Tag: blogger

The Secret Weapon in Your Family History Research: Artificial Intelligence

Have you ever thought about how AI might have played a role in your family history research—perhaps without you even noticing? It’s possible that artificial intelligence (AI) has been quietly aiding your family history research all along! It’s fascinating to consider!

AI is revolutionizing the field of genealogy, and you might be surprised by how often you’ve encountered it. For instance, popular platforms like Ancestry.com leverage AI to recommend relevant records (those leafy “hints.”) and unearth potential matches in other family trees. Platforms like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage use AI to identify potential relatives based on shared DNA.

MyHeritage even offers AI Biographer™, a tool that generates Wikipedia-style biographies of your ancestors using historical records and information from your family tree.

But AI’s contributions extend far beyond these well-known examples. Even if you’re a beginner in genealogy research, several AI tools can become your research companions:

  • Versatility Personified: ChatGPT – This multifaceted AI tackles general genealogy questions and assists you in crafting effective research strategies.
  • Your Genealogical Gemini: Google’s Gemini – Similar to ChatGPT, Gemini offers a helping hand with your genealogical inquiries.
  • The Genealogical Detective, Assistant, and Librarian: Perplexity – Don’t let the name intimidate you! Perplexity is another AI platform that can be your one-stop shop for family history research queries.

These AI tools act as virtual research assistants, prompting you with questions and guiding you through various aspects of genealogy. Additionally, there are AI tools designed specifically for genealogy research:

  • Open GeneaGPT: Your AI Research Assistant – Open GeneaGPT is a tailor-made AI assistant for family history researchers and genealogists.
  • Genealogy Eyes: Unveiling the Stories Hidden in Your Heirlooms – Genealogy Eyes helps you analyze images of documents, headstones, and other genealogical artifacts.

Tips to Kickstart Your AI-Powered Genealogy Journey

  • Embrace the Power of Questions: Begin by using AI platforms to ask basic questions about genealogical research methods.
  • AI-Driven Brainstorming: Let AI help you generate new ideas for uncovering information about your ancestors.
  • Demystifying Genealogy with AI: Don’t hesitate to ask AI to explain unfamiliar genealogical terms or concepts.
  • AI as Your Historical Interpreter: Utilize AI to gain insights into historical documents or understand the context of the time periods you’re researching.

While AI is a powerful tool, it’s crucial to remember that it should complement, not replace, traditional research methods. Always verify the information gleaned from AI with primary sources to ensure the accuracy of your family history.

I hope this revamped blog post, infused with the power of AI, empowers you to delve deeper into your family’s rich tapestry!

A Crest, a Flash Drive, and the Spark of Loganalogy: The Beginning of My Family History Side Hustle

36 days. That’s all it took for me to dive headfirst into someone else’s family tree—and spark a passion that would change my life.

It all began one October evening, when a friend shared stories from her trip to the Carolina Renaissance Festival in North Carolina. Among her souvenirs was a family crest bearing her maiden name. Knowing my love for genealogy, she asked the question that sparked it all: “Is this real?” She hoped to gift something meaningful to her dad for Christmas, and her curiosity opened the door for me to explore her roots.

I offered to research her family—for free. As part of my five-year plan to start a genealogy business, I needed experience digging into someone else’s lineage. She agreed, and the adventure began. That was in 2018.

A Journey Through Time

My friend’s knowledge of her family tree extended to her great-grandparents, along with a few stories passed down through the generations. But as I started piecing together the puzzle, her family’s history unfolded like a novel.

On her father’s paternal line, I quickly found myself tracing branches to France. Her 3rd great-grandfather arrived in New Orleans before 1843, where he married. His father, her 4th great-grandfather, was born in Languemburg, de la Meurthe, France, and tragically died in a train accident.

Her other 4th great-grandfather’s story read like an epic escape. A wealthy planter in Saint-Domingue (now Haiti), he fled to Louisiana during the Haitian Revolution, aided by faithful slaves who ensured his family’s safety. The French government compensated him for his losses until his death.

