Tag: ancestry

Discovering George’s Hidden Family Story Through DNA Testing

Subscribe to continue reading

Subscribe to get access to the rest of this post and other subscriber-only content.

Top Tips for Beginners to Breakthrough Genealogy Roadblocks

Genealogy research is an exciting journey, but even the most dedicated researchers hit roadblocks. Once you’ve gathered the basics—names, dates, locations—what should you do when you can’t seem to find that next crucial record? Here are key strategies to help you break through those barriers.

1) Use the FAN Principle1

The FAN principle (Friends, Associates, and Neighbors), developed by Elizabeth Shown Mills, encourages you to look beyond your direct ancestors. Research the people around them—witnesses on documents, neighbors in census records, and business partners. These individuals can provide clues that lead you to new records or confirm relationships.

2) Try Cluster Research2

Rather than focusing on one ancestor, expand your search to include siblings, cousins, and extended family. Families often moved together, attended the same churches, and were buried in the same cemeteries. Finding details about their relatives can provide missing pieces for your own ancestor’s story. This methodology is also championed by Elizabeth Shown Mills as an effective genealogical strategy.

3) Search Local Records

Not everything is available online. Visit local libraries, historical societies, and county courthouses for records such as:

  • Land deeds
  • Probate records
  • Newspaper archives
  • Church registers
  • Tax lists

These sources can contain unique details about your ancestor’s life that don’t appear in major genealogy databases.

4) Join Genealogy Groups and Forums

Sometimes, fresh eyes can offer new insights. Join genealogy groups, both online and in person, where researchers share tips, records, and even family connections. Facebook groups, local genealogy societies, and platforms like FamilySearch Community can be invaluable.

5) Explore DNA Matches

If you’ve taken a DNA test, use it strategically. Explore resources like Diahan Southard’s Your DNA Guide website, book, and workbook to better understand how to use your matches to confirm relationships and break through brick walls. Her expertise in genetic genealogy provides practical strategies for leveraging DNA results effectively.3

6) Review Your Research Process

Double-check your previous findings for potential errors. A simple mistake in a name, date, or location could lead you astray. Make sure you’ve:

  • Verified all sources
  • Re-examined records for overlooked details
  • Considered alternative spellings or name variations

7) Interview Family Members

Older relatives can provide valuable oral histories, family traditions, and lesser-known details. Ask open-ended questions and record their stories for future reference.

8) Recheck Your Sources

Ensure that all information you’ve gathered is from reliable sources. Unverified details can send you in the wrong direction, so always cross-check with primary records like birth, marriage, and death certificates.

9) Watch for Name Variations and Misspellings

Spelling was often inconsistent in historical records. Before the widespread development of writing systems, our ancestors did not keep detailed records or regularly write down their names. In addition, your ancestor may have used a middle name or nickname or even changed their name. Try searching with:

  • Phonetic spellings
  • Different name orders
  • Abbreviations or initials

10) Verify Ages and Birth Dates

Ages in historical records were sometimes reported inaccurately. Reasons for discrepancies include:

  • Most early ancestors did not keep track of their exact age in the same way we do today, as widespread record-keeping systems were not available
  • Lying to appear older or younger for work or military service
  • Mistakes by census takers or someone else giving census information
  • Lack of birth records causing uncertainty

When searching, widen the birth year range and cross-reference census, military, and vital records for consistency.

Bonus Hint: The earliest recorded birth date is usually the closest or most accurate.

11) Take a Break and Return with Fresh Eyes

Sometimes stepping away from research for a short time can provide a new perspective. Keep a research log so you remember where you left off when you return.

12) Consider Hiring a Professional

If you’ve exhausted all options, a professional genealogist or family history researcher can help. With specialized skills and access to additional resources, they can break through stubborn roadblocks. If you need assistance, I offer genealogy guidance for just $25 per hour. Visit Loganalogy.com to learn more and book a session!

Final Thoughts Every genealogist encounters challenges, but with persistence and the right strategies, you can push past barriers and uncover your family’s hidden history. Keep searching, keep learning, and most importantly—enjoy the journey!

