Conference 2017 (28 September - 1 October)
Another Bloody Englishman! Britannia in Red Serge, 1873-1920
Glenn Wright
Glenn delivered the Don Whiteside Memorial Lecture on the Friday evening of the conference. The memorial lecture was founded to honor Dr. Whiteside, whose interest in family history led to the establishment of BIFHSGO.
When we think of the Mounted Police, Canadians often view the men and women in red serge as the epitome of Canada. In a historical context, Mounties are almost always associated with bringing law and order to the western plains, with the Klondike gold rush, or with Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic. Yet by 1914, over 75 percent of the members of the force were British-born, a reflection of Canada's population at the time and the massive immigration from the United Kingdom prior to the Great War.
The Mounted Police did not rely on immigration for members. They did active recruiting in Britain to attract suitable men, especially ex-military and police personnel. They were not all heroes, however, and through a series of short vignettes, Glenn will tell the stories of the rogues, the Cockneys, the titles, the brave and the not-so-brave who forged the Mounted Police into an iconic image.
Beyond All Reasonable Doubt
Celia Heritage
This lecture deals with accurate source citation and record keeping: the importance of preparing summaries and action plans, and of proving the information to the Verified Pedigree Level,* if possible. This entails assessing the record’s credibility, avoiding the temptation to make assumptions, accepting that no record is perfect, and keeping an informed yet open mind when researching. Celia will also discuss lesser-used, alternate and early sources for family history.
*The VPL is similar to the Genealogical Proof Standard, but adds that at least two forms of independent documentary evidence should be sought to confirm each individual’s parentage.
Buried Treasures: What's in the English Parish Chest?
Paul Milner
Paul discussed all the Church of England records created when the church operated in its civil capacity, taking care of the local people, and explains how to access these records. These are the sources needed to solve many dead ends in English research, solving prob-lems of population movement, illegitimacy and occupation. They include settlement and removal records, overseer’s accounts, bas-tardy records, apprenticeship records, and such miscellaneous sources as vestry minutes, churchwarden accounts and militia registers.
Working with Sources
Gillian Leitch
Gillian examined the types of sources typically used in genealogy. Each source type has its own pros and cons, its own context and biases. Each was created for a specific reason and for a specific audience. These are discussed in relation to such sources as censuses, religious records and official data registrations. Other sources touched on include newspapers, court records, and city directories. The emphasis is on Canadian and British sources, and Gillian underscored the contexts for their creation and the ways in which they can be used or not be used for genealogy.
Researching in English and Welsh Archives
Celia Heritage
While many English and Welsh records are online, a far greater number are not. If you live overseas, finding out what is available and accessing those documents can understandably be difficult. Celia provided an overview of the English and Welsh record office systems, and explains how to get the most from a personal research trip to England or Wales and what to do if you are not able to make the journey in person.
Copyright for Family History
Marnie McCall
Marnie's presentation covered the basics of copyright, the meaning of "public domain," copyright in your own work, using copyright material of others in your research or presentations, and copyright in family photos and letters.
Occupational, Guild and Freeman Records
Paul Milner
Paul examined sources for identifying your ancestors’ occupations: trade directories, apprenticeship and guild records, and freed-men registers. He also looked specifically at sources for information about the occupations or trades and will conclude with some resources to help put your ancestors into context.
Genealogy and the Age of Shakespeare
James F.S. Thomson
Four hundred years after the death of Shakespeare, we stand to be the beneficiaries of many substantial improvements in access to 16th and early 17th century records of great interest to family historians. As well as giving a solid review of new and important developments, James covered recommended resources for mastering secretary hand and discuss what implications the new generation of cutting-edge SNP-based Y-DNA tests, and even advances in the field of population genetics, may come to have for researching inhabitants of England and Wales in the age of Shakespeare.
