When searching for a genealogical numbering system for my personal genealogy I looked for something modern that could handle cousin/cousin relationships, a problem that crosses lines; multiple descendants of the same family immigrating together with some remaining behind; European roots; …
Author: Jay Kruizenga
When I began compiling my family tree several years ago I operated on the philosophy of name collecting without giving the underlying structure much actual substance. I focused on the skeleton while avoiding the meat. As a result my tree …
Genesee is an interior county of Michigan, situated in the southeastern part of the lower peninsula of the State; its capital city, Flint, which is also nearly its territorial centre. The limits of Genesse include eighteen townships, sixteen of which …
Before the days of modern refrigeration, it was essential especially during the grueling summer months, to purchase ice blocks to keep perishables cool. Ice companies organized with harvesting rights from local lakes and rivers delivering blocks of ice to local …
The short-lived Grand Rapids Morning Telegram was founded 30 September 1884 as a Republican Daily (liberal). No Sundays. The paper was sold April 1886 and merged with Brezee’s Grand Rapids Herald to form the Telegram-Herald. It was one of the …
Adoption records in the State of Michigan are sealed and generally inaccessible to the public. However, there are methods, allowed by Michigan Law, that an adoptee and/or direct descendant of an adoptee can request nonidentifying or identifying information pertaining to …
From the early period in Grand Rapids history there have been able photographers making a living at their art. The annual City Directories listed these, some with ads. What follows is a complete list of every listed photographer from 1859-1925. …
The occasion arises from time to time when I am asked what to call Michigan natives, those individuals who call Michigan home. In my book there is but one correct term…and you can guess from the title of this article …
Most Michiganians are unaware that Michigan had its own Mormon American King who was able to wrestle control of a band of islands from gentile fishermen, the primary being Beaver Island where the Mormon headquarters was firmly ensconced. James Jesse …
I just finished a lengthy assignment to locate an ancestor that moved around so frequently that he was difficult to trace. The paper trail was scarce because he didn’t stay in any one place too long to establish one. Still, …
In this series of articles, I will be using my 2nd Great Grandfather, James Pennington (1828-1903) as an example. Here is a little background on James to get us started. The above pastel portrait hangs in the Cannonsburg Museum, Cannon Township, …
I remember a time when life was much simpler than now. Spending time with my grandparents during the summer months we’d take time to visit friends and relatives on a lazy Sunday afternoon and sometimes, especially on Memorial Day, we’d …
Think you know your ethnicity? Think again. If you would like to learn your precise ancestral origins rather than being lumped into a broad category like “Western European” or “Native American”… this article is for you! There are lesser known …
Birth and Death records in the State of Michigan began around January of 1867; however, these were in no manner enforced. It may very well be that you have a Michigan Ancestor that you know was born or died in …
It was a cold winter morning, the 17th of January, 1894. John Quartel, an employee of Crowley & Morris, a local Grandville Avenue grocer, was busy making his rounds delivering groceries with his young partner, Jacob Boyton. He pulled up …
Thousands of Michiganians on the west side of the lower peninsula claim Dutch ancestry. The Greater Grand Rapids – Holland areas were a huge draw to Dutch immigrants seeking to live amongst their own kin. Initially the Dutch migrated into …
When searching for your ancestor’s immigration record the key year to remember is 1906. Prior to 1906 the information contained on a naturalization document was limited to the country of origin and perhaps the date of arrival. Not much else. …
At the time of this writing in the State of Michigan many patient records from the various mental institutions across the State are housed at the Michigan Archives in Lansing, Michigan. Unfortunately… you can’t view them. Patient records are closed …
I call it “forward-thinking genealogy”, my term for bringing a known line forward in search of living descendants. Now why would you do this? I’ve been very fortunate in past client genealogies when searching for living descendants. My reason for …
I love cemeteries. I’ll occasionally drive to a cemetery, park my car and walk along the paved or dirt roads. There is something very peaceful about the setting. Perhaps its my way of escaping the busyness of life… or perhaps …
What if I were to tell you that Michigan once had slaves? Would you be surprised and appalled? Before Michigan became a State it traded hands between French and English rule. Both the French and English owned slaves that were …
Berrien County is located on the far southwestern side of the State. It is bordered on the west by Lake Michigan and the south by Indiana. Established in 1829 from yet unorganized territory, Berrien County derives its name from Attorney …
This large photo card was found in Kent County, Michigan. It features a young woman garbed in white (wedding). The photographer’s mark is “J R Osborn in Coldwater, Michigan”. On the reverse is written in pencil “Lillie Bentin (or Benton)”. …
This photo card was found in Ionia County, Michigan. The card features on its face the photographer mark “Wybrant” in Louisville, Kentucky. On the card’s reverse is “Wybrant, 418 West Market St., Louisville, Kentucky”. Written in pencil is “Lucy P. …
This photo card was found in Ionia County, Michigan. The photo was taken in the Keller photo studio in Nappanee, Elkhart, Indiana. Card reverse has written in pen, “Anna and Jacob Deisch”, “Merle Deisch”, and “Baby Blanche Deisch”. The Michigan …
