📰 A short, sweet, and beginner-friendly newsletter that drops helpful genealogy tips, free resources, and tools to make your family history research easier (and way less overwhelming).
What to expect:
Genealogy guidance in plain English
Mistake-saving tools & cheat sheets
Updates on new blog posts and Etsy goodies
Zero spam. Zero drama.
Think of it as research help from a Gen X friend who’s been in the archives and survived to tell the tale.
You’ll see your first official issue on August 1, and after that, just a couple times a month.
And hey, if you ever feel like it’s not your thing, you can unsubscribe anytime—but I hope you’ll stick around. There’s good stuff coming. 😉
Talk soon and remember, Share Their Stories! Marlee @ Loganalogy 🌳
John Logan was born in 1699 in Ahoghill, Antrim, Ireland1. (It is referenced that his father was from Restalrig, a suburb of Edinburgh, Scotland.) Restalrig is notable because my mother shared that my father named his ranch in Washington State “Restalrig.”
John Logan arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1717 and married Margaret Carr in 1723. Margaret, born in Massachusetts about 1703, remains a subject of ongoing research. The gap between John’s arrival and their marriage—six years—is a mystery still waiting to be unraveled. Together, they had eight children: seven sons and two daughters.
Service During the American Revolution
Two of their sons, John and Mathew, served under General George Washington during the battle for New York City in the American War for Independence. After the Continental Army became surrounded, Washington orchestrated a strategic nighttime evacuation to Philadelphia. John and Mathew likely endured the hardships of Valley Forge later on.2
Roots in Voluntown, Connecticut
John Logan founded the Logan family in Washington, Connecticut, and was descended from a lineage of Scotch barons. Their ancestral home, Logan, in Ayrshire, lent its name to the family. John immigrated with a group of Scotch Presbyterians led by Reverend Samuel Dorrance, a University of Glasgow graduate. After facing numerous challenges, the group traveled from Marblehead Harbor and Boston to Connecticut. There, they purchased Volunteer Grants in Voluntown and established the Presbyterian church on Ekonk Hill.3
The Scotch-Irish Influence in Connecticut
“John Logan, the founder of the Washington family, was descended from a long line of Scotch barons deriving their name, Celtic in origin, from the ancestral home, Logan, in Ayrshire. He came from the north of Ireland with the Gordons, Kassons, Keigwins, Parkes, Wylies, and other Scotch Presbyterians, under the leadership of Reverend Samuel Dorrance, a graduate of the University of Glasgow.
Their party, after experiencing a great many unusual difficulties, came from Marblehead Harbor and Boston to Connecticut, and buying up the Volunteer grants at Voluntown, forming the nucleus of the Presbyterian church Ekonk hill.”3
The Rising Sun Inn and the Logan Legacy
In 1748, John Logan built the Rising Sun Inn at 6 Romford Road in Washington, Connecticut. Originally a 1-1/2-story, five-bay lean-to house, it underwent significant renovations in the early 19th century. Matthew Logan, John’s son, expanded the house, adding three bays to the north, raising the roof to two stories, and incorporating a ballroom. The surrounding property features a historic barn, and photographs from the Sunny Ridge Historic District highlight additional barns that once stood behind the house.
A black-and-white postcard from July 1913 depicts the Logan Homestead—formerly the Rising Sun Inn—with its clapboard façade, dark trim, and multi-paned windows. The Gunn Historical Museum archives this image, offering a glimpse into the home’s storied past.5
Interesting Note: The Rising Sun symbol was associated with Edward III and appears in the arms of Ireland. It also served as a favorable omen for businesses and inns during that era.6
The Church on the Green: The First Two Centuries of the First Congregational Church at Washington, Connecticut
We are related to the Hollister family. A Hollister Logan lived at the Logan homestead. I have a letter from her (actually, a friend wrote it for her as she was in her 90s.)
The Church on the Green: The First Two Centuries of the First Congregational Church at Washington, Connecticut
Family Connections and Tragedy
John married Dorcas Root around 1771 after the death of his first wife, Margaret. Dorcas was previously married to John Royce; he died in 1760. Their daughter, Azubah, married John Logan, Jr. This makes John and Dorcas my double-sixth great-grandparents.
