Great-Grandfather Daniel S. Posten and the 1900 census

July 20, 2017September 13, 2017 / Susan M. Posten Ellerbee / Leave a comment

Question: Where did great-grandfather Daniel S. Posten live in 1900?

This blog post outlines one experience in my Genealogy Do-Over journey. “Tracking Research” and “Conducting Research” are the topics for Month 4 (April 2017). OK, so I’m still behind on some of my lessons. And, I am still working on improving my research practices. I want to share one example of how the system worked for me.

Here is a copy of my original family group sheet (FGS) for paternal great-grandfather Daniel S. Posten.

Posten_Daniel _S_FGS_ca 1988026

The yellowish color of the paper and the form itself suggest that this is one of my earliest attempts, probably started about 1987. Entries are written in pen and pencil and may have been made at different times. This was definitely a work-in-progress! For the Genealogy Do-Over, I used a different form and re-wrote the FGS. I have confirmed a lot of information so the entries are neater and more complete. I started entering trees online in 2001 and Dad’s tree would have been one of the first.

Write your name (as preparer) and date on each form. Many forms have space for this information. In general, use a pen to write information that you can confirm. Use pencil, different color ink, or highlighter for information that needs to be confirmed.

A research log is the way to track research efforts. I am beginning to see the log as a diary of sorts about the journey. As I filled out the log and other documentation forms for Daniel, I found several gaps. Daniel was born in 1859 and died in 1918. I downloaded a copy of his death certificate in 2010 and received an original copy (dated 1979) from a cousin in 2012. That original copy has been scanned and placed in acid-free, archival quality sleeve in Posten binder.

One way to track our ancestors is through the United States federal census, conducted every 10 years since 1790. Census records are available through 1940. States also conducted censuses at random times. A list of state censuses can be found here: https://www.census.gov/history/www/genealogy/other_resources/state_censuses.html

From previous searches, I tracked Daniel in 1860[1], 1880[2], and 1910[3]. After his death, Lizzie (Elizabeth Phoebe Fulkerson), his wife, was listed with my grandparents in 1920[4] and with another daughter, Bertha Posten Brack, in 1930.[5] Lizzie died in 1938. All of this information was entered on the newly created research log in May 2017. I hadn’t really noticed the gap until I filled out the research log for Daniel. Yes, this gap should also be apparent from the genealogy software program listing of events for Daniel. There is a note for 1870 with Daniel’s parents: “Family moved to Pittston about 1870; date from obituaries for both James and his wife, Meriam.” Since Daniel would have been with his parents in 1870, I decided to conduct that search later.

Where were Daniel and Lizzie in 1900? Have I searched before and not found anything? If so, what and where did I search? With no research log, the answer is: “I don’t know.” Action item for To-Do List: “Locate 1900 census record for Daniel S. Posten. Target Resources: Ancestry, FamilySearch, census books at OK History Center. Start West Pittston.” Why start in West Pittston? Because that’s where the family lived in 1910.

And, here’s the rest of the story. Date: July 11, 2017: In depth review of records for great-grandparents, Daniel S. Posten and Elizabeth Phoebe Fulkerson. Research goal for day: Locate 1900 census record. Start with West Pittston, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. Go to Ancestry website. West Pittston has 3 districts, with about 50 pages of census records for each. Big Sigh!! District #1 – no luck. Stretch, get water and a snack.

Look at family group sheet again. Three of their 8 children were born around 1900: Bertha in 1895, Martha Jane in 1898, and Samuel in 1901. Birthplace for those 3 children is listed as Ransom Township, Lackawanna county, Pennsylvania. Check sources – obituaries and death certificates for Bertha, Martha and Samuel. Maybe I was looking in the wrong place! Go to census record for Ransom Township. Only 22 pages! And, success! On Page 3B, Danial S. Poster (as transcribed), wife Lizzie, and 6 children. [6]

Research goal met! Additional information from 1900 census—Lizzie is recorded as mother of 6 children with 6 children living. On 1910 census, she is recorded as mother of 8 children with 7 living. The two census records combined support a fact recorded by others, with no documentation, that another child, Ida, was born about 1903 and died about 1908. I am still searching for Ida.

