Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Parentage of Amos Emerson Wanter

I would like to learn who the parents of Amos EMERSON were. Amos was born ca. 1805 in Maine. He migrated in the 1830's to Randolph County, IL where he worked as a cooper.

Lloyd Emerson, #4552
lemerson@ritternet.com

Saturday, December 17, 2011

My Genealogical Wishes For You

This was written by Diane Lyn Tibert of the Times & Transcript, A Canada East Archive
Below are my genealogical wishes for my readers. Diane Lynn Tibert is a freelance writer based in central Nova Scotia. She blogs (http://dianetibert.com) about writing, genealogy and whatever else comes to mind. Submit a query. It's free! 1787 Highway 2, Milford, Hants County, N.S., B0N 1Y0; or email: tibert@ns.sympatico.ca

* I wish for you to find a wrecking ball in 2012 that knocks down a major brick wall blocking your path to unearthing a piece of information that exposes a branch of your tree that has been kept buried for years. May the opening be large enough to see into several generations.

* I wish for you to take a trip to a place you've never gone and discover a long lost headstone you've been seeking for years. May it still stand with a flawless inscription that provides all the vital information, including the deceased's country of origin and a wee tale of why they came to Canada. I wish you clear passage to it and an insect bite-free visit.

* I wish for you to taste a dish rediscovered from your childhood, a recipe your great-grandmother had made for you and passed down through the family.

* I wish for you a hassle-free year with no technological malfunctions, computer crashes or software glitches. May all your genealogy programs run smoothly and just the way you expected them to operate.

* I wish for you to open your e-mail, pick up the phone or receive a letter from a distant cousin in a family line you have very little information on. Not only does this cousin have well-documented research, she's willing to share with you.

* I wish for you to uncover a photo of an ancestor, one you never knew existed and it's so old, it's on tin. May it reveal facts that until then were a mystery.

* I wish for you to easily find that elusive ancestor, perhaps the one who changed their name, while searching census records.

* I wish for your ship to come in and you find the name of the vessel and the passenger list detailing your ancestors' arrival in Canada. With a little luck, a picture will also be found of the ship to add to your family history.

* I wish for you to come into possession of a stack of letters. The yellowing envelopes contain love letters between your great-grandparents when during the First World War he was a soldier serving overseas and she was living at home with her parents.

* I wish for you heavy reading when out-of-the-blue, you discover a mysterious ancestor kept a journal of his trip from the old country to Canada, detailing the immediate family left behind and those born in his new country.

This creative person also liked to sketch and did his best to capture his family and surroundings within the journal pages.

* I wish for you to be able to track down the missing birth, marriage and death records that have been dodging you in your research.

* Ultimately, I wish for you good health, happy times and many hours of productive research. From my family tree to yours, may your holidays be merry and bright.

Friday, November 18, 2011

McGuire and Denning Query

Seeking the marriage of CHARLES McGUIRE and ELLEN DENNING. Charles emigrated in 1837 from Fivemile Town in Ireland to Machias, Maine . Charles d.1889. Ellen d.1894

Mike McGuire
E-Mail: mikmcgc21@aol.com

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Coane (Cone) - McPhetres (Givens) Query

Seeking parents of Mary Coane (b. abt. 1813, Maine), married Warren McPhetres (1835 in Lincoln, Penobscot, Maine). She is likely connected to William Cone (b 1788, Maine) who was living with daughter Martha McPhetres (Givens) in 1870 census. Mary and Warren had substantial family in Lowell, two sons were killed in the Civil War (John V and Warren A).

Any help appreciated.
David Drabold, Athens, Ohio,
ddrabold@gmail.com

Friday, October 21, 2011

Blaney - Washington County Area

I have been trying to find the true death date for a family member John Lindsay Blaney a longtime resident of the Woodland Community in Baileyville. He was a well known blacksmith who worked for the St. Croix paper company making and repairing tools. He also worked on his own making fine razors, knives, and axes for local residents. He was born 10 Dec 1881 in Little Ridgeton, NB in Canada and immigrated to Maine on 26 Apr 1907. He was married to Edna Elizabeth Clark.

I have a death date of 12 March 1943 but his grave marker in the St. Stephen Rural Cemetery in St. Stephen , NB is marked 1945. I have paid the state of Maine archives $45 and they tell me there is no record of his death. I find that hard to believe and have asked the St. Croix Public Library to see if they have a record of the obituary in 1943 or 1945 (not an online record) with no word yet.

Do you have any suggestions on how to find his true date of death. I have copies of death certificates for both his daughters and his wife. I find it hard to believe there is no record in the State of Maine Archives for the death of John Lindsay Blaney.

Robert Munroe, Dallas , TX

Ames Family

Seeking parents and wife of Joseph Ames (b. abt 1775, d. aft. 1832), lived in Bradford, Maine in 1820 and 1830. He probably lived near Sullivan, Hancock, Maine ca. 1810. Believe that he is father of Mary Ames (b. 1808), Rev Moses Ames (b 1812, Sullivan) and four children in Bradford including James Kenniston Ames (b. 1822). Later census records from children indicate NH and MA as possible birthplaces for Joseph. His wife was born in Maine. -- Dave Drabold -- email: drabold@ohio.edu; 240 N Congress St, Athens, OH 45701

--
D. A. Drabold
Distinguished Professor
Dept. of Physics and Astronomy
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
http://www.phy.ohiou.edu/~drabold
drabold@ohio.edu
(740) 593-1715

Brant Family - Portland, ME area

I am hoping you may be able to help me with an inquiry….