Dorcas died on 07 January 1777, at age 58. John Logan, Sr. passed away on 2 December 1777, at age 77, in Washington, Connecticut, during a year marked by a smallpox epidemic. His grandson, Matthew, also died that year at age 2. While it’s uncertain if smallpox caused their deaths, it remains a likely possibility.
The Logan Lineage
The Gunn Historical Museumin the Washington Green Historic District holds numerous Logan artifacts, photographs, and stories. My connection to John Logan was confirmed through DNA testing, initially via a Yahoo group and later through collaboration with a distant cousin—the President of the Clan Logan Society International. Together, we aim to uncover the link between John Logan and his Scottish origins.
Logan name variations include Loban, Lobban, Loben, Logan, Logane, Logen, Loggan, Loggane, Loggans, and Login.
Discover more about the Lowland Logans by clicking below:
If you’re only using census records… you’re missing the soul of your ancestors’ story!
There’s a whole world of records out there just waiting to help you piece together the real lives behind the names.
As a Research Specialist, I dig deeper—uncovering documents that reveal personality, struggle, resilience, and real-life drama. That’s where the story lives.
🎶 Today’s vibe: Take On Me by a-ha — because I’m taking on the past, one ancestor at a time.
Not everyone grows up with Grandma or Grandpa telling wild tales of great-great-aunts or heroic ancestors. Sometimes, your family history is more like a locked treasure chest with no key. But don’t sweat it, you can still build your family tree, even if your parents or grandparents don’t have all the answers (or don’t want to talk about it).
Whether you’re an adoptee, part of a blended family, or just starting from scratch, there are beginner-friendly, free ways to piece together your roots. All you need is some curiosity, a dash of patience, and a willingness to get creative with records and timelines.
Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Start with What You Know — Even If It’s Not Much
Before you dive into all the fancy records, jot down what you already have. This might be:
Your full name and birthdate
Names of parents or guardians (even if you don’t know much about their past)
Places you or your family have lived
Any old family documents, photos, or letters you can find
Think of this as the “base camp” before climbing the genealogy mountain. It’s okay if your info is skinny; this is your launchpad.
Step 2: Use Census Records to Fill in the Blanks
Census records are like family snapshots taken every ten years by the government. They list who lived in a household, ages, occupations, and sometimes even relationships. Best part? Many census records are free and online.
How to do it:
Head over to free sites like FamilySearch or the National Archives.
Enter what you know—maybe a name and place—and see what pops up.
Look for family members, neighbors, or patterns that might clue you in on your ancestors.
If you don’t know exact names, don’t panic. Try searching by location and estimated years instead. It’s like detective work, but without a trench coat (unless that’s your style).
Step 3: Check City Directories for More Clues
City directories are old-school phone books listing people’s names, addresses, and jobs. They’re a big W for filling in gaps between censuses or when records are scarce.
Try this:
Search online archives or your local library’s digital collections for directories from towns your family lived in.
Look for your family’s last name to see where they lived and what they did.
This info helps build a timeline and confirms connections you find elsewhere.
Step 4: Build a Timeline to Connect the Dots
Once you gather bits of info, start organizing them chronologically. Write down birthdates, marriages, moves, jobs, and other key events. This timeline helps spot gaps or inconsistencies and makes your story clearer.
Pro tip: Use free tools like Google Sheets or just good old-fashioned pen and paper. Sometimes, doodling family timelines is more fun than a Netflix binge.
Step 5: Think Outside the Box — Creative Digging
If direct records are missing, look for indirect clues:
Newspaper archives for obituaries or announcements
Military records, if you suspect an ancestor served
Land deeds, wills, or probate records
Social media or online message boards for distant cousins who might have info
Every little piece helps—your family tree isn’t built in a day, but every leaf counts.
Final Thoughts
Building your family tree without stories from relatives can feel like assembling a giant jigsaw puzzle without the picture on the box. But with patience and these free tools, you’ll be amazed at what you can uncover. Remember, genealogy isn’t just about names and dates—it’s about reclaiming your story, one record at a time.
