Introducing our New Volunteer Coordinator, Kathleen O'Donnell Beitiks

Volunteer Corner 

By Linda Harms Okazaki

It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you Kathleen O’Donnell Beitiks, our new Volunteer Coordinator. Kathleen is a fourth generation Californian.  Her first career was as a newspaper reporter. Kathleen retired from reporting to raise her family. She later worked at the State Bar of California in the Office of Media and Information Services. 

Kathleen became interested in genealogy when her father was about to turn 85 and she wanted to document his early California roots.  Impressed by the educational opportunities at the California Genealogical Society and Library, she joined in 2011, right after her retirement. Kathleen jumped right into life at CGS. She attended our Salt Lake City Research trip in 2013, and then was “persuaded” to help with San Francisco Ancestry Day. Now she is ready for a new task. 

If you haven’t already met Kathleen, be sure to introduce yourself. If you would like to volunteer at CGS, please let Kathleen know. 

You can reach her at kbeitiks@californiaancestors.org Welcome, Kathleen!

Copyright © 2014 by Ellen Fernandez-Sacco, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Join Jane Lindsey on the CGS Research Trip to Boston!

CGS Research Trip to Boston: 
Visit the New England Historical and Genealogical Society

Do you have New England ancestors? Would you like to do your research while taking advantage of the amazing resources that the New England Historical and Genealogical Society in Boston has to offer? You'll also have a chance to visit another of Boston's archival repositories and learn more about resources in the area. 

Join Jane Lindsey, Past-President and past NEGHS Trustee on a CGS research tour to Boston to visit the NEHGS!  Dates for the tour are November 2-9, 2014, and the trip includes a stay at the Charlesmark Hotel. 
***This trip requires a minimum of ten attendees. If ten registrations are not received by August 1, full refunds will be issued.   

To Register: 

Schedule: November 2-9, 2014

Sunday: 
Arrive in Boston, take cab or 'T' subway to hotel

Monday: NEHGS closed, visit one of Boston's repositories: 
 -  Boston Public Library
 -  Massachusetts State Archives
 -  Catholic Archives [prescheduled appointment needed]
 -  Group dinner at local restaurant

Tuesday - Saturday: 
 -  Research at NEHGS
 -  Dinner Saturday night

Cost: 
$1,568 single occupancy, airfare not included. Extra nights add $148 per night.

Includes: 7 nights with continental breakfast, two group meals, Tuesday orientation at NEHGS and Pre-trip consultation/planning with Jane. 

Additional details:

• Charlesmark Hotel* has double and queen beds only 
• Not a member of CGS? Please add $40. 
• Membership to NEHGS ($79.95) is suggested, or pay a $15 daily user fee for non-members. Join now to use their excellent website before the trip. 
• All cancellations must be in writing. If you cancel BEFORE September 15, 2014 your fee will be refunded. You will be responsible for expenses after September 15, 2014. 
• Please arrange your own trip insurance. 

* The Charlesmark Hotel is located directly across the street from the Boston Public Library and 1 1/2 - 2 blocks from NEHGS. We will be walking to the library and to dinners. www.charlesmarkhotel.com 

Questions? Contact Jane Lindsey: jlindsey@californiaancestors.org

Copyright © 2014 by Ellen Fernandez-Sacco, California Genealogical Society and Library.

NEHGS Comes West! Navigating New England and New York Resources

Join the New England Historic Genealogical Society and the California Genealogical Society at a one-day seminar on exploring your New England and New York roots. The seminar is at the Hotel Shattuck Plaza, 2086 Allston Way, Berkeley, California.

NEHGS genealogists Chris Child and Alice Kane will present tips for navigating the records of New England and New York. Special emphasis will be placed on resources available online.