  1. Elizabeth Shown Mills, “QuickLesson 11: Identity Problems & the FAN Principle,” Evidence Explained: Historical Analysis, Citation & Source Usage (https://www.evidenceexplained.com/content/quicklesson-11-identity-problems-fan-principle : [07 Feb 2025]). ↩︎
  2. Elizabeth Shown Mills, “QuickSheet: The Historical Biographer’s Guide to Cluster Research (The FAN Principle) (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2012), outside panel 1, “The Principle.” ↩︎
  3. Southard, Diahan. “Your DNA Guide- the Book and Workbook.” Accessed February 8, 2025. https://diy.yourdnaguide.com/your-dna-guide-the-book-and-workbook. ↩︎

A Scandalous Love Story: The Common-Law Marriage of John Weskett and Barbara Midgett in 1800s North Carolina

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.

Wescott Home.jpg

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 (2005), 170–171; digital images, Google Books (https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_People_and_Their_Peace/0cU3CwAAQBAJ
: accessed 22 March 2026).

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.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Maximize Your Genealogy Success with a Research Log

A well-crafted research log is one of the most effective tools for improving your genealogy results. By maintaining an organized and detailed record of your searches, you can save time, avoid repeat efforts, and uncover connections that might otherwise go unnoticed. Here’s how to create and optimize your research log for maximum success.

Why Use a Research Log?

Key Benefits:

  • Avoid Repetition: Prevent wasted effort by tracking what you’ve already searched.
  • Discover Patterns: Review past work to identify clues and connections.
  • Streamline Collaboration: Allow others (or your future self) to easily pick up where you left off.

If you’re not yet using a research log, now’s the perfect time to start. If you already are, take a moment to ensure it’s as effective as possible.

Choosing Your Research Log Medium

Paper or Digital?

  • Paper Logs:
    • Best for those who prefer handwriting or enjoy a tactile approach.
    • Worked well for generations of genealogists.
  • Digital Logs:
    • Use tools like Excel, Google Sheets, Evernote, or OneNote.
    • Benefits include:
      • Instant search functionality.
      • Easy sorting and filtering by name, date, or keyword.
      • Simple editing and reorganization.

Tip: Choose a medium you’ll consistently use. Digital logs often provide greater flexibility and scalability, especially for long-term projects.

Essential Elements of a Research Log

Your research log should answer this key question: Can someone else (or your future self) retrace my steps based on this log? Include these core components:

1. Ancestor Information

  • Full name of the individual being researched.
  • Approximate birth, death, and other relevant dates.
  • Pro Tip: For digital logs, use separate columns for first and last names to easily sort and filter entries.

2. Search Date

  • Always record the date of each search.
  • Why? New records and database updates occur regularly. Knowing when you last searched helps you decide if it’s time to revisit a source.

3. Research Question

  • Focus each search on a specific, actionable question (e.g., “What was John Doe’s birth year?”).
  • Avoid unfocused searches that lead to wasted time and potential errors.

4. Source Information

  • Record the organization, library, archive, or website where you conducted the search.
  • For online searches, note the website name and any relevant URLs.

5. Full Citation

  • Include a complete citation for each source consulted.
  • Tip: Creating citations immediately saves time later and ensures accuracy.

6. Search Details

  • Record specifics such as:
    • Names (with variants) and filters used.
    • Scope of the search (e.g., “limited to 1850-1900 U.S. Census records”).
  • Depth vs. Usability: While detailed logs are invaluable, find a balance that doesn’t discourage you from logging altogether.

7. Results (Positive or Negative)

  • Document findings, even if the search yields no results.
  • Why log negative results?
    • Avoid repeating unproductive searches.
    • Identify patterns to refine research strategies.

8. Document Copies

  • Save copies of useful records and assign unique IDs to each.
  • Cross-reference these IDs in your research log for easy retrieval.

9. Notes and Next Steps

  • Add observations, hypotheses, or ideas for future research.
  • Example: “Consider searching land records for John Doe in County X, 1880-1890.”

Tips for Using Your Research Log Effectively

Fill Out the Log Before You Search

  • Include basic details (ancestor, date, research question, etc.) before starting.
  • This habit ensures completeness and reduces the temptation to skip logging.