British Military: Finding Your Pre-WWI Soldier
Paul Milner
Different records are created for officers and enlisted men in the British Army. Paul uses case studies to trace the involvement of officers and enlisted men in different military the-atres around the world, during different periods, including the War of 1812. Putting the soldier into a British and global perspective, he explains the structure and development of the British Army and also show what original records and supporting materials are available online, at The National Archives in London, and at other repositories.
Using Death Records in Family History
Celia Heritage
Death records often reveal previously undiscovered information about ancestors that can help you learn more about their lives, which in turn may lead you to break down genealogical brick walls. Celia looked at a range of death records — from the well-known to the less familiar — and shows how they can be used to further your family tree.
Tips and Tools for Navigating the English Probate System
Paul Milner
In this presentation, Paul dealt with how the probate system operated in England and Wales (pre- and post-1858) and how you can identify in which court an ancestor's estate may have been probated. Covering both pre-1858 and post-1858 records, he discussed some new online indexes and document imaging systems and also explained what probate documents may be available on film or as originals and how to access them.
Historical Newspapers
James F.S. Thomson
Having noticed that all his recent breakthroughs, some decades old, have newly digitized historical newspapers in common, James described what makes newspapers peerlessly exciting resources for genealogists; checked in with the British Newspaper Archive and other digitization projects; suggested how to identify and access non-digitized titles and issues; promotes some surprisingly useful but under-appreciated titles; and offers search tips and strategies for taking advantage of this spectacular new dawn of historical newspaper research.
I've Lost My Ancestor Before 1837: How Can I Find Him?
Celia Heritage
The year 1837 is the point beyond which both civil registration and census records — the mainstays of the family historian’s initial research — are no longer available. Celia looked at the potential problems of researching before 1837 and the ways to keep on the right track: tracing the correct family line by making full use of the clues in records you already have and other sources that might provide further leads to a firm identification. She also examined some valuable modern-day online genealogy resources and how best to use them.
My God, Nobody Told Me!
Paul Milner
This talk motivates and encourages you to reflect upon what messages your ancestors left behind and, just as importantly, to get you thinking about what you are leaving behind for your descendants. Will your descendants by saying, "My God: nobody told me!"?
Monthly meetings
16 December 2017
Four Great Moments in Genealogy
Brenda Turner, John McConkey, Sharon and Jeff Moor, Matthew Harding
Four BIFHSGO members shared their Great Moment in Genealogy.
In Killin
Brenda Turner (starts 00:00)
In October 2016, Brenda Turner traveled to Killin, in Perthshire, firstly, to finally see the highlands, and secondly, to do some family history research for a distant cousin whose family had come to Canada from there. Intending to stay perhaps just overnight, she stayed for several days, and had great fun and success in her research. But then, back in Canada, several months later, she had new reasons to research what had been going on in Killin in about 1815.
The Skeleton in my Closet
John McConkey (starts 25:44)
Dr. Robert George Clements was a cousin of John McConkey’s grandfather. Bertie (as he was known) seemed to be a successful physician, having started his career in Belfast and later moving to England. Bertie had several wives – sadly each of them became severely ill and died before their time. None of these deaths was regarded as unusual – except for that of his fourth (and final) wife, who died in May 1947. The events following her death created sensational headlines in British newspapers. John shared the story during his talk – and had a surprising finale!
A Young Soldier
Sharon and Jeff Moor (starts 43:08)
Follow the lives of the Thomas Moor family and, in particular, the life of his eldest son, young Tom Moor. Follow their story, as told by Sharon and Jeff Moor, from London, England to Montreal, and eventually to Toronto, after periods of time in Detroit and Brantford. At the age 18, young Tom Moor would make a decision in his young life that would have an impact on his parent’s lives and leave his own mark on Canadian history during the North West Rebellion.
Einstein, eBay and the Red Cross – How I Found Fame and Fortune Using my Genealogical Superpowers
Matthew Harding (starts 1:03:03)
When Matthew Harding was going through a box of old books one day, he made an unexpected discovery. Learn how years of genealogy Conferences, workshops and courses paid off as he set out researching an unusual inscription, and instead went on a fascinating voyage into history.
