Sankofa Collaborative Exploring African American History in New Jersey May 2017

Genealogy

Presented by Gene Armstead, Jr. A.A.H.G.S.-NJ – Defined on Dictionary.Com as: • A record or account of the ancestry and descent of a person, family, group, etc – Basically it’s a search for who we are. • Why is it important? – Various cultures’ rite of succession or inheritance was driven by blood line. • How authority, power, wealth moves from generation to generation; ruler to ruler. – The Bible recites linage in: » Genesis 11 » 1 Chronicles » Ruth 4 » Matthew 1 Recording Your Findings

– Analog - Hard Copy • Family Group/Unit Sheet • Pedigree/Ancestor Chart • Individual Worksheet/Research Checklist • Stepfamily Ancestor Chart

Recording Your Findings

– Digital - Electronic Copy • Ancestry.com • • FamilySearch.Org • Maker • • Master Genealogist

*Google “ Software”*

Digital Advantage

• An Easier Read • Checks information as entered – Childs birth is when a parent is 10 yrs. Old – Sire names conflict (spelling, duplicates) • Clearly establishes relationships (second cousin once removed) • Where to start your search – With you and your immediate family • If married start with a Family Group Sheet • If single start with a Ancestor Chart For yourself and everyone else referenced on the form – Family Group: » Self » Spouse » Parents » Children » Previous Spouses – Ancestor Chart » Self » Parents » Grandparents » Great Grandparents • Fill in the form with the requested information [There isn’t space for a story just the four key facts.] – Key facts-Date and Location of: » Birth » Marriage » Death » Burial • If I know where and when I should be able to find a record. – If Grandma was born in “Nottoway County Va.”, in 1886, my search can be focused. – If Great Grandma and Great Grandpa were married in “NYC” in “1898” the initial search can be targeted. Documentation Search

• Where to look for Documentation – US Census Numerous Services on line – State/County Vital Statistics » Birth » Death » Marriage – Cemetery Records – Manumission Records – Black Birth Book – Freedman Bureau – Deeds and Wills – Newspapers – Aunt Mary’s Attic Documentation Search

• Citing search results – Documenting your information source » Newspaper » Family Bible » US Census » State/County Vital Statistics Registry » Personal Interview » Tombstone Rubbing/Picture – Record details of published information » Date » Book and Page » File number » Author Documentation search

• Digital Sources – Ancestry.com (Library may have an account) – HeritageQuestonline.com – FamilySearch.org – RootsWeb.com – Ellisisland.org • Analog Search – You must travel – Event Location » Town/City » County, State – State Archives – National Archives Issues

• Complications/Challenges – Misspelling on original Document – Sara vs. Sarah is reason enough – Erin vs. Errain – Tyesha More Issues

» Transposition by indexer » Enumerators handwriting difficult to read » Family not picked up in the census » Family omitted from the index » Family lore differs from documentation • Details don’t match – Samuel Millers birth year » Census of 1890 he was born in 1866 » Census of 1900 he was born in 1870 » Census of 1930 he was born in 1868 – Samuel Miller appears to be listed in multiple locations in the same year’s census. Question Family Lore

• Walter Howell was killed by the husband of the white woman with whom he was having an affair. • Martin V. B. Hamilton was arrested and detained when went to meet his betrothed. Doesn’t match the seven decade old story. – Purpose of Documentation » Confirmation of Research » Documented facts vs. Family Lore » It gives your research sustainable life » Anyone can rediscover what you uncovered. » Provide the researcher with enough confidence to publish records of the family for the family.

DNA Search

• Genealogy through DNA – 23 and Me – Ancestry DNA – Family Tree DNA – My Heritage DNA – National Geographic DNA