On her father’s maternal side, the trail led to France and Germany. Though I could trace her great-grandmother’s line extensively, her paternal line only reached as far as Germany.

Then came the jackpot: her grandmother’s maternal line.

Swedish Roots and Scottish Legacies

Her 3rd great-grandfather Green, born in Mississippi, was the son of Lundgren, a Swedish immigrant who arrived in America in 1836. This line stretched back ten generations in Sweden, rooted in the region of Gotland.

Green’s mother was a Cameron, whose paternal line reached back to her 7th great-grandfather in Scotland. This branch also uncovered Civil War service, land ownership in Mississippi, and connections to the Stanford family, who helped colonize Maryland.

A Stanford ancestor patented a plantation in 1695, fought in the Revolutionary War, and endured six months aboard the infamous British prison ship Jersey. His son continued the family’s legacy, serving in the War of 1812 and settling in Georgia.

A Gift to Remember

As Christmas approached, I compiled my research onto a flash drive and handed it over to my friend. It felt like giving away a piece of myself—but I couldn’t help but sneak peeks at her tree now and then to uncover even more.

So, was the crest she bought at the Renaissance Festival truly hers? A crest with her family name exists, but whether it ties directly to her lineage remains a mystery. Perhaps her new “family historian” will be the one to find out.

Closing Thoughts

This project wasn’t just about tracing names and dates; it was about discovering stories that connect us to the past. It was the spark that led me to start my family history business, Loganalogy, and share the joy of uncovering ancestors’ stories with others.

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The Cofer Family’s Antebellum Roots Revealed

Minnie Baylor Cofer’s roots trace back to her parents, Robert Emmett Cofer and Martha Ann Davis—my third great-grandparents. While much of their story comes from scattered records and family notes, they were both born in Virginia and married at 23 in Norfolk.

Martha Ann Davis: A Life of Privilege and Transition

Martha was the third of eleven children, coming of age during the tumultuous Civil War era. By 1863, President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and battles like Chancellorsville raged nearby. Martha’s granddaughter, Elizabeth Cofer Reed, recalled stories of her grandmother’s privileged upbringing: a private finishing school education, her own carriage with two horses, and never dressing herself until adulthood. Despite this sheltered life, Martha later worked as a professional nurse, as listed in the 1900 census at age 59—quite an accomplishment for a woman of her time.

Martha lived until 78, passing away from heart disease, and was laid to rest beside her husband in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Norfolk City, Virginia.

In my estimate, this is about 1918.
The MyHeritage tool estimated this picture to be take circa 1920.

Robert Emmett Cofer: A Skilled Tradesman

Robert was one of ten children, later gaining four half-siblings after his father remarried. Growing up in Surry County, Virginia, Robert learned the craft of carriage making as a teenager, later becoming a wheelwright—a trade that was invaluable to the Confederate Army.1 After 43 years of marriage, Robert succumbed to dysentery at 67.

The Cofer Family’s Antebellum Roots

Robert’s father, Isaac Cofer, owned a plantation in Surry County with a fluctuating number of enslaved individuals, peaking at fifteen by 1860. Following the Civil War, Isaac filed a claim for the loss of his enslaved worker, John, highlighting the entanglement of family history with America’s dark past.

Page 3 – Confederate Papers Relating to Citizens or Business Firms, 1861-65 01 Jul 1864 https://www.fold3.com/image/30646096?xid=1945

Isaac’s wealth diminished significantly by 1870, and he passed away a few years later. His second marriage to Sarah Jones (possibly related to his first wife, Mary C. Jones) adds another layer to the family tree puzzle.

Isaac’s father, Reverend Joseph Cofer, was a Baptist minister and a patriarch of thirteen children. His first wife, Jerusha Lancaster, died young, leaving behind ten children, while his second wife, Martha Wrenn, added three more. Joseph’s plantation was substantial, with 25 enslaved individuals and connections to significant events like the crafting of samplers commemorating family deaths.

