I can’t believe it is almost the end of another year. This year was full of changes for me – good changes! I am finally able to focus on genealogy full-time and am working toward apply for certification with the Board for Certification of Genealogists.
This year I focused on more in-depth research. First, I was able to track my maternal 2nd great-grandfather (Thomas) beyond the 1900 census in Ashe County, North Carolina. His wife, my 2GGM, died sometime between 1900 and 1910, although I have not been able to locate a death certificate. My GF lived with his son in Johnson County, TN and Carter County, TN in 1910 and 1920.
A compilation of records suggest that Thomas married once, possibly twice) after the death of his first wife. His last marriage occurred on 26 May 1920, and his estate was administered in 1928 by an individual with the same first initial as the wife from the 1920 marriage record. A Civil War pension file lends credibility to this hypothesis. Of interest is the fact that Thomas only served in the Civil War for one month. He was trampled by a runaway horse, and subsequently discharged. If not for this, my great grandmother may have never been born!
Second, I began a research project to identify the father of my paternal 2nd great-grandmother, Nancy, who was born about 1819. Women were not specifically identified on census records until 1850. This is still a work-in-progress, but I have narrowed the field to two men. This project will continue into the new year.
Finally, I have two DNA projects in the works. One is to confirm the identity of my paternal 2nd great-grandfather. I have been working on this for about a year. DNA research is not my strongest skill, so I think I need to talk to someone with a bit more experience. The other DNA project involves my maternal grandfather. Based on DNA, it appears that his father was an NPE (non-paternity event), meaning that his father was not either one of his mother’s husbands. I have identified one branch of that tree and am working to narrow it down.
This year was also a big year for genealogical education. I completed the American Genealogical Studies series through the National Genealogical Society. I attended (virtually) the East Coast Genetic Genealogy Conference, which was two days full of great presentations by the pros in the field. I participated in Mastering Genealogical Proof with Cyndi Ingle, which was fantastic! I was also honored to volunteer as a Peer Group Leader for the Research Like a Pro course through FamilyLocket.com.
I am currently volunteering one afternoon a week in the reference library at my local historical society. While my personal research is focused in North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, it is nice to work on more local projects. Having worked in the legal field, I am quite familiar with finding local court documents, etc.
What’s up next in 2023?
My ultimate goal is to become a certified genealogist, and offer services to the public (as well as continue with some other volunteer projects). My first course of 2023 will be “Fundamentals of Forensic Genealogy” through the SLIG (Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy) Academy. I am super excited for this course!
My application has been accepted for the ProGen Study Groups, which I hope will begin sometime in early spring. This study group helps to prepare for the certification process.
I intend to file my application for certification sometime this year. I will have one year to submit my portfolio for review, but I hope to have it submitted way before the end of that deadline!
Finally, I hope to begin offering services to the public on a limited basis sometime this year. Stay tuned!!
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