My name: Tracey L. Brant
My phone: 607-279-0494

Person of Interest: my mother, Dorothy L. Brant (maiden: Ambrose); married to Maynard W. Brant, Jr.

I am looking for a newspaper article from the early 1960’s (1964, 65 or 66) – we lived in Portland, ME at the time. My mother was driving her car and a child ran out in front of the car and was killed. I do not believe any charges were filed as the child suffered a mental illness.

I am seeking the article for personal reasons as I was riding in the car (as was my brother Michael W. Brant), and also to help offer my mother some peace.

Thank you for any assistance you are able to offer.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Why or Why Don't You Attend A Conference?

Last Saturday September 24th Maine Genealogical Society held a day long conference in Bangor, ME. We had a good turnout, it wasn't exceptional but the numbers were good. The evaluations came back and seemed like the attendees and even the vendors were happy that day. But still when you work hard all year in the background to put on one of these conferences it still makes you wonder why more people didn't come.

Was it the speakers? The location? The topics? Or was it due to the economy? Another thought came to mind was it due to the fact more and more people are doing their genealogy online. After all more and more information is out there on subscription sites or for free. You can even learn more about genealogy with videos on various sites such as YouTube, Scribd, etc.

So I am asking our readers to send me their thoughts. I would really like to know and I would like to share what I find with my fellow conference committee members. I am not trying to brag but we do work hard for you our fellow genealogists, and by giving us your thoughts and comments we can only make it better. So how about it?

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Ancestor Roundtable Feature at MGS Conference

The Ancestor Roundtable's schedule for the day of the MGS Fall 2011 Conference:

Schedule:
9 am – 945 am Bob Chenard “Your Quebec Ancestors”
10 am – 1045 am Carolyn Kelley “DAR”
11 am – 1145 am Roland Rhoades “Leavitt Family and Family Associations”
1215 pm – 1 pm Helen Shaw “Basic Genealogy”
115 pm – 2 pm Wayne Bennett “Civil War”
215 pm – 315 pm Will Haskell “Internet Search Tips, Technology and Software”

These sessions will be held in the Vendor Area as a third alternative to the sessions already taking place. Come and sit a spell and ask your questions.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Pejepscot Genealogy Society Meeting

The first fall meeting of the Pejepscot Genealogy Society will be held in
the Morrell Meeting Room of the Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Maine
on Sunday, September 11 at 2PM.


The speaker will be one of the Society members, Carol McCoy, Ph.D.
The title of her program is: “Using Tax Records in Genealogy—How
Taxes Can Be a Good Thing”.

Most of us dread April 15th, but old tax records provide valuable clues
to our ancestors’ lives. In the early days of America people were taxed
on their property, Collected taxes were used to repair and build roads,
to support the military and to provide revenue for many reasons. Learn
about the types of tax records that may be available, where to look for
them, and how they can help you solve genealogy problems.

Dr. McCoy is a Brunswick resident and President of Find-Your-Roots and
McCoy Consulting. She has been tracing her family history for 25 years.
Dr. McCoy enjoys solving mysteries, discovering solid evidence to prove
relationships, finding new family members for people, collecting
interesting details of ancestral lines and creating a readable and
interesting family history report for others.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Discounts on Silhouettes at MGS Fall Conference

A substantial discount is being offered for anyone who makes an advance reservation with Ruth Monsell of Artful Heirlooms before the MGS Conference:

A single cut silhouette for just $20 (vs. 2 for $30)

Also a $5 discount on a duplicate silhouette (2 for $25)

And $5 off their choice of any frame.

Please contact Ruth at the toll free number listed below.
Ruth Monsell - ArtfulHeirlooms.com
1-866-212-7288 or (207) 563-2920


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Genealogy Fair - Saint John NB

Location: St. Joachims Church Hall, 603 Loch Lomond Road, Saint John NB

A Genealogy Fair will be held on Saturday October 1, 2011 from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM It is open to everyone with an interest in genealogy. There will be approximately 35 tables of genealogical material, family trees, books, maps, and displays available for viewing.

Members will share genealogial information about the their families from Saint John, Kings, Queens, Charlotte Counties and beyond. Provincial Archives of NB will have several tables of research material for people to use. It will include a Beginner's Corner for those just starting out. Books and other publications available for sale. Lunch service available.

Sponsored by New Brunswick Genealogical Society - Saint John Branch

http://www.nbgssj.ca

Admission Fee - only $ 1.00

Contact: Dave Fraser (506 849 7922) dfraser@nbnet.nb.ca

Eleanor Lamb and John Johnson Query

Need parents/ancestry of Eleanor Lamb, b. 15 Nov. 1740, d. 20 May 1820 Stroudwater, m. Mar. or 16 Oct. 1764 Falmouth, John Johnson, b. 14 May 1737 Spurwink, s/of James of Scotland.

Nancy Welch #692, 258 High Rd., Dayton, ME 04005

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Save the date - TFC Open House September 17th, 2011

OPEN HOUSE AT GENEALOGY LIBRARY

On Saturday September 17, 2011, the Taconnett Falls Chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society will host an OPEN HOUSE from 1 to 4 PM. The library is located at 10 Lithgow St. in Winslow, the former Winslow Public Library. All members and visitors are welcome.

If you are new to genealogy, members with their expertise will help show you how to get started whether you have French, English, Norwegian, etc. ancestry. Forms are available to fill your ancestry out, as well as show you many resources, especially if you have Maine connections.

There will be free light snacks and coffee and visitors can tour the library and view the large number of books and records available for research. Several computers are also available which have many records as well as thousands of obituaries filed in alphabetical order.