Innovations and Legacy

Isaac’s half-brother, Thomas Wrenn Cofer, stands out for his inventive spirit. During the Civil War, Thomas patented the Cofer revolver, a weapon used by the Confederate Army. 2Today, these rare firearms fetch thousands of dollars and are a testament to the family’s historical imprint.

Tracing Back to England

The Cofer line extends to John Coker, who arrived in America in 1635 aboard the Plain Joan.3 He earned his land through the headright system and eventually settled in Surry County, Virginia.4 Records tie the family to influential figures, including Richard Bennett Jr., and suggest English origins in Dorsetshire.

The video below shows an old grist mill owned by the Wrenn family, which stood on Route 677, north of Smithfield.  The video is made from scans of a roll of medium format film taken in the late 1960s with a Yashica Model “D” camera. The mill was demolished in 1989 after a pickup went off the road and crashed into it.5

The below article was something I found in my research while writing this blog.  A person from my Isle of Wight Facebook page owns the book and supplied the missing page 90 in order for me to complete my notes. 

The book title is In the Neatest Manner: The Making of the Virginia Sampler Tradition
By Kimberly Smith Ivey

Southampton, Surry, and Isle of Wight Counties
Unity A. Delk and Elizabeth M. Cofer worked almost identical samplers to honor the deaths of their respective parents, Wiley Jones Delk and Jerusha Lancaster Cofer (figs. 123 and 124). An earlier sampler, worked by Unity’s older sister, Martha, is not shown here; it commemorates their father’s death. In 1824, four years after the death of Wiley Delk, his widow, Martha Wren Delk, of Southampton County, married Joseph Cofer, a Baptist minister from the Isle of Wight and Surry Counties. One year earlier, Joseph’s first wife,

Regarding Jerusha's Youngest
Samplers Delk and Cofer
Figure 123 – Sampler by Unity A. Delk, dated Sept. 5, 1834;
attributed to Isle of Wight County, Virginia.
Figure 124 – Sampler by Elisabeth M. Cofer, age sixteen, dated 1834,
attributed to Isle of Wight County, Virginia.

I found this information on the Colonial Williamsburg website about a sampler created by Elizabeth M. Cofer that includes the exact date of Jerusha’s death.6 It would be wonderful to have this, and I am thrilled to have found it! The sampler was passed down in the family to Mary Wrenn Cofer Ballard and was donated to Colonial Williamsburg by her husband, Mr. L. W. Ballard.

A Living History

The Cofer legacy is a tapestry of privilege, hardship, and resilience. From Martha’s cherished stories to the craftsmanship of Robert and Thomas, every thread connects to the broader narrative of Virginia’s history. Artifacts like Elizabeth M. Cofer’s 1834 sampler—now at Colonial Williamsburg—offer tangible links to these ancestors, reminding us of the enduring impact of their lives.

  1. “Historic Trade: Cooper & Wheelwright” http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/locations/wheelwright/. ↩︎
  2. Black, Daryl. “10 Facts: Confederate Manufacturing” American Battlefield Trust, http://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/10-facts-confederate-manufacturing. Accessed 2024. ↩︎
  3. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index: a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich.: Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8) ↩︎
  4. “Southside Virginia Families” Google Books, http://www.google.com/books/edition/Southside_Virginia_Families/a7tx6lhj-CkC?q=Nancy+Abraham+Jones,+Isle+of+Wight+Virginia&gbpv=1&bsq=headright. A ↩︎
  5. YouTube, youtu.be/fUixvmtnfXs?si=h-7cFxlt93oSqfDj. ↩︎
  6. “Sampler by Elizabeth M. Cofer” emuseum.history.org/objects/49200/sampler-by-elizabeth-m-cofer;jsessionid=AA0F539A77F4C2FD5579DE424B4775AA. ↩︎

While the majority of the writing is my own, I used ChatGPT to help with some minor formatting and edits.

