2018 Conference (28 - 30 September)
28 September 2018
Don Whiteside Memorial Lecture
Tracking a Scottish Regiment over Three Countries
Sam Allison
Sam discussed many of the problems encountered in writing about soldier-settlers of the 18th century, which genealogists also face in their research. For example, regimental lists are time-sensitive and error-ridden; historical fiction about Highlanders often overwhelms historical facts; and Scottish and American authors have influenced our image of the Highlands. He believes that the “past is a foreign country” where people and events can be easily misinterpreted; we need a healthy dose of scepticism about what is now regarded as “the truth.”
29 September 2018
Who Are the Scots? Not Celts!
Bruce Durie
This lecture dispelled the idea that Scots are a single, unitary people of shared ancestry, genetics and culture. Beginning with the earliest settlements in 12,000BC, Bruce discussed the early indigenous inhabitants, whom we now call “Picts;” the arrivals of other Brythonic peoples, the Gaels, the Angles, Scandinavian raiders (loosely called Vikings); the uniting of Gaels and Scots into the Kingdom of Alba; and how Highland Gaels and Lowland Scots remain culturally and linguistically separate to this day.
Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda: A Look at Ethics in DNA Testing
Diahan Southard
In this presentation, Diahan got participants thinking about the ramifications of pursuing DNA testing for genealogical purposes and gave them the tools they need to address unexpected situations should they arise.
Leaving a Legacy: Creating a Family History Book
Lynn Palermo
In this lecture, Lynn discussed the anatomy of a great family history book. Along with a brief look at copyright and permissions, she explained how to determine the scope of the book, explored a variety of page options and elements to include, assess the potential cost, developed a production team, and created a plan to keep the project on task and on time.
NOTE: poor audio quality due to microphone issue
Wills, Testaments, Inventories and Retours: Inheritance in Scotland
Bruce Durie
This lecture navigated the minefield of researching inheritance in Scotland up to the 1860s and subsequently, and where to find records from 1513 to 1925. Bruce explained where wills, testaments, retours of services of heirs, and the trust disposition and settlement system fit in. In the process, you learn that Scotland has no probate and no coroners and glean other fascinating historical and legal insights—with a fair amount of Latin and Old Scots along the way.
Back to 18th Century Scotland with Autosomal DNA
Linda Reid
It can be difficult to find documentary evidence for pre-1800 ancestors, but autosomal DNA can supplement the paper-trail research. In this talk Linda explained how to confirm ancestral lines systematically, starting with the closest relatives. Her case studies illustrated the use of Family Finder (FTDNA) along with Ancestry DNA, GEDmatch and Y-DNA to verify a grandparent’s pedigree on four different lines to people born in the 18th century. The examples are Scottish, but the techniques would apply anywhere.
The Combined Power of Y-DNA and Autosomal DNA
Diahan Southard
DNA is certainly helping to shape our modern definition of family—helping to expand our views of our own personal and extended relationships—and these waters can be difficult to navigate. Using a case study as her guide, Diahan discussed how Y-DNA and autosomal DNA testing helped one family to better understand their own past and gave them incentive to reach out and connect with others. She covered methodology as well as the sociology of this kind of situation and the best ways for you and your family to forge bonds with others in a non-traditional fashion.
Finding Your Ancestors with FamilySearch
Shirley-Ann Pyefinch
Shirley-Ann’s talk helped researchers to more effectively use the resources and tools available through the FamilySearch website and to develop effective strategies. She discussed adding names, editing information and navigating in Family Tree; searching historical records and filtering results; searching for and making good use of historical books; searching through submitted genealogies and contributing to genealogies; using the FamilySearch wiki and catalogue; and getting help from the many FamilySearch resources available.
30 September 2018
Genes and Genealogy: Is Surname a Good Predictor of Ethnic Origin?
Bruce Durie
The Scots are not one homogeneous ethnic or ancestral group but rather have five or six ethnic origins, each typified by a geographical location. So, what can DNA tell us about “Scottishness,” if anything? Many Scots-origin people will say they come from a particular clan or family and a defined location; but is the surname a good predictor of ethnic and geographical origin? This lecture surveyed the genetic, geographical and onomastic landscapes of Scotland, to see if they help determine a place of origin and an earlier ancestry.
The Wonders of WikiTree: Adventures in Collaborative Genealogy
Leanne Cooper
WikiTree (www.wikitree.com) is a free online collaborative family tree. Leanne explored various ways that WikiTree supports finding and collaborating with distant cousins and other genealogists. By working together, we can build more complete and accurate life stories of our ancestors and ensure that this information is accessible to all.
