Ask a Genealogist

Question:  In an early church record I find that my 17th century Dutch ancestor from New Harlem had the occupation of "Boerekverkooper".  Can you identify this occupation from those of the early New Netherlands?

Answer: When your ancestor resided in "Nieuw Haarlem" (Harlem) his occupation of "Boekverkooper" was a book seller or a librarian. I would suggest searching for your New Netherland territory ancestors in the NEHGS onlin edition of the New Netherlands Connection - http://web1.americanancestors.org/Search.aspx?Ca=098&Da=203

Question:  My ancestor Ebenezer Haywood was a member of Trinity Church in New York City I have learned.  He was born in 1837 and I would like to know how to search for his baptism.

Answer: The baptisms, marriages, and burials for Trinity Church in New York City are conveniently online.  I located the entry in their database for your Ebenezer Haywood, botn 24 April 1837, and baptized 10 July 1842, the son of Alfred and Mary Haywood. You can use this database to search for more of your Haywoods.  The database has records as early as 1750.  Search online at: http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/files/history/registers/registry.php