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REFLECTION: Using the research log, I identified that I didn’t know where Daniel and his family lived in 1900. I initially used only one clue, residence in West Pittston in 1910, to find them. I only searched one website because that is the one that I am most comfortable with. I met research goal for this session and didn’t follow any BSOs . I downloaded census record immediately and recorded information on research log and genealogy software. Total time spent: about 45 minutes. If I had looked at FGS closer before beginning, I might have noticed reported birthplace of children as Ransom Township and avoided searching 50 pages of West Pittston census. Transcription of surname as “Poster” may have been an issue. Since I hadn’t filled out a research log before May, 2017, it is possible that I had previously looked in West Pittston and Pittston, found nothing, then became discouraged and stopped searching. Suggestion for future: Review all documents to narrow search criteria. Recognize that notes on research log may have been written at end of a long day and may or may not reflect the best search criteria. Continue creation of research logs for direct ancestors in Posten line. Vary websites and other sources so I can become more familiar with each.

Participating in the Genealogy Do-over is helpful although frustrating at times. Slowing down to complete specific tasks is still a challenge. I am now working on Dad’s great-grandparents. Citations are getting easier. When I print an item, I often add more information about the source than what is printed. In the last month, I started 2 new projects, using improved techniques and tools. TO DO: midyear review. Read Genealogy Do-Over, Months 4-6 again!

[1] 1860 U.S. census, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, Price Twp., p. 76 (penned), dwelling 516, family 691, Daniel S. Posten : digital images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 2012); citing National Archives microfilm publication M653, roll 1142.

[2] 1880 U.S. census, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania population schedule, Pittston, Enumeration District [ED] 136, p. 18B (penned), dwelling 163, family 177, Daniel Bostons [Posten]: digital images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 2012); citing National Archives microfilm publication T9, roll 1150, image 0464.

[3] 1910 U.S. census, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania population schedule, West Pittston, Enumeration District [ED] 127, p. 17B (penned), family 405, Daniel S. Paster [Posten]: digital images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 2012); citing National Archives microfilm publication T624, roll 1370, image 528.

[4] 1920 U.S. Census, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, pop.sch., Ransom Twp., enumeration district (ED) 93, p. 6B, Family #118, Elizabeth Posten; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed, viewed, downloaded 13 December 2016); citing National Archives and Records Administration. Roll T625_1578.

[5] 1930 U.S. Federal Census, Lackawanna county, Pennsylvania, population schedule, Scranton, enumeration district (ED) 26, p. 2B (penned), Elizabeth Posten mother-in-law, 69; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed, viewed, printed 13 Dec 2016); citing National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Washington, D. C.. Microfilm publication T626, Roll 2052, Image 187.0.

[6] 1900 U.S. census, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania population schedule, Ransom Twp, Enumeration District [ED] 40, p. 3B (penned), dwelling 42, family 43, Danial S. Poster [Daniel S. Posten]: digital images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 11 Jul 2017); from National Archives microfilm publication T623, roll 1419.

Grandmother’s dish towels

July 10, 2017September 13, 2017 / Susan M. Posten Ellerbee / Leave a comment

Do you remember your grandmother’s dish towels? The ones with the ‘to-do list’ for the housewife?

Wash on Monday

Iron on Tuesday

Mend on Wednesday

Clean on Thursday

Shop on Friday

Bake on Saturday

Rest on Sunday

One Monday, I printed our paternal grandparents’ family group sheet for my brother. He has limited internet access and wanted print copies of group sheets for grandparents and each of their children. I printed family group sheets for two of my dad’s five siblings, and group sheets for their children. I was about one-third of the way done with the project. The project includes multiple tasks associated with the Genealogy Do-Over , specifically tracking and conducting research (Month 4) , citing sources (month 5), and evaluating evidence (Month 6). Minimal tracking, inconsistent citation of sources, token notes to locate source records and nominal documentation of my thought processes are among the things that I am trying to improve.