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The Resilience of Minnie Cofer: A Virginia Family Tale

Every family has its matriarchs—women whose lives may feel like distant whispers of the past but whose legacies are woven into the fabric of who we are today. Even though I did not know her, it feels like one of those women is Miriam Baylor Cofer, or “Minnie,” as she was lovingly called. Minnie was my great-great-grandmother, the mother of Ruby Chapman Wescott, my great-grandmother. While her life ended far too soon, it was filled with resilience, music, and family—a story that spans generations and paints a vivid picture of life in Virginia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A Childhood Full of Family and Loss

Born in 1867, Minnie grew up in a bustling household. She was the second of eight children in the Cofer family, though tragedy struck early when her older brother passed away at the tender age of seven. Despite this loss, the Cofer family thrived in Virginia, becoming one of the most prolific families in the region.

When Minnie was just three years old, she lived at home in Norfolk, Virginia. Imagine this: a home filled to the brim with sixteen people—her parents, four siblings, grandmother, and six aunts and uncles. The house, valued at $5,400 at the time (the equivalent of nearly $95,000 today), must have been lively and chaotic, filled with the sounds of family life. By the time Minnie turned 11, the Cofer family had moved out of the Davis home and into 61 Queen Street in Norfolk (now Portsmouth) where Minnie grew up alongside her four surviving siblings. That address no longer exists, but I believe it was near where the Court Street Baptist Church is now. (See map below.)

Love, Marriage, and Music

Three days before for twentieth birthday, Minnie married Isaac Burns Chapman in 1887, beginning a new chapter in her life. Together, they had seven children, including my great-grandmother Ruby. Their home was filled with the warmth of music and family. Ruby fondly recalled that both her parents had beautiful alto voices. Isaac, a talented string player in a band during his youth, would accompany Minnie, who played the organ at Court Street Baptist Church in Portsmouth. Singing became part of their family’s nightly tradition—a legacy of harmony passed down through the generations.

A Life Cut Short

Minnie’s life, though vibrant, was tragically brief. She passed away in 1916 at the age of 49 from cancer of the uterus. She is buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Norfolk, Virginia, a place where so many family stories converge.

Remembering Minnie: A Look Through Photos

The photos we have of Minnie give us a glimpse into her personality and presence. One, dated around 1887, shows Minnie at about 19 years old (though, to me, she appears older than that). In another photo, taken in 1916—the year of her death—Minnie is seen in a black dress standing beside a woman identified as “Mrs. Halyburton,” another prominent Virginia name. I often noticed that name in many of Ruby’s photos. I believe Mrs. Halyburton became a mother figure in Ruby’s life, as she appears in many pictures even after Ruby was married.

These photos offer more than just a visual record; they’re windows into her world, one that was rooted in Virginia’s history and her family’s enduring bonds.

The Legacy of the Cofer Family

Minnie’s story reminds us of the power of family, music, and resilience. From her crowded childhood home in Norfolk to her years as a wife, mother, and organist, she left behind a legacy of love and creativity. The Cofer name, deeply rooted in Virginia, represents a lineage of strength that continues to echo in the lives of her descendants.

Walking in Minnie’s footsteps—through stories, addresses, and photographs—gives me a sense of connection to the past. Her life, though distant in time, feels alive in the values and traditions she passed down. Whether it’s through the music of her home, the bonds of her family, or the resilience she demonstrated, Minnie remains an inspiring figure in my family tree.

 The three pictures below are the same. See the description for each.

Based on the dress style, high collar, and the sepia photograph’s format, this picture likely dates between 1880 and 1895. The visible brooch or floral embellishment, along with earrings, adds a personal, decorative touch, indicating she was dressed for a special occasion. The chain or ribbon with a small crucifix may have symbolic significance or simply reflect the style of the period. (analysis of photo by ChatGPT.) Since this was taken about 1887, I think it was a professional photograph taken before she was married in July of 1887 at the age of 19.

