lists for 1809 are also online. They include images of the actual manifest and a
transcription of the names of the passengers on board. These are the names of passengers with luggage! If your ancestor had no stored luggage, his name will not be found.
Other Helpful Sites:
Passenger Lists to Pennsylvania
Custom Search Engines Internet-wide for Ships to Pennsylvania
There are indexes you can use to search for an ancestor. See a complete list of film numbers for ships going to Pennsylvania after 1820 Find the film you need and write down the
NARA or Family History Centre film number you need. Then you can order the film in to your nearest FHC or have NARA do the lookup for you.
If you want to try your luck ONline, there is a custom search engine that will search most Internet sites with ships going to Pennsylvania. Choose PENNSYLVANIA from the state choices. Scroll down to the yellow search engine.
The Philadelphia Baggage Lists for 1809 are also online. They include images of the actual manifest and a
transcription of the names of the passengers on board. These are the names of passengers with luggage! If your ancestor had no stored luggage, his name will not be found.
Other Helpful Sites:
Passenger Lists to Pennsylvania
Custom Search Engines Internet-wide for Ships to Pennsylvania
March 20, 2007
Nova Scotia Vital Records Online
The Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management has a new website.
Nova Scotia Historical Vital Statistics
It includes a fully searchable database containing one million names. Every name is linked to its original record from the following options:
Births 1864-1877
Marriages 1864-1930
Deaths 1864-1877 and 1908-1955
I spent a few hours on the website looking for my daughter-in-law's family. There were problems which I'm sure will be fixed as the weeks progress. But I did find quite a few incorrect images linked to the index record. There is no way to scroll forward or backward through the images displayed, which I consider a major drawback. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy these are online! But it's very frustrating to not be able to get to the correct image once you've found your ancestor.
The website was excrutiatingly slow (yes, I'm on dialup but even for dialup it was bad) and intermittently would glitch when I clicked to go back or to do a new search - dumping me back to the start page or displaying previously searched for names. So, patience is required! But I did find some terrific records for my daughter-in-law.
I wrote to the Support Desk to report all the glitches I found. They promise a response within 10 days so I'll post here to let everyone know what happens.
Nova Scotia Historical Vital Statistics
It includes a fully searchable database containing one million names. Every name is linked to its original record from the following options:
Births 1864-1877
Marriages 1864-1930
Deaths 1864-1877 and 1908-1955
I spent a few hours on the website looking for my daughter-in-law's family. There were problems which I'm sure will be fixed as the weeks progress. But I did find quite a few incorrect images linked to the index record. There is no way to scroll forward or backward through the images displayed, which I consider a major drawback. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy these are online! But it's very frustrating to not be able to get to the correct image once you've found your ancestor.
The website was excrutiatingly slow (yes, I'm on dialup but even for dialup it was bad) and intermittently would glitch when I clicked to go back or to do a new search - dumping me back to the start page or displaying previously searched for names. So, patience is required! But I did find some terrific records for my daughter-in-law.
I wrote to the Support Desk to report all the glitches I found. They promise a response within 10 days so I'll post here to let everyone know what happens.
March 19, 2007
CEF Soldiers of the Great War Database
Soldiers of the Great War (WW1) is an online searchable database for members of the CEF (Canadian Expeditionary Force)
Scanned Attestation papers (front and back) are available but it is important to realize that the Attestation papers are not the full record.
You should send for the full records of soldiers. Just provide the index entry or write to LAC with the names, dates and places of birth, parents'names and where they lived (which would hopefully be near where they signed up)
You can mail or fax your request plus your credit card number for the charges (very reasonable) I always fax as it is much quicker.
See FIND YOUR MILITARY ANCESTOR for links to the spot to request this from Library & Archives Canada
Scanned Attestation papers (front and back) are available but it is important to realize that the Attestation papers are not the full record.
You should send for the full records of soldiers. Just provide the index entry or write to LAC with the names, dates and places of birth, parents'names and where they lived (which would hopefully be near where they signed up)
You can mail or fax your request plus your credit card number for the charges (very reasonable) I always fax as it is much quicker.