At 2 PM the Chapter will hold their giant raffle which has 11 nice prizes. It will be the last chance to buy raffle tickets for this drawing. This is a fund-raiser to help the Chapter pay for heating expenses during the colder months.

The Chapter has a web site at: http://home.gwi.net/~frenchgen/taconnett.htm with a map showing the location of the library is on the above web page.

Please come and visit us.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Help Needed in Finding Information on Men at Fort Kent in 1840

With the passage of HP 1177 in the last session of the Maine Legislature, trying to identify the members of the various possees and companies has begun. One of the most difficult was to identify the 17 males listed on the 1840 census but not names who were residing at what would become Fort Kent. Now that we have the names, I would like to be able to place them in families. According to a report submitted by George W. Towle to Rufus McIntire (Land Agent for Maine) the following men were at Fort Kent on July 26, 1840:

Name, Employment, Home
Geo H Huston, Guard, Bristol
Chls H. Ellis, Guard, Waterville
Jeremiah McGee, Farming, not given
John Courmier, Farming, not given
Joseph Weizen[Wizen], Farming, Canada
James Peck, Farming, Bangor
B. F. Thurston, Farming, Bangor
Benj. Huff, Farming, not given
James Spaulding, Farming, St. Albans
Daniel Prescott, Cook, not given
Gilman P. Foss, Teamster, Bangor
John Low Jr, stoning wells, Dixmont
H[enry] S. Howe, Blacksmith, Bangor
Moses Rines, Teamster/Stock, Orono/Ft Kent
C. S. Glidden, Overseer, St. Albans
James Hafford, down Green river, St Francis
Azor Baker, Clerk/Commissary, New Gloucester
Henry S Mason, not Given, not given
Miles Emery, not given, St. Francis
Jeremiah Mayo, not given, Athens
John Conway, not given, Madawaska
Benjamin Kraft, not given, Hartland

Note Glidden, Emery and Huston, in a deposition, stated they had arrived at that location the prior October, last and remained until the 25th of July when the report was made.

Any information that can be shared as to either ancestors or descendants as well as the particulars-birth, death, spouses etc. of these men would be greatly appreciated as a data base is being compiled to assist in identifying all those entitled to recognition for the protection of the Northeastern Frontier & should be acknowledged. thanks.

Bertie Williams, Researcher
(email) obnn9119@yahoo.com
The 1837 Foundation of Northern Maine
Proudly Affliated with the Maine Genealogy Society

Monday, July 25, 2011

Another Vendor for the Fall Conference - Creative Memories

You've spent countless hours researching your family history. Let Creative Memories help you celebrate and share the stories you have uncovered. Cheryl Freye will help you with organization of printed materials, scanned images, and digital photographs. She will help you share your stories with family members using digital Story Books that will last for generations. I will help you preserve your original images in photo-safe albums. She will work with you to find a solution that works for you.

In addition to preserving the stories you have uncovered about your ancestors, take the time now to record the special memories of today that you are creating with your family and friends. This will be the legacy you leave to future generations. I will help you combine your photos and stories to create a truly memorable keepsake. Your photos will not become strangers in a box for someone in the future. They will be alive with the stories of your life. They will be treasured as one of your family's most precious keepsakes. I am here to help you every step of the way. You won't go home with a product and wonder what to do next. Cheryl also teaches people all over the country through personal webinars.

Cheryl would love to talk with you about how she can help you find a solution for all your memory preservation needs. Visit with her during the MGS Fall Conference at the Spectacular Events Center in Bangor on September 24th. For more information on the fall conference go to http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~megs/conference.html

Creative Memories uses the ISO 18902 standard on its packaging to make clear to customers that the product meets or exceeds photo safety specifications. ISO 18902 is more than just a part of our packaging. It represents our commitment to providing information, products and customer service to ensure that your memories will be preserved for future generations. We are the only album manufacturer that we know of that complies with ISO 18902 – the industry’s gold standard for photo-safe album-making supplies. So when you see ISO 18902 on one our products, you can be assured you are getting the best possible photo-safe products. Even better, you’ll know that your albums will safely preserve the weddings, the parties, the rain showers, the messes, and the tears that make up life.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Conference Registration Reminder – Have You Signed Up Yet?

Join us for the genealogy information sharing event of the year - a chance to make new connections, hear educational lectures, purchase resource materials and maybe breakdown those elusive and stubborn brick walls! Always a chance to learn something new!

The Maine Genealogical Society's 2011 Family History Conference will be held on Saturday, September 24 at the Spectacular Event Center in Bangor, ME, just a few miles off I-95. This year’s annual conference will feature six workshops, a national keynote speaker, vendors, exhibitors, publications for sale and a new Ancestors Round Table.

Our featured speaker is Meldon “Mel” Wolfgang III who is the founder and owner of Jonathan Shepard Books. He has been active in the field of genealogy for the past 40 years and is a popular conference speaker. The individual workshop presenters all have professional expertise in their fields – this year’s program includes an author, a professional genealogist, a past president of the US Internet Genealogical Society and a county Registrar of Probate.

Workshop topics include:

Session One - concurrent
A. Beyond the Basics: Tips & Techniques for Using Newspapers in Genealogy Research
B. More Than Wills: Using Probate Records in Genealogy Research

Session Two - concurrent
A. More Than Almshouses and Cold Charity: Exploring Family History in the Records of Public and Private Assistance in New England
B. The Role of Women in the Civil War

Session Three - concurrent
A. Using Social Media in Genealogical Research
B. Often Overlooked: What the Census Tells You Beyond Name and Age

In addition to these workshops, the keynote address by Mel Wolfgang will be Uncommon Research Tools That Can Lead to Uncommonly Good Results.

