My Trails into the Past

The Genealogical Proof Standard, also known as the GPS, is the ultimate test to ensure that our genealogical conclusions are sound. [1] There are five elements that genealogists follow to ensure they have met standards. It begins with conducting reasonably exhaustive research. We research in a wide range resources, some easy to obtain, and others that are more difficult. We use the records that will most likely answer our research questions pertaining to identity, relationships, or events. Research should always begin with a research question. A sample research question might be: When was Maria Sievert, daughter of Vincent Sievert and Susanna Radunz, who lived in Joliet, Will County, Illinois, born? See how I identified Maria Sievert? She was the daughter of Vincent Sievert and Susanna Radunz. She lived in Will County, Illinois. There may be more than one Maria Sievert in Joliet, but not likely more than one who was also the daughter of Vincent and Susanna. As we gather evidence f...

All outside activities past week included the trip up to Ocala using a rental car, staying with Norman’s cousin, Shirley, return south to ride a train in Clewiston, a airboat ride in the Everglades, and a long drive back up to Orlando. I was sick with a head cold and tried to stay away from everyone, but Norman got it, too. Genealogy Genealogy Volunteer/Work: None this week, except for sending the description of the probate class I’m teaching in April to CGS for posting on the website. Genealogy Meetings:  I attended no official meetings this week, but connected with Jacqueline to explain views in AirTable. Genealogy Writing/Research : I continued writing about the Sievert and Hork families in my 12 for ’26 challenge. Blog Posts Published: A Big Decision – Why My Ancestors Came to America For the theme of “A Big Decision,” I wrote about how I have no idea why any of my ancestors left the home country and came here. SNGF—What Are Your Major Genealogy Research Challen...

Julia Ann Sievert, daughter of Vincent Sievert and Susanna Raduntz, and my great-grandmother, married Johan Anton Hork, son of Joseph Heinrich Horoch and Maria Catharine Trösster, on 6 June 1872 at St. John’s German Catholic Church in Joliet, Will County, Illinois. [1] Johan Anton Hork, born Johann Anton Horoch on 9 November 1843 in Oberhundem, Westfalen, arrived in the United States aboard the Idaho on 5 November 1870. [2] Though the ship manifest stated he was a laborer, he worked as a tailor in the United States. By 1872, he was working as a merchant tailor at 7 Jefferson Street in Joliet, while living at 47 Bluff Street. [3] In records, he was recorded either by John, Anton, Anthony, or J. A. Hork. In the above directory record, he was Anthony Hork. It is unknown whether he worked for himself or for someone else. Two merchant tailors had shops on Jefferson: S.C. Stearns at 61 ½ Jefferson and J & G Dippold, whose listing didn’t give an address. [4] The latter was living ...