Ready to start your detective work? Grab your notebook, boot up your computer, and dig in. Your ancestors might be waiting to be found.
Need more help? Visit Loganalogy.com Research Specialist page! I offer guidance to streamline your research, provide expert tips, and help you build a family tree that future generations will cherish.
There’s something magical about holding a letter written by your ancestor—or reading their words passed down in a family collection. Old letters can fill in emotional and factual gaps in your family story.
These records often include names, dates, addresses, relationships, daily life details, and even firsthand accounts of historical events. Best of all? You can analyze them in just 10 minutes.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
The original or a scanned letter
Pen and paper or a document editor
Optional: a magnifying glass or photo editing tool to enhance old handwriting
Don’t have any letters? Ask relatives! You’d be surprised what’s tucked in trunks, drawers, and attics.
Step-by-Step: How to Analyze Old Letters in 10 Minutes
1. Read the Letter Straight Through
Don’t get bogged down with hard-to-read words at first. Read it like a story. Ask yourself:
Who is writing, and to whom?
What’s the tone—casual, emotional, formal?
Is there a date or location?
2. Extract Names, Dates & Places
On your second read, write down:
Full names or nicknames mentioned
Locations (towns, counties, military bases, etc.)
Dates (of events or when the letter was written)
Tip: Even casual mentions—like “Cousin Lizzie from Indiana”—can offer big clues.
3. Note Family Relationships
Pay attention to how people are referred to:
“Mother” or “Aunt Jane” = relationship
“Your father said…” = confirms household structure
Mentions of births, marriages, or deaths = leads to vital records
4. Look for Historical or Social Clues
Letters are rich in context:
Mention of a war? Look for military records.
A family farm or store? Try land or occupational records.
A move across states? That’s your migration trail.
Example: A letter from 1919 might mention the Spanish flu, Prohibition, or post-WWI travel restrictions—giving context to your ancestor’s life.
5. Preserve, Cite & Share
Treat the letter like a source:
Note the writer, date, and recipient
Scan or photograph it
Save a transcription with your family tree or genealogy software
Bonus: Use snippets in family history stories or memory books.
Common Clues Found in Letters
Clue Type
Example
Birth
“The baby arrived last Thursday…”
Marriage
“Jane is marrying Robert in June…”
Migration
“We’re heading west to Kansas soon…”
Health
“Mother is still sick with the fever…”
Military
“He enlisted last month and left for camp…”
Final Thoughts
Old letters are like time machines—you hear your ancestors’ voices, feel their emotions, and walk their path. In just 10 minutes, you can uncover leads that guide your next big genealogy breakthrough.
So grab a cup of tea, open that family shoebox, and get ready to discover your history in their handwriting.
✅ Need more help? Visit Loganalogy.com Research Specialist page! I offer guidance to streamline your research, provide expert tips, and help you build a family tree that future generations will cherish.
Family Bibles aren’t just treasured heirlooms, they’re historical documents. Inside those pages, generations of names, births, marriages, and deaths are often handwritten in ink or pencil.
These entries can help you trace your lineage, confirm vital events, and add authenticity to your family tree. And the best part? You can start analyzing one in 10 minutes or less.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Access to the family Bible (original or photos/scans)
Notepad or transcription document
Good lighting or photo enhancement tools
Optional: Archival gloves to handle fragile pages
Don’t have a family Bible? Ask older relatives, check with cousins, or look through old trunks and boxes. You might be surprised what’s been saved.
Step-by-Step: How to Use a Family Bible for Genealogy
1. Examine the Bible’s Publication Info
Flip to the first few pages—note the publication date and location
This helps confirm that the events listed were recorded in real time (or close to it)
Tip: If the Bible was published in 1885, but there’s a birth listed from 1820, the entry may have been copied later. That’s still helpful—but note it!
2. Transcribe the Vital Records Pages
Most family Bibles have a dedicated section labeled:
Births
Marriages
Deaths
Write down each entry exactly as it appears, including dates, names, and any additional notes or comments.