A new feature of the conference this year will be the Ancestor Round Table – a spot where people can gather to ask questions and/or help with advice or suggestions. Experts in various areas will be available but it will be an ever-changing gathering, so plan to check back often and join in the discussions! Don’t forget to bring your research query to post on the popular query board as well.

Be sure to register soon for this great conference - registration deadline is September 10. Registrations are $40 for MGS members and $50 for non-members. Be sure to register early and share this information with fellow researchers who might be interested in attending.

On Saturday, September 24, the registration table will begin at 8am and the vendors and exhibitors will be open and ready to greet you. Come early to share a cup of coffee, browse the tables and chat with the vendors. There will be a luncheon buffet ($15 a ticket) which will allow plenty of time for networking, making connections and story-sharing. (The best genealogy connection I made personally was during lunch at a conference many years ago – you never know who you will be sharing a table with!) The conference will end at 5:00pm. Be sure to stay until the end for the highly anticipated door prizes! (Note - For those not wanting to participate in the luncheon, there are restaurant options in the local area or you are welcome to bring your own lunch with you for the day.)

Planning to stay over and combine the conference with a research trip? Accommodations are available at the Fairfield Inn on Odlin Road in Bangor with a special conference rate. Reservations must be made by August 24 to obtain the discounted room rate (Hotel phone number is 1-207-990-0001).

For more information on this conference such as a full description of each workshop, biographies of the workshop speakers, full conference schedule, conference brochure and registration form, please visit the website at www.maineroots.org

Hope to see you there! Should you have any questions, please feel free to email us at mainegenealogical@yahoo.com or call Celeste Hyer at 207-627-7147.

And be sure to check us out on Facebook! Remember to “like” Maine Genealogical Society’s Facebook page. We will be posting periodic conference updates here.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Sam Teddy Publishing

Here is information about another one of the vendors who will be at the fall MGS Conference at the Spectacular Events Center in Bangor on Saturday September 24th, 2011.

Sam Teddy Publishing is the end result of over 20 years’ of genealogical and historical research of Jeffrey A. Linscott, an amateur genealogist, historian and author. Credits to Mr. Linscott include a 1998 reprint of The May-Flower & Her Log, by Azel Ames (Heritage Books, Bowie, MD, softcover, ISBN 0-7884-1070-9, now out of print), and Ohio Soldiers Who Served in the War of 1812 (Genealogical Services, West Jordan, UT, hardcover, ISBN 0-89593-999-1).

Mr. Linscott has also self-published over a dozen family histories and has published The Linscott Herald, a Linscott family newsletter, for over 15 years, and The Whitcomb Wheel, a family newsletter of the Whitcomb family, now in its 5th year.

Sam Teddy Publishing offers high quality paper bound books suitable for any bookshelf. While they predominately publish works of historical or genealogical significance, other venues of writing are also in production.

Why not check them out at http://www.samteddypublishing.com to get a preview before the conference.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Silhouettes to be cut at the Annual MGS Conference in 24 September 2011

A special offering at the conference this year to be held at the Spectacular Events Center will be traditional, freehand cut silhouettes of children and adults, done with live five minute sittings. Ruth Monsell, professional silhouette artist, will be available to create cut portraits throughout the conference starting at 8 a.m. The venue for silhouette cuttings will be in the Madison Ballroom where conference vendors will be situated.

Although the least expensive form of portraiture, silhouettes can capture an amazing likeness, and are loved for their simplicity, long history and traditional look. Often families have new profiles cut to display alongside much older family silhouettes.

Ruth Monsell, a silhouettist with over 30 years of experience, was invited last year to be the guest speaker for the Pejepscot Genealogical Society, a chapter of MGS, and delivered a talk on the history of the silhouette. She has created profiles at venues ranging from pre-schools to nursing homes. Her bookings include weddings, bicentennials, fairs, museums, and many Historical Societies. She also creates custom logos, hired for corporate events as far away as Las Vegas, and has done profiles of passengers about five international cruise ships.

Silhouette samples may be seen on line at ArtfulHeirlooms.com Silhouettes are priced at $30, which includes two mirror image profiles of each subject in black on 5x7 mats with oval openings. Additional duplicate copies, ideal for gift giving, are just $10 each. Optional framing will be available.

Advance appointments for the sittings are recommended and may be made by phoning 1-866-212-7288. The artist is also able to cut silhouettes of children, pets and people from clear profile photographs.

Presentation of HP1177 - Request for Veterans Status for the Protectors and Defenders of the Northeastern Boundary Dispute aka The Aroostook War

On Thursday, July 7, 2011 there will be a short ceremony hosted by The 1839 Foundation of Northern Maine and The Passadumkeag Historical Society where we will be presented with a copy of HP1177, requesting Veterans Status from the President and US Congress for the Protectors and Defenders of the Northeastern Boundary Dispute commonly called The Aroostook War.

Cal Innes, the President of the Passadumkeag Historical Society will announce our collaboration. The 1839 Foundation of Northern Maine will have copies of the Sequence of Events and rosters of Capt Porter's company out of Burlington & Capt George Towle's Rifle Company from the 6th Regiment, many of whom were from the Passadumkeag area to identify some of the men we wish to recognize and honor.