A Day Out with Your DNA
Diahan Southard
As more and more companies crop up trying to capitalize on this era of personal genomics, it can be difficult to decide how to proceed with your own DNA testing experience. In this lecture Diahan helped you understand the value of your raw data file, as well as explain different options for using that file not only to further your genetic genealogy pursuits but perhaps to explore your health as well.
Scottish Funeral Customs and Death Records
Sadie De Finney
Sadie’s talk examined the evolution of Scottish funeral customs and looks at recent developments in Scottish death records that can benefit family history research efforts. Sadie described the types and locations of resting places or end-of-life processes (e.g. cairns, cemeteries, graveyards, cremation) as they relate to tracking down ancestors. She then shifted her focus to Scottish death records and discusses the information needed to do an effective search for them and the best places to look.
Regular and Irregular Marriages in Scotland Before 1834
Bruce Durie
The Church and the State wanted all marriages in Scotland to be “regular”: conducted the way they stipulated. But certain forms of “irregular” marriageswere still valid, including betrothal before witnesses and antenuptial contracts. Sometimes these left no records, but on other occasions they did. So how did this situation come about? And how recently did it end? Bruce described the various forms of marriage, identifies sources for research and told a few good stories along the way.
If I Had to Do it Over Again
Lynn Palermo
Everyone makes mistakes, and in this lecture, Lynn showed how to learn from her mistakes as well as those of other well-known genealogists. She covered organizing research, controlling the paper chaos, and keeping track of your steps so you can find your way back, as well as how to research like a professional when you’re not, ask and get answers from your family, expand your genealogy education, step out of your comfort zone, and deal with the quagmire of online family trees.
How DNA Made a Family Out of Strangers
Diahan Southard
Diahan’s mother was adopted from an unwed mother’s home in Seattle, Washington. In this talk she describes how they were able to use a combination of genetic and traditional genealogical tools to connect with their biological family and how it has affected their lives. You will obtain concrete ideas on how to apply these same methods to your own personal genetic genealogy endeavours, whether you are looking for your father or your three-times great-grandfather.
Monthly Meetings
8 December 2018
Great Moments
Quakers in the Attic
Jamey Burr (starts at 00:12)
Jamey Burr described a difficult family circumstance that took decades to understand, followed by a breakthrough that revealed a past that could not have been imagined, taking family historians at the same time into some of North America’s most glorious and detestable histories.
A McKinlay in New Zealand
Ken McKinlay (starts at 22:15)
It started as a simple yet, at the time, inexplicable hint on Ancestry. Follow Ken McKinlay's journey of discovery as he unveils his New Zealand connection and why his second cousin twice removed died "in Panama en route to New Zealand" in 1918.
And her name was . . .
Bobby Kay (starts at 38:27)
Bobby Kay’s great-grandmother was Margaret Susan Gee (her married name), thought to be a Huguenot, and she came from Co. Longford. Of this Bobby's Great-Uncle Roy was sure, but the name of her mother—that he could not say. Perhaps LeBlanc or was it Beauchamp? And she may have been a widow. He couldn't recall. Well, it turned out she was of neither name and she wasn’t born in Co. Longford. It turned out that even her descendants were not sure how to spell her name on American death certificates. It wasn’t until a chance follow-up with someone on a remote DNA match with a possible name variation that the doors of discovery opened, leading to marriages, and births, and eventually other cousins and countries. Follow along on this journey of discovery and learn a little about these Irish Huguenots.
Where were YOUR ancestors on December 2, 1854?
Duncan Monkhouse (starts at 1:00:44)
Duncan Monkhouse’s third great-grandfather, Richard Leighton, was a sea captain during the middle of the 1800s. His travels took him all over the world. In this talk, Duncan discussed Leighton’s life, some of the places he visited and a surprising find.
10 November 2018
Before BIFHSGO
Introduction to the Scottish Special Interest Group
Pam Cooper & Marilyn Lindsay
A short introduction to the Ottawa Scottish Special Interest Group: who we are, how the group works and some examples of what we do.
Main talk
Beechwood National Cemetery: Its History, Stories and Records
Dr. André M. Levesque
Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services was founded in 1873, on a 160-acre tract of land on the outskirts of Ottawa. It became a prime example of the type of rural cemetery that emerged in the U.S. and Canada in the nineteenth century, characterized by winding roads, picturesque vistas, wooded groves, and unique landscaping, as well as monuments and markers of considerable architectural and historical interest. Originally Ottawa's Anglo-Protestant cemetery, today Beechwood is a reflection of Canada’s identity as a multicultural, multi-faith society. Since the creation of its Foundation in 2000, it has grown in national significance: home of the National Military Cemetery (2001), recognized as a National Historic Site (2001), home of the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery (2004), given honorary recognition as the national cemetery of Canada (2009), and home of the Ottawa Police Service Memorial Cemetery (2011). With almost 400 famous burials, and over 75,000 total burials of people from all walks of life, Beechwood serves as a place of national tribute and remembrance for all Canadians.