See FIND YOUR MILITARY ANCESTOR for links to the spot to request this from Library & Archives Canada
March 18, 2007
Searching Land Records - Township Papers
Township Papers in Ontario are a miscellaneous group of land-related records have been arranged by township name, then by concession and lot or by town name and lot number. They're a mixed bag - they may contain correspondence re land, some
petitions, copies of orders-in-council, etc
Read more about finding ancestors in Township Papers
Be sure to read the posts here on Olive Tree Genealogy Blog about UCLP (Upper Canada Land Petitions), CLRI (Ontario Land Record Index) and Land Books
petitions, copies of orders-in-council, etc
Read more about finding ancestors in Township Papers
Be sure to read the posts here on Olive Tree Genealogy Blog about UCLP (Upper Canada Land Petitions), CLRI (Ontario Land Record Index) and Land Books
March 17, 2007
Finding Ancestors in Land Books in Ontario
Land Books in Ontario are basically a summary of land grants. They rarely contain more info than name, date and location. Sometimes they have little gems in the comment section.
But they're helpful because if you can't find a petition in the Upper Canada Land Petitions (UCLP) it may be in the Land Book so at least you have some record of the event.
The Upper Canada Land Record Books record the minutes of the meetings of the Executive Council of the Land Board which were held between the years 1791 and 1847. Petitioners for land were settlers, military claimants, and Loyalists. Land Books are the Orders-in-Council issued by the Lieutenant Governor, authorizing the sale, lease or free grant of crown lands to petitioners
Read more about Land Books
But they're helpful because if you can't find a petition in the Upper Canada Land Petitions (UCLP) it may be in the Land Book so at least you have some record of the event.
The Upper Canada Land Record Books record the minutes of the meetings of the Executive Council of the Land Board which were held between the years 1791 and 1847. Petitioners for land were settlers, military claimants, and Loyalists. Land Books are the Orders-in-Council issued by the Lieutenant Governor, authorizing the sale, lease or free grant of crown lands to petitioners
Read more about Land Books
March 16, 2007
Free Irish Records Access
New England Ancestors is offering free access for a limited time to their Irish databases.
These include Atlases, Maps and Reference Materials; Census, Tax and Voter Lists; Church Records; Newspapers and Periodicals and Societies and Organizations.
These include Atlases, Maps and Reference Materials; Census, Tax and Voter Lists; Church Records; Newspapers and Periodicals and Societies and Organizations.
March 15, 2007
Upper Canada Land Petitions - Finding an Ancestor
Upper Canada Land Petitions are the actual Petitions for land which were submitted in Upper Canada (Ontario). Here is an actual 1797 UCLP (Upper Canada Land Petition) for one of my ancestors. In the petition, the petitioner gives his father's name, the date he (and his father) arrived in Upper Canada (Ontario) and specifics of his family (wife and children). He requests land, and the outside of the folded petition reveals if that request was granted (a land grant) and under what terms.
These land petitions frequently contain information about the petitioner and his or her family. Loyalists and discharged soldiers often mentioned the regiment in which they served. To find an ancestor you must first consult an index, then convert your findings to a microfilm reel with the full petitions. See Upper Canada Land Petition for more help with this important genealogical research tool.
You should also consult Finding a Loyalist Ancestor for help if you have a Loyalist or two in your tree
I have already discussed CLRI (Ontario Land Record Index) and will be explaining other land records such as Township Papers, Land Books etc in future Blog Posts.
March 14, 2007
Land Records in Ontario - Using the CLRI
Copyright © by Lorine of Olive Tree Genealogy
Land records are very useful. Originally all land in Ontario belonged to the Crown. Although there were small areas of settlement in 1763 after the British took over, major settlement of Upper Canada began in 1783 and utilized Crown Grants. See Ontario Land Records for more help
The CLRI (aka Ontario Land Record Index) is an index which summarizes land grants from sales of of Crown Land in Ontario, from Canada Company sales and leases, and from Peter Robinson settlers' grants. It provides invaluable clues for further research!