Miriam Cofer age 18 according to photo
Miriam Baylor Cofer -circa 1887 (the year she was married) according to the back of the photo. Original scanned photo.
Same photo with enhancement made by MyHeritage Photo Restorer- 24 Nov 2024.
Same photo with Enhanced Color Restored feature by MyHeritage- 24 Nov 2024
Court Street Baptist Church abt. 1762-
Courtesy of the Portsmouth Public Library
1908
Norfolk & Portsmouth, Virginia 1873-Drie, C. N. Norfolk & Portsmouth, Virginia. [N.P, 1873] Map. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/item/75696645/. In the 1880 census they lived on Queen, the next street the census taker visited was Bute.

Minnie is the woman in the dark black dress in both photos below.  The photos say about 1916, which is the year she died.  The other woman is “Mrs. Halyburton,” another big name in Virginia.  Unfortunately, the photos do not say where these were taken.  They lived in Bond Avenue and Granville Avenue, the Brambleton area of Virginia today.  From what I can find through Google, they lived where the railroad tracks are now in the area.

Miriam and Mrs. Halyburton in 1916
Miriam Cofer and Mrs. Halyburton in 1916

Final Thoughts

As I look back on the life of Minnie Baylor Cofer, I feel a profound sense of gratitude for the stories that have been preserved and the family ties that continue to connect us. Her life may have ended over a century ago, but her legacy still sings in the voices of her descendants. To me, she will always be more than a name in a family tree—she’s a symbol of strength and love.

While the majority of the writing is my own, I used ChatGPT to help with some minor rewrites and edits.

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Books on Logan Ancestry: A Personal Story

In 2019, I embarked on a journey to write and self-publish two books about my Logan ancestry. My goal wasn’t fame or fortune; it was to create a legacy for future generations. Since then, I’ve refined my writing skills (hopefully!) and have since re-released updated editions of these books. One of these is The Lowland Logans —

“But, I am dead. I died in July of 1606. How can they convict me? They took all my lands, all my possessions. They dug up my bones and put them on trial. Yes, they put my bones on trial! And, they found my bones guilty of treason! They said I forfeited my rights because I could not testify. I AM DEAD! I died two years ago. Now they’ve confiscated my property, my lands, and my title was abolished. My heirs were stripped of their titles and holdings, they could not run for office, they were denied the privilege of their noble birth, and my estate, which included lands with four castles and monies valued at over £29,042. I was a multi-millionaire and they took it all!”

The second, Descendants of John Logan, Sr. of Washington, Connecticut, is a more traditional genealogy, including photos of the family homestead, historical article excerpts, and treasured memories.

Inspired by a letter from my great-grandfather, I also wrote a Vella series, weaving family history into a non-fictional narrative of lost and rediscovered stories.

You can click on each one to find them in Kindle.

I hope these works inspire future generations to discover the rich, resilient heritage woven into our family’s story and perhaps even uncover their own.

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Sleuthing For The Holidays

Halloween heralds the holiday season, offering a chance to connect with loved ones. Engage family members by asking questions about their past, sharing old photos, and noting details for future generations. Turn memory gathering into a game, using recording devices or index cards for answers. Collect cherished recipes to document family traditions for a memorable gathering.

The holiday season is nearly here! Don’t forget to spend quality time with your loved ones amidst all the preparations, traveling, and shopping. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to talk to your relatives and gather some family history!

There’s no need for a formal interview; simply weave in a few questions here and there. Bring along some old photos that you’ve been curious about and uncover their stories. A single photograph can evoke memories of loved ones. Most importantly, make sure to note the dates and names of the people in the photos. You may recognize them now, but will you remember who they are two decades from now? What about your children?

Inquire about personal details, such as their childhood nickname and the story behind it. Did they live in a house, an apartment, a city, or a suburb during their upbringing? What professions did their parents or grandparents have? Were they fortunate enough to meet their grandparents or great-grandparents? Where did they spend their formative years? What led them to where they are now?

At the conclusion of each of my Family History Detectives classes, I presented my students with a Family History Mystery to unravel. They were tasked with uncovering their family traditions, including their origins and the individuals responsible for them. Additionally, they explored the significance of cherished recipes passed down through generations.