Customize to Fit Your Needs

  • Add fields that suit your specific research goals.
  • Keep it simple if complexity makes you less likely to maintain the log.

Use Templates

  • Sample templates are available online or via genealogy communities.
  • Examples include templates by genealogy experts like Thomas MacEntee or Family Locket.

Optimizing Digital Research Logs

If you choose a digital medium, here are additional tips to make the most of it:

1. Utilize Spreadsheet Features

  • Sorting and Filtering: Organize by name, location, or date.
  • Color-Coding: Highlight completed searches or priority tasks.

2. Add Hyperlinks

  • Link directly to online records or reference documents.

3. Backup Your Files

  • Regularly save your log to multiple locations (e.g., cloud storage and external drives).

Example Workflow for a Search

  1. Preparation:
    • Record ancestor name, approximate dates, research question, and planned source.
  2. Conduct the Search:
    • Review sources thoroughly.
  3. Log Results:
    • Note findings, including negative results.
    • Save and cross-reference documents.
  4. Reflect and Plan:
    • Add notes and decide on next steps.

Conclusion

A well-maintained research log is an essential tool for genealogists. By tracking your efforts, you can save time, uncover hidden patterns, and collaborate more effectively. Whether you prefer paper or digital formats, the key is consistency and detail. Happy researching!

Looking for a Template? Visit Loganalogy’s Free Templates

Essential Offline and Online Tools for Genealogy

Genealogy has evolved with technology, making it easier than ever to research and document family history. Whether you prefer offline software or online tree-building platforms, the right tools can streamline your research and preserve your findings. Here’s an overview of essential genealogy software and tools to consider.

Family Tree Software

For those who prefer offline programs, consider these popular choices:

  • Family Tree Maker – A comprehensive tool with integration to Ancestry.
  • Reunion for Mac – A Mac-friendly software with powerful organization features.
  • RootsMagic – Offers excellent source citation tools and GEDCOM support.
  • Legacy Family Tree – Provides in-depth analysis and charting options.
  • MyHeritage Family Tree Builder – Syncs with MyHeritage’s extensive database.

Online Family Tree Platforms

These websites offer online tree-building with the added benefit of record hints and research tools:

  • Ancestry – One of the largest databases with automatic record hints.
  • FamilySearch Family Tree – Free and collaborative with global records.
  • American Ancestors AncesTREES—The Standard plan is free. Search hints suggest collections relevant to your search criteria rather than person-based record hints.
  • Geni – Encourages collaboration and connection to a world family tree.
  • WikiTree – A free, collaborative project that aims to create a single, worldwide family tree.

While these platforms offer convenient research options, always supplement your search with manual queries using different name variations and details.

Essential Genealogy Tools & Extensions

Beyond software and databases, additional tools can refine your research:

  • Goldie May – A research log tool that organizes your genealogy workflow.
  • Genealogy Blurring Tool – Helps maintain privacy when sharing images.
  • Genealogy Assistant – A browser extension for enhanced genealogy searches.
  • Google Earth Pro – Useful for mapping ancestral locations and migrations.
  • AI-powered Research Assistants – Can help analyze data, suggest connections, and recommend further exploration.

The Importance of Backing Up Your Research

No matter which tools you use, always back up your data. Store digital records in multiple locations, including cloud storage and external hard drives, to prevent loss. Upload your tree’s Gedcom file to multiple locations as a back up.

Need Guidance?

If you feel overwhelmed, I can help! For just $25 per hour, I provide personalized family history guidance to help you effectively use these tools and build a well-documented family tree.

Check out the Free Resources on my website for additional research tools: https://loganalogy.com/free-resources/.

With the right software and tools, your genealogy research can be more organized, efficient, and rewarding!

Overcoming Common Genealogy Challenges: A Beginner’s Guide

Starting your genealogy journey can be exciting, but it also comes with its share of challenges. Whether you’re struggling to find records, decipher handwriting, or break through brick walls, don’t get discouraged! Here are some common obstacles beginners face and how to overcome them.

