Free Access to Ancestry.ca June 27-July 2

Ancestry.ca Family history website offers free access to more than 40 million historical records that trace the development of the nation over the last 145 years

June 27, 2012 (TORONTO) – In honour of Canada Day, Ancestry.ca, Canada’s favourite family history website, is offering free access to 40 million historical records that outline just how far the country has come as a nation in the past 145 years.

Available free from June 27 through July 2, the records cover the years leading up to and following Confederation and include censuses, birth, marriage and death records, passenger lists, military records and many more.

“Many Canadians today celebrate the diversity of our nation but that multi-culturalism only came following a period of incredible growth and development in the years immediately before and after nationhood,” said Ancestry.ca’s Julie Wingate. “These records really paint a picture of how much we’ve changed as a country and give us a real reason to celebrate Canada Day.”

In 1871, just four short years after Confederation, Canada conducted its first Census as a nation and the results showed it was a country made up of British and French immigrants and a stark lack of diversity.

In fact, according to the 1871 Census of Canada:

• Just 101 people are listed as being of Russian origin, compared to 500,000 in 2006
• Nearly 900 people are listed as being Italian, compared to 1.4 million in 2006
• Only one man is listed as being of Chinese descent in the 1871 Census, compared to 1.3 million in 2006

Between June 27 and July 2, millions of records will be accessible to Canadians for free on Ancestry.ca. The records are from some of the largest collections on Ancestry.ca, including:

·         Canadian Passenger Lists and Ocean Arrivals - outlining the masses of people who arrived by ship -- the only form of international travel available to people at the time -- at port cities across Canada

·         The 1871 Census of Canada - the first Census Canada conducted as a nation, which gives a snapshot of the life of the people living at the time, including who they lived with, their ages, their jobs, the birthplaces of their parents, their neighbours and more

·         Vital records (i.e. birth, marriage and death records) from British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia - outlining the significant moments in the people’s lives like children born, marriages and deaths.

Search Ancestry.ca for your family.

Featured Funeral Card Lucy L. Hough, Fort Wayne

This is one of the many Funeral Cards featured on AncestorsAtRest website

Funeral Notice Mrs. Lucy L, wife of Rev. John Hough

Dated at Fort Wayne (we assume Indiana), February 12, 1859.  

Flip-Pal Deals for June

The Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner mobile scanner Summer Solstice Coupons (two promotional offers)!

If you don't have one, you might want to take advantage of these summer solstice coupons.

All promotion codes are active 12:00 a.m.–11:59 p.m. MDT (-6 GMT) on the dates listed.

Summer Solstice
Monday, June 18 – Saturday, June 30, 2012
Use Promotion Code: SSFP6A
Save $15 when you purchase a Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner (Please place items in your shopping cart first before using the promotion code.)

Suite Summer Solstice
Monday, June 18 – Saturday, June 30, 2012
Use Promotion Code: SSS6A
Save $25 when you purchase a Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner with Creative Suite Craft Edition DVD! (Please place items in your shopping cart first before using the promotion code.)

Featured Funeral Card: George W. Baker 1862-1895

This is one of the many Funeral Cards featured on AncestorsAtRest website

Funeral Card George W. Baker 1862-1895

George W. Baker died Feb 12 1895, aged 33 yrs 9 mo 18 days old

Soldier's remains found at Waterloo

Almost 200 years after Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo, Belgian archaeologists have unearthed the complete remains of a young soldier.

Believed to have died June 18, 1815, the remains were found under 15 inches of soil as if the young soldier's comrades had hurriedly buried him when he fell on the battleground 

"You can almost see him dying," Belgian archeologist Dominique Bosquet said of the skeleton, lying on its back with the spherical musket ball that felled the soldier still between his ribs.

Believed to have died June 18, 1815, the remains were found under 15 inches of soil as if the young soldier's comrades had hurriedly buried him when he fell on the battleground.

Continue reading and see photos at "Soldier's remains found at Waterloo"

Vampire graves discovered near Black Sea

Archaeologists have excavated two suspected "vampire" graves in the Black Sea town of Sokopol, Bulgaria. Each 700-year-old skeleton had an iron rod pinned into its chest. This reflected the customs and the times, when villagers feared that bad men had the power to rise from their graves.






Read More

Featured Funeral Card: Elias & Elizabeth Baker

This is one of the many Funeral Cards featured on AncestorsAtRest website

Funeral Cards For Elias Baker 1844~1929 And Elizabeth Baker Died 1913

Fold3 offers FREE War of 1812 Records for June 2012

Fold3 will be opening up all of their War of 1812 records to the public for free during June. This is in commemoration of the 200^th anniversary of the commencement of the war.

The collection consists of more than 400,000 images including 233,000 images from the War of 1812 Pension Files never before available online. The following databases provided for free included:

• War of 1812 Pension Files
• War of 1812 Prize Cases, Southern District Court, NY
• Letters Received by The Adjutant General, 1805-1821
• War of 1812 Service Records

Featured Funeral Card: Edith Ross Baddeley

This is one of the many Funeral Cards featured on AncestorsAtRest website

Remembrance card for a child's funeral. Dated March 1, 1889. Child's name was Edith Ross Baddeley and she was 2 years 1 month old when she died. Copyrighted by the Memorail Card Co., 706 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa.

May Coupons from Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner

Here's two May coupons for you to choose from if you want to purchase a Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner. This is a very cool portable scanner! We use ours on the road (archives, libraries, museums) and at home (on the couch scanning family photos)

May Flora

May 22 – May 31 Use Promotion Code: gc512a

Purchase a Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner and receive a grey Flip-Pal Carry Case FREE! (Please note: this is the neoprene, not deluxe carry case. Both items must be in your shopping cart.)

