Sometimes I get really bored just looking at some of my research. Other times, I'm just avoiding doing something else so I'll look up weird things. Tonight, I wasn't going to get online at all. You know because of the "big game" that is on. But, I decided I could multitask. I wanted to find out if there was some way to know where a certain district was located in my county during the 1860s. I was literally Googling and reading when I came across the Classified Population of the States and Territories by Counties, June 1st, 1860. Right? Doesn't everyone just run across these sorts of items when they are being random? So much better than surfing penquins..... Okay, maybe not quite. Of course, I can't just sit and read through these sort of things. I live in Alabama so I'm focused on learning more about specific populations within Alabama and more importantly within the county where I live. I scroll through and see that there were 37 Free Colored persons. It is further broken down by 27 Free Black persons and 10 free mulatto persons. Wow. Cool info. I'm fascinated by information and many of you may find this document boring. Regardless of how boring it is, I scroll down all the way to the last page and eventually come to "Occupations". While interesting in of itself, I become obsessed with finding the ONES. You know, that ONE guy who does an occupation all by himself and no one else has that skill around him. When I get to "Umbrella Manufacturer" I decide heck, let's see if I can find this guy. Where is this ONE guy who makes umbrellas in Alabama in 1860. Approximately 30 seconds later, and Bingo. I heard your brain say, "How in the world did she do that?" ... Seriously, I've said this before, and I'll say it again. I am a really great Googler. In this case, I didn't actually use Google, but Ancestry.com. But it's the same concept. I don't box myself in to a set term or phrase or a person's name and how it's spelled. You TOO can be a great Googler. Here is how. What information did I know? I knew three things. It was 1860, In Alabama and someone was an Umbrella Manufacturer. I go to Ancestry's Card Catalog under the SEARCH category. Once on the Card Catalog, I find the 1860 United States Federal Census. I simply put in the information I'm positive of. Let me show you the results that came up with that search, though, if you are following along, you can do the same thing and see for yourself. Either way, Here is what appeared in the results list: Indeed, Mr. McGuire is the only person who has the term "Umbrella" in his occupation. (Insert "Show me the money" joke at your own risk.) More fascinating that that, if you know your history well, is that his wife is from Scotland! I've now spent several hours learning about Mr & Mrs McGuire.
There is not a giant search secret that we withhold from our clients. Most of the time, it's simply knowing what you can do with the information that allows you to be successful. Now that I've sufficiently delayed my own research agenda for the day, I'm satisfied enough to continue my Adventures In Genealogy tomorrow! Give it some practice and do some adventuring yourself. You can do it!
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AuthorMichele is an obsessed mother of 4 residing in North Alabama. Hobbies include long walks in the woods, on the beach and in strange cemeteries and libraries. Genealogy friends need only apply. Categories
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