Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter - Plus Edition

Genealogists often use terms that are not familiar to “outsiders.” Most of these terms become familiar soon after we get involved in searching for our family trees. We soon speak of pedigree charts, enumerators, Henry numbers, fan charts, and more. However, one term we do not hear often pops up occasionally: Kekule Numbers.

The German mathematician Stephan Kekule of Stradonitz (1863-1933) was a genealogist as well as the son of famed mathematician and chemist Friedrich August Kekulé. He used a numbering system to show relationships in text format. In German-speaking counties, lists of names created with Stephan Kekule’s numbers are still referred to by his name: Kekule numbers. However, in English-speaking countries the same numbers in lists would be called “ahnentafel numbers.”

At the recent Family History Expo in St. George, Utah, I had a chance to spend some time with Allison Stacy, Editor of Family Tree Magazine. She is an experienced genealogist, a journalist and an editor. Allison discussed the many articles being published in Family Tree Magazine, a "how-to" publication that features articles about genealogy basics, how to find records, product reviews, web site reviews, etc.

The following article was written by and copyright by George G. Morgan. Please do not forward this to others or republish it elsewhere without the author's permission.

I sent a package of genealogical information to all my first cousins on my mother’s side of the family a few months ago. They were all very interested, and it quickly became obvious that they had all thoroughly read the more than 50 pages of the descendant’s report and notes enclosed. How do I know that? That’s because almost all of the cousins called me within about ten days. All were complimentary about the detailed research, but some of them took exception to some of the information included. I expected that, but I was really surprised that they had also read the citations for the facts I had included. Read on, and you will understand what this process included and the responses I received.

Fourteen thousand slave manifests have been unveiled at the Atlanta Black Family History Symposium at the National Archives for the Southeast Region in Morrow, in Clayton County, Georgia. The documents track slaves in the late 18th century and the 19th century who came to Savannah, Mobile, Charleston, Beaufort, or Jekyll Island. There are also some manifests from Africa.

I suspect that quite a few readers of this newsletter know Matt Wright. Those folks may not know that Matt has switched employers. The following announcement was written by FamilyLink.com:

After eight years at Ancestry.com Matt Wright recently joined FamilyLink.com as director of editorial and print products, bringing with him a wealth of genealogical experience, expertise and connections in the industry.

Ken McGinnis is Vice-President of Millennia Corporation, publishers of Legacy Family Tree, one of the leading genealogy programs for Windows. He and partner Dave Berdan have been publishing Legacy Family Tree for twelve years. Their program is easy-to-use and appeals to computer and genealogy novices and experts alike. It also has a great price: the Standard Version is FREE while the DeLuxe Edition sells for $29.95.

I had a chance to talk with Ken at the recent Genealogy and Family Heritage Expo in St. George, Utah. Ken described many of the features of Legacy Family Tree. He also brought along a large "billboard" that illustrated many of the reports available.

Synium Software has released a fully functional public beta of the company's latest version of its flagship product, MacFamilyTree. Mac users can download the new beta release as a free demo. The new version adds fan charts and a media browser and has been substantially improved in media handling, diagramming, and editing of genealogy data.

The company's announcement states that fan charts were among the most frequently requested features. The new release adds fully configurable charts that are easy to edit. Standard settings give you quick results, while you may still fit the fan charts to your needs with just a few clicks.

Interested in taking a genealogy cruise? There are several to choose from. One of the cruises is available right now for $50 off per person.  To qualify for the RootsMagic Cruise Early Bird Discount, you must be booked and deposits paid no later than this coming Monday, February 25th.

Disembarking September 28, this year's speakers will include:

Elizabeth Shown Mills
George G. Morgan (well known in this newsletter)
Diana Crisman Smith
Gary M. Smith
Dick Eastman (also well known in this newsletter)

One of the things I enjoy most about genealogy conferences and expos is the opportunity to talk with people. I learn a lot from talking both with long-time friends as well as with newcomers. If the RootsTelevision video crew is around, we often record these conversations.

At the recent Genealogy and Family Heritage Expo in St. George, Utah, I had a chance to talk with long-time friend Pat Richley, a.k.a. "DearMYRTLE." She is a delightful person and always has something interesting to say, as you can see by the video at http://www.rootstelevision.com/players/player_conferences.php?bctid=1423436174.

The following announcement was written by FamilySearch, part of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City:

SALT LAKE CITY - FamilySearch announced today the release of a free new research tool that will help those with Finnish roots to find their ancestors. The research guide, Finding Records of Your Ancestors, Finland, features easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, colorful graphics, and tear-out worksheets. A free copy can be viewed or printed online at FamilySearch.org.

The Finding Records of Your Ancestors, Finland helps take the guesswork out of Finnish genealogical research by simplifying the process and giving users a specific, proven strategy to use. In an inviting workbook style, the guide will show users which records to search, what to look for, and what tools to use. It colorfully outlines the steps and tools needed to navigate Finnish records to find ancestors. Users will learn where to start, how to find and use Finnish records, and what unique elements to look for in the records. The booklet provides expert advice every step of the way in a highly illustrative, user-friendly manner.