Category Archives: Uncategorized

Should tax records be a part of a reasonably exhaustive search in colonial Connecticut research?

Tax records are considered an “important record type” for New England according to ICAPGEN’s New England Regional Guide. Yet, they’re often skipped by researchers. Should tax records be considered a part of a reasonably exhaustive search in colonial Connecticut? In many states, tax records are referenced because they can help determine the structure of theContinue reading “Should tax records be a part of a reasonably exhaustive search in colonial Connecticut research?”

Is ChatGPT reliable for locating Connecticut genealogical records?

ChatGPT has become a popular topic of discussion in genealogy fields. Many genealogists are trying to use it locate historical context or determine where to look for ancestral records. But does it actually work? I ran a test case using the free version as of 25 June 2025. Some of this material is right. SomeContinue reading “Is ChatGPT reliable for locating Connecticut genealogical records?”

What’s a literature search – and why does it matter for researching your Connecticut ancestors?

Literature searches aren’t talked about much in genealogy anymore… A quick internet search returned blog entries from 2012-2015 but not much more recent. Yet, it’s still a valuable starting point for Connecticut genealogy projects, especially for colonial research. … and once you’ve finished your research, perhaps it’s time to consider adding your own literature toContinue reading “What’s a literature search – and why does it matter for researching your Connecticut ancestors?”

Myth or Truth: Were Connecticut men of color conscripted as body servants under the 1780 quota act?

Based on the available evidence, this is a myth. To learn more about the 1780 quota act, see a prior blog post. In short, the quota act required “classes” or subgroups of militia in each town to provide “a good able-bodied effective recruit” to serve on the Continental Line. The wording of the act stronglyContinue reading “Myth or Truth: Were Connecticut men of color conscripted as body servants under the 1780 quota act?”

Veteran’s Death Index

A project of the Connecticut State Library, the Veteran’s Death Index can be helpful for documenting service or veteran burial locations through the early 1980s. Cards may include the veteran’s name, war, age, death and burial location, service information, and source of the information. Cards may cover both in state burials and out of stateContinue reading “Veteran’s Death Index”

What sources do you need to check to answer a question about an ancestor in colonial Connecticut?

If you’ve done genealogy for long enough, you’ve probably heard mention of the “Genealogical Proof Standard” and the idea of “reasonably exhaustive research.” That standard is designed to help genealogists ensure that their conclusions are well reasoned and based on an accurate reading of the evidence. Reasonably exhaustive research means that you’ve checked all ofContinue reading “What sources do you need to check to answer a question about an ancestor in colonial Connecticut?”

My Ancestor should have a Connecticut death record, but I can’t find it. Why?

If your ancestor died after 1900, they should have a death record. Connecticut began statewide recording on 1 July 1897, so compliance improved dramatically at that point. Yet, sometimes you still can’t find a record. Very rarely, there is actually not a record. It’s more common to just miss it. Why? There are two commonContinue reading “My Ancestor should have a Connecticut death record, but I can’t find it. Why?”

Looking for books on Connecticut history?

American Revolution: Anderson, Virginia DeJohn. The Martyr and The Traitor: Nathan Hale, Moses Dunbar, and the American Revolution. New York: Oxford University Press, 2017. Rees, John U. ‘They Were Good Soldiers’: African-Americans Serving in the Continental Army, 1775-1783. Warwick, England: Helion & Company, 2019. Biography Mahan, Russell. Thomas Leffingwell: The Connecticut Pioneer Who Rescued ChiefContinue reading “Looking for books on Connecticut history?”