Let's Get Educated in 2016~ Further Your Knowledge

Right now, RootsTech 2016 is in full swing. Anybody who is anybody is there... while the rest of us sit at home hating them... [well, not really]

If you are scratching your head, wondering just what RootsTech is... well, I'm sure you aren't alone... Officially begun in 2011, it's a wildly popular & hugely attended annual genealogy conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Follow the link above and see what it's all about. 

Because while RootsTech is the impetus for this post, it's not the subject. We're now a month into 2016! Wow. Time is flying.

If you're in a part of the World that is experiencing Winter, perhaps you've found some extra time to sort paper or tackle a brick wall.


Maybe you've been reading some articles or blog posts and have stumbled upon some genealogy related subjects that you're just not very well educated on.

Even after 20 plus years of active research, The Dead Relative Collector here still has certain resources or locations that he's not very knowledgeable on.

And while it is very handy, to hop online and post a question to one of the many genealogy related groups out there, it's still satisfying to do some research & self-educate a little bit.
So I usually try a trusty Google search first! Which often yields a plethora of results. When needed, I'm always eager to post a question or idea to any number of groups I belong to. One of my favorite is the Facebook group Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness - RAOGK USA, with over 22,000 members [and growing daily], it's great place to find knowledgeable people. 

So here I sit in snow covered Minnesota [48 hours post blizzard], jealous that I'm not in Utah at the world's largest genealogy conference and itching to further my own genealogical education. What do I do?

As a Minnesota resident, I'm fortunate to live in a State that values history & has archives and research repositories. I'm also lucky that we have a wonder State Genealogy Society. The Minnesota Genealogical Society offers many classes & educational opportunities throughout the year!

Checking out their upcoming 'events', I see that there are a number of classes & webinars that may be of interest to me. And the large Spring Conference is only a couple of months away! Minnesotans [and those in surrounding states] check this out and see what might be of interest to you!

Fear not! You don't have to live in Minnesota or Utah to partake in genealogy education opportunities!

There are tons of virtual classes out there these days! Dear Myrtle, our famous genealogy guru has been involved in teaching genealogy related subjects forever! Check out the link to her blog... there are links to webinars, etc there.

CyndisList also has a ton of direct links to online course & webinars. I'll be honest, I didn't check out any of the ones she lists, but if you do-- please share!

And don't forget actual books! WHAT? You mean genealogy research that doesn't involve a computer or mobile device? Yes. It can be done. And was done for decades. Research a genealogy reference book that could help further your knowledge-- Top 10 Genealogy Reference Books, is one researchers choice for the top books! Or check Amazon for a book that might be of interest to you. And if you're researched out... read Laverne Galeener-Moore's two hysterical books about our great hobby!

So.... even if, like me, you're stuck home during the world's largest genealogy conference, fear not! There are still plenty of ways to participate in educating yourself. [Or plan ahead for 2017... RootsTech will be held February 8-11]

If you can answer any of these questions, please share in the comments for other readers! Thanks~

What are your favorite webinars?
Is there a genealogy podcast you adore?
Best genealogy book you've ever read?
What classes or seminars are available in your state?

TBT- Photos from Yesteryear- Jehu Mapson

Spotlighting photo from my extensive photo archive

This week is-

Jehu Mapson [1845-1932]

Jehu Mapson was born in Brinkworth, Wiltshire, England to Robert & Ann (Thrush) Mapson, the second of seven children. As a young boy he moved with his family to the United States, settling first in Cambria, WI and later Winnebago, MN.

After the death of his first wife, Henrietta, he remarried to Kate Sharp and they eventually settled in California where Jehu was a prolific farmer, known for his large citrus groves.

He remained in the San Diego area until his death at age 86.

Mystery Photo- B.L. Miller of Minnesota

I recently purchased this neat photograph from an antique shop.

Someone has written Mr & Mrs B.L. Mill[er] on the front 

And on the backside- Mrs Emma Miller Minneapolis

I haven't looked into trying to figure out the identity of "B.L" or Emma... But it'd be wonderful to reunite this great photograph with a family member to cherish it.

Google Friend Connect Changes---

The Dead Relative Collector appreciates all of you regular readers! However, due to some changes that Google has made with the way Google Friend Connect works-- some of you may no longer get the updates that you used to!

If you used anything other than a Google account to sign up, your account was deactivated! 

You can review the full press release they posted here.

There are a number of different options to follow The Dead Relative Collector, if you choose not to create a new Google Friend Connect account-- you can sign up for email updates or even follow the Facebook Page where all blog postings are shared... along with other genealogical related items.

Thanks for your support of The Dead Relative Collector & other blogs--- You are appreciated! 