13 October 2018
Before BIFHSGO
Using Local Historical Societies in Your Genealogical Research
Marianne Rasmus
Main talk
Establishing Mitochondrial DNA Signatures of Early Immigrant Mothers: Successes and Cautions
Annette Cormier O'Connor
Your family tree may trace back to several Immigrant Mothers, but only one of them passed on her mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), virtually unchanged, to you. You use her mtDNA each time you need energy to move or think, because mitochondria are your energy factories. In this presentation, you learn about:
- How to trace the source of your mtDNA in a matriline to your Immigrant
- How to convey the story of your matriline ancestors to your
- mtDNA tests and triangulation methods that Group Projects use to establish ancestral mtDNA signatures of early North American Immigrant Mothers.
- Successes and cautions in using mtDNA to find our Immigrant
8 September 2018
Before BIFHSGO
Introduction to BIFHSGO’s DNA Special Interest Group
Susan Courage
Susan Courage shared information on the DNA SIG, noting the history and development of the group in parallel with the evolution of genetic genealogy as a research tool and what the DNA SIG offers to members and attendees.
Main talk
Ontario and Quebec's Irish Pioneers: Farmers, Labourers and Lumberjacks
Lucille Campey
Using wide-ranging sources, Lucille Campey described the communities established by the Irish in Ontario and Quebec during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. She revealed the considerable pioneering achievements of the Irish, while debunking the victim-ridden interpretations of more recent times.
The Irish were early birds. They arrived in mid-Canada long before the English and became assimilated in the wider population much sooner. They had left their homeland to achieve a better standard of living and be part of a more egalitarian society and were phenomenally successful. By 1871 they were the largest immigrant group in Ontario and, in Quebec, outnumbered the combined total of Scottish and English immigrants. They founded many communities and had an immense impact on the economic development of both provinces.
The ships that brought them were also discussed and an overview provided of the events in Ireland and Canada that shaped this immigration saga.
9 June 2018
Four Great Moments in Genealogy
Was my Great-great Uncle David Jeanes a Murderer?
David Jeanes (starts at 00:00)
David Jeanes' great-great-uncle, David Jeanes, a coachbuilder in Cathays, Cardiff, left Britain mysteriously and suddenly in the 1880s. The family never spoke of him, and David only heard sketchy mentions of him by his grandfather and a cousin of his father. Searching ship passenger lists, South African church records, and finally the wonderful new resource, Welsh Newspapers Online, revealed a sensational story.
Who’s Crazy? - The Sad Tale of Mary Brydon
Dianne Brydon (starts at 18:40)
What happened in the 19th century when your husband died leaving you with three small children to support? When those children proposed moving away in search of a better life? Mary Oliver Brydon emigrated to Ontario from Scotland as a child around 1830. Dianne Brydon will tell the tragic story of Mary's life, a case study in women's limited options and how 19th-century society dealt with mental illness. A great moment happened when two 4th cousins found each other and compared documents they had each unearthed.
Tom, Dick and Harry - A Great Little Great War Story
John D. Reid (starts at 36:21)
A lonely Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone standing at Czar, Alberta marks the resting place of the first CEF soldier to die in the First World War. Born in Stroud, Gloucestershire, like many volunteers he was a recent immigrant; unlike most he had an unusual amount of military background. John D. Reid will share his family history story.
Finding the Fitzpatricks/Fennells, with a Bonus Surprise
Ann Burns (starts at 50:43)
One of Ann Burns' most frustrating brick walls had been her great-great-grandfather Patrick Fitzpatrick and his wife Annie Fennell. All Ann knew were their names and the counties in Ireland they came from. While Patrick remains elusive, a combination of detective work at home, release of the Irish parish records, expanded searchable databases, some friendly help in Ireland, and a bit of Irish luck, allowed Ann to go back two more generations, not only to the Fennell ancestors, but the very place they came from.
22 May 2018
Were You in Salem in 1692?
