GHLL Weekly Updates May 20 - May 26, 2013

Genealogy and History Data Updates May 20 - May 26, 2013.

• Many broken links are fixed. If you see a broken link please alert us.
• Surname pages are updated.
• Domestic resources updated.
• Updated Branching Out newsletter

Ancestor of Interest William M Everingham Evingham Evengham Evenigham

In my best Dan Rather imitation "here's what we know":

1. William Everingham was born around 1875 in Ohio according to his 1895 marriage index;
2. William is possibly on the 1880 census in Roundhead, Hardin County, Ohio listed as a grandchild, age 5, to Jacob Files with a sister Nancy and mother Elizabeth using her maiden name of Files;
3. William married Mary V. Smith Robinson, born 1866 in IL, on August 12, 1895 in Lexington, Dawson County, Nebraska;
4. William's parents were Jacob Everingham and Elizabeth Files according to his 1895 marriage index;
5. William and Mary had a daughter, Una, born May 18, 1898 in Fairbury, Livingston County, Illinois according to Una's 1914 marriage record;
6. Mary, listed as married, and Una are in the 1900 US Census in Amherst, Buffalo County, Nebraska without William;
7. Mary purchased land in Amherst, Buffalo County, Nebraska in 1906;
8. Mary, listed as widowed and Una are in the 1910 US Census in Amherst, Buffalo County, Nebraska.

How did William die and where? I've been looking in Nebraska, Illinois and Ohio. Maybe William didn't die, if so why can't I find him in any later census? What am I missing here?

GHLL Weekly Updates

Genealogy and History Data Updates April 22 - 27, 2013.

• Many broken links are fixed. If you see a broken link please alert us.
• Surname pages are updated.
• Domestic resources updated.
• Branching Out newsletter by Charles Hansen.

Where Do Questions Fit In At Genealogy Conferences

I know what I want and expect from a genealogy conference may be different from the person sitting next to me in a session. However, there is something we most likely have very much in common...questions. I have questions, the person beside me has questions, the person two rows up has questions as well. Do our questions have a place at conferences? If you have a question about German research then attend a session related to that topic. The same for Midwest research, or passenger lists questions, attend those types of sessions.

But what about MY question? I have a question that is specific to my research. I have a question that is specific to my research goal. I have a question that is specific to my family. Is a class on how to find parish records in Germany going to answer my question? No, because I already have the records, my question is much more specific.

I may be able to corner the speaker before or after their talk and ask my specific question. I would never do that though as I know they are on a time frame to get set up and then get to their next presentation. I may be able to make it to the exhibit hall and find an exhibitor with an "ask the expert" table. Theses are options but they seem limited to me and I would like to maximize my options when I am at a conference with potentially a dozen or two dozen people that could help with my specific question.

Some conferences have recognized this desire for attendees to discuss their topic of choice by offering "unconferencing" options and panel discussions where in the audience submits questions. I like both of those options but would like to take it a bit further. Round tables...literally. Have a room full of round tables, 8 to a table, with a discussion topic assigned and also have free-for-all tables.

So, if I see a sign on the table that says "German Church Records" that's where you will find me. Or perhaps I get that question answered and I want help with land records, then I will be looking for that table. The conversation begins with each person asking questions then flows into giving advise, examples or, even better, exchanging contact information to discuss more in depth later.

I attend an industry specific conference each March related to my career. This is a four-day conference that has round table sessions offered on three days. The round table sessions fill up every year.  People like to have the opportunity to discuss specifics and get specific answers. People like to share stories and simply talk with like-minded individuals.

Maybe it's because I'm in this limbo land of more than a beginner, somewhat advanced intermediate but not ready for an institute genealogist that round tables hold such appeal to me. Of course it could also be that I like to talk more than I like to listen to a presenter. Either way, I think round tables could be a powerfully, engaging experience for any and all genealogy conferences. I hope they begin appearing regularly in the future.