Missing or Incomplete Records

One of the biggest frustrations in genealogy is missing or destroyed records. However, alternative sources can help:

  • Church Records: If civil records are unavailable, check baptism, marriage, and burial records from local churches.
  • Newspapers: Obituaries, marriage announcements, and local news articles often provide crucial details.
  • Census Records: These can confirm locations, family members, and occupations.
  • Land and Probate Records: Deeds and wills can establish family connections.
  • Military Records: Draft registrations and service records can offer birth dates and locations.

Deciphering Handwriting and Old Documents

Reading old cursive or poorly preserved documents can be tough. Try these tips:

  • Compare letters to familiar words in the document.
  • Use online handwriting guides for different time periods.
  • Seek transcriptions of similar records to recognize common phrases.

Conflicting or Incorrect Information

Family stories and historical documents don’t always match up. Verify facts by:

  • Cross-referencing multiple sources.
  • Checking original documents instead of relying on online summaries or indexes.
  • Looking for patterns—multiple census records, directories, or newspaper mentions can clarify inconsistencies.

Feeling Overwhelmed?

If you’re unsure how to proceed, I can help! For just $25 per hour, I offer personalized guidance to streamline your research, provide expert tips, and help you build a family tree that future generations will cherish.

Don’t forget to check out the Free Resources on my website for research tools and templates: https://loganalogy.com/free-resources/.

Genealogy is a journey full of surprises and discoveries. Stay persistent, explore alternative sources, and reach out for help when needed—your family’s history is waiting to be uncovered!

Image: ChatGPT

How to Document Your Ancestry: A Step-by-Step Approach

How to Begin Researching Your Family Tree

In my last blog, Beginner’s Guide to Genealogy: How to Start Your Family History Journey, I introduced the fundamental steps to tracing your ancestry. Today, we’ll take a closer look at the first and most important step: starting with what you know and documenting your lineage back two to four generations. Remember to pace yourself.

Step 1: Document Your Own Information

Begin your genealogy research by recording your own personal details, including your full name, birthdate, birthplace, children’s names (if applicable), and your parents’ names. From there, work backward, adding information about your grandparents, great-grandparents, and beyond.

Formatting Guidelines:

  • Names: Always list surnames first, followed by the middle and first names. If you’re a married female, use your maiden name.
  • Dates: Record dates in the format dd/mm/yyyy for consistency.
  • Locations: Document place names from smallest to largest (e.g., City, County, State, Country). If relevant, note specific locations, such as hospitals or churches, in the database’s notes section.
  • Recording Living People: When documenting information about living relatives, be mindful of privacy concerns. Avoid sharing full birthdates and personal details publicly, and ensure you have permission before recording or sharing their stories.

Step 2: Use a Family Group Sheet

A Family Group Sheet is an essential tool for organizing details about each family unit. It includes:

  • Parents’ full names
  • Children’s names
  • Birth, marriage, and death dates
  • Locations of these events
  • Sources of information (e.g., birth certificates, census records, family Bible)

Recording sources ensures the accuracy of your research and helps validate your findings.

Step 3: Interview Family Members

Speaking with older relatives can uncover valuable stories, names, and dates that may not be recorded elsewhere. When interviewing family members:

  • Ask open-ended questions to encourage storytelling.
  • Take detailed notes or record the conversation (with permission).
  • Cite interviews properly, e.g., Wescott, D. W. (2025, February 5). How did you meet Grandma? Personal Interview.

Step 4: Collect Family Documents

Search your home for old documents that may contain vital details, such as:

  • Birth, marriage, and death certificates
  • Family Bibles (citing it as e.g., The Dempsey Owens Family Bible, The Holy Bible (American Bible Society, New York 1853); originally owned in 2001 by William L. Owens)
  • Photos, letters, and newspaper clippings

Step 5: Create a Pedigree Chart

Once you’ve gathered family group sheets, transfer the information into a Pedigree Chart to visually map out your ancestry. This step helps identify gaps in your research and highlights where further investigation is needed.

Step 6: Organize and Track Your Research

  • Maintain detailed notes for each ancestor, including birth, marriage, and death details.
  • Use a Research Log to track sources, interviews, and locations you’ve searched to avoid duplication.

