Did you know that the neighborhood of Allston in Boston, Massachusetts, claims to be the only community in the United States named after an artist? Learn who Washington Allston was, and why his work earned him this unusual honor. Read More
Upcoming Online Seminar, October 29–November 26
Learn the Basics of Researching & Verifying Mayflower Ancestry
Join experts from American Ancestors for a five-session online course exploring the many resources, record collections, and research strategies for verifying Mayflower connections. Using case studies, presenters will demonstrate ways to break down brick walls and show how DNA test results can confirm a hypothesis. Participants will also learn how to contribute their own research to ongoing Mayflower scholarship.
Unlike many books, a genealogy is rarely read cover-to-cover. Instead, it serves as a reference for researchers seeking to locate information on specific individuals. To organize the many branches of a family tree, genealogical writing typically follows a set format, with data about a particular person, couple, or family group presented in a precise and consistent way.
Use ourfree download to help you learn the basics of genealogical formats. Download Now
Cartoon Caption Contest!
American Ancestors, our quarterly magazine, is seeking a caption for its next cartoon (pictured)! The winning entry will be featured in our fall issue. Click the image to view a larger version (clicking will redirect you to our Facebook page). Enter Now
The Weekly Genealogist Survey
This Week's Survey:
Ancestors Who Had a Child out of Wedlock or Conceived a Child Before Marriage
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.
18%, At least one of my ancestors was a chef or a cook in a restaurant.
19%, At least one of my ancestors worked in a restaurant in another capacity.
15%, At least one of my ancestors owned a restaurant.
9%, At least one of my ancestors was a cook in the military.
47%, At least one of my ancestors was renowned within the family for being a good cook.
17%, At least one of my ancestors was renowned within their community or region for being a good cook.
41%, At least one of my ancestors was known for a particular recipe.
5%, At least one of my ancestors contributed a recipe to a commercially published cookbook.
38%, At least one of my ancestors contributed a recipe to a community cookbook.
44%, At least one of my ancestors contributed a recipe to a church cookbook or another type of religious-based cookbook.
11%, None of my ancestors fit into any of the categories above.
7%, I don’t know.
Readers Respond
Jim Power, Jr., Montgomery, Alabama:My ancestor Richard C. Mynatt (1728-1823) came from London, England, to the Virginia Colony in 1749 as an indentured servant to Thomas Lee, Esq.—one of the colony’s leading statesmen. Richard worked as a cook in service at Lee’s Stratford Hall Plantation from 1749 to 1754, earning £8 annually, plus room and board. I recently visited Stratford Hall and saw the kitchen where Thomas worked and the loft where he slept. An audio recording shared that Richard had a role in introducing new culinary creations to the distinguished guests who frequently dined at the plantation.
Paul Reese, Port Henry, New York: My mother, Grace Hays Reese, was a pioneer of local television cooking shows. In the 1950s she hosted a daily hour-long show, Hospitality House, on WIRI (later WPTZ) in Plattsburgh, New York. She prepared a dish each day and interviewed guests about cooking. Viewers requested copies of recipes by submitting self-addressed stamped envelopes. I helped my mother by inserting recipes into the envelopes.
Tad D. Campbell, Gilroy, California: My grandfather Francis George Appleton (1917-2004) was a cook and baker in a U.S. heavy artillery regiment during World War II. Following twelve weeks of cooks’ training at Fort Riley, Kansas, and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he participated in the invasion of Normandy. On July 4, 1944, Francis prepared a meal for Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower and was even invited to sit at his table!
Merilee Mulvey, Florence, Oregon: My great-grandfather was a publican (a licensed victualler) who owned the Globe Tavern in London from 1911 to 1923. His daughter—my grandmother—was the cook. I had the good fortune to visit the Globe several years ago. It was a moving experience to stand in the tavern where my ancestors worked and lived.
Justin Friar, Southington, Connecticut: While sorting through cookbooks with my kids a few weeks ago, we stumbled upon a familiar recipe: Millie’s Apricot Squares. At first, I thought it might be similar to a recipe their great-grandmother Gertrude (Harriman) Gove used to make. But when we turned the page, we were surprised to find her name as the author! The recipe wasn't just a sweet treat—it was a connection to the past, linking generations through something as simple yet meaningful as food.
Lynn Thye, Blacksburg, Virginia: My great-grandmother Frances Codding Norton (1872-1959) from western New York State had a favorite recipe for what the family called higdom—pickled cabbage and peppers. After finding that none of my older-adult contemporaries had heard of higdom, I did a bit of Internet searching. I found similar recipes for higdon, after a family of that name with a large presence in the Northeast in the 1860s. Alas, higdom was never a favorite food of this descendant.
Genealogy Research: Fact and Fiction In a recent post in the Timeless: Stories from the Library of Congress blog, Neely Tucker writes about the ways in which genealogy and fiction can complement each other.
Spotlight: Graceland Cemetery, Chicago,
by Valerie Beaudrault
The city of Chicago, Illinois, is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan at its southern end. Graceland Cemetery, which is located in the city, was established in 1860. Click the Burial Search link to access the burials database. Enter a name into the search box to begin. The data in the search results includes the deceased’s full name, date of death, and date of burial service. Click the name link to learn the location of the grave and how to find it. There is also a list of individuals buried nearby. Click the History & Landmarks tab to learn more about Graceland Cemetery’s famous residents. Search Now
Database News
AM Explorer: The First World War
The First World War portal makes available invaluable primary sources for the study of the Great War, brought together in four thematic modules. From personal collections and rare printed material to military files, artwork and audio-visual files, there is content highlighting the experiences of soldiers, civilians, and governments on both sides of a conflict that shook the world. You must be logged into your American Ancestors account to view this collection. Search Now
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