Useful genealogy and history books will be available for sale by both the New England Historic Genealogical Society and the California Genealogical Society, and CGS will also offer a used books sale and silent auction. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 

Saturday, September 13, 2014

 9:00 am  Welcome  

 9:15 am  Migrations Into and Out of New England, 1620-1900, Chris Child 

10:30 am  Boston in a Whirlwind: A Primer Tour of 10 Repositories, Alice Kane 

11:30 am  Break (lunch on your own)
 1:00 pm  NEHGS Sources for New York Research, Chris Child
 2:15 pm  I Had Him in My Sights & POOF!: Strategies for Relocating the Disappearing Ancestor, Alice Kane

 3:30 pm  Seminar concludes
 6:00 pm  Optional Dinner at Hotel Shattuck Plaza (additional fee)

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION (by July 31, 2014): $65

Registration (after July 31, 2014): $75 Dinner $75

REGISTER TODAY: http://tinyurl.com/nyc97zc

About the Speakers

Chris Child has worked at NEHGS for fifteen years and has been a member since the age of eleven. He is an expert in genealogical research in Southern New England and New York, the ancestry of notable figures, genetics and genealogy, African-American and Native-American genealogy, westward migrations out of New England, and applying to hereditary societies. Chris has authored several articles in American Ancestors magazine, The Register, and The Mayflower Descendant. He is the co-editor of The Ancestry of Catherine Middleton and co- compiler of The Descendants of Judge John Lowell of Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Alice Kane assists patrons of the NEHGS research library with queries and genealogical challenges of all kinds. Prior to joining the NEHGS staff, Alice was a librarian at the Boston Public Library for nineteen years. Alice is an expert in using mobile tools for genealogy, Chinese and Chinese-American genealogy, and also has experience with French-Canadian, Irish, and German research. 

Copyright © 2014 by Ellen Fernandez-Sacco, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Don't Miss It: Jim Smith's San Francisco's Lost Landmarks - This Saturday 6/21!

This Saturday, join the SF SIG to hear author Jim Smith give a presentation based on his book, San Francisco's Lost Landmarks!  

When: Saturday, June 21, 2014
Where: California Genealogical Society & Library 2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, CA 94612 
Time: 10am 

Cost: Free to members, $20 non-members 

To Register, please go to:  http://tinyurl.com/n3u6awq 

Copyright © 2014 by Ellen Fernandez-Sacco, California Genealogical Society and Library.

We're back... Announcing Extended Summer Hours & Discussion Schedule

Summer Night on Berkeley Pier. Photo: Ellen Fernandez-Sacco

For our fifth year, the California Genealogical Society will offer extended summer research hours, specially designed for our working members and patrons.

Starting mid-June and continuing every Thursday through August, the library will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 8:15 p.m. Library hours for the other two days were are open each week will remain the same: Friday and Saturday (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) 

We’re bringing back our popular weekly informal discussions. Participants with all levels of research experience are welcome to network and join the conversations here on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Discussion schedule:

June 12: Open- no discussion group planned; Research assistance will be available.

June 19: Using FamilySearch.org facilitated by Jane Lindsey 

June 26: Got Questions? Bring your questions to discuss with our Research team

July   3:  NO EVENING HOURS  

July  10: Help finding information online for your genealogical research

July  17: What to do before beginning your foreign research

July  24: New England research questions  Facilitator: Jane Lindsey 

July  31: Got Questions? Bring questions to discuss with our Research team

August 7: San Francisco Researchers, bring your questions to an informal discussion on available  resources.  Facilitator: Sandra Britt-Huber    

August 14: German discussion group. Facilitator: Lisa Gorrell

August 21: DNA testing for genealogy. Facilitator: Pam Miller

August 28: Got Questions? Bring questions to discuss with our Research team

There is no need to RSVP or register – just come to take advantage of the many resources in the library. Non-members are welcome, and the library charges a $5.00 user fee for non-members. The user fee will be waived for those who arrive after 5:00 p.m. for the discussion sessions. 

If you plan to drive, the lot in the rear of the building has a reduced rate after 3:00 p.m., and the metered spaces in Oakland are free after 6:00 p.m. (but they fill up fast!) Traveling by BART is easier – get off at the 19th Street station. Group discussions will end by 8:00 p.m. to allow for everyone to walk to BART together before dark.

Come & spend a summer evening with us!

Copyright © 2014 by Ellen Fernandez-Sacco, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Wordless Wednesday

Photograph courtesy of Ron Madson, Oakland, California, 7/13/13.

