In the 17th and 18th centuries, conflicts between European superpowers often played out in their fledgling North American colonies. This online course covers historical context for these American conflicts, essential published resources and original documents, and strategies for proving descent from a colonial war veteran. Live broadcasts: August 11–25 at 6 p.m. ET. Register Now
Upcoming Free Virtual American Inspiration Author Events
On August 5, don't miss Siân Evans with Maiden Voyages: Magnificent Ocean Liners and the Women Who Traveled and Worked Aboard Them. On August 17, Scott Borchert will present Republic of Detours: How the New Deal Paid Broke Writers to Rediscover America; and on August 26, John N. Maclean will share Home Waters: A Chronicle of Family and a River. Learn More
Three-Day Online Research Program
Virtual Summer Research Stay-at-Home
Are you eager to work on your family history, but don’t know where to start? Are you trying to tackle a brick wall and need more guidance? Don't miss our Summer Research Stay-At-Home program, a three-day online experience featuring consultations, expert lectures, and more! Live sessions: August 11, 18, and 25.Register Now
Spotlight: Cemetery Database, Yellowstone County, Montana
by Valerie Beaudrault
Yellowstone County is located in south central Montana. Billings is its county seat. This website features a database for nine county cemeteries. You can search by last, first, and/or middle name. Indexed data includes full name, gender, age, dates of birth, death, and burial; place of birth, last residence, marital status, cause of death, cemetery, funeral home, grave location, military service, and memo. The memo field comprises additional information regarding the interment and names of family members. Search Now
“The young woman who mysteriously drowned in the Ropers Motel pool in 1966 might have remained anonymous forever, if not for cutting-edge genetics, old-fashioned genealogy—and the kindness of a small West Texas town.”
What Should You Do with a Captured Nazi Flag? “During WWII, American soldiers brought the flags home as a remembrance. Now, family members and historians must decide what should become of them.”
“Syracuse got one for salt potatoes—could your hometown be next?”
The Weekly Genealogist Survey
Last week's survey asked if any of your ancestors had a nickname. We received 2,844 responses. The results are:
57%, Yes, one or both of my parents have/had a nickname.
51%, Yes, one or more of my grandparents had a nickname.
30%, Yes, one or more of my great-grandparents had a nickname.
29%, Yes, one or more of my earlier ancestors had a nickname.
34%, I have a nickname.
13%, No, I am not aware of any of my ancestors having a nickname.
5%, I am not sure.
This week's question asks if your genealogical information is online. 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: Nicknames
By Lynn Betlock, Editor
Last week's survey asked if any of your ancestors had a nickname. Thank you to everyone who responded. Below is a selection of reader responses.
Bernice Winthrop, Hyannis, Massachusetts: My grandmother, Bernice Althea Rattray Lee-Robbins, was born in 1892, in Prince Edward Island. She had bright red hair and was called "Carrots" when she was in school. Carrots was also the despised nickname given to Anne Shirley in L.M. Montgomery’s 1908 classic, Anne of Green Gables. My grandmother met Lucy Maud Montgomery when she was young and talked to her about growing up in St. Peter's Bay, PEI.
Susie Tolman, Readfield, Maine: My grandfather's first name was Orlando. He was called Dan by most of his family but some of his friends at West Point called him Pink because of his strawberry blond hair.
Rebecca Smith, Rehoboth, Massachusetts: My great-great grandfather David Mowry (1791-1873) was a lifelong resident of Smithfield, Rhode Island. The Mowrys were one of the most numerous families in town, and since there were several Davids, they were distinguished by nicknames. My ancestor was known as "King David." Others mentioned in The Descendants of John Mowry of Rhode Island (1909) were Ballou David, Plummer David, Long David, and Bench Leg David.
Joanne Galvin, Bloomfield, Michigan: My great-grandmother America Northup Baker, who was born in 1857 in Gallia County, Ohio, was called “Mec.” She died when I was four years old, but I have heirlooms from her farmhouse that I cherish.
Robb Gorr, Pembroke, Ontario: My grandfather was baptized Basil Roy Halliday and although he was always called Basil by his mother, siblings, and extended family, his stepfather always called him Bob. When my grandfather joined the local militia as a teenager, they assumed that Bob's proper name was Robert. All through his military career he was called Bob but officially known as Robert Roy Halliday. After serving in World War II, he used the name “R.R. Halliday” in his professional life. Even his tombstone is engraved with the name Robert Halliday. His family namesakes include his son, Robert Roy Jr., two grandsons (including me), two great-grandsons, and three nephews.
Last Chance—Summer Sale!
It’s the perfect time to catch up on reading and family history projects. The Bookstore at NEHGS is making it easier by offering 20% off on all titles. This includes all the best sellers, the Great Migration Collection, the Expert Choice Collection, and many more. But act soon, because the last day to save is July 31. *Some restrictions apply. Shop the Sale
Only at American Ancestors
New Searchable Catholic Records Volumes
This week we’re announcing the addition of 55 new volumes and 10 updated volumes to Massachusetts: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston Records, 1789-1920, from St. Augustine (Andover), Sacred Heart (Boston), St. Margaret of Scotland (Beverly), St. Aidan (Brookline), St. Mary of the Assumption (Brookline), St. Patrick (Cambridge), and Most Precious Blood (Hyde Park). This update is part of our multi-year collaboration with the Archdiocese of Boston. Search Now
Help Keep Online Education FREE for All
Your support for our webinars is vital. These free, real-time, hour-long online events allow members and guests to become better family historians by delving into a wide range of topics and research methods. We need your support to keep these valuable programs free to the public. Please consider a gift today. Thank you!
*Offer valid through July 31, 2021, while supplies last. Savings will automatically appear at checkout and cannot be combined with any other discount, including the American Ancestors member discount. This discount applies to all books, e-books, charts, and gift items. Does not apply to the Mayflower Descendant, services, or course-related materials.
