I’ve taken a recent detour in my genealogical research to investigate the Wild West Outlaw Mike Roark. Originally, say about a year ago, I ran into his story on the Facebook group for Wild West History Association (WWHA). I wondered, idly, whether he might have been a relative of my Roark cousins in Oregon. They’re…
Lawrence Howery
I thought today I might take a few minutes to write about the life of Lawrence (Alloway) Howery. I often get messages from other genealogists who are confused by him and his story. With some luck, I’ll be able to say enough about him I can send this link to people who ask, and not…
Notable Kin
The person links below are to FamilySearch. Other links are to sites with additional information. American Revolution These men fought to liberate the thirteen original colonies from England between 1775 and 1783. California Gold Rush Civil War Clergy Colorado Gold Rush Colorado Pioneers Colorful Characters Danites The Danites were a group of Mormon vigilantes. Gateway…
Recording maiden names in genealogy
The so-called “genealogy standard” is to use birth names for everyone, even in cultures where it doesn’t make sense. The “encylopedic standard” makes more sense. As a mental shorthand, I think of it as “best known as”. For example: Cokayne [formerly Adams], George Edward (1825–1911), genealogist, born at 64 Russell Square, London, on 29 April 1825,…
Maiden names and aliases
“In England, as well as in France and other continental nations, down to the seventeenth century, married women and widows not infrequently retained their maiden names, generally, however, with an alias ; and in certain parts of Scotland and Wales, such persons still sign by their maiden name in legal documents, even though described in them…