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  ¶ 8:24 AM 0 Comments

  For Our New Subscribers--some of our philosophy It has been a little while since I posted anything to the blog about our philosophy here at Casefile Clues and since we have some new subscribers I thought I would.   ¶ 7:06 AM 0 Comments

  The Michael's Not at NGS discount on Casefile Clues This week is the annual National Genealogical Society Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Work and other travels prevents me from going to NGS. I know some Casefile Clues subscribers are going to NGS, but I know quite a few others won't be able to for a variety of reasons.

Vendors often offer discounts at the NGS conference. Casefile Clues is offering a discount on a combination of all the back issues (1-39) and a year long subscription. Normally this would cost over $35. This week, through Saturday when the conference is over, we are offering all 39 back issues and a year long subscription for $30!

Click here to process credit card payment or email me for information on other payment options (mjnrootdig@gmail.com).

I'll be working this week and would love to have fans and blog readers take advantage of the "I'm not at NGS" offer.  ¶ 6:53 PM 0 Comments

  Back Orders Processed All orders for back issues and missing issues received as of 6:00 p.m. CST have been processed. If you still have missing issues or have ordered back issues and have not received them, please let me know so I can take care of it.

And if you'd like to order back issues, please let me know!

Thanks!  ¶ 4:46 PM 0 Comments

  Casefile Clues Past Topics Here are recent Casefile Clues article topics (this page will be updated as time allows):

• 39--Multiple Marias--Analyzing more than one 1893 obituary for a Swiss immigrant in Iowa.
  
• 38--From their Mouth to Your Screen. Discusses all the "filters" information passes through.
• 37--Pullman Car Company Employment Records. Discusses several employment records from the Pullman Car Company in Chicago. Discusses William Apgar, Thomas Frame, Louis DeMar.
• 36--Where are they in 1840? Analyzes an individual who is "missing" from an 1840 census. Includes a discussion of how he was "found" and how land records actually solved the problem. Discusses Abraham Wickiser.
• 35--A 1910 Birth. Analyzes primary and secondary sources for a date and place of birth in 1910 and how differences might not be all that different. Discusses Ida Trautvetter.
• 34--Ready to Go? Discusses some things to contemplate regarding your genealogy material before you die.
• 33--Where there is a Will there is Confusion. Analyzes an early 19th century will from Maryland and what the different bequests likely mean and what potentially brought them about. Also discusses different ways some things can be interpreted. Discusses John DeMoss.
• 32--When There is No Probate. Some things to think about when there is no probate file.
• 31--Analyzing the Mortgage. Discusses an 1870 era mortgage in Illinois. Discusses John Ufkes and Rolf Habben.
• 30--Behind the Scenes Chaos. Discusses the importance of thinking about what "caused" a record to be recorded.
• 29--Un-American Activity. Discusses an invesigation by the fore-runner of the FBI into a German-American family in World War I. Discusses the Fecht family.
• 28--Do You Ear What I Ear? Discusses things to remember about how things are heard.
• 27--Analyzing Andrew Trask. Discusses work on an Mass. native (born ca. 1814) who lived in St. Louis, southern-Illinois, and western Illinois where he died in the 1880s. Focuses on analyzing and working on later records to discern patterns, etc. Discusses Andrew Trask.
• 26--Using Google Books.
• 25--Finding Valentine. Steps in locating a man whose only real mention is in an 1870 era estate settlement. Discusses how I organized my search for him.
• 24--The Brick Wall is in Your Head. Talks about ways you may have made your own genealogical brick wall.
• 23--You Ask and I Wonder. Things that pop in my head when a person asks a certain genealogical question.
• 22--Crossing the Pond.
• 21--One Clipping Leads to More.
• 20--Organizing 1870 Census Search
• 19--Public Sale
• 18--Analyzing the Biography
• 17--Working with the Professional. Getting started with the professional genealogist who is performing Chicago area work for me.
• 16--A Lot from Barbara's Lot. Clues from a series of records on a small lot in a town in rural Illinois betwen 1856 and 1905.
• 15--Finding Gesche's Girls. Tracking down an "evaporating" German native who "condensed" somewhere in the United States.
• 14--Jumpstarting Your Research. Just some ideas to get you started.
• 13--Brick Walls and the Census Taker
• 12--The Heirs Complete the Homestead
• 11--Is the Wrong Name Correct?
• 10--Connecting the Iras. Working to determine if two men of the same name are the same man.
• 09--Pre-1850 Census Analysis. Analzing pre-1850 census records for a family to determine the household structure. Discusses Thomas and Sarah Sledd.
• 08--Platting Out Thomas Sledd's Heirs. Platting out the estate division of the Thomas Sledd estate in Kentucky in the 1830s. Discusses Thomas Sledd family.
• 07--Looking for Ira's Lucretia. Working on my "brick wall" Ira through his sister Lucretia. mid-to-late nineteenth century work.
• 06--The Civil War Pension file of Riley Rampley. An overview of a Union Civil War pension record.
• 05--Finding a Chicago Christening. How a 1913 era Chicago christening record was found. Discusses Anna Apgar.
• 04--Multiple Parents
• 03--Preemption Claim. The Missouri pre-emption land claim of John Lake. Discusses John Lake.
• 02--Passport Records. Discusses an early twentieth century passport application. Discusses Robert Frame.
• 01--Lessons from an Estate Record. Analyzes an 1870 era Illinois set of estate records.