Copyright © 2014 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Committee Spotlight: Library

Library Committee Chair Henry Snyder

2014 Library Committee Members:
Henry Snyder (Chairman), Janet McDonald, Kristi Wessenberg, Shirley Hoye, Arlene Miles, Carrie Fruzza, Gibran Roth, Nancy Schlegel, Marcelle White.

Libraries are out-of-date. The internet has made libraries obsolete. These statements appear more frequently as the use of digital resources grows. No one can deny that the internet has become a powerful force in making information available but not everyone is ready to give up the ability to personally hold and examine the resource they are consulting. Library Committee members agree with the need for the existence of libraries and at the same time acknowledge that online access is also crucial. Every single committee member interviewed emphasized how dynamic and important the library is not only for society members but for anyone doing genealogical research.

As an introduction to the committee, a few facts about the library itself will make clear the reasons for their dedication. If you have not looked through the catalog (available online via the website), you are missing the chance to explore a collection offering a wide range of research materials. According to Committee Chairman, Henry Snyder, there are 13,400 items in the online catalog. A quick browse of the catalog reveals numerous enticing sources whether your family history has roots in California, elsewhere in the U.S., or in other parts of the world.

In the more than 100 years of its existence, the library has been located at several sites in San Francisco. The original collection was destroyed by fire during the 1906 earthquake and had to be recreated from scratch. In the years following it shared locations with a number of different institutions and organizations such as the Sutro Collection Library, the San Francisco Public Library, the Sons of the American Revolution Library (in the War Memorial Building) and the California Historical Society before moving to two locations of its own in San Francisco and eventually to its present home across the bay in Oakland.

The committee has been fortunate to have had the expertise of professional librarians over the years and continues to attract enthusiastic volunteers who tend to the ongoing tasks needed to keep the library functioning. According to Dr. Snyder, “A major accomplishment this past year was the processing to completion of all the books, and problems awaiting attention on the shelves behind our desk. They are all cleared out! Moreover, we cleaned up three drawers of cards, all pulled because of some cataloguing issue. The backlog dated back to 2005.”

Shirley Hoye and Arlene Miles

There is a lot going on constantly behind the scenes at the library. Volunteers tackled an extensive manuscript collection whose contents were mostly unknown and which was unavailable for regular use. Although it is not yet part of the online catalog, the collection is searchable and available to researchers at the library. Another volunteer made the first lists of the microfilm and microfiche collections from which the online catalog entries for this collection were created. There is a wide range of information such as passenger and immigrant lists, military records and much more available on microfilm and microfiche. A current project needing volunteers involves cataloging the vertical files, 2 or 3 page documents that are stored in filing cabinets and which contain a wealth of information on innumerable topics. Along with scrapbooks there are composite volumes that group together unrelated materials like pamphlets, family Bible records and cemetery records. It is necessary to separate and catalog all these items to make the information in them useful and searchable. If you enjoy the hunt for historical treasure, this is a great project to volunteer for. Former committee member Jane Lindsey says that she has been told that the CGS library contains material that can be found nowhere else. There are many more “little gems” awaiting discovery.

However, not all of the library collection is unique; duplicates of existing items and material not relevant to the mission of the library have to be moved on to free up needed space. To help solve this problem, the eBay project was created. Marcelle White, who headed this project last year, reports that “Since the end of February 2013, almost 300 books have been sold, raising about $6,000 for the library.” She also registered CGS with PayPal’s “Giving Fund” program, which helps nonprofits keep more of the profits from eBay Sales. Thanks to the efforts of Marcelle, Henry Snyder, Arlene Miles, and Shirley Hoye, CGS is now a “top-rated seller” on eBay and ships books all over the U.S. and even to France. Direct sales are another part of this effort. According to Henry Snyder, “We have sold several thousand dollars’ worth of books at two meetings – our event with the New England Historic Genealogical Society and at the Ancestry Day extravaganza. The proceeds fund all our acquisitions and other library needs.”