I went to bed about midnight. As I dozed off to sleep, I thought about those dish towels. How does this apply to my work week as a genealogist? Well, here is a version to ponder.

Monday: Wash. Pick one item (or a basketful) from your family tree. Look at the facts and sources. Fill in research log.

Tuesday: Iron. Iron out the wrinkles. What information is inconsistent? What information is consistent? Identify the holes and gaps. Complete research log, including appropriate citations. Create to-do list.

Wednesday: Mend. Search for information to fill in gaps and close holes. Check analysis again and revise as needed. Trace the threads of indirect evidence.

Thursday: Clean. Clean digital and paper files. Discard extra copies of documents. Review documents and analysis again. What did you miss? What still needs to be done?

Friday: Shop. Shop for items/ information. Use a new source.

Saturday: Bake. Put item in your mental oven and bake slowly for 24 hours. Test for doneness at regular intervals. Remove and set out to cool.

Sunday: Rest. Allow item to rest for an indefinite period of time. Pick up another item and set plan for next week. Question: Do genealogists ever really rest???

Did I follow that plan? Well, sort of. . .

Monday: Citations in genealogy software program need washing. Washed and dried 2 loads – for Grandpa (John Ray Posten) & Grandma (Jennie Amelia Richards) Posten. Sorted citations for their 6 children, one of whom is my dad. Used templates in program and Evidence Explained book.

Tuesday: Continuation of Monday. Added information from LaCoe family history [1] (privately published 2010) about Grandpa & Grandma Posten’s grandchildren. Individual worksheets completed for each of dad’s siblings but not for each of their spouses – filling these in as I go. Started research logs for each of dad’s 5 siblings.

Wednesday: Answered emails from DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) prospective members – 1^st draft of one application sent to prospective member. Continuation of Monday and Tuesday for Posten family group sheet project. Found digital copies of death certificates for dad’s brothers; digital and paper copies placed in appropriate files; citations added to genealogy software program.

Thursday: Continuation of Monday and Tuesday for Posten family group sheet project. Followed one BSO – George G. Posten, son of James D. Posten and Meriam Mills and great-grandparents of Grandpa [John Ray] Posten). Volunteer work at local library. Checked cloud storage—discovered that files must be saved to the cloud program first, then can be synced to personal computer. I was hoping to leave files on personal computer and only use cloud storage as backup. To-do: Continue to explore how to use cloud storage programs effectively.

Friday: Continuation of Monday and Tuesday for Posten family group sheet project. Where did I put obituary of Joe Carpenter (grandson of Grandpa Posten’s sister and an avid genealogist)? OK, his obituary isn’t really relevant for the current project but will be for the next one. Scanned, filed, and created citations for 4 documents received from another cousin. Original copies of documents placed in newly created ‘Posten BMD Certificates & Pictures’ notebook. Office supply store for ink.

Saturday: Continuation of Monday and Tuesday for Posten family group sheet project. Followed one BSO – 1^st husband (William Allen) of dad’s sister, Grace; his grandfather was born in Scotland and his grandmother was born in England. Started research log with complete citations and links; downloaded and copied documents for files. Bought 3 reams of paper at a garage sale.

Sunday: Continuation of same. Estimated time of completion—next week??

[1] Susan A. LaCoe, Lenay LaCoe Blackwell, and Velma Sue Miller, compilers/ updaters, Commemorative Record of LaCoe Family: Containing Biographical Sketches and Genealogy. Illustrated. 1750-2010, Martha L. LaCoe, compiler of first edition, edition 2010 (Pennsylvania: Privately published, 2010), pp. 45-51.

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Analysis of experience: Who knew that printing family group sheets for 3 generations of a family would take so long? I thought that I could do this in one, maybe two, afternoons. I have now spent 20+ hours on this project – not counting the BSO times! Correcting and verifying citations in genealogy software program is taking up most of the time. Doing this now will save time later when I revise the Posten history written in 2012.