The CLRI only shows the first time owner of Crown Land so if your ancestor purchased land from someone else his/her name will not show on this index but it is still a very useful tool. Not only does it provide you with exact location (township, lot #, conc. #) it provides you with a date of transaction, whether or not there were special circumstances surrounding the transaction (a free grant, a hardship grant, a military grant, etc), and it provides you with an Archival Reference number. This AR number can provide more detail; often it does not but it is still a stone that should be turned.
With a date of transaction you have narrowed the field for immigration.
Beyond that the value of the CLRI is in the interpretation of the one line index entry -- which can lead you to other avenues of research.
Find out how to obtain the CLRI and how to interpret your findings at Olive Tree Genealogy CLRI Section
I will discuss Township Papers, Upper Canada Land Petitions and Land Books over the next few days so stay tuned
Land records are very useful. Originally all land in Ontario belonged to the Crown. Although there were small areas of settlement in 1763 after the British took over, major settlement of Upper Canada began in 1783 and utilized Crown Grants. See Ontario Land Records for more help
The CLRI (aka Ontario Land Record Index) is an index which summarizes land grants from sales of of Crown Land in Ontario, from Canada Company sales and leases, and from Peter Robinson settlers' grants. It provides invaluable clues for further research!
The CLRI only shows the first time owner of Crown Land so if your ancestor purchased land from someone else his/her name will not show on this index but it is still a very useful tool. Not only does it provide you with exact location (township, lot #, conc. #) it provides you with a date of transaction, whether or not there were special circumstances surrounding the transaction (a free grant, a hardship grant, a military grant, etc), and it provides you with an Archival Reference number. This AR number can provide more detail; often it does not but it is still a stone that should be turned.
With a date of transaction you have narrowed the field for immigration.
Beyond that the value of the CLRI is in the interpretation of the one line index entry -- which can lead you to other avenues of research.
Find out how to obtain the CLRI and how to interpret your findings at Olive Tree Genealogy CLRI Section
I will discuss Township Papers, Upper Canada Land Petitions and Land Books over the next few days so stay tuned
March 13, 2007
Fiske Family Civil War era Photo Album
One of my hobbies is buying old (Civil War era) Photo Albums and photos. I like to figure out who the family members are, do some genealogy research on them and then put the albums online. It's an expensive hobby but I love it.
A few days ago I had a nice surprise. A gentleman from New Hampshire (unknown to me) sent me a gift of an old Civl War album of the Fiske family in New England. There were only 13 pictures and the photo pages were torn but the photos themselves were in good condition and labelled with names.
I spent a few hours doing some research and discovered that the photos all have some relationship to the children of David Fiske and Laura Severington. My research and the photos (not thumbnails, the full size photos) are all online now for descendants to enjoy.
See Fiske Family Photo Album
Surnames: Fiske, Andrews, Clark, Seymour, Foster, Hart, Smead
Locations: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Italy
A few days ago I had a nice surprise. A gentleman from New Hampshire (unknown to me) sent me a gift of an old Civl War album of the Fiske family in New England. There were only 13 pictures and the photo pages were torn but the photos themselves were in good condition and labelled with names.
I spent a few hours doing some research and discovered that the photos all have some relationship to the children of David Fiske and Laura Severington. My research and the photos (not thumbnails, the full size photos) are all online now for descendants to enjoy.
See Fiske Family Photo Album
Surnames: Fiske, Andrews, Clark, Seymour, Foster, Hart, Smead
Locations: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Italy
March 11, 2007
Should Unsourced Data Be Put Online?
My friend Illya D'Addezio and I were recently discussing whether or not data that has no source has any place online on websites.
Back in 1996 when I started Olive Tree Genealogy, I didn't think about the importance of sources for data I found and brought online. So if I found a ships passenger list, I typed it up and put it online. I didn't worry about including the reference or citation for the original source.
In later years I became fussier and started documenting all data brought to Olive Tree and any of its sister sites. For example my New York Almshouse Records 1819-1840 on Olive Tree Genealogy include full details of
The question Illya posed was "Does this mean that unsourced material has no place online?"