Here is one family's story: My ancestors John and Mary Knowlen who had the homestead directly across from the site of the first posse encampment at T 10 R 5 and who's timber rebuilt Fort Fairfield in April of 1839 that I began my quest. John and Mary not only lost their homestead when the state was delinquent in paying for that timber but GAR post 149 in Masardis was called The Knowlen Post because they lost two sons and a third returned crippled from battle wounds during the Civil War. And through it all they didn't whine, complain or blame, they preservered and raised their remaining children and grandchildren to be teachers, civic leaders, active & productive members of society. What you may not recall is the reason they were living in T 10 R 5: John; a young husband and father found himself the head of a large household of siblings while living in Passadumkeag, during the summer of 1828 after his father was murdered and the furs he had been acquiring through his trapping expertise were stolen. Before the estate could be settled, his next two brothers tragically drowned in July 1834 while engaged in driving timber down the Passadumkeag River. The loss of his brothers' assistance forced him to take his wife, two young sons, 12 year old brother, 9 year old sister and head north to start all over again. The family connection to Passadumkeag is a bittersweet one, yet resulted in our connection to Aroostook County that has remained for almost 180 years.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Important Information You Also Need to Know about LD 1781

From Helen Shaw, CG, MGS member and one who testified at the hearing:

Anyone planning to do research into vital records in Maine town offices will need to bring proof of their identity -- something with a photo: drivers liscence, passport, military ID, etc. They should expect to be asked to fill out a form stating what records they want to access. Right now, I think there is one form for each record they want to look at, but Kathy should be able to tell you more on that. Also, I am not sure if that applies to records before 1892. Again, Kathy should be able to enlighten us.

If they want to access a vital record within the current 100 year closure period they will have to provide proof of relationship to the person(s) whose record(s) they want to access. If someone wants vital records for their parent(s) they will need to bring their birth certificate naming the parents. This means if the researcher is female and has a different married name, she will need her marriage certificate showing the maiden and married name. I suppose if the marriage certificate names her parents that would be sufficient to access their records.

The issue of the state researcher ID card is up in the air. According to current law family members only have to prove the relationship -- they do not need the state card. Anyone else trying to access records within the 100 year closure period will need the state ID card. Beyond that, I have no idea; the rules committee did not finish its work on LD 1781 before LD 258 was passed and I had an e-mail recently from the committee coordinator saying it could be a good while before the committee meets again.

From Kathy Montejo, City Clerk, MGS member and one who attended the LD 1781 meetings:

Yes - forms are available at every town office and forms need to be filled out for any and all records ordered - birth, marriage, death - regardless of the age of the document. There is a standardized form designed by the state clerks association and approved by the state Vitals Office, so I believe every town office is using the same order form. Even if towns have formatted their forms differently, the forms all require the same info (name, date, person acquiring, etc.)

Helen is also correct about the need for family acquiring records other than their own to show documentation on the linkage to that record - their birth certificate for their parent's birth certificate, etc. We just need to see a paper trail for proof of eligibility to obtain the record. The marriage licenses do contain a bride's maiden name and the names of both of her parents, so that is covered.

Provisions of LD 258 explained

LD 258 is the bill to amend Public Law 601 which last year closed Maine’s vital records for 100 years. It was sponsored by Representative Deborah Sanderson (R, Chelsea). A public hearing on the bill was held on Wednesday, March 2, with the committee work session being held the next day, Thursday, March 3. Testifying at the public hearing in favor of the bill were Helen Shaw, CG, Pam Eagleson, CG, Melinde Sanborn, CG, Anne Thomas (Honorary State Regent, DAR), Peggy O’Kane (reference librarian for the Maine State Library), and several others. Testifying against the bill were Elana Jellison (rule making coordinator for the Maine DHHS, and Dr. Stephen Sears (Maine DHHS). Testifying neither for or against was Kathy Montejo, town clerk for Lewiston and board member of the Maine Genealogical Society.

So, what does LD 258 do to vital records access?

OPEN RECORDS

1. It is now in statute that all vital records before 1892 are open to anyone without restriction. Anyone can buy an informational copy or an official copy on town letterhead. NOTE: Towns may impose their own rules covering access to vital records to include specific days or hours of availability, forms that must be filled out, and personal identification to be provided. However, having state statute saying these early vital records are public records should help immensely.

Note that the exact wording of the law for the following records states that they are open after XX years from the date of the event. The years listed below are a simplification. These records may be accessed at the Vital Records Unit in Augusta or at the applicable municipal office.

2. All birth certificates between 1892 and 1936 are open to anyone without restriction. That upper year will shift as time goes on; the closure period is 75 years. Anyone can buy a non-certified copy. Only people listed in Paragraph 5 can buy a certified copy.

3. All marriage certificates, registrations of domestic partnerships, and certificates for fetal deaths between 1892 and 1961 are open to anyone without restriction. That upper year will shift as time goes on; the closure period is 50 years. Anyone can buy a non-certified copy. Only people listed in Paragraph 5 can buy a certified copy.

4. All deaths certificates between 1892 and 1986 are open to anyone without restriction. That upper year will shift as time goes on; the closure period is 25 years. Anyone can buy a non-certified copy. Only people listed in Paragraph 5 can buy a certified copy.

CLOSED RECORDS


5. Access to birth certificates less than 75 years old. You need to be a family member listed in Paragraph 5 or have a CDC/ODRVS researcher card to look at these records. Only people listed in Paragraph 5 can buy a certified (or non-certified) copy. People with a CDC/ODRVS researcher card can buy a non-certified copy.

6. Access to marriage certificates, registrations of domestic partnerships, or fetal death certificates less than 50 years old. You need to be a family member listed in Paragraph 5 or have a CDC/ODRVS researcher card to look at these records. Only those listed in Paragraph 5 can buy a certified (or non-certified) copy. People with a CDC/ODRVS researcher card can only buy a non-certified copy.