Addendum (one week later): Family group sheets for Grandpa & Grandma Posten, their 6 children, and multiple grandchildren are printed and ready for mailing to my brother. Items for 2 people still need to be entered on research logs. The act of writing down or typing a complete citation for each item forces me to slow down and think about the document – what does the document really say about this person? How does this help my research? What is next step? I am proud of myself for not following several BSOs for distant relatives, such as mother-in-law of 2^nd cousin. For the next generation (my great- grandparents and their children), I want to continue researching one generation back about spouses of my great-aunts and uncles. Files on great-grandparents are complete but files on their children are not. For now, continue to focus on Posten family.

Genealogy Do-Over: Months 2 – 5

May 2, 2017September 13, 2017 / Susan M. Posten Ellerbee / Leave a comment

It’s May 1 and Month 5 topics for the Genealogy Do-Over have just been posted. Oh no! I am only about halfway through Month 2! However, I did work ahead. This is where my pessimism—the glass half-empty rather than half full—kicks in. I feel so overwhelmed! Stop! Take a deep breath! Slow down!

Get out my Genealogy Do-Over notebook. Check goals. Were the goals realistic? Too many goals? Think positive – what have I done since January? List goals that have been met:

Color coded paper files. Identified color scheme for direct lines, collateral families, and possibly related families. Placed documents for direct lines in appropriate color files according to plan. (month 1 goal – completed month 4)
Reviewed documents for 60+ families, 14-18 families for each set of parents. Filled in research checklists & biographical outlines for direct ancestors and their spouses. Completed family group sheets for many siblings of direct ancestors. (see #1).
Identified, in writing, research practices to be improved. (month 1)
Created folders for myself, husband and each parent. Located & filed BMD certificates. (month 2)
Created family group sheets for my brother & sister, husband’s sister, our parents. (months 2 & 3)

Insight – creating group sheets for self, siblings & parents. This seems like such a ‘I should have had a V-8’ moment! V8 juice I have documents. I enter information in my RootsMagic program on a regular basis. But, the documents were not well organized. And, sources? Inconsistent.

Adopted research log format (focus of Month 4). Started 11 research logs. This topic is subject of a later blog post.
Bought items to help with organization, note taking and source citation. (months 1, 2, 4, 5).
1. Evidence Explained book[1]
2. Evernote computer program and book[2], [3]
3. Forms template CD[4]
Ordered selected documents based on review (see #2). Priority: 1 generation at a time!
1. Maternal grandmother – birth, death, marriage. Birth certificate received on 14 April 2017. See Month 2, Part 1 for details.
2. Maternal grandfather – birth certificate already in file. Ordered death certificate.
3. Obtained BMD certificates for husband’s grandparents in 2013 during genealogy field trip to Texas.
Started a blog (suggested month 1; done month 4).

To be done:

Fill in research log for self, husband, parents, parents-in-law. If time permits, research logs for grandparents (if needed, defer to next month).
Set up notebooks for originals of documents. Includes dividers.
Scan documents sent by 2^nd cousin. Place originals in notebook.
Order vital records, as needed & available, for grandparents & great-grandparents.
Conduct interviews: self, husband, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister (from Month 3).
Identify specific proof points needing source for grandparents. Create master list for quick reference. When done, do same for great-grandparents.

Ongoing goals/ non priority items:

Place documents for collateral families and possibly related families in appropriate color files. Include family group sheet, research checklist, individual worksheet and biographical outline. Start with brother-in-law, then nephew.
Digital files: Rename media using standardized format. Link media to events and facts.

Deferred Goals:

Digital files: Cite sources using standard, accepted format. Focus for Month 5.

Now that it’s all on paper, I can see progress! This brings me back to my reason for participating in the Genealogy Do-Over program. Slow down! Take your time! Change what hasn’t worked! Learn something new!

[1] Elizabeth Shown Mills. Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace. Third editon. (Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2015).

[2] Kerry Scott. How to use Evernote for Genealogy (Cincinnati, OH: Family Tree Books, 2015).

