Tag Archives: genealogy

Connecticut County Records: What do genealogists need to know?

Connecticut’s county system was abolished 1 October 1960, meaning that no functions are currently managed by the county within the state. In a 1998 memo, Judy A. Watson listed 9 functions of the county government system at its peak: Genealogists will most likely run into county records when researching ancestors who a) interacted with theContinue reading “Connecticut County Records: What do genealogists need to know?”

Prince Mortimer of Middletown (purportedly 1724-1834): Examining Claims of Revolutionary War Service

                 Since the 2006 release of Denis Caron’s A Century in Captivity: The Life and Trials of Prince Mortimer, a Connecticut Slave, discussion of the life of Prince Mortimer of Middletown has largely centered around the trial for attempted murder that resulted in Mortimer’s imprisonment in Old New-Gate Prison.[1] Yet some studies of Mortimer haveContinue reading “Prince Mortimer of Middletown (purportedly 1724-1834): Examining Claims of Revolutionary War Service”

Rethinking the Historical Approach: Using Genealogy to Tell the Story of a Veteran of Color, Pvt. Sharp Liberty, Connecticut Continental Line

Rethinking the Approach In recent years, scholars of Connecticut history have begun to grapple with the prior discussions of the participation of Connecticut soldiers of color in the American Revolution. As one historiographical study notes, the easy accessibility of two problematic texts on the subject online poses potential issues to future research. The author describesContinue reading “Rethinking the Historical Approach: Using Genealogy to Tell the Story of a Veteran of Color, Pvt. Sharp Liberty, Connecticut Continental Line”

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?”

How do I find a professional genealogist to assist with my Connecticut genealogy research?

Is one of your New Year’s Resolutions hiring professional help to finish your Connecticut genealogy research project? There are four organizations with directories you can use to find professional genealogists who specialize in Connecticut research. (The membership of the New England Chapter Association of Professional Genealogists overlaps with that of APG.) Things to consider whenContinue reading “How do I find a professional genealogist to assist with my Connecticut genealogy research?”