Step 7: Research Online Genealogy Databases

Leverage online genealogy resources, such as:

For guidance on extracting insights from historical documents, refer to Essential Tips for Ancestry Document Insights.

Step 8: Utilize Local Resources

Libraries, historical societies, and archives often hold unique records unavailable online. Check:

  • Local newspapers
  • Probate and land records
  • Church registers

Step 9: Cite Everything

Proper citation is crucial for credibility and verification. While there is no single mandatory citation style for personal research, referencing your sources ensures accuracy. FamilySearch offers excellent citation examples to follow.

Additional Considerations:

  • Start with what you know: Avoid jumping too far back before thoroughly documenting current generations.
  • Verify information: Cross-check facts and sources to maintain accuracy.
  • Consider DNA testing: Genetic genealogy can provide clues about relatives and help fill gaps in your family tree.

Final Thoughts

Researching your family tree is a rewarding journey that requires patience, organization, and thorough documentation. By starting with what you know, interviewing relatives, and leveraging online and local resources, you’ll build a solid foundation for uncovering your ancestry. Stay curious, cite your sources, and most importantly—enjoy the process!

For more tips, check out Avoid These Rookie Mistakes in Genealogy: Enhance Your Search and Enjoy the Journey.

If you’re overwhelmed or unsure how to proceed, I can help! For just $25 per hour, I offer guidance to streamline your research, provide expert tips, and help you build a family tree that future generations will cherish.

Beginner’s Guide to Genealogy: How to Start Your Family History Journey

Discovering Your Family’s Past: A Beginner’s Guide to Genealogy

Are you new to family history and ancestry research? Unsure where to start? Let’s explore the fascinating world of genealogy and uncover your roots!

What Is Genealogy?

Genealogy is the study of a family’s history and origins, often called family history. The term was first used in the 14th century when royal and aristocratic bloodlines were recorded to establish prestige (even earlier in China). Some family trees, such as that of Confucius, span 80 generations and date back 2,500 years.

Originally passed down through oral traditions, genealogies were later preserved in paintings and documents. Today, advancements in online records have revolutionized family history research. Just as ancient kings traced their lineage to deities, modern genealogy allows families to document their heritage and preserve stories for future generations.

Define Your Purpose

Before diving into research, clarify your goals. Do you want to:

  • Summarize your findings?
  • Share your family’s legacy?
  • Record and preserve stories passed down through generations?
  • Connect your family to local or national history?
  • Celebrate your ethnic heritage?

While it may be tempting to immediately collect as many ancestor names as possible, take a strategic approach. Begin by tracing your lineage back two to four generations, then expand by identifying their descendants. Next, reach out to living relatives to gather dates, stories, and documents. Prioritize preserving memories and historical records while they are still accessible.

Start with What You Know

Begin by documenting your own information, including your birth, marriage, and significant life events. Then, record details for your spouse, children, siblings, parents, and extended family. Verify all dates and places to ensure accuracy before moving further back in your family tree.

Recording information is just the first step. Organizing and preserving it is crucial for long-term accessibility. Online platforms such as Ancestry, FamilySearch’s Family Tree, and WikiTree enable you to connect with other researchers, build your family tree, and search through extensive databases of digitized records. Additionally, offline software programs like Family Tree Maker, Ancestral Quest, Legacy Family Tree, and RootsMagic provide tools to help you manage your data effectively. Free versions are available, while premium options provide enhanced features. Beyond names and dates, collect family stories and memories to bring your history to life.

Gather Important Documents

Documentation ensures accuracy and prevents misinformation. Start by collecting birth, marriage, and death certificates. Expand your search to include letters, newspaper articles, employment records, school documents, and other official records that contribute to your family’s narrative.

Seek Help from Family Members

Once you have compiled personal records, reach out to relatives. Ask specific questions about missing details and inquire about any family documents or photographs they may possess.

Don’t limit your research to official records. Encourage family members to share stories and memories. Record interviews or take notes to preserve their recollections. Prioritize conversations with the oldest living relatives to capture their invaluable insights before they are lost.

Label those photographs while you have living relatives who can help you. Write only on the back of photos with a pencil or archival pen/pencil.