7. Access to death certificates less than 25 years old. You need to be in a family member listed in Paragraph 5 or have a CDC/ODRVS researcher card to look at these records. Only those listed in Paragraph 5 can buy a certified (or non-certified) copy. People with a CDC/ODVRS researcher card can only buy a non-certified copy.

All family members (as listed in Paragraph 5 of the law) must provide documentation of their identity and their relationship to the persons whose vital records are being accessed.

Rules for genealogists (paid or not) who are acting as an agent for a family member listed in Paragraph 5 are still being written and may change. We know so far these genealogists must have a CDC/ODRVS researcher card and that they may buy certified copies of vital records for the client. Also, the client must provide a notarized letter of authorization for the genealogist and documentation of their identity and relationship to the persons whose vital records are being accessed.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Laurendeau, Lorandeau, Laurandeau, etc.

My name is Jean Laurendeau from Montréal. I own a website which devotes itself has to name and tell the history of our Laurendeau (Lorandeau, Laurandeau, etc.) families.

Laurendeau searching for their ancestors, send me the names of their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. Through the names of their recent ancestors, they have a 99.9% chance of being connected with the first Laurendeau ancestors in Canada.

I hope to read a request from some of your members soon.

Jean Laurendeau, Montréal au Québec
chercheur sur la généalogie et l'histoire des Canadiens-français d'Amérique

auteur du site internet (Website): www.jean-laurendeau.com
Merci d'utiliser notre nouvelle adresse courriel (Email): GenealogieJeanLaurendeau@gmail.com

Monday, April 11, 2011

Vital Records of Wiscasset, Maine Now Available

The town of Wiscasset is situated on the Sheepscot River in the southeastern part of Lincoln County and is the county seat. The town was first settled in 1663 but the settlement was abandoned during the French and Indian Wars and the King Philip's War in 1675. Not until 1730 did settlers return to the area.

The town was first included in the region called South Precinct of Pownalborough. The town of Pownalborough was incorporated as the twelfth town in Maine on February 13, 1760 and originally included what are now the towns of Wiscasset, Dresden, Alna and Swan Island. Land was set off forming the towns of Dresden and Alna on June 25, 1794 with the name of Pownalborough being retained for the remaining portion until June 10, 1802 when it was then changed to Wiscasset.

Maine Genealogical Society Special Publication No. 66. 640 pages, 24,339 entry Every Name Index; hard cover. 2011.

MGS Member price is $74.95, a discount of $10.00 from the non-member price.

Coming to our workshop on April 23rd? This book, and many others, will be on sale there!

For more information, visit the Special Publications catalog on the MGS website.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Robertson Query

I’m looking for information on the marriage of Robert Robertson or Hugh Robert Robertson to Mary Richardson or Mary Richardson Grover sometime around 1790-1810 on either Deer Isle, Maine or Sedgwick, Maine or possibly some other town in that area of Hancock County. The Robertson’s supposedly moved to Blue Hill between 1820-1830. Thank you in advance for any help you can send me.

DJ Deans Member 4295
djdeans@roadrunner.com

Not to Late to Register for Federal Records Workshop!

Have you registered yet for the Maine Genealogical Society Spring workshop?

Using Federal Records in Genealogical Research with John Philip Colletta
Saturday, April 23, 2011, 8am - 4pm
Winslow VFW Banquet & Conference Center

Have questions about how to find your ancestors in the Passenger Arrival Lists? What about finding their allusive naturalization records? Ever thought to use passport applications or Civil War draft registration records in your research?

Come find out more about these types of federal records and others. MGS is pleased to bring another national level genealogy speaker to Maine! Dr. Colletta is one of America's most popular genealogical presenters. Entertaining, knowledgeable and experienced, he has conducted genealogy workshops for over 20 years. He is the author of several books, including They Came in Ships - A Guide to Finding Your Immigrant Ancestor's Arrival Record.

The MGS spring workshop will be held on Saturday, April 23 at the Winslow VFW Banquet & Conference Center. The Conference Center is near Waterville and is located just a few miles from I-95.

Here is a link to the Conference facility website:
http://www.winslowvfw.com/index.php

Registration fee is $40 for MGS members and $50 for non-members. Fees include a luncheon buffet and all workshop materials.

Dr. Colletta’s books will be for sale and he will be available to autograph them for conference attendees. MGS Special Publications will also be available for purchase – a chance to save on shipping costs!

Here is the link for more information and for a registration form: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~megs/


Hope to see you there!

Federal Records Workshop Saturday 23 April 2011

Are you planning on attending the Maine Genealogical Society Workshop on Saturday the 23rd of April 2011 on Researching Federal Records? Well then you should stop and check the Taconnett Genealogical Library on 10 Lithgow Street in Winslow, ME. The library will be open on Friday April 22nd from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. This library has a great collection and even if you have no specific search objective at this time, you are welcome to stop in and see what's there.

Friday, April 8, 2011

John Franklin McIntosh

Looking for parents & grandparents of John Franklin McIntosh (b.9Mar1862 in either Calais, ME or NB, Canada - d.11Mar1940 ME). John m. Cora Alice Small (4 children) & Blanche Nay Newell. Father may have been David McIntosh & mother Margaret McCloskey. Who were David’s parents?? Andrew McIntosh & Katherine McKenzie originally from Scotland??

