research – Loganalogy- Your Family Historian

Why Taking Breaks Boosts Genealogy Research

Why Stepping Away Might Be the Best Move You Make

Working with clients means I spend more time climbing their family trees than my own—more than I’d like, honestly. But here’s the unexpected perk: taking a break from your personal research can actually be one of the best things you do for it.

When you stare at the same ancestor profiles day after day, it’s easy to feel stuck… or like you’ve hit the end of the road. But chances are, the road just needs repaving. And maybe a pit stop or two.

🔁 “All the Records Are Gone!” (Spoiler: They’re Not)

One thing I hear a lot from fellow researchers is that sites like Ancestry or FamilySearch have “nothing new.” But that’s just not true. These databases are constantly adding new records—many of them quietly in the background.

Here’s just a glimpse of how often things are updated:

📜 FamilySearch adds ~180 new collections monthly from all over the world
📰 Chronicling America updates hundreds of historical newspapers regularly
📚 Ancestry and FindMyPast both add and update collections weekly
🌍 MyHeritage continues growing by the billions (yep, billions) annually

Moral of the story: if it’s been a while, go back and check again. That “dead end” ancestor may have left a clue behind while you were busy living your life.

💥 Real Talk: My 7th Great-Grandmother’s Will Changed Everything

I recently took a break from my own tree, and when I came back, BOOM—there it was. A will I had never seen before, sitting quietly in my Ancestry hints.

That one document listed her children and grandchildren, which led me to her father’s will, and then her mother and siblings. Just like that, a wall came down, and a whole new branch opened up.

👀 What You Might Be Missing

🧾 Old records, new eyes: Go back and re-read sources you saved years ago. You’re more experienced now—what didn’t click back then might stand out today.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Research sideways: Don’t just follow your direct line. Look into siblings, cousins, and in-laws. They often lead you straight to your missing link.

📚 Check offline: Not everything is online (yet). Local archives, libraries, and family history societies often have gems that aren’t digitized. Don’t be afraid to send an email—you’d be surprised what’s free.

📺 Social history & video tutorials: YouTube is full of amazing, free content—walkthroughs, history docs, obscure record set tips. Don’t sleep on the power of context.

🧠 Bottom Line: Take a Step Back to Move Forward

Taking a break doesn’t mean giving up. It means giving your brain space to reset. The records aren’t going anywhere—but when you come back, you might just see something you missed before.

Need fresh eyes on your research? I’d love to help you break through that brick wall.

Visit Loganalogy.com to get started!

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Uncovering Mat Stephanz’s Roots: A Journey Through Family History

Who Were Mat’s Parents and Family?

Mat Stephanz’s story begins in Kansas City, where he lived from birth until his marriage to Clara in 1920. His journey also included service in the Navy, but where did his family come from? How did they settle in Kansas City?

To uncover this, I started with his last known residence and the most recent record I could access: his Social Security Application. You might have guessed I’d say his death certificate, but because that record is over 50 years old, it’s only available through a family member—possibly among my great aunt’s possessions.

The Social Security Application confirmed that Mathias Stephanz and Mary Svegel were Mat’s parents. This wasn’t entirely new information; family trees from my Uncle’s and a paper trail from Clara or Mat had suggested it. However, in genealogy, documentation is key to verifying claims.

For privacy, I edited the document to exclude Mat’s Social Security number.

Knowing his parents’ names wasn’t enough to trace their origins. Census records and connections to Kansas City’s Strawberry Hill provided further clues. The 1900 census listed both Mathias and Mary’s birthplace as “Austria,” while the 1910 census specified “Austria Germany.” According to Marshall’s research, they hailed from Črnomelj, Austria (modern-day Slovenia).

With this foundation, I found more census records: Mathias Štefanc appears in the 1920 and 1930 records, while Mary’s entries span 1920, 1930, and 1940. These documents revealed more about their lives: Mathias’s naturalization in 1900 and the fact that he didn’t finish school. Each census offered a glimpse into their journey as immigrants building a life in a new land.

One interesting article was written by a genealogical cousin, Peter Hawlina.