May Fauna

May 22 – May 31 Use Promotion Code: dcs512a

Purchase a Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner with Digital Creativity Suite 3.0 DVD and get a Flip-Pal mobile scanner Sketch Kit FREE! (Both items must be in your shopping cart.)

Free Immigration Records Victoria Day Weekend

This Victoria Day Weekend Ancestry.ca is offering 200 million historical immigration records from around the world for free, until May 21st.

Immigration and travel records tell the story of your ancestors as they made the courageous decision to immigrate, travel or become a citizen of a new country. With 200 million immigration records from Canada, United Kingdom, the U.S. and several other countries from around the world at your disposal, you may uncover the answers you’ve been looking for. Explore passenger lists, naturalization records, border crossings, crew lists, immigration and emigration books, passports and more as you discover your family’s journey to Canada.

The story of your ancestors’ journey to a new country is waiting to be uncovered. Search Ancestry.ca international immigration records for free, this Victoria Day Weekend only until May 21st.

Coffin Plate Of Harriet Parker 1897

Harriet Parker. Died Oct 8 1897. Aged 53 years.

Featured Funeral Card Gertrude Bogart Broadwood Anderson, 1894 - 1951

This is one of the many Funeral Cards featured on AncestorsAtRest website

Funeral Card Gertrude Bogart Broadwood Anderson, 1894 - 1951, Ontario

FUNERAL CARD

IN MEMORY OF MRS GERTRUDE BOGART ANDERSON Aged 77 years

PASSED AWAY At Millbrook, Ont., on Monday, April 23rd, 1951

GERTRUDE BOGART BROADWOOD Widow of the late JAMES ANDERSON

More details on AncestorAtRest.com website

Mass Grave Begins Revealing Soldiers' Secrets

It was one of the bloodiest battles of the Thirty Years' War, but until recently there was no trace of those who died there. Now a mass grave is shedding light on the mysteries of the Battle of Lützen. Were those who fought hungry young men or well-fed veterans? And where did they come from?  Read More

Ancient graves found near Paulatuk, N.W.T

At least four skeletons have been found in Tuktut Nogait National Park near Paulatuk, N.W.T The graves, dating between 400 and 1,000 years old, are above ground and covered with flat stones.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/story/2012/04/25/north-paulatuk-park-graves.html

Featured Funeral Card Florence L. Atkinson 1866 - 1885

This is one of the many Funeral Cards featured on AncestorsAtRest website

Memorial Remembrance Card for Death of Florence L. Atkinson 1866 - 1885

In Memorial of Florence L. Atkinson Died Nov. 12, 1885 - Aged 19 Years

Featured Funeral Card Johanna M. Anderson 1845 - 1902

This is one of the many Funeral Cards featured on AncestorsAtRest website

Funeral Card for Johanna M. Anderson 1845 - 1902

In Loving Remembrance of: 
Mrs. Johanna M. Anderson
Born March 20, 1845
Died March 17, 1902
Age 56 yrs. 11 mos. 28 days
Gone but not forgotten.
Copyright on card is 1898 by H. F. Wendell, Leipsic, O[hio].

Featured Funeral Card JAMES ANDERSON 1871 - 1942

This is one of the many Funeral Cards featured on AncestorsAtRest website

Funeral Card JAMES ANDERSON 1871 - 1942

FUNERAL CARD

In Loving Memory of
JAMES ANDERSON
Who passed away Thursday, March 5, 1942
Aged 71 Years and 8 Months

The Funeral Service will be held in the United Church, Star City, on Saturday, March 7th, 1942, at 1:30 p.m.
Interment at Star City Cemetery

Featured Funeral Card ELIZABETH E. ADAMS 1833 - 1911

This is one of the many Funeral Cards featured on AncestorsAtRest website

Funeral Card for ELIZABETH E. ADAMS 1833 England - 1911 Minnesota

In Loving Memory of
ELIZABETH E. ADAMS
Who passed pecefully away
February 20th, 1911
Aged 78 years
Interred in Calvary Cemetery, St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A.

Featured Funeral Card: 1893 Funeral Notice for Nicholas Abel of Henry Illinois

This is one of the many Funeral Cards featured on AncestorsAtRest website

1893 Funeral Notice for Nicholas Abel of Henry Illinois

Died in this City in the -- House on Monday October 2, 1893 at 4 p.m. of paralysis, Nicholas Abel, 51 years.

See image on AncestorsAtRest website

The Hunt For Robert Evans 1845~1877

This Coffin for Robert Evans is a rather interesting one as it has a photo of Robert glued to the back. It is also a nice example of this particular design as it is in good condition. The engraving is perhaps not the best quality but it has a nice look to it all the same.

Died

Dec 15th 1877

Robert Evans

Aged 32 Yrs

The first thing I did was go and have a look in the death records on Ancestry.com but I could not spot Robert. Then I went and had a hunt in the 1870 United States Federal Census as this would have been the last census that Robert would have been in before his death in 1877. I found about 25 Robert Evans in the census but of course I had no idea if one was my Robert. Now most coffin plates are from the North East United States. The custom of keeping them after the funeral was most common in States like Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Maine. The farther away from the North East you get the less common they become. So with this in mind I discarded all the Roberts from States that the custom of keeping coffin plates was not that popular. Of course we have no guarantee Robert was not from the one of the States I discarded but statistically its unlikely.  This resulted in a list of about 16 candidates.

