This spring in American Ancestors magazine, we explore the knowledge that DNA testing brings to family history, along with the secrets it can uncover. Libby Copeland details the experiences of several individuals in the aftermath of DNA revelations, and Bill Griffeth reflects on how a DNA test upended his world and changed his own sense of identity. Genealogist Sheilagh Doerfler writes about her search for the origins of her paternal grandmother, who was adopted. Read these stories and get the full issue online now by joining American Ancestors. Comments or feedback? Email us at magazine@nehgs.org.
Getting the Lay of the Land: Using American Land Deeds in Your Family History Research
Land records can contain critical clues to family history research. This online conference will provide historical context for land records in America and explore leveraging land records in your family history research. Access 5+ hours of content now and join us for a live Q&A on June 5.
We've partnered with the Archive Department of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston and the Catholic Cemetery Association of the Archdiocese of Boston to create a database of Catholic cemetery records in eastern MA, 1833-1940, with corresponding maps. Recently we’ve added records from Calvary (Waltham), Catholic Mount Auburn (Watertown), St. Patrick (Stoneham), and St. Paul (Arlington).
Advance your family history research with the experts from American Ancestors! The Spring Research Stay-At-Home is a three-day online experience that will help you continue your family history research online from home. Join us for live sessions June 10-12.
Spotlight: Riverside Cemetery, Mount Pleasant, Michigan
by Valerie Beaudrault
The city of Mount Pleasant, in central Michigan, is the seat of Isabella County. The city has made the burial database for Riverside Cemetery available on its website. Click the cemetery records link to begin your search. The burial database comprises a number of PDF files organized alphabetically by last name of the deceased. Data fields include deceased’s name, place of death, cause of death, death/burial dates, age, veteran status, family information, and grave location. There are also links to the cemetery map, obituaries, and gravestone photos. Zoom in to locate the grave on the map.
Eric Carle’s “Miracle”: In 2015, Author Was Reunited with Long-lost Syracuse Friend In 2013, beloved children’s author Eric Carle published the book Friends with a cover drawing of a young boy and a young girl embracing. The drawing was based on a childhood photo of Carle and a friend. Carle did not recall who the girl was, but he decided to try and find her.
On the Road: The Woman and the Car (1909) Dorothy Levitt’s practical how-to guide offered information and encouragement for women who wanted to take to the road, but did not quite know how.
The Weekly Genealogist Survey
Last week's survey asked about military graves and cemeteries. We received 3,222 responses. The results are:
44%, At least one of my ancestors was buried in a military cemetery in the United States.
11%, At least one of my ancestors was buried in a military cemetery outside the United States.
73%, The military service of at least one of my ancestors was acknowledged on his or her gravestone.
10%, I have a different example of military burial or commemorative stone or plaque.
10%, The body of at least one of my ancestors who served in the military was not recovered.
15%, No, I am not aware of any of my ancestors being buried in a military cemetery or having reference to military service on a gravestone.
This week's question asks about your opinions on DNA testing. 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: Military Burials
By Jean Powers, Senior Editor
Last week's survey asked about ancestors who were buried in military graves or cemeteries, whose service was commemorated after their deaths in another way, or who went missing in action. Thank you to everyone who replied. Below is a selection of reader responses.
Elizabeth Snow, Estero, Florida: My ancestor Robert Kirkwood served as lieutenant and then captain in the Delaware Regiment during the American Revolution. After marching five thousand miles and fighting thirty-two battles, he moved to the Ohio frontier following the death of his wife and joined the regular army under Arthur St Clair. Robert died at age 35 near the headwaters of the Wabash at St Clair's Defeat. After two attempts to recover and bury the fallen, the remains were buried in a mass grave. They are commemorated by a monument at nearby Fort Recovery, Ohio.
Dave De Vecchis, Providence, Rhode Island: My mom’s older brother, Michael Coccio, died in Germany on October 15, 1944, and is buried in the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial near Liege, Belgium. My grandmother took his death very badly and the family felt it would be better for her mental health not to bring him home for a local burial. Several family members have gone there to visit and say it is a beautiful resting place for our soldiers!
Rita Wuehrmann, Prescott Arizona: Although my ancestor John Chilcoat (1758-1851) volunteered and served multiple times in the Pennsylvania militia during the American Revolution, he was not memorialized on a gravestone until 2002. At that time, the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution honored John with great pomp and fanfare in Florence, Missouri, where he last resided. The ceremony took place at Union Cemetery, where many of John’s descendants are interred. His actual gravesite is unknown, but presumed to be near his and Hulda’s homestead outside of Florence.
Linda Massey, Ashburn, Virginia: My grandmother's first husband, James Allen Yates, and his brother Orin perished in the Battle of the Coral Sea while serving in the Navy aboard the USS Sims in World War II. Their bodies were never recovered, but a stone was erected at a cemetery in their hometown of Flora, Iliniois, featuring an absolutely spectacular metal plaque with a model of the USS Sims.
Upcoming Author Events from American Inspiration
Last Chance!Tomorrow, explore Boston's early history with Joseph M. Bagley, author of Boston's Oldest Buildings and Where to Find Them. Then, on June 15, don't miss Gabrielle Glaser with American Baby, as she explores the dark history of adoption in the U.S.
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