My aunt gifted me a collection of heirloom photos, many of which were unlabelled. To engage my cousins, aunts, and uncles, I set up a family Facebook page and scanned the images for everyone to help identify them. This initiative not only greatly assisted me but also sparked lively conversations about the “good old days.”

You don’t need to dominate a family gathering with questions and records; instead, turn it into an enjoyable experience. Consider making it a game! Use your smartphone’s recording feature to capture memories. Hand the phone around and ask each family member to share a cherished memory or a meaningful event related to a family member. 

Another fun approach involves index cards. Distribute them and pose a question that everyone must answer on their card. Once filled out, circulate the cards for others to read. There’s no single approach that works for everyone, so feel free to get creative while gathering valuable family insights.

Don’t forget to ask family members for their favorite recipes from the occasion. Create your own recipe box featuring these dishes. Include notes about the recipe’s origins and any changes made along the way. Be sure to document the date you received the recipe and from whom. 

With a little creativity, you can cherish your holiday gathering while enriching your family history.

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Smoothing Out the Snags: How to Tackle Common Genealogy Pitfalls

As family historians, we’re no strangers to challenges. Our work requires patience and dedication, often navigating through countless records in search of a missing piece to the puzzle. While it’s all part of the journey, there are a few common mistakes and oversights that can hinder progress for beginners and seasoned researchers alike. Let’s explore some of these pitfalls and how to sidestep them, making your genealogy journey smoother and more accurate.

1) Unsourced Family Trees
One of the biggest challenges in online research is coming across family trees that lack sources. Without citations, notes, or records to back up the information, it becomes nearly impossible to verify the accuracy of those entries. To avoid this, always make a habit of adding sources—whether it’s a census record, a photo, or even a story passed down from relatives. It helps others (and yourself) to understand where the information originated.

2) Incoherent Information
Mistakes happen, but spotting impossible scenarios—like a person giving birth after their death—can feel confusing. Double-checking dates and cross-referencing records can prevent these errors from slipping in. Always remember, consistency is key in genealogy.

3) Duplicate Children
When researching large families, especially in the 1800s, it’s important to verify children’s birth dates and names. Variations in nicknames across records (like Maggie for Margaret or Polly for Mary) can cause confusion, so be mindful of these when reviewing census records.

4) Unresponsive Genealogy Contacts
It’s always exciting to connect with distant relatives online, but don’t be disheartened if you don’t get an immediate response. While it can be frustrating, remember that people may have busy schedules. A gentle follow-up message is okay, and patience is key.

5) Recycling Unverified Facts
It’s tempting to adopt information from other family trees, but it’s important to verify facts before incorporating them into your own. Always take a moment to check records and sources; this will ensure that your family tree remains accurate and reliable.

6) Unlabeled Photos
Photographs of ancestors can be priceless treasures, but unlabeled images can cause confusion. When sharing family photos, be sure to include as much detail as possible—dates, names, and locations. Even if some details are unclear, adding context helps future researchers.

7) Irrelevant Records
It’s easy to misinterpret a record that seems to match an ancestor, but always consider the geographical and chronological context. If your ancestor spent their life in one place, it’s unlikely they have records in a far-off country without explanation. Keep track of family movements to avoid such missteps.

8) Mythical Surname Coats-of-Arms
Be cautious when it comes to purchasing coats-of-arms tied to your surname. Remember, coats-of-arms are granted to specific individuals, not entire families. It’s always worth researching the actual lineage behind such claims.

Genealogy is an exciting adventure, filled with moments of discovery and connection. While it’s natural to encounter challenges along the way, approaching your research with a discerning eye and a commitment to accuracy will ensure that the stories you uncover are as authentic as the ancestors who lived them. Whether you’re just starting out or diving deeper, keeping these common pitfalls in mind will help make your family history journey all the more rewarding.

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From Names to Narratives: How Blogging Brought My Ancestors to Life

When I began my family history research in the 90s, it primarily revolved around names and facts. That was my approach to building my family tree. However, everything changed when I started blogging about my ancestors; they truly came to life for me. It wasn’t just that their stories were fascinating, but I began to draw parallels between their experiences and my own daily life.