Marcelle White and Arlene Miles

The combination of regular library tasks and special projects makes it possible for volunteers of different skill levels to make significant contributions as part of the Library Committee. Many volunteers are active in more than one area at a time. Long-time volunteer, Arlene Miles, manages the serials as well as assisting with or managing a myriad of other essential projects. Arlene and Shirley Hoye are at work doing a long overdue shelf list check to make sure everything on the shelves is in the online catalog. Carrie Fruzza has joined the team and has taken over some of the responsibilities for serials allowing Arlene to help in other areas. And there are still many projects to be done. One project that needs volunteers is checking the publications of California county historical and genealogical society publications against the CGS library resources to see what we need to acquire. Not many members are aware that the library owns pedigree charts recorded on long rolls of paper. These have just been unrolled and need to be reviewed and analyzed before they can be useful. For aficionados of maps, there is a whole map case that has to be organized. You do not have to be a professional librarian to help; the role of the library itself is diverse and there is a need for many different kinds of talents to assist in keeping it vital and relevant.

Copyright © 2014 by Kathryn Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Introducing the New 2014 Directors

The California Genealogical Society is pleased to introduce five members who have consented to serve and have been elected to the Board of Directors in 2014. They are Felicia Addison, Tim Cox, Edi Daly, Glenn Koch, and Marcelle White.

Felicia Addison became fascinated by an older sister’s school project and decided at age twelve that she would one day pursue family research. Twenty-seven years later a television commercial for Ancestry.com was the final bug that bit her with an incredible passion for genealogy. By profession, Felicia has been a Customs House Broker for more than twenty years. This profession assisted her in research during traveling for work with being stuck in hotels all over the country with a laptop, internet and awesome room service, which is perfect for the hobby of genealogy! Felicia has been a member of The African American Genealogical Society of Northern California (AAGSNC) for five years where she’s served on the Outreach and Program committees and is currently the Treasurer.

Tim Cox has been a family historian and genealogist for more than 25 years. He is a member of numerous genealogical societies across the country. His volunteer duties at California Genealogical Society (CGS) in Oakland, CA have included being the Education and Events coordinator 2010-2012 and advisor for 2013; co- planner of Ancestry Day 2011 & 2013; Registration Coordinator for Ancestry Day 2011 & 2013; organizer and co-facilitator of Writing Your Family History; and facilitator of the monthly RootsMagic special interest group since 2011. He has been an active member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) since 2009; and has attended local, regional, and national conferences for Family History Expo; Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS); National Genealogical Society (NGS); Genealogy Jamboree; APG Professional Management Conference; and RootsTech. His genealogical education includes courses with National Institute on Genealogical Research (NIGR); National Institute for Genealogical Studies (NIGS); and Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG). Tim has given multiple presentations at CGS, and other local genealogical societies, and more recently, at Their Roots Are Showing and Ancestry Day 2013.


Edie Daly has served as Interim Treasurer since August 20, 2013. She is currently employed as a senior accountant for MBS Accountancy Corporation and is completing a B.A. in Accounting and will be pursing her C.P.A. shortly. She is a certified QuickBooks pro-advisor. Edi recent works with non-profits of various sizes will assist with current and future needs of CGS. She has extensive accounting and management experience and is also one of the Chief Financial Officers for California Health Collaborative, a large non- profit.

Glenn Koch started genealogy in the eighth grade when his English teacher assigned him a research project. Originally from Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Glenn is the ninth generation of his family in the same county. Glen is also a collector of antique postcards, specializing in cards of San Francisco. He also collects San Francisco related vintage photography. Glen is the author of two books, San Francisco Golden Age Postcards and Picturing Long Beach Island, New Jersey. He also co-authored a 250-year history of the church congregation where he grew up.

For ten years he served on the Board of Directors of the Lehigh County (PA) Historical Society, filling various positions. He is the founder of the Allentown (Pa) Preservation League, a citywide historic preservation organization. He was also one of the founders, and lead proponents, of the Beach Haven historic district on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. He is currently the moderator of the Berks County (Pa) Genealogy group on Facebook. He is a graduate of Muhlenberg College, in Allentown, Pa. with a B.A. in Human Resources Administration. Glenn is a Senior Underwriting Consultant for Aetna, Inc. of Hartford, CT.