My response, after some serious deliberation, is that unsourced material, while not the pick of the litter so to speak, does deserve a place online. Yes, fully sourced material is always the optimum. But if one has the opportunity to obtain unsourced data, it can still be useful to genealogists, if for nothing more than a clue. A tiny clue from a page ripped from an old bible (unsourced, origin unknown) might be the clue that leads us to facts, to sources that will either verify or disprove the original clue.
So my vote is YES. I'd love to hear from others on this topic.
Do you think unsourced data has any value on websites?
Leave a comment on this post with YES or NO and your reasons why. I'll be reading your opinions with interest!
Lorine
Back in 1996 when I started Olive Tree Genealogy, I didn't think about the importance of sources for data I found and brought online. So if I found a ships passenger list, I typed it up and put it online. I didn't worry about including the reference or citation for the original source.
In later years I became fussier and started documenting all data brought to Olive Tree and any of its sister sites. For example my New York Almshouse Records 1819-1840 on Olive Tree Genealogy include full details of
- the source I used (Source: Alms House Admission Foreigners & Nativity Records (New York; City, NY) Item 5 LDS Film 1304647 Bond Registers 1819-1840. Original records in the Municipal Archives, New York, New York)
- my introduction to the records
- my notes about the records (that there are 2 pages but my transcribers and I only transcribed one)
The question Illya posed was "Does this mean that unsourced material has no place online?"
My response, after some serious deliberation, is that unsourced material, while not the pick of the litter so to speak, does deserve a place online. Yes, fully sourced material is always the optimum. But if one has the opportunity to obtain unsourced data, it can still be useful to genealogists, if for nothing more than a clue. A tiny clue from a page ripped from an old bible (unsourced, origin unknown) might be the clue that leads us to facts, to sources that will either verify or disprove the original clue.
So my vote is YES. I'd love to hear from others on this topic.
Do you think unsourced data has any value on websites?
Leave a comment on this post with YES or NO and your reasons why. I'll be reading your opinions with interest!
Lorine
March 10, 2007
Passenger List of Ship Federico from Genova Italy to Buenos Aires, Argentina 30 March 1961
Just letting everyone know that I have images of the Passenger List of Ship Federico from Genova Italy to Buenos Aires, Argentina 30 March 1961 online
Please pass this message on to any Italian lists or to folks who might be interested.
Please pass this message on to any Italian lists or to folks who might be interested.
March 9, 2007
Russian Immigrants to Canada 1898-1922
The Likacheff-Ragosine-Mathers collection (LI-RA-MA) contains documents created between 1898 and 1922 by the consular offices of the Russian Empire in Canada.
The series on passports and identity papers contains about 11,400 files of Jewish, Ukrainian and Finnish immigrants who came to Canada from the Russian Empire.
The series includes passport applications and questionnaires containing general information and is searchable online.
The series on passports and identity papers contains about 11,400 files of Jewish, Ukrainian and Finnish immigrants who came to Canada from the Russian Empire.
The series includes passport applications and questionnaires containing general information and is searchable online.
March 8, 2007
Illinois Documents online
Here is a list of ILLINOIS documents that are online on various blogs. Just look for the Blog Archives under the date shown beside each document title, or use the Blogger Search Engine (top left) to search each blog by keyword
Feel free to share this list with others!
http://familybibles.blogspot.com/ If you can't find the photo album on this blog, go directly to http://www.rootsweb.com/~ote/faces/
Civil War Burtch Family Photo Album England, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island
Clarke Family of New York Photo Album Illinois, New York, Wisconsin
Cardiff Harrold Family Photo Album Connecticut, Illinois, Italy, New York, Pennsylvania
Civil War Kelley Family Photo Album Germany, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas
Civil War Era Fobes Family Album Massachusetts, Ne... Civil War, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York
HALLADAY Bible 1840s Illinois, New York, Vermont 12/29/04
Family Bible of Funk, Ritchie and Lynch Families Illinois, Missouri, Virginia
http://paper-trail.blogspot.com/
Obituary Hattie Wilson 1888 Illinois Illinois, Obituary 2/9/07
1865 INTERNAL REVENUE TAX COLLECTION NOTICE Chicag... Illinois
http://ancestorsatrest.blogspot.com/
Obit Hattie Wilson Illinois 1888 Illinois
OBIT: Valeria Carattinia, Illinois Illinois
http://pastvoices.blogspot.com/
Civil War: Charlotte Couch, Illinois 1865 Illinois 7/30/04
Emma Wadsworth Letter, 1865 Illinois 6/27/04
Civil War: H. M. Parker, Illinois 1862 Illinois
Feel free to share this list with others!
