NEHGS - February 2009 Archive

You are invited to submit research questions to David Allen Lambert at onlinegenealogist@nehgs.org. Please note that he will make every effort to reply to each message, but will respond on a first come, first-served basis. In some cases he may need to refer individuals to the NEHGS Research Service for more in-depth research services for a fee.

February 2009 Archive:

2-27-2009
While examining the published set of Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the Revolutionary War I came across a town I don't recognize. I am aware of the town of Loudon, N.H. but not a Loudon, Massachusetts? Was this a town once in Maine or Massachusetts?
2-26-2009
I am seeking the records of my late father who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from Massachusetts during the Korean War. Do you have records of discharge on file at NEHGS?
2-25-2009
My grandfather once had a beautiful map of East Boston from the 19th century. This was lost years ago but I would love to find it again. This map contained a birds eye view of the East Boston landscape showing amazing detail. Where would I begin to search for it?
2-24-2009
A photo of mom's 1930 era Model A has a license plate that has fairly clear numbers--but not the state--is there a source for tracing these old plates?
2-23-2009
Can you help me sort out the division of a Massachusetts town? I am very confused by what is the history of the Bridgewater, Plymouth Co., Massachusetts boundaries and splits of the communities. My late aunt had done substantial research however some of her records say North Bridgewater, West Bridgater or even Brockton for the same event.
2-20-2009
I am trying to find lists of prisoners who were held on the British prison hulks in New York during the American Revolution. I have the ships' names, but am unable to locate specific prisoner lists except in bits and pieces. I have already tried the NYPL and New York Historical Society, and am in the process of contacting the National Archives in DC.
2-19-2009
A brother of my ancestors went west in the 1870’s and purchased land from the government in Michigan. Is there an online source to check this or do I need to write to the National Archives?
2-18-2009
I have two relatives who I believe were on a whaling fleet out of New Bedford, Massachusetts. They disappear from the New Bedford City Directories in the 1850’s. Where can I search for them?
2-17-2009
I understand you are knowledgeable about military history. This really is not a genealogical question but you might know the answer. I have an old U.S. Army dog tag that I dug up with a metal detector. The name is a little hard to read but I am puzzled there is no serial number. How old might this dog I found be?
2-16-2009
I have heard a rumor that the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics is changing their hours and location? Is this true?
2-13-2009
I have a record of the marriage of Edward Keeney and Patience Chadwick for 1762 in Newport, Rhode Island. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Nicholas Eyres. How can I find out which church Mr. Eyres was connected with.
2-12-2009
I am researching a Manley Stevens who was born at Warner, N.H. c. 1800. He was at Orford, NH in 1822 for many years after that. Would there be church records at those towns? If yes would you point me to the best sources records please.
2-11-2009
I am putting together the primary and secondary sources for my genealogy finally. Are the microfilmed Maine VRs 1892-1955 considered primary, or secondary, sources?
2-10-2009
Could you answer a debate I have with another genealogist. They claim they saw a census pre-1850 that gives exact ages for families. I do not recall ever seeing such a census.
2-9-2009
My grandmother did some research back in the 1950’s which I now am going through. Many things she cited correctly however I am uncertain on one in particular. Do you know what MAC hen a volume and page refers to? These are mostly colonial documents from Massachusetts. I know the numbers do not correspond to the NEHGS Register.
2-6-2009
The death record of one of my ancestors listed his place of burial as Calvary Cemetery, Boston, MA. He died in 1925 in Brookline, MA. I can't find a listing for that particular cemetery and was wondering if the name had been changed. I am looking for the gravesite of Patrick Finan to obtain information on others buried with him and when.
2-5-2009
I do have the book Inhabitants and Estates of the Town of Boston 1630-1800, and The Crooked and Narrow Streets of Boston 1630-1822 on CD-Rom. I was wondering what an abutter is?
2-4-2009
In researching my paternal grandmother's side of our family, I have come across my great-great grandfather's marriage dates but "The image is not available." Although the "image does not exist," could the record book be available?
2-3-2009
My wife and I want to research our New England families' ancestry-- Morse, Maxwell, Stow, Upham. Can we personally do this at your location? Is there a cost involved? Thank you.
2-2-2009
I am trying to find indices for the various issues of the Register. It seems to me I read some time back that these are now available on line. But I can't find them! Am I just a dreamer or are they available.