Want to order back issues? These are the current prices. We will honor any other prices on the site obtained via PayPal links that have not been removed.

• Issues 1-10 for $5.50
• Issues 11-20 for $5.50
• Issues 1-20 for $11.00
• Issues 21-30 for $5.50
• Issues 1-30 for $16.00
• Issues 30-37 for $5.00
• Issues 1-37 for $18.00

  ¶ 2:00 AM 0 Comments

  Issue 39 PDF version out The PDF version of Issue 39 "Multiple Marias" has been sent. The in email version will go out later this evening.  ¶ 2:18 PM 0 Comments

  Thanks and Spread the News I wanted to thank all of you who have supported Casefile Clues since I began self-distribution in July. I also appreciate the suggestions and comments I have recevied. They have been really helpful.

And if you know anyone who would be interested in Casefile Clues....please let them know!

Thanks!

Michael  ¶ 7:01 PM 0 Comments

  About Casefile Clues Every week Casefile Clues brings you one or more of the following:

• Sources--Some weeks Casefile Clues focuses on a specific source or type of record, discussing how that source can be accessed, researched, and interpreted.
• Methodology--Some weeks Casefile Clues works on one of Michael's problems. Many times these problems are "in progress," and Casefile Clues reflects that by explaining what was researched, why it was researched, and where to go next (and why).
• Case Studies--Some weeks Casefile Clues focuses on a specific record on a specific person and analyzes that record, discusses what it says (and what it does not) and where to go next based upon that person and the specific record.
• Citations--Casefile Clues includes citations of sources and records. Articles can easily be read without them, but we include citations for those who prefer to have them and we do try and model citations in the style of Evidence Explained.
• Reasons--Casefile Clues tries to give you insight into why certain research avenues were pursued over others. Often the genealogist simply does not have time or money to locate every piece of paper available. Sometimes it is necessary to go with what likely will give us the "most bang for the buck."
• Readable--We work very hard to make Casefile Clues readable. Columns are not "fluff" or generic "how-to" pieces.
• Coverage--Casefile Clues covers all American time periods and records. All families discussed come from the ancestry of Michael's children who lived in a variety of states and countries. All examples are from actual families on which Michael has worked or is working. If you are subscribing when Casefile Clues begins discussing Philip Troutfetter, you'll see that you just can't make this stuff up.

Upcoming

We have several topics coming up over the next several months:

• Continuation of our "hiring a professional" series.
• Discussion of whether Michael should get pension, bounty land, and service records on three War of 1812 veterans.
• Continuation of Michael's search for the parents of Ira Sargent, born ca. 1846 in Canada and dropped off by the UFO into Illinois in 1880.
• A continuation of our series on the Frame/Apgar-Demar family of Chicago, including name changes, "evaporating husbands," and more.
• Work on Sarah [---] Willis Hudson Rush Turberville who died in Orange County, Virginia, in the 1760s.

Join us and get in on the fun! An annual subscription to the weekly Casefile Clues is only $17. Casefile Clues is delivered weekly to your email inbox as an attached PDF file. Casefile Clues is unique and won't break your genealogical piggy bank!

  ¶ 4:06 PM 0 Comments

  Issue 39 Discusses two Obituaries Issue 39, scheduled to go out this weekend, discusses two obituaries for a woman who died in Davenport, Iowa, in 1893. Several lessons in the text of the article and quite a few clues in the obituaries as well.

Also included are some general search techniques for searching newspapers. Subscribe now and get it on the discovery.  ¶ 3:24 AM 0 Comments

  Google Map for Issue 39 This is a Google Map I created of the locations mentioned in the obituaries of Maria Cawiezell discussed in issue 39 of Casefile Clues. Subscribe now and get in on the discovery and analysis.


View Marie Cawiezell Locations in a larger map  ¶ 2:46 AM 0 Comments

  1880 Christian Troutfetter This is the 1880 census enumeration (in part) for Christian Troutfetter and his family. He was living as a butcher in Alexandria, Clark County, Missouri, right across the Mississippi River from his Trautvetter relatives in Hancock County, Illinois.   ¶ 1:08 PM 0 Comments

  Working on Philip Troutfetter at Kansas Historical Library I'll be spending part of Friday at the Kansas State Historical Society in Topeka, the day before my seminar. philip_ks_historical.pdf--this is the file.  ¶ 12:57 PM 0 Comments

  Off to Topeka I am off to Topeka to lecture at the annual conference of the Topeka Genealogical Society on Saturday. On Friday, I'll be at the Kansas State Historical Society doing research. The society has a folder on Philip Troutfetter, my relative, who traversed the western hemisphere between the late 1890s and 1901 or so.

He owned the newspaper in Thomas County, Kansas before he started globetrotting and I've decided to review the microfilm of the newspaper for key events in his life to see how they were mentioned. Philip made national news several times and hopefully his local newspaper had more to say about him.

