Let’s rip the band-aid off: By the second generation, most family stories are LOST. Not just misplaced. Not “I-think-I-wrote-that-down-somewhere.” We’re talking poof—gone. Disappeared. Like Aunt Jean’s secret pecan pie recipe. 😩
And honestly? It’s heartbreaking. Because when those stories vanish, so does the wisdom, culture, and connection they carried.
Why Does This Happen?
It’s not because our families don’t care. It’s because life gets loud and fast, and storytelling isn’t exactly trending on TikTok. Here’s what really causes those precious stories to fade:
✨ Family conversations about our roots are becoming rare ✨ Storytelling takes a backseat to busy schedules ✨ Traditions fade as modern life moves in ✨ Nothing gets written down, so memories disappear ✨ We spend less time with older generations ✨ No one’s guiding the next generation to carry it all forward
Sound familiar?
But Here’s the Good News:
You have the power to break the cycle. This year, let’s flip the script and be intentional about preserving our stories.
Here’s how to start (and yes, you can totally do this in your pajamas):
📝 Write down stories—even the small ones matter 🎙️ Record conversations with parents or grandparents (voice memos count!) 🌳 Build a family tree using digital tools or printable worksheets 📖 Journal your memories and what you’ve learned along the way
Your ancestors lived full, complex lives. Their experiences shaped your family—and you. Let’s honor them by telling their stories while we still can.
🔍 Want help getting started? Check out the Loganalogy Shop for beginner-friendly genealogy worksheets and quick reference guides. Or visit Loganalogy.com for tips, tools, and 1:1 support.
Your family history deserves to be remembered. Let’s preserve it—one story at a time. 💛
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:
Have you ever read an old family record and felt it was written in another language? You’re not alone! Genealogy has a lot of strange words, but we’re going to break them down together. We’ll make these terms so easy to understand, you could explain them to a friend!
Let’s learn what these tricky words really mean.
🌎 Land and Property Words
Land Patent – This is the first time someone got land from the government. Think of it like getting a land “birth certificate.”
Survey System – This is how land was measured.
Metes and Bounds – They used trees, rocks, rivers, and directions. It’s like saying, “Go 100 steps from the big oak tree, then turn left at the creek.”
Township and Range – This system uses a grid, like graph paper. It’s all neat and numbered.
Bounty Land Warrant – A “thank you” gift of land the government gave to soldiers after a war.
⚖️ Legal Words
Probate Records – These are the papers that show what happened to someone’s stuff after they died.
Dower – A special share of land or property saved for a widow (the wife of someone who died).
Estate – Everything a person owns when they die—like land, animals, tools, and money.
Grantee – A person who gets land or property.
Intestate – A person who died without writing a will.
Chattel – This is a fancy word for personal belongings like cows, tools, or furniture.
👩👧 Family Words
Maiden Name (née) – A woman’s last name before she got married. “Née” means “born as.”
Issue – This just means children.
FAN Club – Friends, Associates, and Neighbors. These people can help you find your ancestors when records are hard to follow!
Ahnentafel Chart – A fun chart that gives numbers to your ancestors. You are #1, your dad is #2, your mom is #3, and so on.
Family Group Record – A page that shows a family—parents and their kids—all in one place.
🕵️♀️ Records and Search Tools
Census Enumeration District – A part of a city or town the census worker visited to count people. It’s like a neighborhood on a map.
Marriage Bond – A promise (with money) that there were no legal reasons the couple couldn’t get married.
BANNS – A church announcement about a couple who planned to marry. It gave people time to speak up if there was a problem.
Soundex – A special way of writing last names by how they sound, not how they’re spelled. Great for looking up Smiths and Smyths!
PERSI (PERiodical Source Index) – A big list of articles from genealogy magazines and newsletters. It helps you find stories or records about your family.
🌍 Movement Words
Emigrant – A person who leaves their country.
Immigrant – A person who enters a new country.
Et Al. – This is Latin for “and others.” You’ll see it when there are too many names to list, like “John Smith et al.”
💡 Bonus Terms Beginners Might See
Here are a few more words you might run into:
Vital Records – Birth, marriage, and death records.
Abstract – A short version of a longer document.
Index – A list of names to help you find the right record fast.
Lineage – A line of ancestors, like your great-grandparents, their parents, and so on.
🎯 Final Tip: Don’t get stuck on the big words! Keep a cheat sheet nearby (like this blog!) and take it slow. Genealogy isn’t a race—it’s a fascinating puzzle to solve. 🧩
Need more help? Visit my 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.
My county is about to open our Agricultural Fair, so I thought it would be a great time to highlight Ireland’s fair tradition.
