The Genealogy Gems Podcast with Lisa Louise Cooke - Your Family History Show

Published Oct 20, 2008   Lisa with her prized pumpkin   by WHRO FM radio:  Stories based on ghostly legends and lore of Hampton Roads, Virginia.  Thanks to my friend Michelle Gabriele-Harrell producer off the Halloween Haunts podcast. In iTunes: and the in iTunes  iGoogle UpdateiGoogle has been discontinued.    WorldCat:  I also wrote a blog recently called and I wanted to mention that there is going to be a Free seminar Oct 28 at 2PM Eastern / 11 AM Pacific online sponsored by WorldCat so I'll have a link to that posting so you can read all about it. MAILBOX:   Kerry Steward called in about some comments I made on Genealogy Gems podcast Episode #40.  Here are two articles about Henrietta Pruisner Tesch and Katherine Tesch Rugg's families. and GEM: Profile America - Oct. 13 Navy Month "Hit hard, hit fast, hit often"  Admiral "Bull" Halsey (above) GEM: Interview with Yvette Arts, Director of Content Partnerships at World Vital Records Update: World Vital Records is now part of MyHeritage.com Strategies for getting the most out of World Vital Records from Yvette Arts: First-time users/browsing: Perform a Basic Search. You'll get the largest search results by just searching by last name. Look over the results to narrow down all the possibilities. Try adding first name next. Some combinations of first and last names are more difficult to find exact matches for than others (e.g., John Smith). But if you have an unusual name like Jared Quackenbush the search will only return a few results. Next, if you know the location enter a full state name in the Place search. There are some results in their databases, such as for Google Books, that may not come up via the geographic.  Don't forget to try alternative spelling for a surname.   Additional Search Tips:  Entering a date is best when you only give a year.  If you already know a lot about an ancestor and now want to know specific information, try the Advanced Search.  Use broad search terms, not an exact year of birth.  Although you may know this information, mistakes may have been made in a document, or a first name may be abbreviated (e.g., Geo* is a good search term for George or J* may bring up a John that is otherwise listed as Jn). Excluding a source from a search because you have exact knowledge about an ancestor could lead to less accurate search results.  Members Only Podcast Episodes & Videos GEM: Profile America - Oct 24 is the anniversary of Chips the U.S. War Dog being awared the Distinguished Service Medal            Interview with Mary Ann Whitley who's father Herson Lamont Whitley served with Chips the US War Dog  by Mary Ann Whitley at the U.S. War Dogs Website  GEM:  - In today's MacGenealogist Minute with Ben Sayer, Ben's continues his reviews of Genealogy software for the Macintosh computer with a review of .  GEM:  Name That Tune - I need your help.  Several months ago I received a reel to reel tape that was recorded by my husband's Grandfather and Grandmother Cooke.  I'm going to play one song on each episode in the hopes that one of you dear listener's will recognize the tune and  with the name. Or leave a voice mail at 925-272-4021.  Thanks! Support the Show:  With the holidays approaching thereâs a wonderful way for you to do your online shopping while supporting this show.  By accessing websites like Amazon.com through the links on the and through the website, Amazon gives The Genealogy Gems Podcast credit for your purchases.  It doesn't cost you anything more, but by using the links on our website, you do a lot to help keep the free Genealogy Gems Podcast coming.  Thank you! Visit the the where you can watch lots of great genealogy themed videos. Join the Catch up on what's going on in the world of genealogy at

Published Oct 6, 2008 "And this year I hit the jackpot when I was able to track down one of his long lost cousins who had a treasure trove of family history tucked away in the rafters of her garage." (Below: Bill and cousin) all about how to tap into your inner private eye to find those long lost living relatives.   Albert Farrington and chorus from 1914 sing "Rule Britannia"  GEM: Interview with Rick Crume Websites Rick refers to in the show:   and in   - new interface with New Family Search.  Family Tree Magazine Podcast   Genealogy Gems Premium:  and use Coupon code SAVE20 to get 20% off the anual membership  GEM:  Interview with Dr. Christopher Watts  Below: Harry Cooke's Apprenticeship Record, 1872   Additional Gems From Over The Pond:   Lisa's Interview with Feargal O'Donnell of the Irish Family History Foundation.  View the 2 part video series:   British History Podcasts:  with Tony Cocks  with James Mowatt  More Ways To Stay In Touch: Genealogy Gems on

Published Sept 22, 2008 about my trip to FGS.    Sign up for the I enjoyed hanging out at the booth in the Exhibit Hall with editor Allison Stacy and Managing Editor Diane Haddad.  While you're at the you might want to click the SUBSCRIBE button which allows you to be notified when new videos are published so you donât have to check periodically.  My article "" is now out in the November 2008 issue of Family Tree Magazine.  GEM: Interview with Jim Beidler - Chair of FGS 2008 Conference Jim & Lisa GEM: Profile America - ice cream cone Today:Use the Coupon code: SAVE20 to save 20% off annual membership GEM: MacMinutes with Ben Sayer, In today's MacGenealogist Minute with Ben Sayer, Ben's reviews Reunion 9, the leading Mac genealogy application. GEM:  Podcaster Favorite Sayings Montage GEM: Census Abbreviations - at the Ancestors Search website.