Marcelle White has been fascinated by family history ever since junior high, when she received a copy of a distant family member’s genealogical study and reels of old audio recordings with great aunts and uncles. She has been actively investigating her family lines for the past fifteen years, and especially enjoys related projects, such as transcribing collections of family letters from the late 1800s through the 1930s. “It’s been wonderful to work with these materials and to find ways to make them available to a wider audience. They really make history come to life.”

Marcelle has been involved in the nonprofit world for more than 20 years – as a volunteer and as an employee. For the past 12+ years, she’s created free Web-based information resources for family of children with learning disabilities. Through this work she’s come to appreciate the ever-expanding ways information can be shared and new audiences reached. Marcelle has been a member of the California Genealogical Society since 2009. Since early 2013, she’s been helping the Library Committee raise funds through eBay sales, and she looks forward to finding ways to increase the awareness of CGS and to expand its membership. She has a B.A. degree in English and American Literature from UC San Diego.

Copyright © 2014 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Wordless Wednesday

Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG)
Monday, January 17, 2014
Radisson Hotel, Salt Lake City, Utah

Julia Redmond, Eva Goodwin, Tim Cox,  Linda Okazaki, Patricia Healy, Jeffrey Vaillant. Not shown: Corey Oieson

Photograph courtesy of Heather Choplin, North Carolina Genealogical Society.


Copyright © 2014 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Saturday Field Trip to the San Francisco Public Library

Saturday, February 1, 2014
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

San Francisco Main Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, 94102

For members only!

Join Past-president Jane Lindsey for an encore tour of the areas of genealogical interest at the San Francisco Main Public Library. Attendees will gather at 11:00 a.m. outside The San Francisco History Center on the sixth floor and split into two groups for a tour led by San Francisco City Archivist Susan Goldstein and library staff.

BART will be the transportation of choice. Travel to the Civic Center Station and walk towards the large blue medallion painted on the wall, then up the stairs or escalator. The library is across the street.

After the tour, members will gather to learn about the online catalog and the many San Francisco records the library has recently digitized through Archive.org and FamilySearch.org and how to access them.

If you don't already have a San Francisco library card this will be a great opportunity to get one. Residents of California with identification may obtain one for free. Applications are available at the Main and must be submitted in person. Detailed information is available at the library website.

Attendees may want have lunch together. The Mint Café is located on the lower level of the library. Café Asia at the Asian Art Museum is close by.

This field trip is organized for members of the California Genealogical Society. Non-members interested in participating are encouraged to become members. The maximum group size is forty members.

Photographs of the San Francisco Main Public Library by Sameer Vasta, October 24, 2006, Creative Commons License.

Copyright © 2014 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Research Inspiration at the the San Francisco Special Interest Group

Saturday, January 18, 2014
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

California Genealogical Society Library

2201 Broadway, Suite LL2

Oakland, CA 94612

The San Francisco Special Interest Group (SIG) will start the new year with a question: "What inspires your genealogy?"

Come and share what inspires you to do family history research.

Member Cathy Paris will talk about the how she has translated her research data into creative videos kid-friendly books. Cathy uses her blog Is Meets Was to share photos and stories and connect with family around the world.

Cathy Paris is an independent writing and editing professional. Cathy joined the California Genealogical Society in 2008. She has served as a member of the society's board of directors and as chair of the Publications and Marketing Committee. Cathy oversees the publication of the society's books using Lulu.com.

The California Genealogical Society sponsors Special Interest Groups (SIGs) for members to pursue the study of a particular geographical research area or genealogy discipline. The San Francisco SIG meets on the third Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Copyright © 2014 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Wordless Wednesday

Volunteer Appreciation Brunch

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Photographs courtesy of Arlene Miles and Jane Lindsey, 12/14/2013.

Copyright © 2014 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

eNews January 2014, volume 8, number 1

The January 2014 eNews, volume 8, number 1, has been published and emailed to members and friends.

The new year brings a new editor to the eNews. Marcelle White has been involved in the nonprofit world for more than twenty years and has extensive experience writing and editing newsletters. She has been a member of the California Genealogical Society since 2009 and has been serving as a volunteer on the Library Committee. Welcome, Marcelle!

