by Katie Rebecca Garner | Jun 5, 2026
When the United States was created, the U.S. Constitution stipulated that a population census be conducted every decade. The first census was taken in 1790, counting the white males and females, other free persons, and slaves. As time went on, information was added to...
by Katie Rebecca Garner | May 29, 2026
Previously in this series, we learned what was involved in your ancestor getting a Civil War pension and where you can find the records. This series concludes today with a case study showing how finding the pension record was key to discovering more about the Stewart...
by Katie Rebecca Garner | May 22, 2026
In Part 1 of this three-part series, we learned some history about Civil War pensions. In Part 2, we explore the application process and see how this can help you in your research. Photo: Civil War Union reenactors. Photo credit: https://depositphotos.com/home.html...
by Katie Rebecca Garner | May 15, 2026
The American Civil War lasted from 1861 to 1865, an event that tore the country in half and ended with the freeing of African American slaves. Many men fought on both sides, some coming home permanently disabled – and others not coming home at all, leaving widows...
by Katie Rebecca Garner | May 8, 2026
Since 1790, the federal government has been counting of the population by taking a census every decade. Over the years, the information gathered in the censuses has changed, based on what the government felt was important to track at different times. This has left a...
by Katie Rebecca Garner | May 1, 2026
The 1850 census was not only the first to name every household member, but it was also the first to track each person’s age, race, gender, and birthplace. Because of all the details recorded in censuses beginning in 1850, the 1860 census brought to light a discrepancy...