Published Aug 15, 2008 Welcome to the 50th Episode of the Genealogy Gems Podcast! The Louise Carousel - GEM:  Profile America August 16, 1862  Birthdate of Amos Alonzo Stagg GEM:  A Little DayDreaming with Genealogy Podcasters Bill Puller of the Mike O'Loughlin of   GEM: Interview with Tim Russell of the Prairie Home Companion Tim Russel of radio show Prairie Home Companion's Listen to Tim on Minnesota's news station, where he is the entertainment editor weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m.   Tim and Lily Tomlin on the set of the movie A Prairie Home Companion Profile America â August 20, 1920:   One of the nationâs first radio stations began broadcasting in Detroit    GEM:  Handwriting Analysis with Paula Sassi Alice McManus are eligible to submit their ancestors handwriting for possible analysis by Paula on the show.  a handwriting sample, a paragraph telling about the ancestor and why they would like to have the handwriting analyzed, and a photo of the ancestor if itâs available.  presented by MN Public Radio Announce Best Bals Dolls Winner:  Melissa Barker Join the to the FREE Genealogy Gems Podcast Newsletter for genealogy news & tips, and sneak peeks at upcoming episodes. The Song: The Family Tree featured on this episode is courtesy of the band Venice.  See Venice LIVE at one of the following Concert Dates:

Published June 12, 2008 Episode 49 SHOW NOTES Coming in August:  Want to know what it was like to work with Meryl Streep, Woody Harrelson, John C. Reilly, and one of my favorites Lily Tomlin?  Then tune in next month to episode 50.  I'll be chatting with the wonderful voice actor from the radio show and movie A Prairie Home Companion.  Above:  Tim Russell and Garrison Keillor We talk about his love of family history and antiques, his amazing career in a very nostaligic profession of being a radio actor  and of course his work with Garrison Keillor and al the folks at YUMMY GEM:  Lisa's Peach Pie...Just out of the oven... GEM:  Genealogy Society Booth at County and State Fairs.  There are many things we do as members of genealogy societies, but I think this was one of the best activities I've come across.  Genealogy society members from neighboring areas come together to introduce the public to the joy of family history. NEW:  Family Tree Magazine including instructional video by Lisa Louise Cooke.  The article will appear in the November 2008 issue, but is available now free online.  All together it's a great resource for your friends who haven't yet tried podcasts.  Share these resources with your friends and genealogy society.   MAILBOX:  Premium Member Maureen Stephan shares a valuable Gem she recently found. GEM: Train Robberies 7/18 GEM: Part Two of my Interview with Kathy LennonIn Episode 48 we got started on my interview with Kathy Lennon of the Lennon Sisters.  Kathy is such a sweetheart and so fun to talk to that I just couldn't edit any of our conversation.  So Iâm bringing it to you in two parts, and today is part two of our conversation.  The Lennon Sisters In this episode Kathy talks about the tragic death of her father, and the strength of character of her mother and the values she passed on to her eleven children.  She also shares some insight into being a famous Lennon sister, and tells us all about her newest venture which has a family history twist to it. Premium Members can to be considered for an upcoming handwriting analysis by   Iâll be selecting ones that I think will be interesting to  all the listeners.  More information in

July 4, 2008 EPISODE SHOW NOTES: This special episode of the Genealogy Gems Podcast is dedicated to the men and women serving in the U.S. military Patrick Henry's speech performerd by Harry E. Humphrey on Edison Blue Amberol, 1912  The Continental Congress - The You Are There radio show took historic events and dramatized them with "live radio" coverage style.  C1947-1950  The Star Spangled Banner performed by Thomas Chalmers and chorus (including Elizabeth Spencer).  Edison Records, 1915  Washington's Farewell Address performed by Harry E. Humphrey for Edison Blue Amberol  1912  If Washington Should Come To Life performed by Billy Murray on Edison Gold Moulded Record, 1906  Thomas Jefferson March performed by United States Marine Band on Edison Standard Record, 1909  Under Freedom's Flag performed by  Edison Military Band on Edison Gold Moulded Record, 1908  Fourth Of July Address at Hyde Park, NY by President Roosevelt (4 Jul 1941 My Country 'Tis Of Thee performed by Edison Male Quartette on Edison Gold Moulded Record, 1903  Edison recordings courtesy of the University of California, Santa Barbara