1870 United States Federal Census     

Robert Evans, Union, Porter, Indiana abt 1844 Ohio 

Robert Evans, Fair Haven, Rutland, Vermont abt 1844 Wales 

Robert Evans, New York Ward 8 District 10 (2nd Enum), New York, New York abt 1844 Ireland 

Robert Evans, Israel, Preble, Ohio abt 1844 Ohio 

Robert Evans, Buffalo Ward 4, Erie, New York abt 1845 Ireland 

Robert S Evans, Hempstead, Queens, New York abt 1845 New York 

Robert Evans, Lincoln, New Hanover, North Carolina abt 1845 North Carolina 

Robert Evans, Allegheny Ward 3, Allegheny, Pennsylvania abt 1845 Pennsylvania 

Robert M Evans, Centre, Union, Indiana abt 1846 Ohio 

Robert H Evans, Marion, Hamilton, Iowa abt 1846 Indiana 

Robert Evans, Pottawatomie, Pottawatomie, Kansas abt 1846 Pennsylvania 

Robert Evans, Lyons, Ionia, Michigan abt 1846 Ireland 

Robert Evans, Washington, Osage, Missouri abt 1846 Missouri 

Robert Evans, Marshall, Saline, Missouri abt 1846 Missouri 

Robert Evans, Rockfish, Cumberland, North Carolina abt 1846 North Carolina 

Robert Evans, Portsmouth Ward 1, Scioto, Ohio abt 1846 Wales 

 I then went and had a look in the 1880 United States Federal Census. As the Robert I am looking for died in 1877 I can subtract any of the Roberts who are on the 1880 Census from the 1870 Census.

Robert W. Evans Jemima Marshall, Oneida, New York abt 1843 Wales Self (Head)
Robert Evans Elizabeth H. Meigsville, Morgan, Ohio abt 1843 Ohio Self (Head)
Robert Evans Harriett Fair Haven, Preble, Ohio abt 1843 Ohio Self (Head)
Robert Evans Martha Floyd, Oneida, New York abt 1844 Wales Self (Head)
Robert W. Evans Mary Kirkland, Oneida, New York abt 1844 New York Self (Head)
Robert Evans Jennie Sidney, Montcalm, Michigan abt 1844 Ireland Self (Head)
Robert M. Evans Bellevue, Grand Forks, Dakota Territory abt 1844 Canada Brother
Robert B. Evans Nancy E. Cartecay, Gilmer, Georgia abt 1845 North Carolina Self (Head)
Robert Evans Lower San Miguel, Ouray, Colorado abt 1845 Michigan
Robert M. Evans Minerva J. Monroe, Miami, Ohio abt 1845 Ohio Self (Head)
Robert Evans Zanesville, Muskingum, Ohio abt 1845 Wales Self (Head)
W. Robert Evans Robert, Elizabeth MT Pleasant, Racine, Wisconsin abt 1845 Ireland Son
Robert Evans Joanna Salt Springs, Saline, Missouri abt 1845 Missouri Self (Head)
Robert Evans Margarite Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts abt 1846 England Self (Head)
Robert Evans Pottawatomie, Pottawatomie, Kansas abt 1846 Pennsylvania
Robert H. Evans Elisibeth Medicine, Rooks, Kansas abt 1846 Indiana Self (Head)
Robert M. Evans Ellena Buffalo, Erie, New York abt 1847 Ireland Self (Head)
Robert J. Evans Mary B. Johnstown, Fulton, New York abt 1847 New York Self (Head)
Robert Evans Mary A. Murray, Clarke, Iowa abt 1847 Iowa Self (Head)
Robert G. Evans Mary Jackson, Maries, Missouri abt 1847 Missouri Self (Head)
Robert L. Evans Jennie Jersey City, Hudson, New Jersey abt 1847 New York Self (Head)

So a quick comparison brought the list down to 13 candidates. No guarantee that the Robert I am looking for is on this list but its a start.

Robert Evans, Union, Porter, Indiana abt 1844 Ohio
Robert Evans, Fair Haven, Rutland, Vermont abt 1844 Wales 
Robert Evans, New York Ward 8 District 10 (2nd Enum), New York, New York abt 1844 Ireland 
Robert Evans, Israel, Preble, Ohio abt 1844 Ohio 
Robert S Evans, Hempstead, Queens, New York abt 1845 New York 
Robert Evans, Lincoln, New Hanover, North Carolina abt 1845 North Carolina 
Robert Evans, Allegheny Ward 3, Allegheny, Pennsylvania abt 1845 Pennsylvania 
Robert M Evans, Centre, Union, Indiana abt 1846 Ohio Male
Robert H Evans, Marion, Hamilton, Iowa abt 1846 Indiana 
Robert Evans, Lyons, Ionia, Michigan abt 1846 Ireland 
Robert Evans, Washington, Osage, Missouri abt 1846 Missouri 
Robert Evans, Rockfish, Cumberland, North Carolina abt 1846 North Carolina 
Robert Evans, Portsmouth Ward 1, Scioto, Ohio abt 1846 Wales

If you are interested in looking at more Coffin Plates I have about 500 more on my Ancestorsatrest website. 