Tip: Watch for spelling variations and abbreviations. “Eliz.” may mean Elizabeth or Eliza.
3. Look for Clues Between the Lines
Sometimes Bible records include:
Middle names or maiden names
Cause of death or circumstances (“died in the war”)
Notes about godparents, witnesses, or officiants
Bible inscription pages with gift-givers or locations
4. Match Entries to Your Family Tree
Compare each name and date to what you already know. Does it confirm or challenge your records?
Use it to:
Fill in missing birth or marriage info
Estimate lifespans
Link generations together
Bonus: Some entries might lead you to new branches—especially in large families.
5. Preserve and Cite the Record
Scan or photograph all pages, even blank or loose ones
Note who owns the Bible today and how it was passed down
Include a citation in your research like: “Smith Family Bible, published 1870, in possession of Jane Doe, scanned April 2025.”
Common Surprises in Bible Records
Entry Type
Clue Example
Marriage
“Married at home by Rev. Brown”
Infant Deaths
“Our baby boy, George, passed April 1888”
Multiple Spouses
“John married Sarah, then later, Anna”
Migrations
“Born in Virginia, moved to Ohio 1836”
Final Thoughts
Family Bibles are powerful, personal records that tie generations together with ink and memory. Taking 10 minutes to explore one could lead to priceless connections—and deeper roots in your family story.
So dust off that Bible, open those pages, and let your ancestors speak through their sacred family records.
✅ Need more help? Visit Loganalogy.com Research Specialist page! I offer guidance to streamline your research, provide expert tips, and help you build a family tree that future generations will cherish.
Insurance records are a valuable yet often overlooked resource in genealogical research. These documents can provide a wealth of personal information, offering insights into your ancestors’ lives that may not be found elsewhere. From life insurance policies to property insurance documents, these records can help you uncover familial connections, verify vital statistics, and trace your family’s financial history.
Life Insurance Records
Life insurance policies are particularly rich in personal details. Applicants were typically required to provide comprehensive information, including their age, residence, health status, and lifestyle habits. Beneficiaries—often spouses, children, or other close relatives—were also listed, offering direct evidence of family relationships. For example, the Union Pacific Railroad’s life insurance records include data such as Social Security numbers, occupations, birth dates and places, addresses, parents’ names, marriage and death dates, causes of death, burial locations, and spouses’ names.
Accessing these records can be challenging due to privacy concerns and company-specific retention policies. However, some historical records have been preserved and are accessible through archives or specialized libraries. For instance, the Family History Library in Salt Lake City houses a vast collection of genealogical records, including some insurance documents.
Property Insurance Records
Property insurance documents can reveal information about an ancestor’s residence, property ownership, and even details about the property’s structure and value. These records may include the insured’s name, property location, and the terms of the policy. While accessing these records can be difficult, they can sometimes be found in local archives, historical societies, or within family papers.
Bank Records
Bank records, while primarily financial, can also offer genealogical insights. Account applications and transaction records may list personal details such as names of spouses, children, and other relatives, as well as addresses and occupations. The Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company records, for example, include information about account holders’ family members, places of birth, residences, and occupations.
Funeral Home Records
Funeral home records often contain information about life insurance policies, as well as details about surviving relatives, former residences, and military service. These records can provide context about an ancestor’s final arrangements and familial connections.
Insurance records are a valuable yet underutilized resource in genealogical research. Whether you’re verifying family relationships, uncovering financial history, or tracing past residences, these records can provide unique insights that other documents may lack. While accessing them may require persistence, the effort can be well worth it, offering new details that enrich your family’s story.
If you’re looking for more guidance on using insurance records or other resources in your research, visit Loganalogy.com for expert tips and personalized assistance.
In the early 1800s on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, a romance blossomed that would challenge the social and legal norms of the time. This is the story of my 4th great-grandparents, John Weskett Jr. and Barbara “Barby” Midgett, whose relationship began as a scandal but endured to become a legitimate marriage spanning decades.
The Early Years
Barbara Midgett was born in 1787 and came from a prominent Roanoke Island family. In 1802, at just 15 years old, she married Ambrose N. Dough, an 18-year-old mariner1. The marriage seemed promising at first, with Barbara bringing 76 acres of inherited land to the union2. However, their relationship would soon take an unexpected turn.