19 November 2017
Not So Quiet on the Western Front - The Grants of Formby in the Great War
Tara Grant
Tara Grant’s grandfather, Alexander Henry Grant, and his three brothers, George, John Leslie and Douglas, all served with the British army during WWI. Enlisting in the Territorial Army, the brothers served in different regiments and battalions and fought at many of the major battles including Hill 60, Vimy, Carporetto, Canal du Nord and Cambrai. Combining their service records with the Regimental war diaries and newspapers, it was possible to follow their military careers through the four years of the Great War. Overcoming her fear of researching the mass of First World War records (what is a brigade?) has added enormously to Tara’s understanding of the harrowing years her grandfather and his brothers experienced.
Using the Collections of the Military History Research Centre to Aid and Augment Genealogy
Carol Reid
Carol Reid, the collections manager, Archives, at the Canadian War Museum, outlined how the resources of the museum's Military History Research Centre can complete the picture of someone's military service and she also presented case studies, using some of these resources. Ms. Reid is one of two archivists in the Military History Research Centre.
21 October 2017
Untangling a Parish to Find Family
Susan Davis
In the spring of 1852, the parish of Saint-Sylvestre was home to 3,733 people, including 1,059 Irish-born and 44 British-born immigrants. For the most part, these immigrants and their Canadian-born descendants got along well with each other and their 1,048 French-speaking neighbours. After 30 years of settlement, the parish located 70 kilometres south of Quebec City included two villages, a secret society, a peace-making priest and members of the Dougherty, Gormley, Doran and Shorten families.
The Drouin Collection – Research Strategies
Susan Davis
While the Drouin Collection offers an invaluable source of vital records for those searching for ancestors in Quebec and some surrounding areas, it can be quite challenging to decipher what was recorded. From understanding the French terms to collecting signatures, researchers can improve the results of their efforts by using these and other simple research strategies.
Please note we had difficulty with the audio when recording this presentation, although it is still possible to hear Susan's presentation.
9 September 2017
Sinking of the SS Portsdown
John McConkey
John McConkey talked about the sinking of the SS Portsdown. Many British ships were sunk by Hitler’s navy during World War II. Most of these sinkings occurred on the high seas far from land. No one thought that an inland ferry might be subject to danger, so an explosion on 20 September 1941 on a paddle steamer sailing from Portsmouth to Ryde was a devastating shock. The event had an overwhelming effect on several Isle of Wight families, but details and, in particular, the names of casualties were kept under wraps by the Government. As a 75th anniversary memorial to victims – in particular two family members – John took on the task of researching the disaster and documenting his findings in an article for the Isle of Wight Family History Society. The article won first prize in the 2016 best article competition. This talk gives details of the event, lists the victims, and explains the research process.
10 June 2017
Great Moments in Genealogy
A Mystery at Boughton Castle
Brenda Turner (starts 00:00)
In late June of 2016, Brenda Turner visited Broughton Castle, not far from Banbury in Oxfordshire, and close to where she was living then. Broughton Castle is the home of Fiennes family, which includes the actors Joseph and Ralph Fiennes and the explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Despite claims in the castle’s guidebook and web site that a disastrous sale had taken place of the family’s property of the Castle’s contents in 1837, she did not believe it, and decided to find out if she could figure out what had really happened… and used her family history research skills to do it.
A Big Surprise With YDNA Test Results
Bill Arthurs (starts 19:30)
YDNA testing is an important vehicle for determining lineages for the relatively recent past. In his Titus family research Bill Arthurs has determined sets of modal YDNA markers for both the English and Dutch Titus lineages dating back to the late 1500s. The remaining German lineage has lacked a volunteer for testing. That is, until last October, when the test of a German volunteer produced unexpected results.