For centuries, fairs and markets were essential to Ireland’s rural economy, shaping farm commerce and community life. Unlike today’s livestock marts, which operate regularly, Fair Days were held on specific dates that farmers and locals knew by heart. These events weren’t just about trade—they were deeply ingrained in the rhythm of rural life.
A Marketplace for Farmers and Communities
Farmers relied on fairs to sell their livestock, crops, and homemade goods, ensuring a steady income for their families. Some fairs specialized in cattle, sheep, or pigs, while others offered a mix of goods like hay, turf, potatoes, poultry, butter, eggs, bread, linen, and woven baskets.
Markets took place weekly, but Fair Days—held twice a year—were much larger, often lasting two days. These events brought buyers from cities and towns looking for the best local products. They also played a vital role in employment, with farmhands and factory workers securing jobs during the fair.
The Energy and Chaos of Fair Days
Each town had its own fair schedule, and farmers carefully prepared their livestock for sale. These events brought a surge of economic activity, as traders spent their earnings in local shops, pubs, and banks.
Smaller fairs focused on pigs and poultry, where animals were transported in horse- or donkey-drawn carts and kept in baskets or crates. Sheep and cattle fairs, however, were much larger and more chaotic. Farmers arrived the night before to claim their traditional selling spots, considered both strategic and lucky. Sheep had to be penned to prevent them from wandering, so wooden hurdles were set up in front of houses and shops, sometimes stretching for half a mile along Main Street.
Cattle fairs had a different energy. Without pens, herds filled the streets, creating what seemed like chaos to outsiders. Yet, there was an unspoken order, with farmers closely monitoring their animals while buyers moved through the crowds, haggling over prices. Many young boys, exhausted from walking cattle miles through the night, were left in charge while their fathers negotiated deals.
The Decline of Fair Days
By early morning, the fair was in full swing. Buyers and sellers bargained over livestock, often sealing deals with a handshake. While some towns had weighbridges, most transactions were based on the buyer’s experience, assessing an animal’s value without weighing it.
The decline of traditional fairs began in the 1970s with the rise of modern livestock marts. These new facilities, open multiple days a week and offering weight-based pricing, provided a more convenient and regulated system. Improved transportation and refrigeration also contributed to the disappearance of fowl markets. Over time, these changes brought an end to a centuries-old way of life, leaving modern generations with little understanding of the vibrant role fairs once played in Irish rural society.
Agricultural Fairs Around the World
While traditional Irish fairs have faded, agricultural fairs remain an important part of farming communities worldwide. Some of the most well-known include:
The Royal Highland Show (Scotland) – Showcasing livestock, farming innovations, and rural life.
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (Canada) – A premier event blending farm commerce with competitions.
The Sydney Royal Easter Show (Australia) – A massive fair featuring livestock judging, food, and entertainment.
The National Western Stock Show (United States) – A historic event celebrating cattle ranching and rodeo culture.
These fairs, like Ireland’s historic Fair Days, continue to honor agricultural traditions while adapting to modern times.
📸ChatGPT: The image depicts a bustling livestock fair in a quaint Irish town, reminiscent of the Puck Fair in Killorglin.
Exploring family history research can be an exhilarating journey filled with the thrill of uncovering hidden stories and connections. Yet, how often have you found yourself typing a name into Ancestry.com, or another genealogy website, hoping for instant answers? While this method might occasionally yield results, more times than not, it leads to an overwhelming flood of search results that makes you feel lost and frustrated.
To truly unlock the treasures of your family’s past, it’s crucial to approach your research with a solid strategy. By doing so, you’ll work more efficiently, stay focused, and, most importantly, make significant discoveries that bring your family history to life. So, let’s delve into some effective steps to refine your genealogy search process and uncover the valuable records waiting for you.
Step 1: Understand the Website You’re Using
Each genealogy website has unique features and search tools. Before jumping into a search, take a few minutes to explore the About, Help, or FAQ pages. These resources often provide tips on the best ways to use the site. Think of it like following a recipe for a complex dish—without instructions, you might end up with a mess instead of a masterpiece!
Examples of Useful Help Resources
FamilySearch (Research Wiki) – A free, extensive guide organized by location and topic to help users understand different records and where to find them.
Ancestry.com (Learning Center) – Offers tutorials, search tips, and guides to specific record collections.
MyHeritage (Knowledge Base) – Explains how to use MyHeritage’s record collections, DNA tools, and more.
Findmypast (Help Center) – Provides detailed FAQs and search tips.
One-Step Webpages by Steve Morse (Guide to Using One-Step Tools) – Offers advanced search tools for census records, passenger lists, and other databases, with downloadable instructions.
Step 2: Learn About Record Collections Before You Search
Not all record collections are created equal. Some databases include indexed records with images, while others provide only text summaries. Some records are behind paywalls, while others are freely accessible. Understanding what is available before you search can help set realistic expectations and refine your search strategy.
