Last week was the anniversary of D-Day—the invasion by Allied troops which led to the fall of Nazi Germany and the end of World War II. In this post, David Allen Lambert shares how he proved that his late Uncle Buddy, a veteran of the war, was present on this historic day. Read More
Free Online Webinar, June 17
American Ancestors Virtual Open House
Do you want to make real headway in your family history research? American Ancestors can help! Join us for a special online discussion highlighting the many benefits and services available to our members, including unique databases, expert one-on-one research assistance, award-winning publications, and much more.
Researching Immigrant Ancestors to America, 1620–1965
Since the seventeenth century, people have migrated to America to escape persecution, build a better life, or seek adventure. In this seminar, our instructors will explain how to use passenger lists, naturalization records, and more in your family history research. Members Save 10%. Register Now
June Bookstore Sale
20% Off Experts' Choice Books
Check off your reading list and save 20% on our entire Experts' Choice book collection! Choose from 29 genealogical classics, handpicked by our experts and sure to be of interest to genealogists at every level. Act fast—this offer only runs through June. Start shopping and saving today! Use code ExpertChoice624.Shop Now
The Weekly Genealogist Survey
This Week's Survey:
Ancestors Who Migrated for Political Reasons
Share your thoughts about the survey!Please limit submissions to 150 words or fewer. Your submission may be featured in an upcoming newsletter or shared on social media; please note in your email if you do not want your story to be shared. Published responses may be edited for clarity and length.
Ancestors or Relatives Who Were Members of the Clergy or a Religious Order
Total: 3,050 Responses
59%, Yes, I have at least one ancestor or relative who was (or is) a Protestant minister.
16%, Yes, I have at least one ancestor or relative who was (or is) a Catholic priest.
1%, Yes, I have at least one ancestor or relative who was (or is) a Jewish rabbi.
11%, Yes, I have at least one ancestor or relative who was (or is) a member of the clergy of another religion.
22%, Yes, I have at least one ancestor or relative who was (or is) a member of a Catholic religious order.
8%, Yes, I have at least one ancestor or relative who was (or is) a member of a non-Catholic religious order.
2%, I am a minister, priest, rabbi, or other clergy member, or belong to a religious order.
34%, I have served in one or more roles in religious services (such as altar boy, member of the choir, etc.)
17%, No, I am not aware of any ancestors or relatives who were members of the clergy or a religious order.
Readers Respond
Sissy Walker, Alexandria, Virginia: I come from a long line of Scots (Church of Scotland) Presbyterian ministers. My ancestor Reverend Dr. James Steven served for a time at Crown Court Church in London. He was also the subject of a poem by Robert Burns, who was a member of Rev. Steven’s congregation in Scotland. “The Calf” conjures up a perfectly scathing (but “jest-full,” as they were friends) image of the Reverend.
Lynda J. Hylander, Scottsdale, Arizona: I am a descendant of Rev. John Lothropp through his sons Thomas and Joseph. An early Separatist minister who broke with the English church, Rev. Lothropp was imprisoned for several years in the infamous Clink (and possibly also in Newgate Prison). In 1634, Rev. Lothropp and his children immigrated to America, finally escaping the wrath of Bishop Laud.
al-Baraa Randall, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: Several of my relatives were New England Congregationalist and Baptist ministers. My 4th-great-uncle David Tenney Kimball, an ardent abolitionist, was the minister at Ipswich, Massachusetts, for more than fifty years. He hosted William Lloyd Garrison, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Daniel Webster in his home. I am Muslim and studied as a member of the Shadhili order for several years in Damascus, Syria. It was in that order that my wife and I met and married.
Michele Frankl, Hendersonville, North Carolina: A few years before she died at 92, my great-grandmother Catherine Yesionowski began living more and more in the past. One day when she was talking with my grandmother, Catherine made a confusing statement about her life before she married my great-grandfather. Perplexed, Gramma called relatives for clarification. They said, “Didn’t you know? Your mother used to be a nun!” We don’t know why Catherine left the convent--but my great-grandfather was very dashing.
Theresa Deryn Avritt, Broomfield, Colorado: Many of my ancestors were ministers. John Stetson Barry (1819-1872), an ordained Universalist minister, discovered the long-lost Bradford manuscript "Of Plimouth Plantation" in the Bishop of London's library when he was researching his three-volume work, A History of Massachusetts. Rev. Obadiah Holmes (1610-1682) (also the ancestor of Abraham Lincoln) was a Baptist minister in Rhode Island. While visiting a parishioner in Lynn, Massachusetts, he was arrested for his religious beliefs and tried in court. After refusing to pay a fine, he was given thirty strokes at the whipping post.
“Everyday tools and free apps on your mobile device can help you collect, translate and digitize new material for your family-tree files.”
Virginia Museum Works to Uncover Town's History of Slavery In 2019, architectural preservationist Jobie Hill of the Saving Slave Houses movement announced that there was a rare cluster of five so-called “standing slave houses” in Brownsburg, Virginia.
"There's nothing more challenging than putting our love (and, well... other emotions) for family members into words. Here's what to keep in mind when writing the most delicate kind of memoir."
“Skeletal remains found in Oxnard, Calif., in 1985 have been identified as those of Gertrude Elliott-Littlehale, a musician whose grave was desecrated after her death in 1915.”
“These 25 New England historic sites and museums offer a fascinating glimpse into the culture and heritage of New England.”
Spotlight: South Peace Regional Archives, Alberta
by Valerie Beaudrault
The South Peace Regional Archives is located in the city of Grande Prairie, Peace River County, Alberta. Searchable resources include land settlement and land ownership databases, a database for the Spirit River Immigration Hall Register, a number of newspaper indexes, and tax records. To get started, click the search button on the database thumbnail and follow the instructions provided. Search Now
Database News
Genealogy Quebec
Genealogy Quebec is home to over 50 million historical and genealogical documents and images. These varied documents focus mainly on Quebec, but also on Acadia, New Brunswick, parts of Ontario, and the Northeastern United States. Members of American Ancestors can search this database as well as many more from our partner organizations. Learn More
Name Beneficiaries for Your Non-Probate Assets Today
Non-probate assets such as an IRA, 401(k), or life-insurance policy are not covered in your will or trust—you must name beneficiaries separately. Our friends at FreeWill.com have provided a free and secure online tool to guide you through naming beneficiaries for your assets in one easy place. Preserve your legacy, make sure your loved ones are provided for, and support the causes most important to you—get started today! Learn More
