We are very happy to announce a unique new database: Salem, MA: United States 1810 Census, in partnership with the Phillips Library/Peabody Essex Museum. In 2021, it was discovered that the Phillips Library at the Peabody Essex Museum had the only surviving copy of the presumed lost federal 1810 census enumeration for the city of Salem. Our new online searchable database offers over over 2,200 names.
The Antiquarto, Episode 6: Celebrating 175 Years of NEHGS
Brenton Simons and Assistant Publishing Director Cécile Engeln look back at the 175-year history of American Ancestors/NEHGS through their collaboration on the book The Family Album: A Visual History of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1845–2020.
Coming Soon from the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center
Menachem Kaiser with Plunder: A Memoir of Family Property and Nazi Treasure
Don’t miss 2010 Fullbright Fellow Menachem Kaiser’s intriguing discussion of recovering Nazi plunder, Holocaust survival, family history, and small-town Polish life. This special author event is presented by the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center. Join us on July 20 at 6 p.m. ET.
Make real headway in your early New England research with this online seminar. Learn how to use go-to published sources, original records, and targeted research strategies, while gaining historical context to understand your ancestors’ lives and motivations.
The State Historical Society of Missouri has a substantial collection of digitized historic newspapers from throughout the state on its website. The collection is still growing, with 330,000 pages added recently. More than 400 titles cover most years from 1808 through 1994. Nearly all of the state’s 114 counties are represented. The list of newspapers is sorted alphabetically, first by county and then by city/town. To begin your search, select and click a newspaper title link. This will open the search page. Next, enter your search terms to begin. Issues can also browsed by date.
Last week's survey asked if any of your ancestors or relatives kept pet birds, bees, reptiles, worms, or insects. We received 2,614 responses. The results are:
37%, Yes, at least one of my ancestors or relatives kept one or more pet birds.
16%, Yes, at least one of my ancestors or relatives kept bees.
7%, Yes, at least one of my ancestors or relatives kept reptiles (turtles, snakes, lizards, etc.)
3%, Yes, at least one of my ancestors or relatives kept worms.
1%, Yes, at least one of my ancestors or relatives kept insects.
26%, No, none of my ancestors or relatives kept pet birds, bees, reptiles, worms, or insects.
28%, I’m not sure.
This week's question asks if your family owned a business for two or more consecutive generations. Take the survey now
Want to share your thoughts on the survey with us? We are always happy to hear from our readers. Email us at weeklygenealogist@nehgs.org. Responses may be edited for clarity and length and featured in a future newsletter.
Readers Respond: Birds, Bees & Reptiles
By Jean Powers, Senior Editor
Last week's survey asked if any of your ancestors or relatives kept pet birds, bees, reptiles, worms, or insects. Thank you to everyone who replied. Below is a selection of reader responses.
Tracey Toms, Norristown, Pennsylvania: My ancestor, Gideon Williamson (1756-1830), was the owner of a pet dove named “Dove.” The Village Record of West Chester, Pennsylvania, published an obituary for Dove; the obituary was republished in Philadelphia’s National Gazette on April 9, 1825. Dove was described as being a “prisoner” for 33 years—he was owned by Thomas Morris for 16 years, and then by Gideon Williamson for 17 years. I have been unable to document the death date for Gideon’s first wife, but the death of his bird in 1825 made the news. Gideon’s own death was a single line entry in the Village Record in 1830.
Ro Fleury, Denver, Colorado: My grandparents, Seward and Mildred Foster, and Mildred’s parents, Frank and Rhoda Watts, were early fruit farmers in Yakima, Washington. In order to ensure pollination of the orchards and enjoy the fruits of the bees’ labor (honey), they kept several colonies of bees. It was always a treat to taste the fresh honey on a summer day!
Kathryn Lockhard, Bridgewater, Massachusetts: My great-grandfather, Emond, a mechanic, ran a gas station and convenience store on the Dixie Highway in Florida. Emond owned two large alligators that were kept in a large pit with a wading pool, surrounded by a cage. He fed the alligators raw chicken that he slid through the cage on a long stick. Customers were amazed and fascinated by the alligators.
Barbara Griffith Doolittle, North Haven, Connecticut: My great-grandmother, Dorlesca Taylor Durley, had a pet parrot. At that time in rural Bethany, Connecticut, all phone calls in went through an operator. Dorlesca brought the parrot in his cage outside with her when she worked in her garden. If her phone rang the parrot would yell “Ring 4 Ma, ring 4 Ma!” The parrot didn’t like my mother—he would say “Take care, Polly bite” when my mother passed his cage. I guess he was a one-person bird.
Virtual Summer Research Stay-at-Home
Are you eager to work on your family history but don’t know where to start? Join us for our Summer Research Stay-At-Home, a three-day online experience featuring consultations, expert lectures, and more.