Monastic cemetery find “unique”, say archaeologists

The discovery of the bodies of 15th century monks has been described as “unprecedented” by archaeologists. The monastic cemetery was uncovered earlier this week by contractors undertaking roadworks in St Andrews, Fife. Experts working on the site have been excited by the find, which they say helps pinpoint the location of a friary lost during the Reformation. They say the remains are those of Franciscan monks who once lived in the area, and have described the find as “unique” due to its town centre location.


http://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2012/03/23/monastic-cemetery-fine-unique-say-archaeologists/

Cross and bed found in Anglo-Saxon grave shed new light on 'dark ages'

Archaeologists in Cambridgeshire have uncovered a bed on which the body of a young Anglo-Saxon woman has lain for more than 1,300 years, a regal gold and garnet cross on her breast.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2012/mar/16/cross-bed-anglo-saxon-grave?newsfeed=true

Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner Special Offer for March!

The following announcement was sent  by Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner. 

We’re Celebrating New Alliances and the Coming of Spring



We can all feel it—spring is just around the corner, literally. We’ve
sprung ahead and adjusted our clocks and feel some spring-cleaning may
be in our near future. Perhaps a little bird is harkening a call to
action to scan those boxes of precious family photos to pass on to

future generations. You can scan while sitting at the car dealer waiting for
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These Coupons are Good from March 19-30, 2012—or While Supplies Last! Just use this link to Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner to order yours today. Be sure to use the coupon code(s) when you have added what you want to your shopping cart.

Featured Funeral Card: Catherine Adams June 8, 1888

This is one of the many Funeral Cards featured on AncestorsAtRest website

Funeral Card Catherine Adams June 8, 1888

Funeral Card Catherine Adams June 8, 1888, aged 57 years

Railway workers reburied with dignity 180 years later

The remains of five Irish labourers, who researchers believe were murdered in 1832 while building a Pennsylvania railroad, received a dignified reinterment Friday more than 5,000 kilometres from their homeland and nearly two centuries after their first anonymous burials.



http://www.thespec.com/news/world/article/684908--railway-workers-reburied-with-dignity-180-years-later

Coffin Plate Of Chauncy Rogers 1875

Chauncy Rogers
Died April 8th 1875
Aged 52 yrs

I went and had a hunt for Chauncy Rogers in the 1870 United States Federal Census.

Name: Chauncey Rogers
Age in 1870: 47
Birth Year: abt 1823
Birthplace: New York
Home in 1870: Bethany, Genesee, New York
Post Office: Darien

Household Members: Name Age
Chauncey Rogers 47
Almira Rogers 37
Brian Rogers 14

Want to see more Coffin Plates

WWII European Theater Army Records 1941-1946 online

New on Fold3: WWII European Theater Army Records, a collection of administrative documents compiled by the U.S. Army's Historical Division, 1941 through 1946. These records, originally marked
secret and confidential, are now available on Fold3

Created within the European Theater of Operations (ETO) during World War II, these documents are revealing, and often include personal accounts, as in this report of evacuating Allied prisoners of war.
Names of soldiers and support personnel are on many of the records, but
nowhere more prolific than in the phonebooks for U.S. Forces in Paris.

A 1945 directory admonishes users to, "Never mention secret or confidential matters over the telephone," then lists the names, ranks, addresses, and phone numbers of Paris-based personnel.

Explore the ETO Records on Fold3 to discover more about U.S. operations in World War II and how the Army effectively maintained soldiers' welfare and waged war behind the battle lines.

Featured Funeral Card Willie E Adams, 1888 - 1889

This is one of the many Funeral Cards featured on AncestorsAtRest website

Death or Remembrance card for Willie E Adams, 1888 - 1889

Death or Remembrance card for one Willie E Adams, died April 15, 1889, aged 7 months. 10 days

FamilySearch Adds New Genealogy Records

FamilySearch added just over 20 million new, free records online this past week for
Canada, Chile, New Zealand, Portugal, Sweden, and the U.S.

The 9 million new California death records and 5 million Nevada marriage
records should be a boon for those looking for ancestors in the western
U.S. Records were also added for 11 other states.

Search these and 2.5 billion other records now for free at FamilySearch.org.

Searchable historic records on FamilySearch.org are made possible by thousands of volunteers from around the world who transcribe (index) the information from digital copies of handwritten records to make them easily searchable online.

More volunteers are needed (particularly those who can read foreign languages) to keep pace with the amount of digital images being published online at FamilySearch.org. Learn more about how to personally help provide free access to the world’s historic genealogical records as a volunteer indexer at  FamilySearch.org

Coffin Plate Of Ruth Jones 1800~1871

I found 2 Ruth Jones in the 1870 United States Federal Census. Ruth Jones of Pine Grove, Warren, Pennsylvania and Ruth Jones of Berlin, Rensselaer, New York. So not knowing who is the right Ruth Jones I went and had a look in 1880 Census. I found the Ruth Jones of Warren, Pennsylvania was still alive in 1880 so it looks like Ruth Jones of Berlin, Rensselaer, New York is our best candidate so far.

I have 500 more Coffin Plates at AncestorsAtRest.com

Headless Romans found in York were gladiators

80 skeletons of well-built young men, gradually exhumed from the gardens of a York terrace over a decade, suggests that the world's best-preserved gladiator graveyard has been found.




http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/jun/07/york-gladiator-graveyard?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487

The Coffin Plate Of John F Rebstock

This coffin plate for John F Rebstock is fairly standard for the time. It is constructed from silver plated cast metal. Before about 1890 most coffin plates were constructed from thin plate metal.

I went and had a look for John in the 1900 United States Federal Census.



1900 United States Federal Census

Name: John F Rebstock
Age: 11
Birth Date: Sep 1888
Birthplace: New York
Home in 1900: Tonawanda, Erie, New York

Relation to Head of House: Boarder
Marital Status: Single
Father's Birthplace: New York
Mother's Birthplace: New York

RootsTech 2012 Videos online for Some Sessions

RootsTech 2012 recorded sessions are now available on the RootsTech website.