Slovenia by Peter Hawlina

Slovenia has been an independent country since 1991. Before this, it was a part of Tito’s Yugoslavia. Prior to the second world war it was part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. Until the end of the first world war, it belonged to the Austrian Habsburg monarchy for centuries but also for a short time was under the direction of Napoleonic France. More than one thousand years ago the Slovenians lived in a Slavic empire led by King Samo. A more curious reader can read more about this in other publications. As an illustration, I will name just one example from modern history.

My sister was born in 1940 in the kingdom of Yugoslavia. I was born in 1941 under the Italian occupation in Italy. My brother was born in 1943 in Germany after the Italians capitulated, while my next sister was born in 1945 in the Federal Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia. We all were born in the same house in the suburbs of Ljubljana, so it is important for a genealogist to be aware of the fact that there were changing religious and civil jurisdictions at various times. These changes are of critical importance when conducting this research. I will not go into details but I will mention those characteristics that would be helpful to the inexperienced researcher.

The local parish church is dedicated to Saint Joseph and belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Novo Mesto. Records from there are Status Animarum Records.

Status Animarum translates as “the state of souls.” They contain names and information about baptism, marriage, burial, and relationship to head of household for everyone living in a parish by house number. Spouses often show the town and house where they were born or moved. They were kept by the parish priests for internal purposes. Handwriting and format vary by priest. Below is the Status Animarum for Matijas’ household.

Now known as Mathias and Mary Stephanz, they lived their remaining lives in Kansas City, Kansas, raising two girls and two boys. Mary was Naturalized in 1895, and Mathias in 1900.

By the 1920s, he was a “Cabinet Maker” at a Cabinet Shop. He took his “Coach Maker” skills to work on furniture. This skill took him to Abernathy Brothers Furniture Store. In 1936, while working as a “furniture packer” with Abernathy, he received an injury that infected and caused Streptococcus in his left hand. It seems it went downhill from there with pneumonia and fluid in his lungs. I wonder if it had to do with Kansas City experiencing one of the worst heatwaves in North America in the same year, causing it not to heal.

He died at only 68 years of age. For an interesting twist to this family, read Hidden In A Letter.

Above is his death certificate. It also lists where he was buried, Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Another interesting tidbit. Had I known about this family in 2012, I might now live in Slovenia! In researching Mathias’ father, I received a Google response:

Matija Štefanc, rojen 17. 2. 1845, nazadnje stanujoč Dolenji Radenci 10, pošta Stari trg ob Kolpi, umrl neznano kdaj, je nedvomno že pokojni, ni pa mogoče dobiti dokazila o njegovi smrti. Poziva se vse, ki kaj vedo o Matiji Štefancu, zlasti o tem, kdaj in kje je umrl, da to sporočijo Okrajnemu sodišču v Črnomlju, najkasneje v treh mesecih po objavi tega oklica, ker bo sodišče sicer po preteku tega roka, imenovanega razglasilo za mrtvega.
Okrajno sodišče v Črnomlju dne 21. 5. 2012

Google translation is:

Matija Štefanc, born 17. 2. 1845, last residing Dolenji Radenci 10 mail Stari trg at Kolpa, died when the unknown is no doubt already late, but it is impossible to obtain proof of his death. It urges all to what they know about Matija Štefanc, in particular about when and where he died, to report this to the Local Court in Črnomelj within three months after the publication of the notice because the court after the expiry of this period, known as declared dead.
The District Court in Črnomlju of 21. 5. 2012

This land was the property of our ancestor, Matija Stefanc. As the Republic of Slovenia built a road through this land and they could not reach the person or next of kin, they proceeded with an act through the court, which proclaimed him dead.

Through careful documentation and family research, we’ve pieced together Mat Stephanz’s story, connecting the threads of his roots to his life in Kansas City. The journey to uncover your family’s past is as much about the process as it is about the stories you discover along the way.

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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!

Avoid These Rookie Mistakes in Genealogy: Enhance Your Search and Enjoy the Journey

I have been absorbed in genealogy/family history for a significant period, and I can attest that we all start as beginners. Even when revisiting older branches of my family tree, I still encounter what I call ‘rookie mistakes.’ It’s a journey we all embark on.