Stay tuned....I don't think I'm done with the Philip story yet.  ¶ 8:53 PM 1 Comments

  John Habben 1880 Census enumeration two

  ¶ 1:49 PM 0 Comments

  1895 Kansas Census Index Entry for Christian Troutfetter Some names are easier to read incorrectly than others, especially when the census taker uses a creative spelling.   ¶ 6:51 AM 0 Comments

  1880 Census for John Habben

  ¶ 1:42 PM 0 Comments

  Christian in 1880 I'm working on part of an upcoming article today and am missing one census entry for a Christian Troutfetter and cannot seem to find him.   ¶ 9:57 AM 2 Comments

  Issue 39--Names and Identities There is no title to issue 39 as of yet, but it deals with differentiating between two individuals and merging individuals together. The family discussed is German, but don't be put off because you don't have any Germans. The concept of similarly named individuals being "merged" into one person happens in many backgrounds.   ¶ 10:44 AM 0 Comments

  Getting Ready for Topeka I'll be making four presentations for the Topeka, Kansas Genealogical Society's conference this upcoming Saturday, April 24th. The conference will focus on female ancestors, which cover half of the family tree--quite a bit of ground for one day.

The society is still accepting registrations for the conference--email me at mjnrootdig@gmail.com & I can put you in contact with the society representative. We'd love to have you join us.

I'm going to research the family Philip Troutfetter at the Kansas State Historical Library Friday, hoping to find some information for the newsletter.

  ¶ 6:37 AM 0 Comments

  Issue 38 completely sent All copies of issue 38 have been sent. Please let me know if you haven't received yours. If you aren't a subscriber, join now and I'll start your subscription with issue 38.  ¶ 10:02 PM 0 Comments

  Issue 38 has been sent PDF subscribers have been sent issue 38. In text emails are next.  ¶ 12:33 PM 0 Comments

  Issue 38 getting ready to go... Issue 38 being finalized for distribution into cyberspace. Susbscribe before I send it out and I'll put your name on the distribution list. 38 is a piece to get you thinking about the "flow" of information to your computer screen. You can subscribe here

http://www.casefileclues.com/subscribe.html  ¶ 8:34 AM 0 Comments

  Our Proofreader: Sue Hawes

Sue Hawes, a genealogist based in Portland, Maine and Massachusetts native, has served as the very able proofreader for Casefile Clues since September 2009. Her genealogical education includes the National Genealogical Society's (NGS) American Genealogy Home Study Course and Advanced Methodology and Analysis at the Institute of Genealogy & Historical Research (IGHR). In May 2010, Sue will lead a group of Rev. William Crain (1802-1884) descendants to southern Hancock County, Illinois for cemetery and other family research. When she is not busy with genealogy or her full-time job in technical support, Sue enjoys camping and spending time with her husband and teenage daughter.

Michael's Note: Sue always keeps me on my toes, but readers should remember that any errors, omissions, or general "boo-boos" rest at my feet, not hers. Her help in getting Casefile Clues off every week is greatly appreciated.

  ¶ 6:14 AM 0 Comments

  Facebook Fans--Combo Offer Are you a fan of Casefile Clues on Facebook?

Get issues 1-38 of Casefile Clues and a year of upcoming issues for only $29! (That's a $6 savings)

Click here to process payment.

Offer good on 18-19 April 2010 only.

Past topics are here. But come back to THIS page to get the discount rate.  ¶ 12:20 PM 0 Comments

  Want to Join Michael in Salt Lake this May? Anyone who wants to join me in Salt Lake at the Family History Library in late May...check out my group trip page:

http://www.rootdig.com/slctrip.html  ¶ 5:29 PM 1 Comments

  To Our New Subscribers Just to make new subscribers aware:

• Casefile Clues is distributed as a PDF file attached to an email.
• Make certain mjnrootdig@gmail.com is on your "allowed" list.
• Newsletters are normally sent on Sunday or Monday.
• Newsletter distribution is announced on www.casefileclues.com and on our FanPage on Facebook.
• Back issues can be purchased. Email me at mjnrootdig@gmail.com for details.
• We really appreciate it when readers let others know about Casefile Clues.

Thanks!

  ¶ 1:55 PM 0 Comments

  Buying Back Issues 1-36 For our new subscribers, back issues 1-36 can be purchased for $13.50 by using PayPal to process credit card payment. Need other payment options? Email me at mjnrootdig@gmail.com. PayPal is really easier for the "one-man show" to process if at all possible.  ¶ 9:00 AM 0 Comments

  Upcoming Topics and Some Items Here is what's coming in Casefile Clues:

• Issue 38--A little speculative fiction
• Issue 39--An unusual 1880 census entry
• Issue 40--Comparing William Frame with William Apgar (analyzing handwriting, ages, etc.)
• Issue 41--A War of 1812 Pension
• Issue 42--Finding John's missing thirtysome acres

Spring is busy for many reasons, so I really have to keep on a schedule and plan more than usual. Next week, I'll be in Topeka, Kansas, for the Topeka Genealogical Society's workshop. In May, I'll be in Salt Lake City for my trip. In June, I'll be in southern California for the Genealogy Jamboree and in Loveland, Colorado for the Family History Expo. In July, I'll be in Norman, Oklahoma, for the Cleveland County Genealogical Society's seminar.

I would love to meet readers at any of these events and I'm sure the organizers would love to have additional registrants.