Do I Trust the Cloud?

By

D. Joshua Taylor

Effective Database Search Tactics

By

Kory Meyerink

Twitter – It’s Not Just “What I Had For Breakfast” Anymore

By

Thomas MacEntee

Eleven Layers of Online Searches

By

Barbara Renick

Exabyte Social Clouds and Other Monstrosities

By

Josh Coates

Publish Your Genealogy Online

By

Laura Prescott

Optimizing Your Site for Search Engines

By

Robert Gardner

Genealogists “Go Mobile”

By

Sandra Crowley

Google's Toolbar and Genealogy

By

David Barney

Making the Most of Technology to Further the Family History Industry

By

Tim Sullivan

Genealogy Podcasts and Blogs 101

By

Lisa Louise Cooke

Privacy in a Collaborative Environment

By

Noah Tutak

The resting place of Jesus

Archaeologists exploring a 1st century Christian burial chamber have discovered an ancient inscription on a coffin lid which they believe could prove the site is the final resting place of Jesus.
Using a remote-controlled camera connected to a robotic arm to probe below a tower block in Jerusalem, the archaeologists were staggered to discover a set of 1st century 'bone boxes'.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2107591/Jesus-discovery-Does-1st-Century-coffin-lid-Jerusalem-reveal-Jesus-resting-place.html#ixzz1oYmzK2bP

Featured Funeral Card for Fletcher Able

This is one of the many Funeral Cards featured on AncestorsAtRest website

Funeral Card for Fletcher Able, died November 16, 1912

In Loving Memory of Fletcher Able, died November 16, 1912

Are you related to the Iceman

In what I think is really cool news researchers have now conducted DNA studies on Oetzi the iceman. Oetzis well-preserved, 5,300 year old mummified body was found in 1991 on the Tisenjoch Pass in the Italian part of the Oeztal Alps. The DNA analysis shows us he had brown eyes, type O blood, and was lactose intolerant. He was also genetically predisposed to coronary heart disease and shows signs of the earliest known infection of Lyme disease.

But what I think is really cool is the possibility that researchers may be able to find living descendants using DNA testing. Of course we don't know for sure if Oetzi fathered any children. His DNA test did show mutations typically found in men with reduced sperm function that can render them infertile. But even if Oetzi had only one or two sons, after 5,300 years he could literally have millions of descendants. You could be one. How cool would that be.

The Coffin Plate Of Rebecca Starkie 1797~1868

Today I am adding the coffin plate of Rebecca Starkie 1797~1868. From what I can find it looks like Rebecca lived in Keene, Cheshire, New Hampshire. She is living with Benjamin P Starkey age 53. This Benjamin is probably her husband but he is 10 years younger so one would need to look for more info.

1860 United States Federal Census

Name: Rebecah L Starkey
Age in 1860: 63
Birth Year: abt 1797
Birthplace: Massachusetts
Home in 1860: Keene, Cheshire, New Hampshire
Household Members: Name Age
Benjamin P Starkey 53
Rebecah L Starkey 63

I then went and had a look at the 1850 United States Federal Census
and found them in Quincy, Norfolk, Massachusetts.

1850 United States Federal Census

Home in 1850: Quincy, Norfolk, Massachusetts
Household Members: Name Age
Benjamin P Starkie 44
Rebecca L Starkie 53
Eliza A Starkie 11
Simeon S Page 25

I have more Coffin Plates on AncestorsAtRest.com

Fold3 Adds Civil War Records for Union Soldiers

Fold3 has added more Civil War Records for Union Soldiers for genealogists. Here's their announcement:

Index to Compiled Service Records of Union Soldiers

Fold3 is excited to announce the expansion of the Civil War Collection by adding the Index to Compiled Service Records of Union Soldiers. The first four states available in this collection are Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.

Each index card
gives the name of a soldier, his rank, and the unit in which he served.
Anyone looking for a Union soldier in the Civil War will find these
cards useful in identifying the state and regiment in which a man served
and how his name appears in the military records. You can then locate
his records to learn about his service in the war and the battles in
which his regiment fought.

This new index, viewed as card images on Fold3, may be familiar to some.
The National Park Service transcribed these cards, referred to as
"General Index Cards," and placed the data online in its Civil War
Soldiers and Sailors System. When searching for a soldier there, you are
provided with a transcription, while Fold3's images allow users to view
the original card as well as determine the accuracy of the
transcription. Once you find the soldier you're looking for, you can
connect his index card to his service record on Fold3, or contact NARA
for copies of his documents.

Sunken Cemetery

The eruption of Mt. Vulcan Daan in 1870s left an extraordinary, never-missed tourist attraction site famously known as the “Sunken Cemetery,” marked by a huge cross rising from the waves.


Read More about this Sunken Cemetery

Who Do You Think You Are? With Blair Underwood

Season 3 of Who Do You Think You Are? sponsored by Ancestry.com takes you all over the world and inside the fascinating family histories of 12 celebrities.

The celebrities that WDYTYA will take on a journey to find their ancestors are Martin Sheen, Marisa Tomei, Blair Underwood, Reba McEntire, Rob Lowe, Helen Hunt, Rita Wilson, Edie Falco, Rashida Jones, Jerome Bettis, Jason Sudeikis and Paula Deen.

Next is Episode 3 on February 24th with Blair Underwood who travels to Africa to uncover his roots.

Memorial Card Of Herbert Vogtle

Herbert Vogtle
Died Sept 19. 1896 Aged 16 years.