Where to Find Collection Information:
FamilySearch Catalog – Explains who contributed records, where they can be accessed, and whether they are digitized or restricted.
Ancestry’s Card Catalog – Allows users to filter collections by record type, location, and time period.
MyHeritage and Findmypast Collection Overviews – Describe the scope of each record set, including its source and coverage.
Step 3: Use Search Filters and Wildcards
Once you understand the site and the records you’re searching, the next step is refining your search. Instead of just entering a name, try using search filters such as:
Date ranges (birth, marriage, death, immigration years)
Locations (town, county, country)
Relationships (searching for family members together)
Keywords (occupations, military service, etc.)
You can also use wildcards to account for spelling variations:
The asterisk (*) replaces multiple letters (e.g., Johnson finds Johnson, Johnsen, and Johanson).
The question mark (?) replaces a single letter (e.g., Sm?th finds Smith and Smyth).
Step 4: Take Notes and Keep Track of Searches
It’s easy to repeat the same searches or lose track of useful records. Keep a research log noting where you searched, what terms you used, and what results you found. This will help you adjust your approach and avoid frustration.
Step 5: Explore Beyond the Big Sites
While Ancestry, FamilySearch, and MyHeritage are major players, don’t forget:
State and Local Archives – Many have digitized collections or research guides.
University and Historical Society Websites – Offer regional records and special collections.
Library of Congress & National Archives – Provide federal land, military, and census records.
Conclusion
Successful genealogy research isn’t just about luck—it’s about strategy. By understanding how genealogy websites work, studying record collections, refining search techniques, and keeping track of your progress, you’ll save time and uncover more meaningful connections.
🔎 Need more help with your research? Visit Loganalogy.com for expert guidance and resources to streamline your journey!
When researching family history, military records can provide invaluable insights into an ancestor’s service, personal details, and historical context. One exciting development in genealogical research is the release of the Beneficiary Identification Records Locator Subsystem (BIRLS) database, made freely accessible thanks to Reclaim The Records.
Who is Reclaim The Records?
Reclaim The Records is a non-profit organization dedicated to obtaining and releasing genealogical and historical records that have been restricted or difficult to access. By using Freedom of Information laws, they fight for transparency, ensuring that these valuable records are available for researchers and the general public at no cost. Their work has led to the public release of numerous databases, including birth, marriage, and death indexes, as well as military records like BIRLS.
What is BIRLS?
The BIRLS (Beneficiary Identification Records Locator Subsystem) Death File is a database originally maintained by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It contains over 18 million records of deceased American veterans who received VA benefits. This database is a treasure trove for family historians seeking information about ancestors who served in the U.S. military.
What Information Can Be Found in BIRLS?
BIRLS records can provide genealogists with essential information about their military ancestors, including:
Full Name
Date of Birth
Date of Death
Branch of Service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard)
Enlistment and Discharge Dates
Service Number (in some cases)
How Can Family Historians Use BIRLS?
Family historians can use BIRLS to:
Confirm an ancestor’s military service.
Identify service periods to locate additional military records, such as pension applications and service files.
Cross-reference enlistment and discharge dates with historical events.
Discover previously unknown military connections in their family tree.
Additional Military Records to Explore
While BIRLS provides key details, researchers should also explore other military records for a fuller picture, including:
Service Records – Held by the National Archives, these detail training, assignments, promotions, and more.
Pension Files – Often contain personal letters, affidavits, and family details.
Draft Registration Cards – Provide physical descriptions and next-of-kin information.
Grave Registration and Headstone Applications – Can confirm burial locations and military honors.
Unit Histories and Muster Rolls – Offer insights into an ancestor’s military experience.
How to Access BIRLS
Thanks to Reclaim The Records, the BIRLS Death File is now freely available online. Researchers can explore it at BIRLS.org.
Final Thoughts
If you have military ancestors, records like BIRLS can be a gateway to uncovering their service history and personal stories. Thanks to the efforts of Reclaim The Records, genealogists now have greater access to this essential database, helping to honor and preserve the legacy of those who served.
Need more help? Visit Loganalogy.com‘s 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.
“Search the BIRLS Database – over 18 million records about deceased US veterans, from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, now online and FREE from Reclaim The Records.” Over 18 million records about deceased US veterans. September 13, 2018. Accessed February 18, 2025. https://www.birls.org/?_ga=2.93582621.1435023336.1739853052-1851639642.1738727536.
Records, Reclaim The. “Reclaim The Records: Public Data for Public Use.” Reclaim The Records. May 18, 1889. Accessed February 18, 2025. https://www.reclaimtherecords.org/.
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