The eNews features timely information about the California Genealogical Society and our upcoming events. Each edition also includes "Suggested Links From the Blogosphere" and a photo feature: "California Ancestors."

This month we honor Jim Sorenson's great-great-great-grand uncle, Henry Clark Wright. By researching his ancestor's brother Jim found the information needed to break through a genealogical brick wall and and bring insight into his ancestors' lives in upstate New York.

Henry Clark Wright, 1797-1870

Past issues of the eNews are available at the eNews archive.

A mid-month issue of the eNews will be emailed on January 15, 2014. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

California ancestor photograph courtesy of Jim Sorenson.

Copyright © 2014 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

33rd Annual Ancestor Roundup - January 25, 2014

Kitty Nevin, CGS member and Volunteer Chair of Ancestor Roundup 2014 sent this announcement:

The 33rd Annual Ancestor Roundup Genealogical Seminar will be held Saturday, January 25,  2014, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at the LDS Church, 1024 Noche Buena at Plumas Avenue, Seaside California.

Ralph F. Severson, Director of the Oakland FamilySearch Library, will give the keynote address and will teach three classes: "Using 'FamilySearch' and 'Family Tree' Optimally," "Why Mormons do Genealogy," and "Azores/Portugal Research."

Choose from over 30 classes designed to help you research your family tree!

Download the information flier.

Download the 2014 class schedule and registration form..

Early registration ends January 15, 2014. The event is sponsored by the Commodore Sloat Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Monterey, California.

For more information email Serita Sue Woodburn.

The National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution granted a charter to the Pacific Grove Chapter on September 29, 1922. In 1934, the chapter name was changed to Commodore Sloat Chapter to commemorate the historical significance of Commodore John Drake Sloat in California history. In 2011, to reflect the historical importance of Commodore Sloat's landing in Monterey, the chapter location was changed to Monterey, California.

Copyright © 2013 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

The California Nugget - Fall 2013, Volume V, Issue 2

The Fall 2013 edition of The California Nugget, edited by Jane Hufft and produced by Lois Elling,  has been mailed to members. Here is Jane letter from the editor:

Dear Readers,

For most genealogists, it is all about the chase: to find the maiden name, the death date, the elusive spouse. Were there five children or six? What made them leave there to come here? It is a whole tapestry that we family historians want to weave, and it takes patience to bring all the strands together, perseverance to untangle the knots and determination to tug out the threads that don’t match. We hope that the articles in this issue will inspire you to keep on with your own researching and writing, not only to preserve your family’s story, but to share your discoveries with others.

Bill O’Neil’s World War I ancestor gave his life for his country, and the small town Richard Howard Ferrell came from will never forget his sacrifice. We are inviting more WWI ancestor stories for our next two issues, Spring and Fall 2014, to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of this calamitous upheaval that tragically altered forever the lives of so many families around the world. Bill’s article is in our “ Twenty-First Century” section to acknowledge that online resources and newspapers are major avenues for WWI research.

Henry Snyder’s ancestor, the brilliant and restless lawyer and newspaperman William Wal- lace Theobalds, traveled up and down the West Coast with his family in the nineteenth century. Were the early western states, so open and full of opportunities, a magnet for the talented and the restless? Because of the new, and magnificent, newspaper archives that are now online, the kind of detailed, careful and thorough research that Henry Snyder carried out is something more of us can aspire to. The powerful technology of OCR (optical character recognition) continues to improve, opening new avenues of information.

Georgia Lupinsky’s beautiful story of her grandfather’s life captures a bygone era and paints a portrait of a courageous, loving and kindly man. It is a perfect example of how a memoir can become part of a genealogist’s work.

Laura Lee Karp didn’t give up the search! Her story will rekindle your energy to keep on looking for that missing gravesite and lost ancestor. Although Find-a-Grave is marvelous, not all cemeteries and gravesites are yet included in its huge database, and sometimes we have to rely on tenacity and—gravestone karma. 