There are many more funeral cards online at AncestorsAtRest.com Is your ancestor one of them?

New Life For The City Of The Dead

The first legal cremation in Victoria was a rudimentary affair. It was held at Springvale Botanical Cemetery in 1905 when the body of Edward Davies, a retired customs officer, was laid on a pile of wood, doused with kerosene and then set alight. The service was presided over by a Church of England priest.



Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/national/melbourne-life/new-life-for-the-city-of-the-dead-20120214-1t3z2.html#ixzz1mNS38ecm

Cemetery Walk Diamond Springs El Dorado Twp California

Olive Tree Genealogy has uploaded the last of 7 videos of a Cemetery Walk through Diamond Springs Odd Fellows Cemetery in El Dorado Township, California on the OliveTreeGenealogy Channel on YouTube.

Love Remains After Death in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery

SLEEPY HOLLOW, N.Y. – For many couples, the power of love continues even after death. Buried within Sleepy Hollow Cemetery are many stories of love and loss throughout the past century from famous couples, to poets, to past Tarrytown residents.

“I never knew a day I did not love you” is the inscription that lies on the grave of Leona Helmsley.


Read More

Genes Reunited Special Offer

Good news! Genes Reunited has a special deal on all subscriptions from Feb. 13 to Feb. 26, 2012


* Discount: 10% on all subscriptions

* Promo code: GRFEB10


Use the promo code for 10% off

Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner Special Offer

If you don't own a Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner, you might want to take advantage of a special offer for President's Day.

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Search 1930 Census FREE This Weekend

The 1930 Census FREE This Weekend!!!! If you dont have a subsciption to Ancestry this is a way to get a peek at the 1930 Census for FREE.

Don't miss this great chance to get a glimpse into the lives of your family 82 years ago by searching the 1930 U.S. Census for FREE this weekend on Ancestry.com. Free access runs from February 16-20 ending at midnight ET

The Census has many details, such as:

* Household names, including brothers and sisters or children

* Marriage details, including years and birthplaces that can lead to a birth or marriage certificate

* Information about occupations, military service, citizenship and more

The Life And Death Of The Berger Family

I have a group of 4 Memorial cards for members of the Berger family so I thought I would see what info was online for this family. The cards are for Joseph Berger 1838 ~ 1912. Minnie M Berger 1845 ~ 1899. Georgie Berger 1893 ~ 1905. Walter C Berger 1899 ~ 1902. I had a look in the 1880 and 1910
United States Federal Census and found them living in Miami, Montgomery, Ohio. Looks like Joseph was a farmer from Germany. Sadly 2 of the cards are for young people. Little Walter Berger was just 3 years old when he died in 1902 and Georgie was only 11.



1880 United States Federal Census

Name: Joseph Berger
Age: 42
Birth Year: 1838
Birthplace: Germany
Home in 1880: Miami, Montgomery, Ohio
Spouse's Name: Mina Berger
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Birthplace: Germany
Occupation: Farmer

Household Members: Name Age
Joseph Berger 42
Mina Berger 34
Mary Berger 14
George Berger 11
David Berger 7
Chas. Berger 6
Edna Berger 2




1910 United States Federal Census

Name: Joseph Berger
Age in 1910: 72
Birth Year: 1838
Birthplace: Germany
Home in 1910: Miamisburg Ward 1, Montgomery, Ohio
Immigration Year: 1858
Relation to Head of House: Father-in-law
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Birthplace: Germany
Household Members: Name Age
Charles E Beachler 50
Mary C Beachler 43
Harry E Beachler 21
Edgar L Beachler 16
Joseph Berger 72

More memorial cards can be found at
ancestorsatrest.com

Coffin Plate Of The Week Mary A Holden 1812 ~ 1874

Mary A Holden Died Sept 29 1874 at the age of 62. This would give Mary a date of birth of around 1812. I say around 1812 as its important to remember that who ever gave the info to the engraver of this plate may have gotten her age wrong. Its really important to keep that in mind when looking at death records of any kind they can often be wrong for a number of reasons.

#1 Mary may not have known her correct date of birth. People did not always know years ago what their birth year was. Now we have drivers licences and birth certificates and all kinds of documents but in the1800s they did not. Its also much more important now to know your birthdate. Years ago you did not need to know your birthdate and no one would know if you got it wrong.

#2 Mary may have lied. Just like today ladies often want to be younger than they are.

#3 It was not Mary who gave the info on her coffin plate. The person giving it may have gotten it wrong for a number of reasons. Stress at the death of a loved one. May have just gotten confused or remembered it wrong.

So I went and had a look in the 1870 United States Federal Census for Mary.  I found a Mary A Holden in Dover, Ocean, New Jersey. Not sure if its her but its a start.




 Name: Mary A Holden
Age in 1870: 58

Birth Year: abt 1812

Birthplace: Vermont

Home in 1870: Dover, Ocean, New Jersey

Post Office: Toms River

Household Members: Name Age

William J Holden 60

Mary A Holden 58


Take a look at my Coffin Plate index.

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Who Do You Think You Are - Featuring Marisa Tomei

Who Do You Think You Are, sponsored by Ancestry.com is back for a 3rd season. Be sure to watch Episode 2 this Friday, February 10 at 8/7c on NBC.

Tomorrow's episode features Marisa Tomei who travels to Italy to find out who killed her great grandfather.

Gravestone ensures Civil War nurse won’t be forgotten

Michelle Green’s mission is to place a new marker on the grave of Civil War nurse Mary Dunbar (1815-1887), whose service as a member of the Woman’s Relief Corps is not recognized by the federal government. The timeworn gravestone is now barely legible.

