Genealogy Mystery Novels

For all of you genealogists out there in need of a good read, might I suggest one of Steve Robinson's genealogy mystery books. I've been reading In the Blood. Robinson's central character is Jefferson Tayte, an American genealogist, who must go to Cornwall, England to resolve his current project. Murder, mayhem, kidnapping and plenty of twists are involved. Tayte is trying to find the missing details on a Loyalist family that returned to England after the Revolutionary War, but certain elements don't wish that too happen. It is a fun read. Robinson has a couple of other books out on Tayte's adventures and another in the works. In the Blood is the first book, so if you want to start at the beginning, that's your title.

I'm not quite finished with the novel,  so can't tell you how it ends! [I did just get through the chapter where the murderer is identified. The killer is .........................................






GOTCHA!!

SLIG Report & other genealogy stuff

I sent off my SLIG report to the consultants today. I'm hoping to get a little evaluative feedback before sharing with others. When you rattle off twelve pages, you want to make sure it makes sense!

I'll be teaching a beginning genealogy class at the Genealogical Society of Marion Co. library at Memorial Park Cemetery on East Washington St. on Saturday at 10:00. All welcome! It's a freebie!

My next project is working on my girlfriend's maternal line. I've found some really interesting stuff so far. I need to get the material organized and down on paper.

SLIG Report

I have been working on summing up my findings from the Institute. So far 11 pages. Another 3-4 should do it! Sigh!

First post-SLIG Post

It's been a hectic week plus since I got back from the SLIG. Some really lousy weather, shoveling snow and recuperating have occupied the time. I'm in the process of writing up my post-institute research report.

I try avoiding non-genealogical issues on the blog. Today I will stray! Here are a few grumbles and observations that need venting!

1) Why do gyms allow cell phones? People sit on the equipment texting away or chatting. They can't go an hour without visiting?

2)  What happened to network TV? Back in the 20th century, I could line up shows during prime time that were interesting, entertaining and watchable. Now there are 4-5 shows that fit those three concepts during the entire week! They are all on CBS.

3) What happened to A&E and the History Channels? They used to produce really interesting movies and programs. Now History Channel 1 & 2 will runs a few of those old programs and show some interesting new stuff, but mostly it's 'reality shows' that are supposed to have some relevance. A&E? Reruns of network shows and reality shows. What happened? 

4) A plea to Encore Westerns: Drop the spaghetti westerns, the weird stuff from the late 60s -70s and anything not set roughly before WWI. Rodeo movies and modern-days cowboys aren't Westerns! Get back to John Wayne, Audie Murphy, Glenn Ford, Randolph Scott, Gary Cooper and Company! Go easy on the singing cowboys too!

OK, I'm done! Back to genealogy tomorrow!

Saturday after SLIG

The morning after the Institute turned out to be interesting. I was chatting with another consultant about my Dutch vs. Welsh St. John problem. He clearly stated that no Welshman would be a member of the Dutch Church. That adds to the pro-Dutch argument!

I spent the day working on my girlfriend's maternal line and came up with some really neat info to share!

Back to central Indiana tomorrow bright and early.

SLIG Friday

A slow research day. Belgian records were a dead-end and the English/Welsh records were spent. The banquet offered good food, company and entertainment. John Colletta was our dinner speaker.
UGA's big news was that the Institute has outgrown the facilities at the Radisson and we will be at the Hilton next year.

Although I encourage everyone to take Problem Solving, there are 12 classes being offered January 12-16, 2015:

US Research
Advanced New England Research
Advanced German Research
Finding Immigrant Origins
Post War Military Records
Genealogy Law Library
Researching in Original Resource Repositories
Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum
Advanced Genealogical Methods
Genetic Genealogy
Writing Proof Arguments

and...............................

PROBLEM SOLVING

Thursday from SLIG

Another day wading through new records and rechecking others. Copied William St. John's 1563 will, abstracting is another story. I went back and rechecked some books found an item on Lijnken Santken's 2nd husband and an entry for a "Widowe Senchon" in St. Olave, Southward for 1600. Both of Lijnken's marriages took place in London and 3 of her children's baptisms were located.

I attended John Colletta's presentation on using Federal Court Records. Informative and entertaining as usual!

One day to go!