And if you aren't a subscriber to the weekly Casefile Clues, you can process a subscription here.

And if you'd like to have me present for your group's seminar, have the society or the program chair contact me at mjnrootdig@gmail.com

  ¶ 7:02 AM 0 Comments

  Anything You'd Like to See Updated? Here is a partial list of old articles I wrote as long as ten years ago. If there is something you'd like to see updated, post here or drop me a line.

http://www.rootdig.com/adn/adnold.html

Thanks!~  ¶ 1:17 PM 0 Comments

  Recent Topics on Casefile Clues For those who are unfamiliar with Casefile Clues, here are some topics we have covered recently:

• A missing 1840 census entry
• Pullman Company employment records
• World War I Alien Registrations
• A Brick Wall Ancestor born in 1814
• Analyzing a 1870 Mortgage

and lots more.  ¶ 4:43 PM 0 Comments

  100 Reasons Why People Like Casefile Clues These are from 100 of the responses we had to our recent Casefile Clues reader survey...

I like to see how others do research and maybe also learn something new.

Gives me another way to look at things

The well organized presentation of facts makes me try to figure out what should be done next in the research, and I also like the variety of resources covered-many of these I haven't used yet.

I enjoy your personal touch, relating research to your own family.

The case studies.

Case study approach - analysis of your thought process as you work through the problems
It gives me ideas about new ways to find and study sources and how to better use documents found in my own genealogy endeavors.

The way the reader is taken through the steps in research, warned of potential pitfalls and reminded of items that need more investigation or are not fully supported by evidence.

The detail of the cases, being able to follow along step by step.

Makes me think more about quality of evidence

gives new insight to your search and how to do it

Easy to read

I like that the research help is timeless...not connected to just the Internet or websites. In fact, I'm at a place in my research where I need to do more offline than online research, anyways, and Casefile Clues is the encouragement I need.

The articles give me clues to doing my own research and they are so interesting to read.

Real examples

I like hearing the though processes and seeing how things are organized. Seeing possibilities in new sources that I hadn't considered before.

In depth analysis of those difficulties all genealogists run into from time to time. Reading another person's solution or discoveries re: a problem I too, have been stumped by, often re-boots the brain.

It makes me think about alternate sources of information and how to find them.

I like the detailed research techniques.

Gives me ideas for my own research after reading about successful researches of others; also, gives me a chance to learn many bits of information I have not been aware of.

The details about how and where searches were made.

Alternative research strategies and other things I haven't thought of.

Variety of topics

The way a case is dissected and deconstructed - then laid out in parts and put back together
gives you ideas; shows how to write up information and find wholes

It is like you are sitting beside and talking to a competent genealogist as he is working on a problem.

The steps of the thought process, and reasonings of why something is researched.

Variety of topics

I like following your research methodology and how you convey to information in the form of a case study. I am using a similar format with some of my lines.

research process is emphasized rather than merely final conclusions

They talk about subjects I am working on.

your thorough treatment

logical sequences in research process, and emphasis on lesser-used records.

The ideas for research that I get from reading the case studies.

I can't SKIM! I HAVE to concentrate! And learn so much.

Reinforces my research principles; gives me new ideas on research possibilities; helps me to find hidden clues in information; helps keep me on track for research goals; and gives me new ideas for future research areas.

Discussion of how/why actual data is evaluated in a certain way.

Gives me ideas and locations to search for my ancestors.

it's interesting

Good reminders of primary vs secondary sources as I sometimes forget and use death certificates as primary, etc. Enjoy suggestions for further research as they help me think further and focus my personal research efforts.

Real research for beginners, intermediate and refresher ideas for the seasoned.

I like looking at your problem research processes and comparing them to mine.

Provides good problem solving exercises

I like that it is the actual work of genealogy problem solving not theoretical

Methodology explained.

Real case studies with detailed research steps and results.

using case histories to highlight use and analysis of unusual records

Gives me new perspective on some of my brick walls.

Real work but just words, theories or rules.

Shows the method that is used to solve a problem.


The variety and the depth of research

I like how structured it is and the methodology is easy to follow

The steps necessary for a complete search of any clues are spelled out in detail.

I like the thorough, detailed examination of a real genealogy case study. It's academic, not just entertaining. I can learn good procedures.

I like how in-depth you get on a focused topic.

It shows good genealogy procedures in action.

The personal touch

?? Haven't had a chance to read them yet. I just save them in a file for later use.

Lessons in methodology. Deeper examination of common sources.

Practical examples

I very much enjoy the methodology and the feeling of 'discussion' of problem solving with another genealogist.

Information provided, websites, Ideas, just about everything.

focus on problem-solving

You detail an orderly research process, beginning with framing the right questions.

Thought process. Logical approach. Demonstration of extracting all possible clues.

Case studies that are relevant to most researchers

I enjoy reading about the different approaches you take to solving problems. Many times I would have done the same; other times I learn something completely new.

sequence of steps to solve problem

I'm always learning something

Learning the importance of attention to detail, that things are not always as they seem.

Great research ideas!

one concise topic/problem/issue with steps for resolution of same

The emphasis on metholodology with real examples.

articles that help with research for all nationalities

I enjoy having another viewpoint when looking at case studies.

Your steps in the research process to arrive at the result.