Read More

Coffin Plate Of The Week. Steven Tyler 1798 ~ 1868

Steven Tyler Died Feb 26 1868 at the age of 70 years.


I went and had a look in the 1860 United States Federal Census and I think this is the man we are looking for.

Name: Stephen Tyler
Age in 1860: 63
Birth Year: 1797
Birthplace: New York
Home in 1860: Virgil, Cortland, New York

Post Office: East Virgil

Household Members: Name Age
Stephen Tyler 63
Margart Tyler 55
George Tyler 25
Emeline Tyler 20
Margaret N Tyler 20
William Tyler 18
Celestia Tyler 14
Anna Tyler 2
Infant Tyler 1/12

I cant say 100% that this is the Steven Tyler that this coffin plate belongs to but as it was with the coffin plate of Margaret Tyler who died in 1885 at the age of 80 I would say its a good bet.

This is a fairly common Coffin Plate for this time period but it may be possible to make some educated guesses that will tell us a little something about the family. The fact that the plate was purchased tells us that the family was not dirt poor. A coffin plate was a luxury. However it is a middle of the road plate as far as quality goes so they were probably not a rich family. Also the quality of the engraving is poor. This tells us that they probably lived in a more rural setting or small town. Coffin plates from a larger town or city generally have a better quality engraving.

'Tombstone Wall' a tribute to Morgantown's colonial past

In a little courtyard behind First Presbyterian Church in Morgantown, W.Va all is quiet. It always is. That's because Julie T. Berkshire already made her journey. On April 16, 1837.

George Hill laid his burden down in October of 1848. Dolly McCleary's work was done on Jan. 11, 1850.

And Col. William McCleary, a Revolutionary War soldier and statesman who entered this life in 1741, made his final call to duty 80 years later, in 1821.

The above-mentioned tombstones are but a few of the ones incorporated into a wall at the church that had its beginnings on Oct. 21, 1788.

Read More

Coffin Plate Of Ann A Smith

I have just added the coffin plate of Ann A Smith. Ann died October 23rd 1877 at the age of 17 years.

Thanks to Anns great-granddaughter for submiting this Coffin Plate. She tells me Ann was from Wells Maine and Ann was born ANNIE A. LITTLEFIELD.

If you want to see more Coffin Plates try Ancestors At Rest Coffin Plates

The Sad Story Of Charlotte Canda

I found this interesting little story on the Spinster Aunt blog. Poor Charlotte died in a tragic accident on February 3rd, 1845: her 17th birthday.


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African-American slave cemeteries plowed over for spillway to be restored near New Orleans

The Bonnet Carre Spillway is a drainage structure in St. Charles Parish that protects New Orleans and surrounding areas when the waters of the Mississippi threaten to flood. When it was constructed near the year 1929, two cemeteries that had been dedicated to the burial of African-American slaves and their descendants were plowed over. The Kenner and Kugler cemeteries, which were active from the late 1800s until about 1929, are believed to contain up to 300 burials. Now both sites are slated to be reinstated as sacred places, as the Army Corps of Engineers makes plans to commemorate the cemeteries with memorials.

Read More

$10,000! Trip Of A Lifetime Ancestry.com Sweepstakes

Who Do You Think You Are is back for a 3rd season and will premier this Friday with Martin Sheen to lead off the series. In conjunction with Season 3, Ancestry.com is running a Sweepstakes where 3 Grand Prize winners will win a trip of a lifetime to uncover their own family history valued at $10,000! The Sweepstakes includes a trip to the winner's homeland to explore their family roots, round-trip airfare for two, hotel and $2,000 in cash, plus a 6-month Ancestry.com World Explorer membership and an Ancestry.com DNA test to discover their genetic ethnicity. 20 First Prize winners will receive a 6-month Ancestry.com World Explorer membership.

Win the Ultimate Family History Journey at Ancestry.com!

In conjunction with Season 3 of Who Do You Think You Are, Ancestry.com is running a Sweepstakes where 3 Grand Prize winners will win a trip of a lifetime to uncover their own family history valued at $10,000!  

The Sweepstakes includes a trip to the winner's homeland to explore their family roots, round-trip airfare for two, hotel and $2,000 in cash, plus a 6-month Ancestry.com World Explorer membership and an Ancestry.com DNA test to discover their genetic ethnicity.   

20 First Prize winners will receive a 6-month Ancestry.com World Explorer membership.  To enter, click on the graphic where you see the words ENTER NOW

Killed By Kisses

George Spencer Millet's grave in Woodlawn Cemetery, which tells a tragic and unusual story. His headstone reads: "Lost life by stab in falling on ink eraser, evading six young women trying to give him birthday kisses in office of Metropolitan Life Building." This happened the day after Valentine's day, on February 15th, 1909.

http://gothamist.com/2012/01/24/grave.php

Who Do You Think You Are is back for a 3rd season on Friday

Who Do You Think You Are, sponsored by Ancestry.com is back for a 3rd season and will premier this Friday, February 3 at 8/7c on NBC. Martin Sheen will lead off the series and other celebrities lined up include Marissa Tomei, Blair Underwood, Helen Hunt, Jerome Bettis, Robb Lowe, and Paula Deen among others.

Be sure to tune-in and see what each of our celebrities learns about their family history!
Check out the WDYTYA site at http://www.nbc.com/who-do-you-think-you-are/

As well, watch for the Martin Sheen interview on Olive Tree Genealogy blog at http://olivetreegenealogy.blogspot.com

Lorine McGinnis Schulze of Olive Tree Genealogy was invited to participate in the Media Conference Call with Mr. Sheen and Lorine tells me her interview article will be online in a few days.