This curiosity drove me to explore the historical context surrounding each ancestor. I found myself questioning why so many lived such short lives and what epidemics plagued their era. I wondered why they chose to leave their homeland and what factors led to their frequent migrations. Sometimes, it takes me quite a while to compose a single blog post because I keep unearthing more information about that individual.

Blogging also helps me identify gaps in my ancestors’ narratives, allowing me to hone in on one ancestor, surname, or event at a time. Alternatively, I may choose to focus on a specific genealogical resource or technique. The key is to center my discussions on manageable topics—bite-sized pieces of my family history. This ongoing process has compelled me to revisit and rewrite some of my earlier posts, as I’ve realized that many are overly lengthy or mention too many ancestors.

Another significant advantage of genealogy blogging is that it serves as excellent “cousin bait.” Over the years, I’ve been contacted by people who share my lineage or are simply intrigued by the stories I tell. These connections enrich my research and provide a gratifying sense that my efforts are worthwhile. Moreover, blogging has become a valuable record of my journey as a family history researcher.

It’s a curious aspect of human nature that, as we learn, we often become so engrossed in our current endeavors that we lose sight of the progress we’ve made over time. Blogging allows me to share snippets of my family history without getting too caught up in structure or formatting—I simply relish the act of writing.

Blogging about my ancestors has transformed my genealogical journey in ways I never expected. What started as a hobby to trace names and dates has evolved into a deeper exploration of my family’s past, a means of connecting with distant relatives, and a way to bring forgotten lives back into the spotlight. Each blog post not only uncovers new discoveries but also reflects my growth as a researcher and storyteller. As I continue to write, I’m reminded that genealogy is not just about building a family tree—it’s about understanding the branches, roots, and the stories in between.

Image via ChatGPT 2024.

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Whispers Beneath the Hedgerows: The Secret Legacy of Irish Hedge Schools

Have you ever wondered where your Irish ancestors might have received their education? In a time when formal schooling was forbidden for many, a unique and resilient form of education emerged—one that defied the harsh penal laws of the British Crown. Welcome to the world of Irish Hedge Schools, where knowledge was passed down in secret, hidden away in the countryside, beneath the very hedgerows that gave these schools their name. Join me as we uncover the history of these remarkable institutions and the brave souls who kept the flame of learning alive in the face of adversity.

For about two hundred years, this was an illegal, informal, and unofficial local education system.

In the mid-1600s, Oliver Cromwell’s arrival in Ireland led to the outlawing of bardic schools (secular institutions.) Cromwell’s notorious reputation for the massacre of Irish people and the confiscation of their lands has made him an unpopular figure in Irish and English history. Cromwell referred to the bardic schools as popish schools due to his belief that they taught superstition, idolatry, and evil Celtic customs.

A few decades later, when William of Orange was the British king, the British enacted the penal laws. These banned Catholicism and banned priests, which, of course, prohibited the teaching of Catholicism, whether in church or school or anywhere else, for that matter.

In response to discrimination, communities began taking control of their education. This led to the developing of a network of informal schools, referred to as hedge schools, throughout the country. These schools were strategically located to avoid detection by local authorities ‘beneath the sunny side of a hedge’ and were run by schoolmasters who charged a fee for their services. Hedge schools provided instruction in various subjects, including Latin and Greek.

It’s believed that by the 1820s, Hedge Schools educated up to 400,000 students in 9000 schools. This remained in force until it was repealed in 1782. It wasn’t until 1967, with the Free Secondary Education Act in the Republic of Ireland, that secondary school education became open for all.

Because of the secrecy and illegalities, there are few records concerning these schools. Although you can scour the internet and find some teacher’s names in some places.

The story of the Irish Hedge Schools is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a people determined to preserve their heritage and educate their children, no matter the obstacles. While the records of these schools are scarce, their legacy lives on in the countless descendants who carry the torch of knowledge passed down through generations. As we reflect on this hidden chapter of Irish history, let us remember the resilience and ingenuity of our ancestors, who found a way to nurture minds even in the darkest of times.