I was not aware of some of the resources one could check - i.e. applying for the original SS application

Methodical examination of genealogical clues to determine facts and next research steps

I like your discussions of sources and also your pieces about your personal research: how you have analyzed the problem to decide which records to search and then what you found.

Practial work, not just words and theory.

everything!

How you use case studies to show how to overcome problems.

the focus on analyzing documents using case studies. casefile clues fills a void in genealogy information

the thoroughness and step by step process described, the enables me to use the same process for my "brick walls"

The detail in each newsletter on how to research a particular document...it is written in such a way to make you think about what you are looking for.

The fact that it uses real case studies to show how and what can be done with various sources or in various situations. And that you attempt to cite those sources correctly.

variety of topics

casestudies

Even though I am not actively doing genealogy right now it helps me to focus on research problems I still need to solve.

I enjoy the problem-solving focus of the newsletter.

Analysis of sources - explaining your thinking on what needs to come next

the logic applied to unpuzzle genealogy

Love reading the process of your research.

It seems to go over various situations that you run into with doing research of ancestors...like hearing things wrong or different... getting homestead records or railroad retirement records in the mail and (not thinking to number the pages as they are received) just mixing them up...
offers learning by example i.e. case studies, interesting, varied

Solutions to brick walls that perhaps I did not think of in my search

I can always find something relevant in Casefile Clues to apply to my own research.

Clearly explained ways of using a variety of sources to solve a genealogical question.

It's a great illustration of how to approach a genealogy problem by writing down all the collected evidence and analyzing it. This approach is one of the most recommended genealogy techniques, and Casefile Clues shows how it's done - and what benefits can be reaped from it.  ¶ 12:38 PM 2 Comments

  Orders as of 7:00 a.m. CST today processed If you subscribed or purchased back issues before 7:00 a.m. CST today, those orders have been processed. Please email me if you did not receive what you should have. Thanks!  ¶ 8:28 AM 0 Comments

  All copies of issus 37 have been sent All copies of issue 37 on Pullman employment records have been sent.  ¶ 6:29 AM 0 Comments

  Issue 37 PDF sent--Pullman Car Company Employment Records The PDF version of issue 37 has been sent to subscribers. Intext version will go out later tonight. If you didn't get it, please let me know.

If you'd like to subscribe to Casefile Clues---we'd love to add you to our growing list of subscribers.  ¶ 5:14 PM 0 Comments

  Upcoming Speaking Engagements I will be making the following presentations at the following upcoming conferences/workshops over the next several months:

Topeka Genealogy Society Seminar, 24 April 2010

• The Oft-Married Sarah
• Female Ancestors: After the Marriage
• Barbara's Beaus and Gesche's Girls
• Widows Denied-Pensions for Widows and What they Can Tell You
  

Southern California Family History Jamboree, 11-13 June 2010

• Restacking the Blocks: Organizing Your Information
• From New Jersey to Ohio: Establishing an Early Nineteenth Century Migration Trail
• Pig Blood in the Snow: Court Records Can Solve Problems
  

Family History Expos-Loveland, Colorado 25 & 26 June 2010

• Searching Tips and Tricks
• Where Did the Farm Go
• Where Do I Go From Here?
• Restacking the Blocks: Organizing Your Information

Cleveland County, Oklahoma Summer Seminar, 24 July 2010--to be held in Norman, OK

• Using Probate Manuals and State Statute
• Barbara, Nancy and Antje-Three Midwestern Women and Their Records
• Pig Blood in the Snow-Court Records Can Solve Problems
• Organizing Your Information

More workshops seminars will be announced as they approach and as they are scheduled. If you are in the area, please consider attending! And if you'd like to bring me to your seminar or workshop, please contact me at mjnrootdig@gmail.com for details.

Thanks!  ¶ 9:41 PM 0 Comments

  Share the News: Casefile Clues If you have found Casefile Clues helpful with your own research, please let your genealogy friends know about it. Spreading the word in the genealogical community is greatly appreciated.

Casefile Clues is one of the best bangs for your genealogical buck there is. For $17 a year, you get 52 weekly issues full of genealogy case studies, research situations, and example of actual research. Casefile Clues is not copied and pasted beginner genealogy information (not that beginning information is bad, just that many of us need something a little more). We don't gloss over the details and the reasons--we know readers can handle it and that they want it.

You can't subscribe to the bi-monthly or quarterly newsletters for $17 a year and Casefile Clues is delivered every week to your email inbox as a PDF file, for you to print or not as you choose. The only thing we ask is that you not forward copies of Casefile Clues to others. We try and keep our annual subscription rate as low as possible.

We emphasis the process of genealogy, analyzing materials, why certain records were accessed, etc. Casefile Clues is written in clear, concise prose. And we cite our sources, knowing how important that is for accurate genealogical research (you'd also be surprised to know how many additional discoveries are made just documenting our research). You'll never know how long an issue of Casefile Clues will be....it just depends.

Casefile Clues focuses on American research, but we discuss immigrants into the United States and every so often we discuss our beginning work on a family across the pond. And sometimes our work across the pond is a little beyond the beginning stages as well. As always the focus is on the process and much of that is applicable anywhere.

