Ask a Genealogist

Question: Can you help with a couple abbreviations I found in a 1900 Boston City Directory at NEHGS.  What were the B. & L. R. R. and B. R. B. & L. R. R. for railroad designations.

Answer: The B. & L. R. R. - Boston & Lowell Railroad, and B. R. B. & L. R. R. is the Boston, Revere Beach & Lynn Railroad.

Question: Can you refer me to a website for Prussian Military records in the first World War?  I believe that the cousin of my immigrant died, I have a photo of him.

Answer: There is an ongoing Prussian Army project online.  It contains over 180,000 in a searchable database online at http://www.genoroots.com/eng/pBrowUsEn.php

Question: I saw a military marker at a cemetery with abbreviations I do not recognize.  Can you refer me to a cheat sheet?  For instance what is a "T SGT."

Answer:  I would suggest a a list that I found online PDF from the Veterans Administration - http://www.cem.va.gov/CEM/docs/abbreviations/Ranks_Army.pdf     To answer your question regarding "T SGT." that is a Technical Sergeant.

Question: My grand father told us we were related to the founder of the Knights of Columbus organization.  Do you know the surname of the founder?

Answer:  The Knights of Columbus was founded by Rev. Michael J. McGivney (1852-1890).  In 1882 the organization was started by him and some of the parishoner's of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Conn.

Question: What was the occupation of a Boot Catcher?

Answer:  A boot catcher was a servant who typically worked at an Inn or Tavern.  His job would be to simply remove the boots of visitors.

Question: My father divorced back in the early 1940's from his first wife.  They were residing in Rhode Island, and I am not sure where to write to get the records.

Answer:  Provide the names of both parties, where and when the divorce occurred, and the location they lived.  The cost is reasonable for only $3.00.  Send your request to: Clerk of Family Court, 1 Dorrance Plaza, Providence, RI 0290.

Question: A genealogy book I read mentioned my ancestor was killed with Noble's Men in 1747 in an attack in Nova Scotia.  Can you tell me what this was and where in Nova Scotia?

Answer: I would believe this is the Attack at Grand Pre, Nova Scoita which occured February 11, 1747.  Col. Arthur Noble and about 70 of his men from Massachusetts were killed in a surprise attack by the French and Indians.  To read more and see the memorial plaques go online to: http://ns1763.ca/kingsco/attack1747.html

Question: One of my British ancestors was a signal man on one census and previously a Railroad Policeman.  Was he a security guard at the railroad station in the 1860's?

Answer: Even though these sound like two occupations they are one in the same.  The older term once used for a signal man on the railroad was a railroad policeman.  See the reference stated on Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signalman_%28rail%29

Question: Is there a good museum in New York to visit for military history?  My ancestor was in World War I and I might like to donate some images he took then.

Answer:  You can also keep NEHGS in mind for a copy of these military images you have.  The New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center is at 61 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866.  Their website is www.dmna.state.ny.us/historic/mil-hist.htm

Question: I will be visiting NEHGS to research my Boston ancestors from the 1830s.  Can you tell me if NEHGS has deeds for Suffolk County.

Answer: NEHGS has a collection of deeds on microfilm for Boston for the 17th through the early 20th century.  These are located on the 4th Floor Microtext Library at our research library in Boston.

Question: I have reviewed some early Massachusetts published vital records and found some ancestors marriages recorded. It states "intention not recorded". If the intention was not recorded I would like to know how the information was compiled ?  Is there any record that may house more information such as grooms parents name for a marriage listed, but not recorded?

Answer: In this case the intention of marriage was not recorded in that town.  In many cases the marriage intention was filed in the town of the groom or the bride.  Prior to 1850 an intention of marriage in Massachusetts would list the names of both parties, and the date of the intention.  If the person was African-American or Indian this may be indicated, if they were someone’s slave they will list the slave owner.  But the only other fact you see is the residence of the other person if they were not living in the town the intention was filed at.  Only on a rare occasion when the bride or groom is underage is a parent listed giving their permission in the early records.

Question:  Can you advise where I can get 1940's era prison records for my grandfather's brother?  He is deceased and I am hoping I can find out when he was in jail in Charlestown Prison.

Answer:  I have recommended genealogists to contact the Massachusetts Department of Correction.  You will need to produce proof the prisoner is deceased, and your relation to the deceased.  Since it is not your direct ancestor (father, grandfather, great-grandfather etc.) it may be difficult to obtain the records.  Prison records before the 1930's are usually open, with the exception of medical records.  Contact the DOC Central Headquarter,50 Maple Street, Suite 3,Milford, MA 01757, or by telephone:(508) 422-3300

Question: I am trying to determine who "Rev. O. Everett" was who married my ancestors in Boston in 1788.

Answer: Your ancestors were married by the Rev. Oliver Everett who was pastor of the New South Church in Boston from 1782-92.  The New South Church was a unitarian church located at Summer and Bedford Streets.  The church itself existed between 1714-1866, and later merged with the New South Free Church.  This later edifice stands at the southwest corner of Camden and Tremont Streets in Roxbury.  Incidentally my own great-grandparents were married in a double wedding at the New South Free Church in 1874 by Rev. William P. Tilden.

Question: Can you tell me what someone described as an East India Man was in the 19th century?

Answer: I believe that an East India man was employed by the East India Company as an employee.  There are also those who were involved in the military aspect of the East Indian Company with that occupation.