Blog
Practical advice for the work behind the collections.
This week’s #FridayFind is a marriage fraud!
On September 27, 1908, Anton and Rosa de Mercurio secured a marriage certificate, claiming they wed in Italy to avoid Missouri's prohibition on cousin marriages. However, they never obtained a marriage license, risking a $500 fine.
This week’s #FridayFind is an unfortunate cause of death.
Backlog often uncovers unusual details, but Maria Eveslage’s death record takes the cake: at 69, she’s listed as dying of hemorrhoids. Couldn’t it just say “natural causes”?
This week’s #FridayFind is a pair of early 20th century census annotations!
In the 1920 census, Jack Sabin's mother tongue is listed as "Russian," with "OL" (Other Language) above it and "Rom" (Romania) above "Bessarabia," reflecting the region's complex linguistic and political history.
Last week’s find was the craftwork of a silversmith. This week’s #FridayFind is how you can find said craftwork.
Curious if your ancestor left behind physical items from their occupation? Beyond censuses and directories, explore databases like Ancestry’s “U.S., Craftsperson Files, 1600-1995” to uncover their craft and connections!
We may be a few days late for April Fools’ Day, but this week’s #FridayFind is no joke!
In 1885, Enoch Beakley, leader of a counterfeit money ring, was arrested after officers found molds for forging gold and silver coins in his home. Hundreds of dollars had already been circulated. Have you discovered any crimes in your family history?
This week’s #FridayFind is a full house, even by 20th-century standards.
Multigenerational households often include grandparents or young adults, but imagine five generations under one roof! In 1952, the Keelings of 902 West 39th Street, Kansas City, ranged from 2-year-old Stephen to their 98-year-old great-great-grandmother.
Happy Women’s History Month! This week’s #FridayFind is a 20th-century career woman.
The 1940 Federal Census shows Bernice Clark earned $780 (about $17,000 today) as a uniform inspector—32% above the median income for women and more than any other member of her family, regardless of gender.
This week’s #FridayFind is an elusive date of death.
Did you know baptismal records can sometimes include a death date? While rare—especially for those who emigrated—it’s not impossible. For instance, John Meyer’s record notes, “obiit 1878 Juni 18,” providing a key detail about his life.
This week’s #FridayFind is grand theft!
On July 9, 1898, St. Louis grocer Henry Sauer left his wagon briefly while running errands at Union Station—only to return and find it gone! Curious about what happened next? Check out the full story in the picture above.