Don't just take our word for it, read these blogger's reviews of Casefile Clues:

• DearMyrtle
• Dick Eastman
• Midwestern Microhistory
• AnceStories
• Reclaiming Kin
• GeneaMusings
• GeneaBloggers
• GenBlog
• Notes that Matter
• BellaOnline

You can subscribe to Casefile Clues today by pointing your browser here.  ¶ 1:31 PM 0 Comments

  Upcoming Topic--Finding Johann in 1870 Johann Ufkes cannot be found in any 1870 census enumeration, despite my repeated attempts to locate him.

Briefly, here is what is known relative to Johann's 1870 census enumeration:

• Johann came to the United States in March of 1869, per his entry on a ship manifest.
• Within a few weeks of his arrival in New York, Johann was living near Golden, Adams County, Illinois, where he would work as a hired man.
• On 19 August 1871, Johann filed a declaration of intent to become a citizen in Hancock County, Illinois.
  
• On 4 Sept 1872, Johann was in Franklin County, Nebraska, when and where he filed a homestead claim.
• By 20 Nov 1873, Johann has abandoned his homestead claim in Franklin County, Nebraska, and locals there do not know his whereabouts.
  
• On 10 March 1874, Johann marries Noentje Grass in Hancock County, Illinois.

Johann is in the 1880 census in Hancock County, Illinois. Additional details on his life will not be posted here, but the remainder of his life was spent in Hancock and Adams Counties in Illinois.

Johann could easily have been enumerated under the first name of John, Jann, Jann, or Janns.

Because of patronymics in the area in which he was from, John could have been enumerated with last name other than Ufkes. These last names are:

• Frederichs
• Hinrichs
• Janssen

Or any of their concomitant variant spellings. Johann Ufkes was born in Ostfriesland, Germany, in 1838.

I'll post citation information for the chronology later or when the research results (or process, even if unsuccessful) appears in an upcoming issue of Casefile Clues.

If we find him, we will post the citation for the 1870 census here, even if you don't subscribe to the newsletter, blog viewers will still be able to see how he was located.

Note: I posted this because Tina S. on Facebook asked about my 1870 census "problem" and this problem was simply too long for a Facebook post.  ¶ 11:34 AM 0 Comments

  A Few Pullman Links in Preparation for Issue 37 Issue 37 looks at some employment records from the Pullman Car Company in Chicago. For those who would like more information on the car company and the company town of Pullman, here are a few links:

• The Pullman State Historic Site
• Pullman Historic District-the Historic Pullman Foundation
  
• The Pullman Car Company-Wikipedia

Google searches will bring up quite a few results. There's a lot of history to the car company and the town of Pullman, which I won't repeat here. The town was eventually absorbed into Chicago, after a suit forced its separation from the Pullman car company. One shouldn't assume that all Pullman employees lived in Pullman owned homes during the time the company owned the town. Thomas Frame (discussed briefly in issue 37) did not live in the company town even though he was employed by the company during the time the company owned the town.

Both Thomas and his son Ralph were employed by Pullman during the Great Strike of 1894.

Our focus in 37 is on the records and what they have to say about the individuals being researched.  ¶ 3:21 PM 0 Comments

  Get in on the fun and subscribe today! Don't forget you can get Casefile Clues delivered weekly as a PDF file to your email inbox. No stamps, no running (or walking) to the mailbox, and no paper unless you decide to print it out yourself.

An annual subscription of weekly issues is only $17. That's cheaper than most bi-monthly magazines!

Re-charge your research today!  ¶ 12:03 PM 0 Comments

  Issue 37 Pullman Records and Ages Issue 37 discusses the employment records I received from the Pullman Car Company for four of the Chicago people I have been working on. The record for one individual is analyzed in some detail, especially in terms of what it told me about him and how it helped establish a timeline for him and his family.

Also created a chart analyzing his age in the employment records to determine if those ages are consistent. In a later issue of Casefile Clues I will compare those ages with others.

Scans of records are included in the article. Issue 37 discusses the goals I had for those records, how those goals were (or were not met) and where further research should be directed.

If you aren't a subscriber, consider subscribing today and you'll be on the list to get the issue on the Pullman employment records.  ¶ 4:41 AM 0 Comments

  Date of birth for Louis De Mar This clip from an employment card for Louis De Mar at the Pullman Car Company provides his date of birth and the date he entered the service of the Pullman Car Company.   ¶ 9:07 AM 0 Comments

  A Reminder About Contacting Michael Just a reminder....if you need to contact me regarding your subscription, please do so at either (or both):

• mjnrootdig@gmail.com
• michael.john.neill@gmail.com

One is not really faster than the other, but I do not always respond instantaneously. While I use the Facebook FanPage and post to it, I do not view it 24/7/365. Facebook does NOT send me a notice when someone posts to the Casefile Clues Fan Page and occasionally posts there bypass my "radar."

I usually answer questions about missing issues first, errors in the newsletter second, and then I go from there. Any compliments on the newsletter are immediately forwarded to my Mother and printed and framed (just a little humor there...).

Seriously, if you don't hear from me within a couple of days please send a reminder email. Sometimes other things come up or if I'm travelling responses may be delayed.

Thanks!  ¶ 8:52 AM 0 Comments

  Survey Results--Newsletter Subscriptions I'm experimenting with the results from our Casefile Clues Genealogy Survey.