Richard G. McIntosh MGS#4509
21 Rivermeadow Drive
Steep Falls, ME 04085
shirleyanddick01@roadrunner.com

Judkins

Seeking proof for Mayflower Society on birth of Perry Diman JUDKINS. (b. 30 SEP 1811 Greenwood, ME, d. 18 DEC 1867 in Cambridge, MA) He married 1 JAN 1837 Fanny P. TOWNE (b. 17 MAY 1816 Norway, ME, d. 8 FEB 1903 Oxford, ME, bur Norway Center Cemetery). Perry Diman JUDKINS was the son of Moses JUDKINS (b. c. 1773 IN Hopkinton, NH, d. 1850-60 possibly Greenwood, ME) He m. 6 OCT 1801 Poland, ME, Aphia/Appa PERRY (b. 19 AUG 1783, d. Fayette, ME).

Perry Diman JUDKINS was a blacksmith in Norway, ME for many years. I do not know where he is buried.

Melanie Farmer #1300
email: melanie.farmer@gmail.com

Member Searching for Joseph Leavitt

Here is one of my most stubborn brick walls. Figured I'd try it from a new angle. I actually have no Smiths as direct ancestors since it is such a rare name, but...My ggg-grandfather Joseph LEAVITT born 18 Oct 1782 probably Brentwood NH married Sarah McALLISTER as her third husband 29 Aug 1803 in Davistown (Montville), then Lincoln Co. Sarah was born about 1772 in Balltown, and married first Joseph SMITH 10 Oct 1790 in Balltown, 2 dau 1790 and 1794. He died 1794-1799 and she m2 Mr CLARK, one dau 1800.

I have found insufficient proof of Joseph Leavitt's ancestry. His parents might be Nehemiah Leavitt b 1738 Brentwood NH who died the same year Joseph was born. Wife Judith Roberts remarried and moved to Royalton VT. Anyway there are many Smiths around this Brentwood family, and in Waterboro where a cousin lived who came from Brentwood. That got me thinking, 200 years ago, WHY would a 20-yr-old Joseph Leavitt marry a 30-yr-old with 3 kids? HOW and WHY would they have met? Usually it was some sort of family introduction. Joseph Leavitt had no parents around. Was Joseph Smith some sort of cousin whose children he wanted to take care of?

So... my question now is: WHO is JOSEPH SMITH of Balltown/Jefferson 1790, and where did he come from? Is anybody sorting out the SMITH family of this area?

Thanks.
Roland Rhoades MGS 1151
Maine Families Genealogist
www.RolandRhoades.com
seeker@maine.rr.com
2010: 30 Years as a Genealogist & 50 Years as a Numismatist

Monday, February 28, 2011

Pejepscot Chapter, MGS - 13 March 2011 Meeting

March 13, 2011 - 2pm Morrell Meeting Room, Curtis Memorial Library,
Brunswick, ME

PGS President, Brian Bouchard will give a preview of a discussion to be delivered at the 2011 MGS Fall Conference on using community based web sites to accelerate your research and find things you may not have been able to find anywhere else. Build on the research of others and make connections to bring your own research to the next level. We'll not only discuss what these technologies are, but present real-life examples of how they have benefited researchers just like you!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

An Act Relating to Access to Vital Records

LD 258 "An Act Relating to Access to Vital Records" is sponsored by Rep. Deborah Sanderson of Chelsea. It amends LD 1781 [PL 601] which was passed last year and which closed Maine's vital records for 100 years.

Due to the very short time between the public hearing (Wednesday, March 2) and the work session where the bill will be voted on (Thursday, March 3) it is vital that people submit testimony supporting LD 258 via e-mail as soon as possible.

Testimony may be submitted by e-mail to the HHS Committee Clerk, Lisa Cote at:
lisa.cote@legislature.Maine.gov



There is another bill to amend the law,
LD 388, which will be presented at the same public hearing. It has a provision to lower the fee for the state researcher identification card to $25 and make it good for 2-years. We do not want any requirement that genealogists buy a special card to access vital records. We already pay to belong to various genealogy and historical societies; membership cards from those organizations should be sufficient to prove one is a genealogist. Comments on this bill are also requested. [send to the Lisa Cote]

You may download a copy of LD 258 (and LD 388) by going to www.maine.gov/legis and typing the bill number in the box in the upper right corner.

If you can come to present testimony at the hearing you need to bring at least 20 copies of the testimony. The hearing will be at 10:00 a.m. in Room 209 of the Cross State Office Building. Please be advised that parking is very limited around the capitol complex and will be further affected on Wednesday & Thursday by supporters & protesters of the state budget which is also having public hearings.

Please pass this on to any and all genealogists and supporters thereof.

If you have questions, please email Helen Shaw (hashaw@earthlink.net).

New Native American Blog

Nancy Lecompte writes to introduce her new Research Journal Blog titled Gwilodwôgan.

http://nedoba.blogspot.com

The word refers to exploration or investigation in the Western Abenaki dialect.

She will be exploring what is known about families with potential Native American heritage in the Northeast, one family at a time. It is her hope the blog will serve as a teaching tool for any beginning researcher, a resource for descendants, and a journal of what is known, what is still left to learn, what is incorrect (and why), and what her conclusions are (and why) for each family examined.

She will begin with Edward Marden (also Mardin), c1751-1835 of Lyman, NH, who is said to have an "Indian" wife. His grandchildren are scattered all over the Northeast (ME, NH, VT, Quebec, MA).

The next family she will examine is that of a woman named Marleah Kanistaux of Stockton, NY, who is said to be the granddaughter of Metallic. Metallic was a rather famous Abenaki man known in western Maine and northern New Hampshire. He died in Stewartstown, NH in 1845 at an age well over 100 years.

She will be looking for another family to work on this summer. If you have an interesting "Indian" puzzle, write and share it.