Published June 14, 2008 GEM: Another look at the Handwriting of Our Ancestors Melissa Roberge's great grandfather Robert W Hicks GEM: An Interview with Kathy Lennon Listen to Part One of my exclusive interview with one of America's Sweethearts, and let me tell you, she is a gem!  You know Kathy Lennon from her more than 50 years with the Lennon Sisters, but you may not know that she is also an avid family historian.    Lennon Sister - Premium Members post your stories  in the Forum for a chance to win a pair of Best Pals Dolls!  Who Were Your Best Childhood Pals? Genealogy Gems Premium Members are invited to come share your stories of childhood best pals, your own story or perhaps one about an ancestor, and be entered in our Best Pals contest for a chance to win a beautiful pair of Best Pals dolls, each with their own signed certificate of authenticity, and delivered in a Best Pals Tote Bag.  It's over a $60 value!  You may enter as many stories as you wish.  The winner will be contacted by email on July 31, 2008.   Kathy and Janet as children with dolls Best Pals Dolls   Kathy & Janet & The Best Pals The Lennon Sisters upcoming performances: November 1 - December 6, 2008Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters Show Welk Resort Center, Branson, MO.     NEWSLETTER UPDATE:  The free Genealogy Gems Podcast newsletter will soon see a new, colorful email publication.  I'm so happy to finally get the newsletter updated and I hope you enjoy the photos and the much easier to read format.  Subscribe to the Genealogy Gems

Published May 15, 2008 The Free Monthly Genealogy Gems Podcast Episode 47 SHOW NOTES... "Great aunt Polly" is at the top of page The University of Wisconsin / The nineteen hundred and eight badger Volume XXII (1908) Book II: classes, pp. 122 GEM:  Childhood Memories   Captain Kangaroo... ...and more recently....    The "DOO BEE SONG" came from this album from my childhood collection GEM: Family Tree & MeInterview with Shirlene Dymock GEM: Girding Your Loins with James MowattYou can find The Historyzine Podcast at Jim's and i GEM:  Birthday AlarmIdeas for Strengthening Your Family Using Enter ancestor birthdays into Birthday Alarm to help you make note of it in your family blog, or family newsletter. Use it as a prompt to send a an email to a list of contacts that you've worked with over the years to research that ancestor. Use the ancestor"s birthday alarm to generate a dinner time conversation about that ancestor on their special day.  Display a photo on the table, tell stories about them, and teach you children about the history of that side of your family.  GEM:  Paula Sassiâs analysis of Lars Johan Larsonâs signatureCongratulations to Genealogy Gems Premium Member Melissa Roberge, the winner is of the handwriting analysis by   And a special prize has been awarded to Premium Member Diana Larson for her terrific post in the . Lars signed his name as the enumerator on the 1900 U.S. Federal Census for Sibley County Minnesota.  GEM:  Premium UpdateHereâs whatâs new in the Genealogy Gems Premium Membership areaâ Premium Episode #1 -  I willl walk you through step by step on how to set up the Google Toolbar and use the features that will speed up your online searches tremendously! Premium Episode #2 - We do an in depth study of the records of the Works Progress Administration - the WPA â with certified genealogist and national speaker Paula Stuart Warren.  And as a special BONUS feature for members, Paulaâs 4 page reference guide on the WPA called The WPA Era: What It Created For Genealogists is available for download in the Premium Episode #2 show notes. Premium Episode #3 - You will get  7 Key Strategies From A Professional Private Investigator that will help you find your living relatives.  Strategies that brought me fantastic results! .      GEM: Special AnnouncementI'm very excited to announce that I've signed on as the Producer and Host of the new   It will be a free monthly half hour show available at the Family Tree Magazine website.  Episode One is jammed packed with great information and interviews, so stay tuned for the upcoming launch date.