Here, I’ve outlined crucial mistakes that, if avoided, can significantly enhance your genealogy search, making it a more fruitful and enjoyable experience.

Pay attention to the wealth of information that your living relatives can provide. I regret not asking more questions of my grandparents, great-grandparents, great-aunts, and great-uncles. With the right encouragement, most family members are eager to share their memories, which can be invaluable for future generations.
Here’s a big one! Attaching other people’s trees to yours! If another person’s tree has an error, such as the wrong generation, attaching it to yours can add people who aren’t related.
Many families have stories and traditions passed down through generations. These family legends can be a goldmine for genealogy research, but it’s crucial to approach them with an open mind. Tales of famous ancestors, war heroes, surname changes, and the family’s nationality likely have factual origins. Your task is to sift through these stories, as ancestors may have added embellishments over time.
Many people are eager to explore their cultural roots and trace their family history back to their country of origin. However, it’s usually challenging to start researching genealogy in a foreign country without doing some preliminary research first. You need to know when they decided to move, where they originally came from, even their city or town.
When searching for ancestors, it’s important to consider variations in names and spellings. People often misspelled the names of our ancestors in official records for various reasons, and individuals may have used different names at different times. Researching surname origins and using genealogy databases can help in finding variations. (See my blog about Surnames.)
Avoid advertisements promising “a family history of enter surname here in America.” Many of these are for mass-produced coats of arms and surname books that do not provide specific family histories. Additionally, be careful when purchasing family crests and coats of arms from commercial sources, as these items are often not tied to particular surnames or families. Your best bet is to look for official clan groups. For instance, a couple in my family are Clan Logan Society International (https://www.clanlogansociety.org/) and Clan MacBean (https://clanmacbean.org/)
Genealogy is about much more than just adding names to your database. Instead of focusing on how many ancestors you’ve traced or how many names you have in your family tree, take the time to truly get to know your ancestors. What did they look like? Where did they live? Which historical events influenced their lives? Your ancestors had their own hopes and dreams, just like you do. While they might not have found their lives particularly exciting, you will usually find something interesting.
Just because a family genealogy or a record transcription has been written down or published does not necessarily mean it is correct. Vital information may be missing, transcription errors may occur, or invalid assumptions may be made in books containing transcriptions (cemetery, census, will, courthouse, etc.).
When using the Internet for genealogy research, approach online data with skepticism. If possible, verify and corroborate every detail yourself. Visit the source or retrace the researcher’s steps to ensure accuracy.
I’ve often looked back on an ancestor in my family tree only to find I needed a source for the information. A rookie mistake! There have been occasions when others have asked me about the information and where I found it, and embarrassingly, I’ve had to tell them, “I don’t know.” It’s essential to keep track of your genealogy sources to avoid redoing your research. Document and cite each source, and make copies if possible.
When searching for information, use more than one or two resources. Different kinds exist, online and in print, each with strengths and weaknesses. Be sure to research each source thoroughly before adding something to your tree. (See my blog Maximizing Your Genealogy Research with Google: Proven Strategies for Effective Online Searches)
Family historians should remember to research their ancestors’ siblings. Doing so gives you a fuller understanding of your ancestors’ families. It’s unlikely that you descend from a long line of “only children,” so keeping your family history in context is necessary. (See my blog on Collateral Ancestors)

Genealogy is a deeply personal and enriching journey, marked by the excitement of discovery and the patience required to unravel complex family histories. By learning from the common pitfalls I’ve outlined, you can enhance your research process, making it more rewarding and accurate. Remember to engage with living relatives, approach family legends with a balanced perspective, and meticulously document your sources. Embrace the nuances of name variations and be cautious with information from online sources and other people’s trees. Ultimately, genealogy is not just about filling in names on a chart but about understanding the lives and stories of those who came before us. Every piece of information you uncover, every tale you validate, brings you closer to your ancestors, transforming your family tree into a vibrant tapestry of history and heritage.

📸Microsoft Designer AI

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Working the Dead Ends

If you’re reading this hoping to get great clues on finding your brick walls, do not get too excited. I do have a few for you, though.

Today, I searched for more of my dead ends using techniques taught to me by fellow family historians and professional genealogists. They provide some great tips and websites for research.