Need Help Getting Started?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to proceed, I can help! For just $25 per hour, I offer guidance to streamline your research, provide expert tips, and help you build a family tree that future generations will cherish.

Start your journey today and uncover the rich history of your family!

AI Tools Help Transcribe Captain Wescott’s Article

For many years, I had a newspaper article about my second great-grandfather, but it was torn into two sections, making it hard to read. Plus, the person who cut it out removed the date, newspaper title, and publisher, so I couldn’t find it. Recently, I discovered the article online, and thanks to some amazing AI tools, I was able to transcribe it! I’m excited to finally share it with everyone so we can all enjoy the story together!

Captain Wescott Preparing For Season On “Dry Body of Water”

The article about Captain Wescott is from The Waynesville Mountaineer, published on June 1, 1939.

“Yes, I was born on Roanoke Island, where Virginia Dare first saw the light, but she had left before I got there,” said Captain John T. Wescott, with a twinkle in his eyes.

The captain, a landmark at the Lake Junaluska Assembly Grounds, has been in charge of the rowboats and has run the launch “Cherokee,” in which he has a third interest, for the past twenty-one years. Prior to his coming to the Lake, the captain had retired from the United States Coast Guard service, after 43 years of active duty.

“But I date back pretty well, even if I didn’t know Virginia,” continued Captain Wescott. “I was born in 1853, and I well recall the days when General Burnside captured Roanoke Island during the Civil War. We had food stored away to do us a year, but the soldiers took everything, and after they left, it looked like starvation. We had forty hogs and forty chickens, and they took them all. One of the Yankee officers, however, took an old hen away from one of the privates and came back and brought it to my mother. She kept it hidden in a barrel in the attic until she was sure the soldiers had left for good.”

“Another thing I remember were the decoy geese my father had and prized so much. They took them all and his guns too. We had been taking care of two Confederate soldiers who were wounded and suffering, and had asked us to give them shelter. So, when the Yankees found out about them, they took my father a prisoner. But what’s the use of recalling such things at this time? Somebody might have hard feelings about it, and I don’t mean it that way. I am just remembering when I was a child.”

Captain Wescott, erect, stocky, and ruddy-faced, denies in appearance and bearing the years he claims make up his age. He shows the clear skin of a person who has lived much in the open. His quarters in the Cherokee Inn, where he lives six months out of the year, are as immaculate as the cabin of a well-scrubbed ship. He showed us about. His closet, cedar-lined and large enough to hold a good-sized trunk, boxes, plenty of shelves, and rows of hooks for hanging garments, is as neat as a pin. Everything is in its place. But one could have guessed without being told where his great interest lay, for there were boat models.

“Yes, for twenty-one years I have run the ‘Cherokee’ on a regular schedule around the lake from 7 to 8 o’clock every evening except Sunday, during the entire season here. I always come early in April to get the rowboats and the launch ready for the summer,” he said.

“But after my years on the sea, I’ll have to admit that Lake Junaluska is the tamest body of water I have ever run a boat on. It’s like taking a broken dose of something for me to run the launch on Lake Junaluska, but then at 86, that’s alright, because I can’t do the work I once did,” said the captain.

“But I don’t like the looks of the lake a bit these days,” he continued. “Right now, it looks like I might have to hoist the old ‘Cherokee’ on wheels, because she has a poor chance of floating anytime soon. We are having a lot of dam trouble down here, but I think the good Methodists are having fun talking about their dam troubles,” he said when speaking of the present condition of the lake.

Lake Junaluska has been drained for work on the lake bed, and it may not be filled until July, which seems to be mighty hard on the captain, who is at work on his boats, getting them ready to float, with a “dry body of water facing the boathouse,” as he says.

The captain’s 43 years of service were seen in the Revenue Cutter, Life Saving, and Inland Service of the Government, and he was located some fifty-five miles from Cape Henry in the coast guard service for 30 years, retiring at the age limit of 65.

After his retirement, two of his daughters, school girls at the time, came to Lake Junaluska, and were so enthusiastic that they persuaded their mother and father to come to this section the next year. They did so, and both liked it. They soon bought the Cherokee Inn, which they owned and operated for many years.