http://familybibles.blogspot.com/ If you can't find the photo album on this blog, go directly to http://www.rootsweb.com/~ote/faces/
Civil War Burtch Family Photo Album England, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island
Clarke Family of New York Photo Album Illinois, New York, Wisconsin
Cardiff Harrold Family Photo Album Connecticut, Illinois, Italy, New York, Pennsylvania
Civil War Kelley Family Photo Album Germany, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas
Civil War Era Fobes Family Album Massachusetts, Ne... Civil War, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York
HALLADAY Bible 1840s Illinois, New York, Vermont 12/29/04
Family Bible of Funk, Ritchie and Lynch Families Illinois, Missouri, Virginia
http://paper-trail.blogspot.com/
Obituary Hattie Wilson 1888 Illinois Illinois, Obituary 2/9/07
1865 INTERNAL REVENUE TAX COLLECTION NOTICE Chicag... Illinois
http://ancestorsatrest.blogspot.com/
Obit Hattie Wilson Illinois 1888 Illinois
OBIT: Valeria Carattinia, Illinois Illinois
http://pastvoices.blogspot.com/
Civil War: Charlotte Couch, Illinois 1865 Illinois 7/30/04
Emma Wadsworth Letter, 1865 Illinois 6/27/04
Civil War: H. M. Parker, Illinois 1862 Illinois
March 6, 2007
Obtaining Copies of 1871 Ontario Census
Canadian Census records for 1871 are available to the public. They give information on all household members - name, age, gender, country of birth, religion, ethnic origin, occupation, marital status and education.
There are 9 returns for the 1871 census but there are 3 that are of the most help genealogically:
Schedule 1: Return of the Living
Schedule 2: Return of the Dead
Schedule 4: Agricultural Return
Census records are available on microfilm from the Archives of Ontario, National Archives of Canada, on ILL (InterLibraryLoan) through a local library, or from your
local FHC (Family History Center).
You can search the free 1871 Ontario census index to heads of household at Library & Archives Canada
If you find a name of interest, you can order a copy of the census page from the National Archives. Requests for copies must include complete references
See AllCensusRecords.com for help and a link to the order form
There are 9 returns for the 1871 census but there are 3 that are of the most help genealogically:
Schedule 1: Return of the Living
Schedule 2: Return of the Dead
Schedule 4: Agricultural Return
Census records are available on microfilm from the Archives of Ontario, National Archives of Canada, on ILL (InterLibraryLoan) through a local library, or from your
local FHC (Family History Center).
You can search the free 1871 Ontario census index to heads of household at Library & Archives Canada
If you find a name of interest, you can order a copy of the census page from the National Archives. Requests for copies must include complete references
See AllCensusRecords.com for help and a link to the order form
March 4, 2007
Deaths in Staten Island Quarantine 1849 - 1850
I just uploaded a list of names (almost 300) of those who died while in Staten Island Quarantine May 1849 - Dec. 1850
It's at Staten Island Quarantine Hospital
Feel free to pass this on to anyone or any lists you think would be interested. Thanks goes to Friends of Abandoned Cemeteries, Inc. Staten Island, who gave me the list from their research to put online
Enjoy!
Lorine
It's at Staten Island Quarantine Hospital
Feel free to pass this on to anyone or any lists you think would be interested. Thanks goes to Friends of Abandoned Cemeteries, Inc. Staten Island, who gave me the list from their research to put online
Enjoy!
Lorine