Published Apr 16, 2008 Episode 46  : To quote their email "The Generations Network, Inc. is encouraging consumers to validate and verify the legitimacy of a website before providing credit card information or paying for services." This is good advice.  You know the rules on the Internet really shouldn't be much different than the rules in our daily lives.  Find out about someone"s character and background before you hang out with them, and get referrals for unknown companies from people you trust.    Family Tree Kids:   Movie Gem:  Leatherheads: I'll have a link to the official website in the show notes as well as a video preview of the  movie.    MAILBOX: Pat Dalpiaz's grandfather "Weenie" Flynn was a star quarterback on the St. Bonaventure University (Alleghany NY) football team for 3 years.  He appeared in Ripley's Believe It or Not for his football leadership weighing only 117 pounds and leading the team to impressive victories.  Deanna Bullock wrote in to give a very good reason why you should subscribe to the free Genealogy Gems Podcast Newsletter.    GEM: Analyzing Your Ancestors Handwriting Story of how Grandmpa JB and Grandma Pauline's letters came into my possession:  .     Listen to some of the letters in .    Paula Sassi, Certified Graphologist.  .  Website  VIDEO: Paula Sassi featured on San Diego's Fox 6 News Learn more about Handwriting Analysis at   GEM: I am VERY excited to announce that we are launching a new service:  .  If you enjoy the free podcast episodes that we've made available, your gonna LOVE Genealogy Gems PREMIUM! Premium Members are going to have access to an exciting new area of the website available only to Premium members.  There you'll find Members-only premium podcast episodes.  You won't be able to hear these anywhere else!  It will be everything you love about the episodes you've heard so far, and much more.   For about the cost of a gallon of gas or a gourmet coffee a month you'll get all of these exclusive podcasts and videos! You won't find them on iTunes.  Paula Sassi certified graphologist has graciously agreed to analyze some lucky premium members ancestor's handwriting.  So once you are a Premium member, you will be entered for a chance to win an analysis of an ancestor's handwriting to be featured on a Premium episode.  So won't you join me, and become a Genealogy Gems premium member today!  I guarantee you're gonna love it, or your money back.

Published Mar 31, 2008 Episode 45 SHOW NOTES MAILBOX:  Email from Linda Kvist in Sweden that includes a fun story about an immigrant who didn"t immigrate: "They were somewhat surprised that my father did contact them. In the church examine rolls it said that my dads grandfather emigrated to the US! He left the place and never came back. We know he never got to the US though. He met he's wife and the settled down in the area where she was born. So, in a way, we solved a clue for them as well!" GEM:  Mar 22, 2008 was the anniversary of the First Bank Robbery Profile America is brought to you  by the U.S. Census Bureau. CBSNews.com that takes a look at the precedent for bank robbery that Edward Smith set by profiling some of the most famous robbers in history.     GEM: Kidnapped!  Listener Greg Norland sent me a note to let me know about an intriguing podcast episode of the Chicago Public Radio's This American Life show that he had recently heard.  Song: Mystery of the Dunbarâs Child by Richard "Rabbitt" Brown. Here are a few pieces of the puzzle that Bobby Dunbar's granddaughter, Margaret Dunbar Cutright likely looked to when working on finding the truth about her grandfather.  From The Constitution newspaper, in Atlanta, GA.  On April 25, 1913      The of Opelusas City, in Fort Landry, Louisianna Look for Percy and Lessie Dunbar, and their two children Robert age 11 and Alonozo age 9.  Or were they both their children?  Be sure and take a look at the census during the last few minutes of The Ghost of Bobby Dunbar as they give the ending to the story and what happened to the people involved.    GEM: Prison Records:  My cousin Carolyn Ender shares her journey in locating the prison records for a man named George Jump who married her grand father's sister. Carolyn's Research Approach: Try to determine the facility / town where you think they served their time. Locate birth & death dates & the county where they lived during the suspected timeframe. Contact the Genealogical & Historical Society for that county and ask where you might find inmate records.  Possibly the closest Corrections Dept. Send a letter to the Corrections Dept. You may be directed to the Bureau of Prisons (www.bop.gov)  if it is a federal crime. Complete a Freedom of Information Act request form & provide copy of the death certificate. (Listen to and for more information of the FOIA.)  The BOP may refer you to NARA. They gave Carolyn a particular file # to ask for.  NARA requires written consent from the inmate's family members or they black out the info regarding family members.  They will require payment for copying.  If you know the inmate served in a Federal institution for a Federal crime, you can go straight to the Bureau of Prisons.  Consideration will have to be given to whether or not the inmate is deceased, how long he's been deceased, are his children living etc.  For State records, you could probably start with that state's Department of Corrections.  GEM: Blog And Podcast Gadgets: Update: iGoogle has been discontinued. GEM: Free digitised British newspapers access 1600-1900 .   "Bonnie Scotland" was performer:Alexander Prince circa 1914 for Edison Amberol and it is courtesy of the University of California, Santa Barbara Library. Thank You!  We appreciate when you support this free podcast by doing your Amazon shopping through the Amazon search boxes on the website.