Two years prior to the death of Mrs. Wescott, they rented the Inn to Mr. and Mrs. Claude Medford, who bought the place about three years ago and have since operated it. The captain has continued to make his home at the Inn, during the time he spends in this section.

The rest of the year, the captain spends with his six children, who are scattered from Greenville, Ky., to Richmond, Va. The greater part of the six months out of the mountains is spent with his son, who lives in Norfolk. When his longing for the old life on the coast of North Carolina gets too much for him, he visits his brother down in Manteo.

“I’ll be coming to Lake Junaluska to run the ‘Cherokee’ as long as I live,” said the captain. “I feel more at home here than most any place now.”

Footnote: We, my genealogical cousins and I, have been unable to find any record of John Senior being a POW, but that does not mean he was not one. It could have been an overnight stay in jail, or he had to pay a fine, or he was part of the prisoner exchange.

Read my blog to discover the incredible story of Captain Wescott and uncover the fascinating details about this remarkable man!

Explore Your Family’s Past: Why You Should Attend RootsTech 2025

Discover the Ultimate Family History Conference

If you’re passionate about genealogy or just starting your family history journey, RootsTech 2025 is an event you won’t want to miss. While many amateur researchers may not be familiar with RootsTech, this conference offers incredible benefits for anyone interested in uncovering their roots.

Although the event takes place in Salt Lake City, Utah, RootsTech has expanded its reach by offering a robust online experience. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift to virtual events, organizers realized the power of digital accessibility. Now, even if you can’t travel to Utah, you can still participate in webinars, workshops, and exclusive online content from anywhere in the world.

The In-Person RootsTech Experience

Attending RootsTech in person is an unparalleled experience. As the largest genealogy conference, it brings together DNA experts, historians, and family history enthusiasts for an inspiring and educational gathering.

Held in Salt Lake City, often referred to as the “Genealogy Capital of the World,” the event takes place near the world-renowned FamilySearch Library. Attendees can explore cutting-edge genealogy technology, connect with like-minded individuals, and gain insights from industry leaders. The exhibit hall buzzes with interactive displays, product demonstrations, and hands-on research opportunities.

Explore the RootsTech On-Demand Library

RootsTech provides access to an extensive library of on-demand sessions covering over 185 topics in more than 26 languages. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can filter sessions by day, skill level, or speaker to personalize your learning experience. Selecting “+ Schedule” on your favorite sessions allows you to build a customized agenda and view it under “My Schedule.”

For virtual participants, RootsTech offers a variety of engaging online activities, including:

  • Relatives at RootsTech – This feature connects you with other attendees who share common ancestors based on your FamilySearch Family Tree. The more information you add to your tree, the more cousin connections you’ll discover!
  • Photo Collage Creator – Make a visual family history keepsake.
  • Famous Relatives – Find out if you’re related to historical figures.
  • Personality Match – See which famous personalities share your traits.
  • Shared Surnames & Top Contributors – Connect with others researching the same family names.
  • 200+ New Online Sessions – Learn from experts on RootsTech.org.

How to Register for RootsTech 2025

In-Person Conference:

Salt Lake City
$129 US 3-Day Pass
$79 US 1-Day Pass

REGISTER

250+ exclusive sessions only available in SLC
120+ exhibitors/sponsors in the Expo Hall
Be the first to learn of industry innovations

Online Conference:

Enjoy free access to all virtual sessions and events on RootsTech.org.

200+ new online sessions in over 26 languages
Join keynote sessions live from the comfort of your own home
Chat online with other attendees worldwide

REGISTER

RootsTech 2025 will take place from March 6–8, 2025, both in Salt Lake City, Utah, and online. Whether you attend in person or virtually, this premier family discovery event will inspire and empower you to explore your heritage like never before.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity to Connect with Your Past

RootsTech 2025 offers something for everyone, from beginner genealogists to seasoned researchers. Whether you want to uncover family connections, learn about the latest genealogy tools, or explore historical records, this event provides the resources and inspiration you need. Mark your calendar and start your journey of discovery today!