Susan Davis, Darrel Kennedy, Brian Laurie-Beaumont, Marianne Rasmus
In 1692, 24 people died in the hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials. On September 22, Margaret Scott and Samuel Wardell were among eight people hanged after being found guilty of witchcraft. Ann Putnam and her family played a leading role as accusers in these tragic events. Four of their descendants — Susan Davis, Darrel Kennedy, Brian Laurie-Beaumont, and Marianne Rasmus — shared their stories and examined the life and times of their Puritan ancestors in the 17th-century Massachusetts Bay Colony.
16 April 2018
No. 1 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station
Sheila Dohoo Faure
No. 1 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station was a medical unit of the Canadian Army Medical Corps located a few miles from the Front in World War I. It provided medical services to all soldiers wounded nearby, but the majority were British and Canadian soldiers. The chaplains stationed at No.1 CCCS kept journals of all deaths at the station. BIFHSGO volunteers transcribed the diaries and, as a WWI centenary project, decided to honour these soldiers by writing a short biography for each soldier. Sheila Dohoo Faure explained how this research, almost exclusively based on public records, is done, how the biographies are written, and she highlighted a few interesting examples of soldiers’ lives. The database and the biographies are posted in the Name Index section of our website.
Identifying the Remains of Canadian Soldiers from the First and Second World Wars
Dr. Sarah Lockyer
Dr. Sarah Lockyer, from the Directorate of History and Heritage at the Department of National Defence, talked about the Casualty Identification Program and its aims to identify the newly discovered skeletal remains of Canadian service members. The process involves many disciplines, including archaeology, history, forensic anthropology, genealogy and DNA analysis. She explains the process, as well as the recent successful identification of Sergeant James Alexander Milne, who was laid to rest on August 25, 2017 alongside his fallen comrades in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Orchard Dump Cemetery near Arleux-en-Gohelle, France.
Dr. Lockyer also discussed a recent case where identification was not possible: remains were buried on August 23, 2017 in CWGC’s Canadian Cemetery No. 2, in Neuville-St. Vaast, France as “A Canadian Soldier of the Great War. Known Unto God.” She talked about the limits encountered by the program, as well as its practices for inconclusive cases in the hopes that identification may be possible in the future.
13 February 2018
Bailing Out: Avoiding and Responding to Water Damage and Floods in Archival Collection
Kyla Ubbink
Kyla Ubbink talked about the steps that can be taken to avoid and minimize the risk of water damage to collections — from totally water logging and weakening paper, to instigating mould growth, to adhering photographs and pages together, to causing inks and dyes to bleed; whether large or small, floods have a devastating effect on documents, photographs, books, and artifacts. She talked about where the items are located, the types of enclosures being used, and knowing how to quickly respond and salvage damp and wet items makes the difference between saving or losing your family heirlooms and research during a disaster.
The Book Creators’ Journey
Barbara Angus, Tracey Arial, Claire Lindell
Have you ever wanted to write and publish a book about your ancestors? If so, you’ll want to watch this presentation by Barb Angus, Tracey Arial, and Claire Lindell, three of the nine genealogists/authors who recently released the book, Beads in a Necklace, Family Stories from Genealogy Ensemble.
In this presentation, Tracey, Barb, and Claire outlined the book creators’ journey, using readings from their recent compilation. They gave tips about turning genealogy research into compelling narratives without crossing the line into fiction. They described how they made decisions about sources, technology, properly presenting two languages, photo captions and layout.
15 January 2018
Searching for Your WWI British Army Officer
Tara Grant
Tara Grant covered some of the basic sources for locating information on your ancestors who served as officers in the British Army. More than 10 million soldiers fought in the First World War, and locating an ancestor can be difficult. If your ancestor was an officer, however, your chances of finding information on him significantly increase, as you have instantly narrowed your possible choices down to about 250,000 men. Officers are also far more likely to be mentioned by name in documents than an ancestor who served as an O.R. (Other Ranks). Tara also covers service records, battalion war diaries, campaign medals, casualty records, newspapers, websites, and photographs, and where to find them and what information they contain. By combining the information from all these sources, it is possible to flesh out what your ancestor was doing and what they experienced during the four long years of the Great War.
The Kemeys-Tynte Family of Cefn Mably, a South Wales Estate
David Jeanes
The Kemeys-Tynte family, now largely forgotten, was once one of the most important gentry families of South Wales, living at the imposing Cefn Mably mansion between Cardiff and Newport. Their roots went back to the Norman conquest of Wales and to the crusades, but also by intermarriage to many of the ancient Welsh families. They had royal connections and played leading roles in the Civil War in Wales. The family left Wales in the 1920s and subsequently became extinct in the male line. Cefn Mably became a hospital in 1924. After a disastrous fire in 1994, it has been carefully restored as luxury residences.