Labels: survey

  ¶ 6:58 AM 0 Comments

  Going To Topeka I'll be the featured speaker at the Topeka Genealogical Society Conference on 24 April 2010. I'm arriving a day early in hopes of doing some research in Topeka to get some material for the newsletter. The Kansas State Historical Library has some materials I'm hoping to get to research. I'll post updates here as I prepare for my trip.

One person I'm hoping to do some work on is Philip Troutfetter. I've blogged about him several times, but never written about him in the newsletter. That is something I hope to do. Philip owned a newspaper in western Kansas, homesteaded in Kansas and Colorado, was divorced in Colorado, found a couple girlfriends outside Denver (while he was married), traveled to Cuba and Columbia, and died at his parents' home in Colby, Kansas in his early 40s.

I forgot to mention he was arrested in Boston.

He appears in the Kansas Biographical Name Index. I'm debating how to best spend my time in Topeka and will post updates as I make decisions. Hopefully that helps someone.

I'll try and post an update on Philip's parents who took him and his siblings to Thomas County, Kansas.

Philip and my great-grandfather George A. Trautvetter, were first cousins. George A.'s life did not generate nearly as many records as did his cousin's.  ¶ 9:18 PM 0 Comments

  Abraham in 1840--One Additional Follow up Question Notice to Casefile Clues subscribers:

In reviewing the card record images to put on the website, I realized there was one follow up question I forgot to include which would go something like this--

"Is there any significance to the dates on the three quitclaim deeds to William Wickiser?" Of course, the parents are likely deceased by the dates of these deeds, but there may be significance beyond that. Someone else might have died, or turned of age, etc.

It is interesting to note that the three quitclaim deeds are not on the same date."  ¶ 1:04 PM 0 Comments

  One Complete Card

This image is one of the complete cards that was used to create the table of land records that was included in issue 37 of Casefile Clues.

Clicking on the image will pull up a larger version of it.

This is the first card from where Abraham purchased the entire 100 acres of lot ten in Harlem Township, Delaware County, Ohio.

Subscribe to Casefile Clues today and I'll start your subscription off with issue 36 which includes a discussion of these land records.  ¶ 12:55 PM 0 Comments

  Is this the same handwriting? These signatures come from Pullman Company employment records in Chicago, Illinois.  ¶ 8:59 AM 2 Comments

  Issue 37--Pullman Employment Records Issue 37 is in the draft stages here at Casefile Clues--it will focus on employment records of the Pullman Car Company in Chicago. Obtaining these records was a part of my professional researcher's list of tasks in working on the DeMar/Apgar/Frame problem that has also been discussed in the newsletter before.

We'll be posting some snippets from the article here over the next few days, but the real discussion will be in the newsletter. As mentioned before three of my children's ancestors were employed by the Pullman Car Company at one point or another--two for over 30 years and one was still working there at the age of 71!  ¶ 11:58 PM 0 Comments

  Back Issues of Casefile Clues To those who ordered back issues in the last few days...your orders will be emailed on Tuesday. If you do not have them in your inbox by late Tuesday, please send me an email so I can follow up.

And for those who need ordering information:

• Subscribe to Casefile Clues and get 52 weekly issues for $17
• Back issues 1-35 for $16--back issues are slightly higher to account for PayPal payment processing.
• Get both now for $32

  ¶ 9:49 PM 0 Comments

  Spread the News.... Don't forget to let other interested genealogists know about Casefile Clues. Our main method of advertising is "word of mouse," as they say. I do appreciate those who have let others know about the newsletter, or mentioned it in their Facebook status, website, blog, etc. etc.

If you have found Casefile Clues helpful or it's given you an idea to help you with your research, please let others know.

And if you can think of some low-cost way I can promote Casefile Clues, please forward those suggestions on to me as well.

Thanks for all your support. I do appreciate it.  ¶ 9:42 PM 0 Comments

  Intext version of Issue 36 has been sent The in text version of issue 36 has been sent. All subscribers should have this issue. Please email me if you do not so that I can take care of it.  ¶ 6:56 AM 0 Comments

  Casefile Clues 36 is out... Casefile Clues 36 has been sent to PDF subscribers. In email subscribers will be getting their email version of the newsletter later today. Issue 36 discusses how an Ohio resident was "found" in 1840 using records besides the census.

Subscribe by Noon Monday CST and I'll start your subscription with issue 36.  ¶ 6:23 PM 0 Comments

  Geneamusings Comments on Casefile Clues and the Survey When mentioning our genealogy survey, Randy Seaver had this to say about Casefile Clues:

"I've been enjoying Michael's weekly Casefile Clues articles - he's up to Week 35 now and the collection is helpful and illuminating."