13 Stray Tombstones in Pennsylvania - Where Do They Belong?

State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating the discovery of 13 tombstones found in East Norwegian Township, Schuylkill Co. Pennsylvania.

Of the 13, only six have been transcribed so far, which state:

Robert D. Phelger 1875-1951

Frank 1866-1910

Loretta A. Buries 1900-1945

Harry J. Johnson 1887-1924

Mary A. Rote 1888-1933 

William E. Gramley 1886-1948

Police have not yet transcribed the other 8 tombstones but are anxious to learn where the tombstones came from.

Anyone with information as to what cemetery the tombstones are from or who may have been in possession of the stones is asked to contact state police at Schuylkill Haven at 570-593-2000.

Source: Origin unknown of tombstones left on side of Saint Clair road

A Stray Tombstone in Pratt Kansas

A Construction Company was performing remodeling at a house in Pratt Kansas when they discovered a headstone on the west side of the house under a concrete slab.

The headstone reads: C.E. Miller 1887 – 1932.  No one knows why the tombstone is there. Authorities wonder if perhaps someone is buried there or was the stone taken from a local cemetery.

A check of nearby Greenlawn Cemetery revealed that a Corinda E. Miller was born and died in the same years listed on the found tombstone and is buried in Section 31 in Greenlawn.

Cemetery officials stated that the stones are similar. The speculation is that perhaps the stone found at the house was a temporary marker and once a permanent tombstone was erected, the temporary one was taken away.

A puzzling mystery!

I dont really like this Igrave and natural burial stuff.

For those of you who read yesterdays post about Igrave I have to say that while I find it interesting, as a genealogist I don't really like this Igrave and natural burial stuff.

For genealogists like myself big old fashioned tombstones are one of the most important sources of genealogical information available to us. In many cases a tombstone is all that remains to tell us about the people who have gone before. Paper and electronic records are just too easy to lose.

All the folks who are being buried in natural unmarked graves risk being lost forever. I myself (like the Kings of old) want the biggest monument I can get.

iGrave. The device that lets you find your relative's coffin

Everyone buried at The Preserve, a 1.5-acre natural burial site in Lafayette, Indiana, receives a RF transmitter disk in the center of their casket, or in the grave if there is no casket.

Read More

Coffin Plate of William Hall and Mary Jane Hall

Thanks to Karen Linley for submiting the coffin plates of William Hall and Mary Jane Hall.

William Hall
Aged 83 Years 9 Months
Died Aug 19 1921

Mary Jane Hall
Died June 22 1922
Age 74 years

William Hall born 15 June 1843 in Yorkshire England died 13 Aug 1921 in Gordon twsp, Manitoulin Island, Ont Canada married Mary Jane Griffith 08 Jan 1872 in Bondhead, Simcoe Co, Ont Canada she was born 30 May 1848 in Tottenham, Simcoe Co, Ont Canada died 22 Jun 1922 in Gordon twsp, Manitoulin Island, Ont canada.

500 NAMES IN THE COFFIN PLATE INDEX

Texas crews excavate bones of purported ex-slaves

Crews of scientists with wooden spoons and small metal picks dig carefully around bones embedded in a dry lake bed, excavating what is believed to be the remains of freed slaves and their children buried in a long-forgotten cemetery.

More than two dozen graves were exposed this summer in a section of a reservoir that dried up in the severe Texas drought. Officials later organized a thorough excavation effort and were recently embroiled in a brief legal battle over where to rebury the bones.

MORE

17th Century Letters Lost & Found

Thought I would re-post this as I think its kind of cool. A few days ago Lorine of the Olive Tree Genealogy Blog heard from a researcher working for Dutch National television who is doing research on history and genealogy for a program called ‘Brieven Boven Water’
This TV program is all about letters sent by Dutchmen overseas to the New World and other places in the 17th and 18th centuries. The letters never arrived, since the ships that transported the letters were hijacked by the English.

Read More

Gravestone ensures Civil War nurse won’t be forgotten

Michelle Green’s mission is to place a new marker on the grave of Civil War nurse Mary Dunbar (1815-1887), whose service as a member of the Woman’s Relief Corps is not recognized by the federal government. The timeworn gravestone is now barely legible.

Read More

No More Kisses For Oscar Wilde's Grave

For decades, fans of Oscar Wilde have paid tribute to the Irish writer by leaving kisses on his tomb at Paris's famed Pere Lachaise Cemetery. But years of greasy lipstick smears have badly damaged the memorial, a stone angel designed by modernist sculptor Jacob Epstein.

Read the rest of the story

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Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner, Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

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Leave a tribute on the USS Arizona War Memorial

Attack on Pearl Harbor

December 7, 1941, "a date which will live in infamy," is seared into the American psyche as the day the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and took the United States into World War II.

That immortal phrase was delivered the following day by President Roosevelt in an address to Congress and the nation. He predicted that "always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us."

This year, on the 70th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks, Americans continue to remember the shocking event and the loved ones who lost their lives that day. It was a tragedy that affected millions of lives. Many people alive today have a personal connection to December 7, 1941, and there are many more who lost fathers, uncles, grandfathers, and friends, or heard stories about that day and its aftermath from those who lived through it.

At Fold3, we keep history alive and provide personal perspectives to the past through tributes left by others. We invite you to leave a tribute on Fold3 on the USS Arizona War Memorial. Share a story, link to a photo or letter, and bring your memories to others so we may all continue to remember.