Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen

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Have you ever wondered just how deep the roots of your family tree reach? In today's DIY genealogy episode, we embark on an adventure alongside our guest, retired military veteran and IT professional, Bruce Gebbeken. As we explore the enigmatic life of his great-grandfather, James Jordan, we navigate the puzzling labyrinth of census records and familial silence. 

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Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks  for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. 

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
 

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John catches up with Kathleen while she's traveling doing research for clients, in Richmond Virginia with Kevin Spire, an a3genealogy intern. They talk about their work at the Library of Congress as well as other valuable repositories in the D.C., VA. area. Chewey has a  highlighted spot.

Support the show

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks  for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. 

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
 

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This episode challenges assumptions and forces Nancy to cross-reference documents to reveal the true lineage of a family.  In this DIY genealogy expedition, Kathleen delves into the mysteries of the Carpenter family, unearthing alias names and debunks relationships. Trees, census records, biographical sketches are riddled with errors!

We also acknowledge our amazing sponsors and vibrant Facebook community. We cordially invite you to share your thoughts on this episode.

Support the show

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks  for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. 

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
 

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Ever wondered what mysteries your family name might hold? Our guest, Dina Newman from Kansas City, shares her captivating DIY genealogy journey of tracing her roots, uncovering unexpected connections and piecing together a complex family history. As we delve into the unusual last name of Tyeskey, we explore not only a tale of adopted surnames but also a story that reaches back to ex-slave Phyllis Petite and a Texas plantation owner, Jack Bell. This isn't just a tale of name changes; it's a deep dive into the identities that names can shape,  and the stories they silently hold.

As we navigate the winding roads of Dina's family history, we uncover the intriguing heritage of the Tyeskey family,  and their ties to Oklahoma and Texas.  We also shed light on the riveting tale of Phyllis Petite, revealing unexpected historical threads that challenge the familiar narratives of Dina's family history. From Fort Gibson to Rusk County, Texas, prepare to embark on an enthralling excursion into the past, unraveling mysteries, and exploring the fascinating intersection of names, family, and identity.

Support the show

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks  for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. 

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
 

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Ever wonder how your newly arrived immigrants tackled the new land? Join us for a fascinating journey as we trace the Greek ancestry of our neighbor and guest, Stephanie Holthaus. Stephanie captivates us with tales of her maternal grandfather, Pete Constantine Chepolas. We aid Stephanie through a maze of Greek related ancestral records to trace her family from Greece to Texas with a few stops along the way. Plus, we explore an unexpected twist in Stephanie's ancestry — a DNA cousin of Turkish descent!

Tune in for this engrossing exploration into family history and DYI Greek genealogy!

Support the show

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks  for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. 

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
 

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We've got an intriguing genealogy mystery on our hands, as we chat with Bonnie Flatt from Illinois about her brick wall: Her DIY research reveals her great-grandfather, Richard Bush. Born in 1834 in either Illinois or Indiana, Richard's origins remain elusive, and Bonnie's quest for answers has led her to explore various strategies, such as understanding the naming conventions of the time period, investigating land records, and examining military records, wills, deeds, and probates.

Elusive Ancestor Research Tips
Unscramble the family using  and analyzing the following:

1. Marriage Records
2. Analyzing Census Records by following children names, and ages and others living in the home.
3. County Court Records
4. Cemetery Records. Or death certificates if recorded by state
5. DNA Analysis to connect to family, if applicable. May wish to use a professional.
6. Wills
7.  Land Records 
8. Military records

Need More Information visit a3Genealogy blog: Elusive Ancestor Research tips and Hints posted 25 Jun 2023: linktr.ee/a3genealogy

Support the show

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks  for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. 

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
 

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E201  On this first episode of Season 2, join us on an enlightening journey as we explore the world of DIY genealogy with our inspiring guest, Ronnie, a dedicated teacher from Farmingdale, Long Island. Roni  joins Kathleen for a session that sorts out four Samuels, the Salvation Army, and why assumptions are the arch enemies of genealogy heroes. 