19.2.20 hedge schools. 19.2.20 Hedge Schools – Department of Classics – Trinity College Dublin. (n.d.). https://www.tcd.ie/classics/livinglatin/hedge-school.php

McDonnell, D. (2021, February 24). The Irish Hedge School. ClanDonnell. https://clandonnell.net/the-irish-hedge-school/

Costello, G., & Name. (2023, July 17). Hedge schools. Skehana & District Heritage. https://skehana.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/topics/education/hedge-schools

Category: Sheephaven history. The Workhouse. (2023, September 4). https://dunfanaghyworkhouse.com/category/sheephaven-history/

Photo Credit

Kenneth Allen / The Hedge School, Doagh / 

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The Evolution of My Blog: From Ancestry Stories to Improved Writing Techniques

A few weeks ago I wrote A Look at Time Management and Social Media Strategy. For the past couple of days, I’ve been giving my website a refresher. I searched for “how to rejuvenate a website” and “how to refresh the content of a website” and learned a lot about improving user experience and getting more traffic to my blog.

One of the pro tips was to repurpose older content. Go me! I’ve already been doing that with my posts like Uncovering the Story of Susanna Clark Rootes, My 9th Great Grandmother: A Tale of Witches and New England Founders, Exploring the History of Strawberry Hill: The Stephanz Family and Their Croatian Neighbors, and Tracing the Roots of John MacBean: A Scottish POW’s Journey to America. So, if you’ve been a long-time follower, hang in there if something seems familiar; I am repurposing older content, especially from when I first began blogging in 2017. Since then, I’ve learned a lot, not just about ancestry, but I’ve improved my writing techniques. Wouldn’t my literature teacher be proud?

I have also been more engaged with my fellow family historians and genealogists on their websites, social media accounts, and other websites where others ask questions about their own ancestry and where or how to find something. It still amazes me how many people do not know about their families, even one generation back, or how tracking ancestry works. The number of people jumping to buy DNA tests, thinking they will give all the answers, is mind-boggling. One woman gave a review that her DNA test was terrible because it didn’t tell her who her father was. What?

However, another suggestion to improve my website traffic will have to be put on the back burner for now. It was suggesting a YouTube channel for my business. Not only am I not comfortable doing videos right now, but I just worked on my time management and do not want to add anything else to my plate. Did you know that according to SimilarWeb, YouTube is the 2nd most popular website on the planet? I actually have a YouTube channel. It has two videos on it from when I was teaching children about ancestry.

When visiting my website, you’ll notice a couple of new features. One is a sharing feature to the left of each page.

So, if you are reading something you think a friend or family member would be interested in, click on the icon on the left of your favorite share feature (email, Facebook, messenger, text, and others.) and share the content. Easy peasy!

Second, I have added a “Question or Comment” button. Here, you can quickly email me with questions about a particular blog post (this feature will only be on new blog posts) or a page on the website. You may even have a question about your ancestry. Every blog post currently has a comment feature already, but this box is highlighted on each page, so you can click on it whenever you think of something or see something not quite right about something I posted. Feel free to leave me some kudos, too!

Finally, I added an easy “Subscribe” button to each page. You will already be a subscriber if you receive this post in your email. However, if you are reading this post because you found me through a Google search, please Subscribe so you receive new posts as I publish them. Subscribers also get free access to my Free Resources page.

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As I continue to refine my website and explore new strategies for enhancing user experience, I’m excited to share these updates with you. From repurposing older content to engaging more deeply with the genealogical community, these changes are all part of my ongoing journey to provide valuable and accessible content for fellow family historians. While some suggestions, like creating a YouTube channel, will have to wait, I’m thrilled about the new features that make it easier for you to connect, share, and stay informed. Whether you’re a long-time follower or new to my blog, I hope these updates make your experience even more enjoyable. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay in the loop, and feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback. Here’s to discovering the past together!