[3] Evernote Corporation, Evernote for Windows ®, 2017. (https://evernote.com/ : accessed & downloaded 10 Jan 2017)

[4] Family Tree Magazine. Essential Family Tree Forms Library CD (New York City: F & W Media, 2014).

Genealogy Do-Over: Month 1

April 13, 2017September 13, 2017 / Susan M. Posten Ellerbee / Leave a comment

This post is a summary of my plans and accomplishments for Month 1 of my Genealogy Do-Over. First question is: how did I find out about the Genealogy Do-over? As I remember (it has been 4 months now), I knew that I needed to re-organize my genealogy files. But, I wasn’t sure how or where to start. The job seemed overwhelming with multiple family lines. When I converted from Family Tree Maker to RootsMagic™ in January, 2016, I joined the RootsMagic facebook group. Someone in that group mentioned the Do-Over and I went looking. At last, structure and directions!

Focus for Month 1 is ‘Setting research aside’ and ‘preparing to research’ (Source: Thomas MacAntee, The Genealogy Do-over returns for 2017 ( http://www.geneabloggers.com/genealogy-month-1-january-2017 : accessed 2 Jan 2017). You mean that I won’t actually be doing any genealogy research for awhile? OK, I’m in! Goals: organize files (digital & paper), review documents, list current research habits.

DISCLAIMER: I adapted ideas from others.

Goal #1: Organize files.

Move scattered media files for each family tree to one location on computer. Results: Completed 16 Jan 2017. Created a media folder for each family tree. Moved media from various locations to respective media folders. New research habit: place media item in appropriate media folder as soon as item is copied or downloaded. Decide rule for naming media items. Follow rule.
Color code paper files. Results: Purchased colored file folders in January, 2017. Assigned color to each family tree (father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, nephew, brother-in-law). Filing system: direct line ancestors in colored folders; siblings, children, cousins, other non-direct line persons in manila folders with appropriately colored dots. Completed conversion of files for parents & parents-in-laws to new system as of today (13 April 2017).
Consistent paper trail for each family/ person. So many choices! I have multiple samples of family group sheets, research logs, tracking sheets, migration/ biography sheets. Executive decision to use these forms:
1. 5- generation pedigree. Created from home person (father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in law) for each tree from RootsMagic. Circled specific generation in the paper file and placed this as first page in each file. Reason: rapid identification of where this particular family fits.
2. Family Group Sheet: National Archives & Records Administration (NARA). 2- page (or front and back) form with space for 15 children. Limitation: No designated space to add compiler & date compiled. I add this information at the bottom of the sheet.
3. Individual worksheet: Midwest Genealogy Center, Mid-Continent Public Library System, Missouri. Fillable PDF.
4. Research checklist: Midwest Genealogy Center,Mid-Continent Public Library System, Missouri . Fillable PDF.
5. Biographical outline: Excerpted from The Unpuzzling Your Past Workbook, copyright 1996 by Emily Anne Croom. Used with permission of Betterway Books, a division of F&W publications, Cincinnati, Ohio. Check your local library for a copy of this book

Goal #2: Review documents. Ongoing; subject for a later post.

Goal #3: List current research habits that need repair:

Following leads wherever the search takes me. Remedy: Set specific objective for each session. Stop when objective met. Repeat as needed and as time permits.
Following rabbit trails (aka “bright shining objects” — Thanks, Thomas MacAntee for that insight!). Remedy: STOP. Go to Remedy #1.
Inconsistent citations/ documentation of sources. Remedy: Use RootsMagic source citation templates. (Note: deferred for now). Buy Evidence Explained book (done); consult EE website as needed. Document sources immediately.
Relying too much on online family trees. Also, not transferring data/ documents to RootsMagic trees. Remedy: Use other resources. Transfer data/ documents as soon as possible after review, ideally before ending session.
Rare use of research logs. Remedy: Locate or design research log format. Test use of research log. Outcome: Decided to use research log created by Thomas MacAntee. Test case: subject for another post.