Despite What You Tell Your Children, More Than One Official Record Exists to Prove What Really Happened
Dianne Brydon (starts 35:56)
Family lore relates that Robert Brydon and Margaret Armstrong married in Scotland before emigrating to Galt, Ontario in 1841 with their infant son Francis. Robert’s sudden death in 1866, without a will, changed the course of his family’s history and Margaret’s subsequent petition for guardianship of her younger children provided evidence to suggest that Robert was not Francis’ father. Dianne Brydon's subsequent hunt for evidence turned up a variety of documents which proved Robert lived in Canada, as a single man, during the 1830s, before Margaret’s reported arrival.
The Elusive George Mason Hales
Gail Roger (starts 52:24)
Ten years ago, all that Gail Roger knew about George Mason Hales was that in 1791, he had an inn in the parish of St Ann’s Soho, Westminster, and that he might be related to her. She eventually found out that he is indeed a relative, and that almost everything she knew about him was wrong — except that inn in Soho. This is an illustration of how, sometimes, a seemingly dead end can lead to multiple great moments in genealogy.
13 May 2017
Was Your Ancestor at Vimy?: Making Sense of the Battle on the Ground
Jonathan F. Vance
Dr Vance talked about Vimy Ridge and what genealogists can do to locate an ancestor on that hill in April 1917. The digitization of records has been a great help, but there are still many mysteries to be solved in military records. As Canada's most famous battle, Vimy Ridge has been the subject of more history books than just about any other battle. But that one battle was made up of tens of thousands of individual stories.
They Didn't Write Names on These!: Decoding the Postcard
Jonathan F. Vance
The postcard was the most common means of written communication during the First World War, and photo studios regularly printed portraits on postcard paper so they could be mailed. But all too often, photo postcards that we find are unidentified. Using images from Dr Vance’s collection of 30,000 postcards, he went through a few of the 'trade secrets' for getting information out of anonymous photos.
6 May 2017
DNA SIG meeting
Visual Phasing for Grandparents using Crossover Events
Arthur Owen
Arthur delivered this presentation at the DNA Interest Group meeting on 6 May 2017.
Phasing is the task or process of assigning alleles (the As, Cs, Ts and Gs) to the paternal and maternal chromosomes. Visual phasing is a methodology for assigning segments to specific grandparents based on the crossover points of three siblings. This technique can be employed when parents are not available for testing.
There is no video of this event. A handout is available for members.
8 April 2017
Mostly at Sea: Captain Harry Grattidge
Gail Roger
Gail Roger’s mild obsession with the Titanic led her to the discovery of the closest thing to a celebrity in her family tree: Harry Grattidge — sailor, survivor, and a Commodore of the Cunard Line. No, she hadn’t heard of him either. During her presentation, we met some of the Grattidge ancestors that Harry and Gail have in common, ponder the blessings and drawbacks of a highly unusual surname, and discover how Harry came to be a consultant on a classic film by surviving Britain’s worst maritime disaster (not the Titanic).
14 March 2017
From Famine to Prosperity to the Longue Pointe Asylum: the Varied Life of John Patrick Cuddy
Gillian Leitch
Gillian talked about John Patrick Cuddy’s life in Swinford, his migration, the network of family and friends in Montreal, his business, his wife and children, and the last months of his life which were marked with an arrest, committal, court case, and the ensuing unusual judgement. Cuddy immigrated to Canada from Swinford, Ireland, during the Famine migration of 1847-1851. Once in Montreal, he was able to create for himself a very successful business and a large family.
21 February 2017
The Queen’s Coachman — Our Only Claim to Fame
Christine Jackson
Coming as she did from generations of agricultural labourers, Christine Jackson was happy to find that her Sussex-born great-grandmother’s brother provided her working class family with its only known claim to fame. For, so the story went, a certain Edwin Miller had been Queen Victoria's coachman! This nugget of information, backed up by some fading and undated photocopies of newspaper clippings, was all she had to begin illuminating the life of a man whose retirement was significant enough to be reported in newspapers around the world. Christine relates how she used newspaper reports, census returns, parish and civil registrations, probate records, the royal archives and the Internet to piece together the story of a man whose life parallels the reign of Queen Victoria and proudly reflects the transportation business from a long-gone era.