Jane Hufft, Editor 

TABLE of CONTENTS

Twenty-First Century Genealogy

• Richard Howard Ferrell, World War I Soldier in France by Bill O’Neil  

California Ancestors

• William Wallace Theobalds: Itinerant Lawyer, Newspaper Editor, Professor by Henry Snyder
• Ellis Shinkle Baker of Morning View Kentucky by Georgia Lupinsky
• James M. Everett’s Gravesite: Do Our Ancestors Signal Us from the Grave? by Laura Lee Karp
• 1883 Pensioners: Phippen, Marg’t to Von Prieson, Victor

At the Society  

Save the Date!

Member Anniversaries

For Our Readers

Send Your Stories, Sketches, and Articles to "The Nugget"

Name Index 

Do You Have a WWI Ancestor?

The California Nugget, the journal of the California Genealogical Society (CGS), is published twice a year. Its purpose is to share the unique genealogical material in the CGS library, add to the body of family history information about Californians, offer guidance and timely information to family researchers, and to provide a forum for members to share their expertise and findings. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the society. The journal is distributed free to members and is available to non-members for $5.00 an issue, plus postage.

Copyright © 2014 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

San Francisco Bay Area Genealogy Calendar: January 2014 Published

Genealogical societies throughout the Bay Area are gearing up for a new year of meetings and events.

January 2014 events have been published on the San Francisco Bay Area Genealogy Calendar – a collection of local genealogical society classes, workshops and meetings within a 75 mile radius of San Francisco.

The January calendar lists forty-four events at various venues around the Bay Area, sponsored by thirty societies, libraries and archives.

If you would like to add your group's events to the calendar, please email the information by the 15th of each month. (Please include "SFBA Calendar" in the subject line.)

Copyright © 2013 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Two DNA Lectures by Dr. Stephen Morse

Saturday January 25, 2014
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society Library

2201 Broadway, Suite LL2

Oakland, California 94612

Steve Morse is back with two lectures about DNA.

From DNA to Genetic Genealogy: Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask

Steve's first lecture will introduce genes, chromosomes, and DNA, and will show how DNA is inherited. Classical genetic genealogy deals with the Y chromosome and the mitochondrial DNA. The Y chromosome test is for males only and traces the direct male lineage. The mitochondrial DNA test is for everybody and traces the direct female lineage.

Genealogy Beyond the Y Chromosome: Autosomes Exposed

Dr. Morse's second talk will explain how recent advances in genetic genealogy make it possible to trace all lineages by testing the autosomes. Although the autosomes can be used to find ethnic mixes as well as recent cousins, it has some limitations.

Register online.

This classes are limited to thirty participants and are a free benefit of membership. Non-members fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first thirty registrants. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations. 

Stephen Morse is the creator of the One-Step Website for which he has received both the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Outstanding Contribution Award from the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies, Award of Merit from the National Genealogical Society, first-ever Excellence Award from the Association of Professional Genealogists, and two awards that he cannot pronounce from Polish genealogical societies. 

In his other life Morse is a computer professional with a doctorate degree in electrical engineering. He has held various research, development, and teaching positions, authored numerous technical papers, written four textbooks, and holds four patents. He is best known as the architect of the Intel 8086 (the granddaddy of today's Pentium processor), which sparked the PC revolution thirty years ago.

Copyright © 2013 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Announcing the 14th Annual Salt Lake City Research Tour April 6-13, 2014

Join the California Genealogical Society for a week of intensive research and lots of fun!

Past-president Jane Lindsey is leading the 14th annual California Genealogical Society Salt Lake City Tour to the Family History Library from Sunday to Sunday, April 6–13, 2014. Nancy Peterson, C.G. will return to help lead this very popular trip. Nancy is the author of Raking the Ashes: Genealogical Strategies for Pre-1906 San Francisco Research, a guide to circumventing record loss from the 1906 earthquake and fire. Nancy has lectured extensively and has published many articles including two in the NGS Quarterly. She and Jane have made numerous research trips to Salt Lake City and have been leading our research tour together for several years.

Accommodations will be at the Shilo Inn, located three blocks from the Family History Library. The Shilo provides free high-speed internet access in every room.

