Category Archives: In-Depth Genealogist
We’re going to use some of our previous Civil War research and do something different. We’re going on a road trip!
Photo Credit: Cindy Freed
Let’s take for example the 81st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Which also happens to be the regiment my ancestor fought with. Now I know my ancestor joined 19 July 1864 and joined the 81st in November of 1864 after two months training. He mustered out of the infantry on 25 June 1865. So let’s take a look at movements of the 81st Pennsylvania during those eleven months.
My ancestor, George W. Lowery would have joined up with his regiment, the 81st at Petersburg, VA. In November 1864 Petersburg was under siege. The Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac were entrenched around the city. Months of fighting had resulted in a multitude of deaths and eventually Grant’s army successfully cut off the Confederate’s supply lines resulting in the fall of Richmond. Without the very basics like food, Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia moved west across the state in early April 1865, pursued by Grant and Union forces, which included my g-g-grandfather.
Following this trail, outlined in the regimental history, I can now “march” along with my Civil War ancestor. I’ve made this trek twice. Once with my husband and another time with my genealogy-minded sister.
Photo Credit: Cindy Freed
I picked up the trail traveling west out of Petersburg to the little known Battle of White Oak Road. I’ve walked the paths there through trees and underbrush imagining troops bursting through the foliage. Making my way back to the small graveled parking lot I slipped a pine cone in my pocket. It was a physical connection for me. I was standing where my Civil War ancestor had been.
It’s not often the likes of little ol’ me gets to do something big but I’m involved in something BIG!
The In-Depth Genealogist
IDG is genealogists helping genealogists and I happen to be a part of this generous community! I write a monthly column for The In-Depth Genealogist. It’s Tracing Blue and Gray. Each month I write about the best methods of Civil War Research and also look into the real aspects of what our ancestors endured during their Civil War service. My first article debuted May 2012 and I’ve been with the newsletter ever since.
That is until this month. No longer is The In-Depth Genealogist a monthly digital newsletter. It’s now a monthly digital MAGAZINE!! Launching their premier issue yesterday February 15th, IDG is an expanded, beautifully formatted, treasure trove of guest articles, columns and genealogy resources. All free! If you haven’t seen the new IDG Magazine just click here! You’ll be amazed at all the info packed inside and if you haven’t subscribed yet click here, so the next issue of IDG is delivered to your inbox.
Kudos to the editorial staff of Terri O’Connell, Stephanie Pitcher Fishman, Jen Baldwin and Jen Alford for putting together such a magnificent publication! They’ve earned a big pat on the back and many thanks for allowing me to be a part of this exciting venture!
I’ll Be at #Genchat – Will You?
Genealogy Collaboration Using the Power of Twitter
This Press Release was released earlier this month! I plan to attend. I hope you will too!
THREE PROFESSIONALS UNITE TO PRESENT #GENCHAT; GENEALOGY TWITTER CHATS
Corn & Cotton Genealogy, Finding Our Ancestors and Ancestral Journeys
Will Start Regular Twitter Chats in January, 2013
If you are interested in learning about resources, skills, methodology and techniques to further your family history research, the help you need may have just arrived. Three genealogy professionals: Stephanie Pitcher Fishman, owner of Corn & Cotton Genealogy; Terri O’Connell, owner of Finding Our Ancestors; and Jen Baldwin, owner of Ancestral Journeys; are reaching across state lines using the power of Twitter to answer your questions and create an environment of collaboration.
Beginning January 25, 2013, they will combine their efforts to bring you #genchat, a Twitter Chat focusing on genealogy related topics, skills and questions. The chat will be hosted every two weeks, beginning at 9:00pm CST, and lasting for one hour. The chats will be oriented towards hobbyist genealogists and family historians; all interested are welcome to participate.
Between them, they bring 43 years of genealogy research experience to the Twitter platform. Individually, they each run a professional genealogy business and their areas of expertise range from the Midwestern United States, to integrating family history into home education, and the Rocky Mountain corridor.
Each are also involved in various genealogy related projects, such as the digi-mag, The In-Depth Genealogist, and the upkeep of Conference Keeper, a site dedicated to compiling world-wide resources on educational opportunities for family historian’s.
A detailed schedule of the planned chats for 2013 can be found on the Conference Keeper website.
What a great way for all of us to tap the knowledge of other genealogists! Not only will this be fun and a chance to get to know other researchers but I’ll bet many of out brick walls come tumbling down with the info and tips shared! BUT you have to attend! I hope to meet you there!
Exciting Things are Happening at The In-Depth Genealogist!
The In-Depth Genealogist
Hi my genealogy researching, with a hint of Civil War, blogging friends! In a recent post I shared info on The In-Depth Genealogist (IDG)!
If you’re not aware, The In-Depth Genealogist is a monthly digi-magazine with a single goal: Bring all genealogists together to learn and share from each other.
They have a lively updated website packed full of info. From their blog, to forums and of course the monthly magazine you will be sure to find valuable info for your research. Make sure you subscribe to the monthly magazine! You won’t want to miss one word! Just click on the website and look in the right column for the subscription information!
In addition to the snappy new website and new monthly magazine format there are many new writers who will be contributing to IDG. Folks like Julie Goucher, with her column, “Across the Pond” discussing Research in the United Kingdom. Also Shannon Combs Bennett with Society Pages and Tech Reviews and Gena Philibert Ortega’s, “Remembering the Ladies: Researching Your Female Ancestors,” just to name a few.
My column Tracing Blue and Gray . . . . . bringing life to Civil War research will still be found monthly too. You can read about it here.
I’m very excited about the new IDG! I hope you’ll join me at the In-Depth Genealogist and continue to meet me back here for Civil War Saturday each week! We’ve got lots to learn and share together!
Do you IDG? If not you should!
The In-Depth Genealogist
What is IDG you ask? Well it’s the coolest thing since sliced bread! IDG is short for The In-Depth Genealogist, a digi-magazine for all genealogists, from beginner to pro.
With a twice monthly publication, it covers a variety of topics from researching Land Records, Genealogy Education and Heritage Tourism to Civil War research (written by yours truly).
The founders and co-editors Terri O’Connell, Stephanie Pitcher Fishman and Jennifer Holick are knowledgeable and well-respected in genealogy research.
The columnists are names in the industry we all know like Dr. Bill Smith, Mike Maglio and Amy Crow.
BUT you get more than a twice monthly info packed digi-magazine! There’s also a daily blog on the website with genealogy help, tips and links.
You can also join in on the IDG conversation on the facebook page. There are questions, very informal surveys and your chance to comment or respond.
So IDG with us. Learn and share with other genealogists and have a great time doing it!