TBT- Photos of Yesteryear- Irving Maine

Spotlighting vintage photos from my large photo archive

This week it is-

Irving Clayton Maine [1858-1928]

oldest brother to my Great-Great Grandfather
Ralph Maine [1872-1939]

Irving was the second child [and first son] born to Erastus & Eliza (Pierce) Maine. He was born in Rice County, Minnesota where his family had taken refuge following increased uprisings from local Native American peoples in Faribault County. Later he returned home with his family.

Irving married Emma Thompson, and they had 3 sons-- Glade, Glen & Basil. They lived & farmed north of Winnebago, MN for many years.

In 1928, Irving died unexpectedly from heart problems. Emma remained on the farm until her death in 1941. Today, a Great-Grandson lives on the family homestead.

PLEASE! Link Your DNA Results To A Tree~

Yes. For The Love of God, Link Those DNA Results to a Tree

If you've dipped your toes into the well of DNA genealogy, especially via Ancestry, you know the hair pulling frustration of having pages of results with "No Tree". WHAAATTTT?

My maternal Grandma has many brick walls in her lineage that I've been slowly chipping away at for over 20 years now. I had her DNA tested last year... it yielded some surprising results--- which I've covered a couple of times in previous posts--- feel free to check them out if you haven't--
So I am NOT exactly who I thought I was...?
I'm STILL Not Who I Thought I Was... Thanks DNA

Since Grandma has over 300 4th or closer cousins [yes, 300!], there were a lot of "cousins" to get in touch with.


Of course, most of her 3rd cousins [the closest], 
had... "No Tree".  UGH. How exasperating. Truly. 
So, I promptly sent off messages to all those "No Tree" kin of mine. [Cue chirping crickets].

Now, I feel that I should insert a disclaimer here. While a member of Ancestry for a number of years now, I had no interest in using Ancestry to maintain a family tree of my own.

Since I began my genealogical quest in the 1990s... before the Internet or even widely used computers... I had tons of paper [which is another post!], and lots of tangible research.

I used a computer and genealogy software in my research. But, I never cared for the idea of an Ancestry tree. Just my personal preference. For various reasons.

BUT. Here is the big BUT. When I purchased my DNA test kit in late 2014, I decided that I wanted a "bare bones" tree on Ancestry, to assist in my DNA connections.

So I grabbed my "Pedigree Binder".... which is a binder that I have my whole Pedigree printed out into, and began enter it into Ancestry. And just like that, I had my DNA Family Tree.

Over the last year, I have linked some of the "hints" to my tree. I've found it a nice way, for now, to organize some of those digital resources I'd like to revisit... or be able to find with ease.

I completely understand the argument that some folks make about not liking their data to be "harvested" & added incorrectly to other trees, etc. That is far to easy [and prevalent] it seems. I have thousands & thousands of photographs, documents & other genealogical records. I will not be scanning them & adding them to my ancestry tree.

That isn't required in having a tree. What's this you say?
Yes. You can have a very minimal Ancestry tree that contains nothing more than Names, Years, Locations. Basically, information that is already found floating around in the Ancestry Universe.... just not linked to you or your DNA!


Don't worry. I haven't forgotten the people who have taken a test that don't know who their ancestors are! There are adopted folks, or people who are unsure about paternity, etc. that have taken tests. You testers are not forgotten... you are sympathized with greatly. This article is not for you.

This is for the "I don't want Ancestry to have my tree" folks!
Calm down. Don't attack!
Last year, I was one of you as well.... 
and still am to some degree.

So... if you're thinking about going a DNA test with Ancestry... please consider creating at least a bare bones tree. You'll get far greater results connecting with people, when they have something to see!

If you've already done a test.... and are a "No Tree" individual... consider making a 4 or 5 generation skeletal pedigree to connect with your test. It won't take much time... and may yield great results!?

And for the rest of us... those who are at times violently angry with those "No Tree"  and no response people.... Relax. Take a break. It is what it is.

Remember that some people may not have a tree [think adoption]
Or some people took a test out of curiosity... and nothing more [Odd, I know]
And even "genealogists" have varying degrees of interest & activity. 

So have a little understanding for the "No Tree" folks in your matches...
And if you can help it... don't be a "No Tree" yourself!

Southern Minnesota- Mystery Photo

This photograph was in with a number of snapshots belonging to my Great-Grandmother.

It is likely that it was taken in Southern Minnesota or Northern Iowa

I'm not sure if he is related to our family... or if he is just a friend?

It's also intriguing to try & figure out where he's at???

There is a possibility he is connected to the George, Bruce or Averill families