The trip cost is $798 per person, double occupancy OR $1130 for a single room (airfare not included). A deposit of $250 holds one space. Final payment is due Wednesday, March 5, 2014.

The Tour Package includes:

• Hotel room – 7 nights, double occupancy
• Shuttle service to and from airport
• Three group dinners (Sun., Wed., and Sat.)
• Daily continental breakfast
• Orientation and lectures
• Computer assistance using the online catalog at FamilySearch.org and other websites
• Optional consultation prior to the trip

Download the tour flier for restrictions and full information.

Register online and reserve your space now!

And be sure to watch our YouTube video: A Trip Worth Taking: Family History Library.

Video created by Kathleen Jones and Shannon Reese.

Copyright © 2013 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

First Saturdays Free: Intro to Genealogy

The California Genealogical Society offers a free introductory class on the first Saturday of every month, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the library at 2201 Broadway, Suite LL2, Oakland, California, in the historic Breuner Building.

The class – Genealogy: An Introduction – is part of our monthly First Saturdays Free policy when we welcome non-members and the general public. We open the library and share our resources with anyone interested in learning more about their family history. The library is a benefit of membership and is available to non-members for a $5.00 day fee during the rest of the month.

Volunteers take turns teaching the class which focuses on basic research methods and terminology. The class covers common (and uncommon) family history records and the resources available, both online and in libraries, repositories, and archives. The two-hour session also includes a tour of the library and an overview of our extensive holdings.

And don't think you have to be a beginner to benefit from the class! Our instructors do a great job of tailoring each session to the experience and needs of the participants so everyone comes away with new knowledge.

The 2014 schedule follows:

January 4, 2014 – Lisa Gorrell
February 1, 2014 – Pam Miller
March 1, 2014 – Diana Wild
April 5, 2014 – Dick Rees
May 3, 2014 – Diana Wild
Jun. 6, 2014 – Lavinia Schwarz
Jul. 5, 2014 – Lisa Gorrell
Aug. 2, 2014 – TBA
Sep. 6, 2014 – Pam Miller
Oct. 4, 2014 – Dick Rees
Nov. 1, 2014 – TBA
Dec. 6, 2014 – Lavinia Schwarz

Register online for the January 4, 2014 class, or any of the upcoming Intro to Genealogy classes in the coming year.

Copyright © 2013 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

eNews December 2013, volume 7, number 12

The December 2013 eNews, volume 7, number 12, has been published and emailed to members and friends. As always, the eNews features timely information about the California Genealogical Society and our upcoming events. Each edition also includes "Suggested Links From the Blogosphere" and a photo feature: "California Ancestors."

This month we honor H.C. Thomas, grandfather of member Sally Houston. Henry Claud Thomas and friend, ca. 1903.

Past issues of the eNews are available at the eNews archive.

Editorship of the California Genealogical Society eNews will change in the new year. Marcelle White will be taking over as editor beginning with the January 2014 issue. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

California ancestor photograph courtesy of Sally Houston.

Copyright © 2013 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Sixth Blogiversary!

Has it really been six years since the California Genealogical Society board of directors gave their approval of this blog? The blog was created for and about the members of the society. I offer my annual "thank-you" to members who have contributed photographs, articles, and their stories.

This year I am especially appreciative to Marie Treleaven for agreeing to join the blog team. I hope you are enjoying her Committee Spotlight Series.

A special "thank you" also goes to Ron Madson who has become the "official" photographer for the California Genealogical Society. You'll be seeing more of Ron's work across our social networking channels.

Copyright © 2013 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

San Francisco Bay Area Genealogy Calendar: December 2013

December 2013 events have been published on the San Francisco Bay Area Genealogy Calendar – a collection of local genealogical society classes, workshops and meetings within a 75 mile radius of San Francisco.

The calendar is light this month with only twenty-five events at various venues around the Bay Area. Some societies have scheduled holiday gatherings and many do not meet in December.

If you would like to add your group's events to the calendar, please email the information by the 15th of each month. (Please include "SFBA Calendar" in the subject line.)

Copyright © 2013 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.