Ancestral Findings

Stephen Grover Cleveland was born in Caldwell, New Jersey on March 18, 1837. He was the fifth of nine children born to Richard Falley Cleveland, a Presbyterian minister, and Ann Neal Cleveland. The Cleveland family moved frequently due to Richard Cleveland's pastoral assignments, eventually settling in Fayetteville, New York. Grover Cleveland's early life was marked by modest means and a strong em...

Labor Day, celebrated every first Monday in September, is more than a long weekend. It's a tribute to American workers and their contributions to society. Let's explore this holiday's rich history... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-history-of-labor-day-honoring-the-backbone-of-america/  

Irish authors have profoundly influenced American literature, whose contributions extend from James Joyce's intricate storytelling to Samuel Beckett's groundbreaking plays. This exploration seeks to uncover the depth and breadth of Irish influence on American literary traditions, spotlighting seminal authors and their pivotal works. It is an inquiry into the cross-pollination of ideas that has enr...

Explore the profound impact of Manifest Destiny on America's history, from westward expansion to the cultural and societal shifts it spurred. Discover how this belief, coined by John L. O'Sullivan in 1845, reshaped the nation, influenced major events like the Mexican-American War and the Gold Rush, and left a lasting, complex legacy on settlers and Indigenous peoples. Podcast Notes: https://ancest...

Imagine driving through the rugged landscape of South Dakota, and suddenly, there it is—a colossal sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore. Four of America's most iconic presidents stand tall, forever etched into the mountainside: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. But why were these four chosen to be immortalized in stone? Let's journey...

The year was 1861, and the United States was teetering on the brink of a civil war. Amidst rising tensions and growing sectional divides, a last-ditch effort for peace was made through the Washington Peace Conference. This gathering of delegates from various states convened in the nation's capital, representing a poignant moment in American history where the hope for reconciliation and unity flick...

Ever wondered what hidden treasures lie beneath the cushions of a genealogist's office chair? Join me as I uncover the playful surprises and forgotten gems that add a touch of whimsy to our everyday research adventures. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-unexpected-finds-in-a-genealogists-office-chair  

Discovering your family's history can be exciting and rewarding, but having the right tools is essential. Here's a guide to the must-have tools for any new genealogist, ensuring you're well-equipped to uncover the hidden gems in your family tree. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/must-have-tools-for-a-new-genealogist/  

Join me today as we explore the life of Chester A. Arthur, the twenty-first President of the United States. Discover how this political insider became an unexpected reformer, championing civil service reform and modernizing the U.S. Navy. Let's uncover the life and legacy of a leader who rose to the challenges of his time and left a lasting impact on American history. Podcast Notes: https://ancest...

Join me today as we explore the life of James A. Garfield, the twentieth President of the United States. Discover how this scholar and Civil War hero navigated the challenges of the presidency, championed civil service reform, and advocated for education and civil rights. Let's delve into the life and legacy of a leader whose intellectual prowess and moral integrity left an indelible mark on Ameri...

Making big decisions can be daunting, whether moving to a new city, changing careers, or choosing the next step in your genealogical research. As genealogists, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, wondering which path will lead to the most fruitful discoveries. Here are some insights on tackling those big decisions, filled with personal anecdotes and practical tips. Podcastr Notes: https://anc...

Today, I want to share some advice that's a bit different from the usual deep dives into records and historical events. This is more about the personal journey we all take as genealogists. You see, I used to be what you might call a "genealogy blowhard." I was that guy who always had to one-up every story at family gatherings with a tale of an illustrious ancestor or a newfound cousin in some far-...

We've all been there, knee-deep in old records and family stories, when we suddenly hit a snag. Not just any snag, but one caused by the sneaky little words we should've avoided from the start. Think of them as the "bloopers" in our genealogy journey, those pesky terms that trip us up and send us down rabbit holes. Today, we're diving into the world of these genealogy pitfalls and how to sidestep...

Discover the intriguing evolution of the United States Secret Service, from its origins in combating counterfeit currency to its iconic role in protecting the President. Uncover untold stories of bravery, high-profile cases, and technological innovations that have shaped this elite agency. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-united-states-secret-service-from-counterfeits-to-presidenti...

We all have 24 hours a day, but between work, family obligations, and trying to sneak in some "me time," it often feels like there's no minute to spare. So, how can one find the time to dig into genealogy research, a task that can be time-consuming and intricate? Luckily, finding time doesn't require a time machine—just a bit of planning, prioritization, and creativity. Here's how to fit genealogy...

Today, Let's jump into the fascinating history of the Whig Party, a pivotal force in 19th-century American politics. Discover how the Whigs shaped national policy debates, their presidential legacy, and the internal struggles that led to their decline. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/the-whig-party  

Learn about the chilling history of the Ku Klux Klan, from its mysterious beginnings in the post-Civil War South to its resurgence during the 20th century. Explore how this infamous group, driven by racial hatred and a thirst for power, significantly impacted American society—and how brave individuals and decisive presidential actions ultimately limited its influence. Podcast Notes: https://ancest...

Explore the life of Rutherford B. Hayes, the nineteenth President of the United States. Discover how this Civil War hero navigated the contentious election of 1876, ended Reconstruction, and championed civil service reform. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/rutherford-b-hayes-the-compromise-president  

Join me as we explore the life of Ulysses S. Grant, the eighteenth President of the United States. Discover how this Civil War hero navigated the tumultuous Reconstruction era, faced economic challenges, and battled corruption. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/ulysses-s-grant-the-general-president    

Explore the life of Andrew Johnson, the seventeenth President of the United States. Discover how this self-educated tailor rose to the highest office in the land, faced the immense challenges of Reconstruction, and became the first president to be impeached. Let's dive into the life and legacy of a leader whose presidency was marked by conflict and resilience. Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindi...

With the dog days of summer and the month of July approaching, you may be thinking of some genealogy projects to occupy you during the long, hot days coming up. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do in July that are outside of the average genealogical research you do, and these things should keep you occupied and entertained while you wait for the weather to cool off and scho...

New to genealogy? Learn the 9 key questions you should ask yourself before delving into your family tree research. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/9-questions-to-ask-yourself-before-you-start-researching-your-family-tree/  

Explore the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, the great emancipator, and his impact on the abolition of slavery in the United States. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/abraham-lincoln-the-great-emancipator  

Join me today as we delve into the tumultuous presidency of James Buchanan, the fifteenth President of the United States. Discover how his support for the controversial Dred Scott decision and the ongoing conflicts over slavery and sectional tensions set the stage for the Civil War. Let's explore the intriguing and complex life of a president who struggled to unite a nation in perilous times. Podc...

Experience the power of conversation in genealogy research. Learn how one chat completely transformed a researcher's approach and understanding of their family's past. Podcast Notes:  https://ancestralfindings.com/the-conversation-that-changed-my-life-in-genealogy-research