A Different U.S.Census Record Set

Once again, I learned something I didn't know that I didn't know.

According to the FamilySearch Wiki (found here), the 1930 census was the first to include seamen on merchant vessels.  Census day was April 1st that year.  The information contained on the census sheet includes the following:

• The name of the vessel.
• The owner and address.
• What port.
• The name of the seaman.
• The state or country of birth.
• Are they a naturalized citizen or an alien.
• His occupation.
• If he is a veteran, and if so, what war.
• Address of next of kin!!

There is also a searchable page indexed at Ancestry, (found here) and corresponds with NARA publication: M1932.

You may also find an index on FamilySearch.  (found here)

The following states were included in this record set.

Here are some images to help you see the results better.  Most of the records I looked at were typewritten, and some were handwritten.

So, if you have an ancestor who is missing on the regular census records for his family, it may be beneficial to see if he was actually a sailor or seaman.

It Takes Time

Genealogy research takes time.

Sometimes a little.  Sometimes a lot.  But, it does take time.  

I have the opportunity to present genealogy lectures across the country and on many webinar platforms.  I can't begin to express how much I love doing this.  It's something I never, ever thought I would be doing, for all I ever wanted to be was a wife and mom.

And, that took time.

Case studies are particularly informative.  I love listening to others' journeys into solving a family history problem, and present several of my lectures using that same format.  They seem to be well received, for they show the attendees the bread crumb trail that leads to solid information on an ancestor.

But, they take time.

I recently presented a webinar for Legacy Family Tree Webinars, and have received many comments about it via email and Facebook.  It represented my grandmother's family lines straight back into the late 1700's.  Some of that information led to a lengthy court case that extended down to her day.

But, it took time.

It's important for attendees to recognize that when looking at someone's case study, they may be looking at what took years and years of research, and not an afternoon of sitting down looking at hints from various big name websites.  Those who enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles will understand this perfectly!

So, don't become discouraged when research doesn't fall into place in a short amount of time.  Most case studies demonstrate research that has been done over a period of time, where the information gathered has been carefully perused and put into place.

I love giving webinars!  

This was taken last year while giving another webinar for Legacy Family Tree Webinars.

It's how I usually do research, too -- except I have moved all of my folders, papers, and books to make me look good.