One such tip is to get the most out of Google™ searches using “Boolean Operators.” Here are some examples.

Some others are:

Acts as a wildcard and will match any word or phrase.

Example: christmas*trees

( )

Group multiple terms or search operators to control how the search is executed.

Example: (Christmas OR trees) decorations

Search for prices. Also works for Euro (€), but not GBP (£) 🙁

Example: Samsung $329

define:

A dictionary built into Google.

Example: define:entrepreneur

cache:

Returns the most recent cached version of a web page (an old version of a web page) (provided the page is indexed, of course).

Example: cache:samsung.com

site:

Limit results to those from a specific website.

Example: site:samsung.com

related:

Find sites linked to a given domain.

Example: related:samsung.com

intitle:

Find pages with a specific word (or words) in the title. In our example, any results containing the word “Samsung” in the title tag will be returned.

Example: intitle:Samsung

allintitle:

Similar to “intitle,” only results containing all the specified words in the title tag will be returned.

Example: allintitle:Samsung android

Another excellent search tool in my research has been Google Books.

Go to Google search
Type a surname or subject and hit enter
Click on the “More” menu
Click on “Books.”
You can leave the search as is or click on “Any Books”
Then click on “Google EBooks” to search for books online.
Again, you can use the above Boolean Operators here.

I used these techniques today, searching for brick walls of mine and some of my clients, family, and friends. I was able to find some information that may help, but I have many names that stump me at the moment. Here is just a sample of my particular toughies:

Abigail Soper (cannot find proof of last name)

Daniel Logan’s marriage record to the above Abigail

Margaret Johnson Carr

Letitia Porterfield and John Rowan

John McMahan and Margaret Hargrove

Horace Case (could be John Horace Case)

Himan Chapman and his wife, Ann

Kezia(h), who married Isaac Burns

Williams Morrison and Christina Spiker

Charles William Davis and Eliza Wake’s parents

Jožef Fugina

Katharina Ilić

Andreas Henning

Maria Kriese

Franz Sierotzki’s family

Josephine(a) Tesmer

Jesse Decatur Simmons (researching for my uncle) 😉

There are many more, but these are my frustrating names now. I hope those searching these same names will find this blog, and we can collaborate.

I have many emails to different historical societies, churches, and county clerks trying to gather information or possible avenues for me to search.

Another great tool to find older, archived items is https://archive.org/.

For instance, go to that website and type in the search engine “Wood County, Ohio.” You get 1,147 results! Once you click a book or similar, you can then search inside the book itself.

And, always, always work sideways! Research the siblings, the aunts, the uncles, and cousins. You will be amazed at what you can find. You can even find others who are researching the same family.

So, do not give up. Keep trying and dig, dig, dig. I have broken many brick walls. It has sometimes taken years, but it happened.

To all those reading, have a Merry Christmas, Festivus, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Boxing Day, Ōmisoka, or any other holiday you celebrate. Make beautiful memories together, and write them down for your descendants while you’re at it!

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Getting The Most Out Of Your Family History Research

To get the most out of your family history takes time. You need to research and verify facts and sources. Sometimes you need to order documents. But, what you get out of it is so much more than the time and money you spend. It helps you to understand your family members a little bit more, and it may just help you to understand yourself a bit too.

And, don’t underestimate your children. As I explained in my Family History for Children blog, children are very curious and avid learners of their history. A good age, in my opinion, is about 4th grade.

There are many online programs out there to help you find records but do not ignore the many other outlets that can help you. I have reached out to many other researchers and genealogists in the past to help guide me in the right direction. Some I have hired to look up documents for me in a place I was not able to go to myself. Also, see my post on using Facebook to help you in your research.

Maybe you are not curious enough about your family roots to spend hours digging through historical databases. That is where Family History Researchers like myself can help.

At www.loganalogy.com, there are many ways in which I can assist you in your family history research. I not only blog about my ancestors and family research in general, but I also offer other services.

An online genealogy basics class, I provide one-on-one tutoring as well as group tutoring in the Florida, online consultations, and I offer my Family History Research Specialist service.

So, visit me at www.loganalogy.com today, and let’s build something together!

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