You can email Nancy at nancy@nedoba.org.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Ellsworth, ME Historical Society Announces New Webpage

Ellsworth, Maine – February 15, 2011 – Today, The Ellsworth Historical Society announces its first ever webpage at www.ellsworthme.org/ellshistory/

Terri Weed Cormier – Co president of the society was pleased to make this announcement and said “This webpage marks a transformative experience for the society’s long history. This represents the next major step ahead as we continue to expand our community outreach and make more people aware of the society’s goals and continued preservation of our building and archives. We could not have done this without the help of John and Allison of MDI Web Design who offered their services to us as well as the webhosting at Ellsworthme.com and Ellsworthme.org who have been wonderful to work with in helping us achieve this goal”

The Ellsworth Historical Society evolved from a meeting held in 1978 of interested members of the community to save and protect our history. An item in the Ellsworth American invited those interested in forming a local historical society to meet at the First Congregational Church. The attendees decided to meet again and the first meeting of the Historical Society was held on May 22, 1978.

Since that time the society has been collecting the history and memorabilia of Ellsworth and serving the local community in preserving and sharing our local history through exhibitions and local outreach.

The Society and the Ellsworth Historic Preservation Commission joined forces to preserve the Old County Jail from demolition in 1980 and after working with the County Commissioners office an agreement was made that the building was a fitting place for the society and in 1980 a lease was signed that allowed the society to finally have a home. The first meeting was held in the Old County Jail in June 1981. The building was officially transferred to the society with the signing of the deed in 1998.

Restoration of the interior of the building started at once and with local help from area businesses, groups, and concerned citizen’s work began to restore the interior of the beautiful brick Queen Anne Revival Building that was built in 1886. The building now houses the society’s collection of Ellsworth history, with displays and changing exhibits from the society’s collections. The museum is open on Thursdays and Saturdays in July and August free of charge.

In 2008 the building was named to the National Registry of Historic Places. The announcement was made by Earle Shuttleworth Jr., President of the Maine Historic Commission which submitted the nomination. The front of the building was a former residence for the jail warden and his family, and the back contains 14 small cells on two floors. A dividing wall between the two sections once allowed the warden to monitor inmates through two small wickets that are still in place today.

The Ellsworth Historical Society is an all volunteer society that is dedicated to preserving the history of Ellsworth for future generations. Membership is open to all and we look forward to growing more in our local community, continuing to collect and preserve local history, and to helping others know the history of our home town we hope that everyone will visit our new website and join us to show your support. For additional information please email us at ellsworthhistory@yahoo.com or write to us at The Ellsworth Historical Society PO Box 355 Ellsworth, Me 04605

Greater Portland Chapter of MGS Cumberland County Deeds Project

At the March 8, 2008 meeting of the Greater Portland Chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society, President Carol McCoy suggested the chapter work on indexing the Cumberland County Deeds covering the years 1760 to 1796. The membership approved her idea, and voted to start work on this major project. In February, 2011, the purpose of the project was redefined.

The results so far . . . Even though we are not finished with the project, you may have access to the information we have collected so far. You may download the information in Excel or .pfd format here. The data is listed alphabetically by grantor or by grantee. If you download the Excel file, you can sort as you like, but you must have Excel software to open it. So check it out at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~megpcmgs/

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Captain Henry Small of Falmouth/Portland, ME

Query:

Birth & Parentage: Capt Henry Small of Falmouth/Portland, Maine. According to his death certificate he was b 1769, Falmouth, Maine. Death: 22 Nov 1825 Dead at Sea, Capt of Brig to Havana; his body was returned to Portland, buried at Eastern Cemetery lot 11-12. Buried beside him is Timothy Small d. 1818 age 75, possibly father and 2nd wife Sarah (Wright) Small, also a part of Lot 11. Henry first married Jerusha “Rusha” Challis on 2 Nov 1791 in Falmouth/Portland, Maine. Jerusha died 17 Mar 1810. Children by first marriage according to 1800 census were three sons and one dau.; all under the age of 10 years. We found the birth of Nathaniel May 1799 and his sister Mary Apr. 1796, both born in Portland. However, two sons are still a mystery, plus other children were born to Henry and Jerusha, because we found Emily b 4 Jan 1810 about 10 weeks prior to her mother’s death on 17 March 1810. Henry remarried to a Sarah Wright Oct 1810 in Portland, Maine. Children by his second marriage were: George b. 4 Oct 1813 and Sarah b. 18 Mar 1816 also born in Portland. Found info on Henry years as a Captain. Maine Marine Historical has the information on his years as a Master-Captain for Asa Clapp, schooner Susan, etc. Please contact me if you have any information.

Thank you Christine Morrill; morrillca@hotmail.com

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

State Shut Down Days

Maine residents are more than familiar with the shut down days being imposed upon state workers following the budget crunch being experienced by the state government. For those living out of state or for those in Maine who may not be familiar with all the dates, please make note of the following days when the state offices, which includes the Archives and State Library, will be closed in 2011 so you can plan your trips accordingly.

Friday 14 January 2010
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Friday, 18 March 2011
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
Friday, 27 May 2011

Friday, January 14, 2011

Seeking Ancestry of Daniel Brown

BROWN

Seeking ancestry of DANIEL BROWN who died between 23 Jun 1818 & 19 Dec 1825 in Lincolnville , Maine . DANIEL and his wife SALLY came from Edgecomb to Lincolnville about 1794. There are several BROWN families in Edgecomb in the 18th century. There are also several BROWN-STEVENS marriages according to the Edgecomb Vital records. Would like to correspond with anyone who has researched these families or has knowledge of them.

Pam Eagleson (peagleson@yahoo.com), 25 Woodland Ave. Kennebunk ME 04043