The full blog post can be read here.
Thanks Randy!  ¶ 11:59 PM 0 Comments

  Not Getting Your Newsletters? If you are not getting your issues of Casefile Clues, please email me at mjnrootdig@gmail.com. Thanks!  ¶ 8:25 PM 0 Comments

  Previous Casefile Clues Topics Here are a list of some of the topics/titles from our first 35 issues of Casefile Clues:

• Using Google Books
• Analyzing pre-1850 census records
• Beginning my work with a professional researcher
• Analyzing a 1910 place of birth
• Finding a 1913 Chicago christening record
• Analyzing a late 19th century estate settlement
• Analyzing a land partition in 1830s Kentucky
• Brick Walls from A to Z
• Analyzing a Homestead Claim
• Finding Geske and her Girls
• Is that Wrong Name Correct?
• Jumpstarting Your Research
• Civil War Pension Analysis
• US Passport Applications
  

And more! Including several on organizing and deciding where to go on several of my brickwall ancestors.

Not a subscriber?

• Subscribe to Casefile Clues and get 52 weekly issues for $17
• Back issues 1-35 for $16--back issues are slightly higher to account for PayPal payment processing.
• Get both now for $32

Email Michael at mjnrootdig@gmail.com for non-credit card payment options.

Get in on the fun. Your research will never be the same.  ¶ 5:47 PM 0 Comments

  Upcoming Topics We're working on some interesting topics at Casefile Clues. These include:

• Pullman Company Employment Records
• Update on Hiring a Professional
  
• Tracing a Family Through pre-1850 Census Records
• Getting Beyond the 1850 Census
• Finding John Michael's missing 37 acres

And updates on a few of my "brick walls" that have been discussed in earlier issues. For those who are unfamiliar with Casefile Clues, my focus is on methods, sources, and process. Each issue is cited, keeping in mind that genealogy without citation is often myth. That said, the citations do not overtake the issue and I (and my proofreader Sue) work hard to make each issue readable. Our goal is to get readers seeing why I did what I did, even when it did not work.

Concentration is on American sources, but our methodology is applicable to a variety of areas and time periods. Casefile Clues has subscribers in every state, Canada, the UK, Sweden, and Australia.

Casefile Clues is sent weekly as an attached PDF file and is only $17 a year. If you've been looking for a magazine that gets beyond the fluff and is not the same general how-to advice you're used to, give us a try.

Read what 100 of our readers had to say in our first reader survey.  ¶ 5:37 PM 0 Comments

  Our Genealogy Survey Casefile Clues genealogy survey will close on 6 April 2010 at 9:00 AM CST. If you haven't answered our questions (generally geared towards American research), you can do so here http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GQZNK63. Results will be posted when they are available.  ¶ 3:07 PM 0 Comments

  Genealogy Tip of the Day Don't forget about my daily genealogy tip site, "Genealogy Tip of the Day." It is hosted at blogspot and features a quick research tip just about every day.

These usually are generated when writing Casefile Clues articles, but not always. In some cases, you'll be getting a "sneak" peak at what's coming up. Or in other cases, a "quick review" of something I've recently done.

Check it out..."Genealogy Tip of the Day" is free.  ¶ 7:28 AM 0 Comments

  Headed to Salt Lake--Reader Suggestions for Articles I'm starting to really get to thinking about what I'm going to work on while I'm in Salt Lake on my annual group research trip. I usually have time for a little bit of my own research.

Is there anything Casefile Clues readers would like to see updates on in future issues of the newsletters? As readers know, much of the research discussed in Casefile Clues is ongoing and we do followup on articles as time and new material allows.

I have written on a variety of individuals in earlier issues:

• the elusive Ira Sargent, born ca. 1843 in Canada
• Andrew Trask, born ca. 1814 in Mass, and who lived in Illinois and St. Louis
• the vague will of John DeMoss from Harford County, Maryland
  
• missing Abraham Wickiser in the Ohio 1840 census
• the ever frustrating Frame/Apgar/Demar family in Chicago
• the Sledds of Kentucky

and several others.

If there's something you'd like to see, either post it here or email it to me at mjnrootdig@gmail.com.

Subscribe to Casefile Clues and get in on the research process. Join us in Salt Lake and get in on the onsite research fun!

• 
  

  ¶ 6:34 AM 0 Comments

  Who Do You Think You Are? "Who Do You Think You Are?" on NBC and sponsored by Ancestry.com is generating interest in genealogy, or at least people think it is. Comments on WDYTYA run the gamut, but generating interest in genealogy isn't bad.

Some have said that the focus isn't on "typical" people, the research is occasionally glossed over, and there's "someone else there doing it and everything is at their disposal." I hear comments that those who are seriously involved in genealogy want a little more detail.

Subscribe to Casefile Clues. We don't gloss over anything, explain the research process, and our focus is always on typical people. And the author doesn't have everything at his disposal.

And we cite our sources!

Subscriptions are only $17 a year and the newsletter will be delivered weekly to your inbox as a PDF file, complete with illustrations.

Don't take our word for it--here are 100 reasons why readers like Casefile Clues.  ¶ 12:18 PM 0 Comments

  The Card that Really Started it All
This is really the land transaction that really started my research on the Wickisers in Delaware County, Ohio. That research eventually moved to Abraham Wickiser, father of Lucinda. In issue 36 of Casefile Clues, I discuss the search for Abraham which centered on these deeds.   ¶ 9:32 AM 0 Comments

  Using the Land to Get to the Missing Census This is one of the land index cards that was used to re-construct a series of transactions in Delaware County, Ohio, for Abraham Wickiser. There were 9 cards that were viewed to complete the family's transactions on this property.   ¶ 9:27 AM 0 Comments