A Marriage Falls Apart
While Ambrose was away at sea, Barbara began a relationship with John Weskett Jr., who was born between 1774 and 1780. By 1807, Barbara and John were living together openly, having already welcomed two children. When Ambrose returned from his voyage to discover this new arrangement, he found himself in an impossible situation.
The Failed Divorce Petition
In 1809, Ambrose petitioned the North Carolina legislature for divorce. In his emotional appeal, he described how he had improved Barbara’s land during their marriage but had “declined any further use of the same” after discovering her relationship with Weskett. Despite support from several prominent citizens, including members of the legislature, his petition was denied.
Property and Financial Matters
In an interesting twist, despite his complaints to the legislature, Ambrose had already sold Barbara’s 76 acres to John Weskett in 1804 for 400 silver dollars. This transaction would later become part of a complex web of property arrangements between the three parties.
A Family Grows
Unable to marry legally until after Ambrose’s death, John and Barbara continued their life together, eventually having seven children: Thomas, Samuel, Patrick, Sally, Polly, Harriett, and John (my 3rd great-grandfather). Their relationship, though technically illegal, was accepted enough in the community that they were able to conduct business and own property.
Legal Marriage at Last
On December 22, 1824, John and Barbara were finally able to formalize their relationship. They signed a detailed marriage contract that carefully protected Barbara’s property rights and provided for their children’s inheritance. This contract offers a fascinating glimpse into both the legal complexities of the time and the couple’s commitment to securing their family’s future.
Later Years
By 1830, Barbara had established herself as head of her own household, according to census records. The family owned three slaves initially, though by 1840 this number had decreased to one. The census also notes “1 insane white” in the household, possibly referring to John’s brother James.
Home of three generations of Wescott's built around 1810. Moved from Manteo Airport in 1942 by D. Victor Meekins
Historical Significance
This family story has attracted scholarly attention, being featured in several academic works examining legal culture and gender relations in the post-Revolutionary South. It provides valuable insights into marriage, property rights, and social norms in early American society.
Endnotes
Barbara Midgett, The People and Their Peace: Currituck County, North Carolina, 1728–2000 (Currituck, North Carolina: Currituck County Historical Society, 2005), 170; digital images, Google Books (https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_People_and_Their_Peace/0cU3CwAAQBAJ: accessed 22 March 2026), entry referencing Barbara Midgett.
“Dare, North Carolina, United States records,” images, FamilySearch ({{FamilySearch Image | 3QSQ-G982-YCQW}} : Mar 23, 2026), image 414 of 668; Dare County (North Carolina). Register of Deeds. Image Group Number: 007538808
Barbara Midgett, The People and Their Peace: Currituck County, North Carolina, 1728–2000 (Currituck, North Carolina: Currituck County Historical Society, 2005), 170; digital images, Google Books (https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_People_and_Their_Peace/0cU3CwAAQBAJ: accessed 22 March 2026), discussion of Ambrose’s legislative complaint and prior sale of Barbara Midgett’s 76 acres to John Weskett in 1804 for 400 silver dollars.
Barbara Midgett, The People and Their Peace: Currituck County, North Carolina, 1728–2000 (Currituck, North Carolina: Currituck County Historical Society, 2005), 170–171; digital images, Google Books (https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_People_and_Their_Peace/0cU3CwAAQBAJ: accessed 22 March 2026), describing the relationship of John Wescott and Barbara Midgett and naming their children Thomas, Samuel, Patrick, Sally, Polly, Harriett, and John.
“Currituck, North Carolina, United States records,” images, FamilySearch ({{FamilySearch Image | 3QS7-898B-WTH}} : Mar 23, 2026), image 343 of 582; North Carolina. County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions (Currituck County). Image Group Number: 007513637
1830 U.S. census, Currituck County, North Carolina, population schedule, John Wescott household; digital images, Ancestry ({{Ancestry Record|8058|185142}}: accessed 22 March 2026); citing National Archives microfilm publication M19.
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