Research Sites/ Repositories 

• Bronx Jewish Synagogues:         http://www.bronxsynagogues.org/ic/bronxsyn/survey.html
• NYC Dept of Vital Records: https://a860-historicalvitalrecords.nyc.gov/search
• Jewish Gen: https://www.jewishgen.org/databases/jgform.php
• Jewish Genealogy Society of NY: https://groups.jewishgen.org/g/main
• Familysearch.org:  https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&query=%2Bsubject%3Ajewish
•  Familysearch Wiki:  Russia Jewish Records        https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Russia_Jewish_Records
• fold3.com: may have the naturalization records of parents or holder siblings born in Russia.  This database is most often  free through your library card.
•  NY – NARA:  New York National Archives may hold naturalization records.  https://www.archives.gov/nyc 
• USCIS. For naturalization records  after Sep 1906; some ship manifests https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-639.pdf

Other Resources

• Research Orthodox Church in America (OCA) https://blog.a3genealogy.com/2012/06/research-orthodox-church-in-america-oca.html
• 7 Steps to Begin Jewish Genealogical Research
  https://blog.a3genealogy.com/2018/01/7-steps-to-begin-your-jewish-research.html

And be sure to follow the a3Genealogy blog for a full blog post on this topic.
Happy Research (and learning). 

Be sure to provide feedback for each episode. 

Support the show

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks  for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. 

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
 

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Kathleen and Vickie begin a search in the Indian Territory (Oklahoma ) for Vickie's great-grandmother Ellen's maiden name. Kathleen's advice? "Let's let's go back to the starting gate." She outlined 10 resources/steps to review even before the DNA analysis.  The more information gathered on the family for your DNA analysis, the more success you'll have toward reaching your goal.  This Do it yourself genealogy work will help Vickie build a strong foundation to stand on when she starts swinging the hammer on her family brick wall.

What was Ellen’s Maiden Name?

1.     Organize. Separate family units (i.e. children from first and second husbands, and  grandchildren.)
2.     Local Records. School census and enrollment documents will provide birthdates and parentage hints, and possible extended families.  Review school records for all of Ellen’s children and those under her care.
3.     Church Records. Marriage records often name parents, and family members as witnesses.  Local preachers may have kept records. You may uncover Ellen’s maiden name through her family connections.
4.     Vital Records. Birth certificates, delayed birth certificates, and death certificates may name mother’s maiden name. These may also assist with #1: separating family units.
5.     Social Security Application ($$). This may not be fruitful at this time, as the children of Ellen may not know their mother’s maiden name. But, be sure to re-evaluate the cost/risk benefit.
6.     Marriage Records. Marriage applications often name mother’s maiden name. Review the marriage records for all children of Ellen.
7.     Midwife Records / Family Bibles.  Midwives typically know the families and may have recorded Ellen’s maiden name. Don’t forget to research the midwife. Many families had a midwife in the family. 
8.     Newspapers (Local and Online). Obituaries and even court recorder published announcements may proffer names and relationships. Who was Ellen’s family?
9.     Land Records. James (and/or Ellen) owned their land.  How did they acquire it?  Land deeds may provide hints to Ellen’s family, parents, or name first husband, if applicable.
10. Native American Records / Applications (NARA).  Don’t forget the rejected applications also.  

 Our goal here was to identify records that often name mother’s maiden name.
Interested in participating in an future episode of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen, just submit the form.
Kathleen 

Support the show

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks  for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. 

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
 

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Kathleen and Rhonda go in search of the elusive Dr. Benjamin Fuller. The timeframe covers the prohibition era.  As Kathleen says, you have to be creative when your brickwall conundrum is: 1 man; with 2 wives; who uses 3 names; covers 4 states; and 5 counties.  She also says, "This is a do it yourself (DIY) genealogy podcast. “Ill show you where the shovel is, but I'm not digging up your family.”

Learn more tips to the researching your legal (and not so legal) missing ancestor:

Further research tips? Ancestor Was Prohibition Era Pharmacists, Druggists, or Doctors?  

Support the show

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks  for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. 

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
 

Let us know what you think!

Kathleen talks to Charlotte from New York about how to untangle the DNA which paints a very interesting picture of the relationships in her biological family.  A complex issue needs heavy-hitting research tips and hints to break through this wall.   This DIY genealogy research will take dedication and lots of extra on-site research.

Support the show

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks  for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. 

Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.