From Ancestry.com (random collection of useful Canadian links)

Canadian Collections

Census of Canada Collection

1900s 1901 1906 1911 1916
1800s 1851 1861 1871 1881 1891

Quebec Vital & Church Records (Drouin Collection)

Baptisms, marriage and burial records dating back to 1621. Best resource for French-Canadians.

Birth, Marriage & Death Records

Vital records provide rich details and form the backbone of your story.

Canadian Passenger Lists

Over 7 million names, 40 years and 4000 ships.

Fred Michael,  head of household, age 63, farmer (owned his own farm)

Edna Michael, wife, age 59

Walter Michael, son, age 22 (assistant farmer).

All born in Michigan.

Joan as a baby (the writer of this blog), Grandma Isabel Irvine and Joan's Mom Betty

My Grandma Irvine was an amazing woman.  She was strong, independent and resilient.  I see these traits in other women in our family including my mother, myself and our daughter.

Grandma Isabel (Woodland) helped people heal.  She trained as a nurse and moved west as a pioneer wife and mail order bride to Bill Irvine.  Her skills were in high demand as she delivered over 30 babies and tended to the people in the farming community near Young, Saskatchewan.  Grandma was an ‘angel’ in the eyes of the neighbours. There were no doctors within 20 miles.  Babies tended to arrive in the dead of night or in a storm.  Grandma would travel blizzards to help neighbours nearby. She was compassionate and kind.

I remember my grandmother and my mom camping with us – myself, my husband Reg and our infant son Kevin back in 1982.  We had a propane light, a van and all kinds of “luxuries”, at least in Grandma’s eyes.  I remember Grandma saying she wished they had some of these things when they were pioneers.

I had a special bond with Grandma…we connected.

One of my motivational messages I have taped on the wall is ‘What would Grandma Irvine have done when faced with a similar health challenge as I have now?”

Fight!   Be strong.  Believe.  I feel her strength in me, through me in my genetics, in my blood.  I can do this.  I am doing this!

I think of Grandma often as I stay focused on my goal of healing.   We help ourselves heal by staying positive and focused and being loving, compassionate and kind towards our fellow man.  Thank you every one for your positive thoughts and prayers.  I feel the energy and healing. May you all have good health and be well.

Miller Family - Joan in the middle. L to R. Daughter Heather, Reg, Joan, Dorlisa, dog Nya, Son Kevin

Joan Miller Hot Mama

Loving photos assembled by sister Ellen from when Reg and Joan were young! --> go here

My Rooted Technology

By attending RootsTech 2012 you’ll have the opportunity not only to network with other genealogists, vendors and developers and share the knowledge you currently have, but you’ll also get the chance to learn even more about the latest in technology for family history.

As an Official RootsTech 2012 Blogger, here’s a look at the technology I currently use and what keeps me rooted in my genealogy research. I also explain why I am using or not using certain technologies and gadgets  as well as what skills and knowledge I’m hoping to gain at RootsTech this year.

If you want to join in the fun and show off your own tech cred, here are the rules for the My Rooted Technology meme:

• Technology you already use: bold face type
• Technology you would like to use or learn more about: italicize (color optional)
• Technology you don’t use, have no interest in using or no longer use: plain type
• Explain or give opinions in brackets [     ] at the end of each bullet point

1. I have a tablet computer such as an iPad that I use for genealogy
2. I have downloaded one or more apps to a Smart Phone or similar device.
3. I belong to a genealogy society that uses social media.
4. I use GEDCOM files and understand the various compatibility issues involved
5. I have added metadata to some of my files and digital photos.
6. I have utilized an API from a genealogy-related application or website.
7. I have taken a DNA test related to my genealogy research.
8. I have used the FamilySearch Research Wiki.
9. I have a Facebook account and use it regularly for genealogy. [and family]
10. I use tech tools to help me cite my sources in genealogy research.
11. I have developed a genealogy-related app for a Smart Phone or similar device.
12. I use a genealogy database program (Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, RootsMagic etc.)
13. I use cloud computer resources to store my genealogy data.
14. I have made one or more contributions to the FamilySearch Research Wiki.
15. I have attended a genealogy webinar.
16. I have organized and administered a DNA testing group related to my genealogy.
17. I use apps involving GPS and Geo-caching for my genealogy research.
18. I have a Google+ account and use it regularly for genealogy.
19. I have created and published a family history e-book.
20. I have create a wiki related to my genealogy research.
21. I have conducted a genealogy webinar as a presenter.
22. I read genealogy-related blogs to help improve my own research.
23. I have one or more genealogy-related blogs to help improve my own research.
24. I have a Twitter account and use it regularly for genealogy.
25. I have one or more genealogy-related websites which I run and administer.
26. I have created a screencast or video related to genealogy and posted it at a video sharing site (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.).
27. I use one or more digital tools to capture and record my family history. (Livescribe)

Photo from collection of Elizabeth Wilson Kerr, Scotland about 1904. Photo currently held by Joan Miller.CLICK ON PHOTO for larger view.

"A bothy bunch about 1904". Click on photo for larger view.

This photo of  “A Bothy Bunch” was found in my Granny Kerr’s photo collection. Granny was born Elizabeth WILSON (1884-1973) in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, not to far from Peterhead. She immigrated to Saskatchewan, Canada in 1909 and married Homer KERR who was homesteading not to far from her brother Alex WILSON’s homestead.  We have no other information about this “Bothy bunch” although I assume they are family or school friends.

The photographer information states “Willie Watson, 13 Duff St. TURRIFF which takes us to a town about 30 miles west of Peterhead as the crow flies (37.5 miles via road).  Note WATSON was a family name as well.  Elizabeth Wilson’s father’s name was Martin Watson Wilson (1857 -1942).  He was born in Gamrie, County Banff, Scotland.

UPDATE – Marie, one of my Scottish friends pointed out this was likely a “bothy” bunch instead of brothy bunch. and indeed that is what Granny has written on the back of the postcard.   Marie said “Bothy” means a small cottage or in this case where workers lived. I’ve corrected the “brothy” to “bothy in the text above but left the title as “brothy” because of the spoons and bowls.  Thanks Marie.  I learned a new word today “bothy)

Kids Build a Family Tree Booklet at the Library

Family Tree Fun with Kids

I had great fun this weekend coordinating a kids program for 8 to 10 year olds at the Calgary Public Library entitled “Build A Family Tree Booklet”. This program was run under the auspices of the Alberta Family Histories Society.  Two of my fellow AFHS PR committee members, Joan C and Don A assisted.

The idea for this project arose out of a youth leadership program I’ve taught for Toastmasters.  I discussed doing a family history theme with kids with Kay Clarke, former AFHS president and retired teacher.  She had done a similar program at a Heritage Day event and kindly shared her ideas with me.  Thanks Kay!

I partnered with the Calgary Public Library for this project.  They provided the room at one of the library branches and a selection of books appropriate to the age group and activity.  They also handled advertising and took registrations.

Kids building their family tree booklet at the library.

A selection of genealogy and family history books at the Calgary Public Library

Probably –  if it was in the north end of our city of a million people (near where I live).  Others could lead it too!  I’m willing to train

I found a video that helps explain the Kiva concept.

How Kiva Works from Kiva on Vimeo.

The Genealogists for Families Kiva project is a group of genealogists that care about families (past, present and future). Non-genealogists are welcome to join our team. We believe that small loans can make a big difference.

>>>> Join the Genealogists for Families Kiva project

Are you a wannabe genealogy blogger but don’t know where to start?  Or you’ve started blogging but don’t have the momentum to keep going? I’ve got a recommendation for you.

The Big Genealogy Blog Book by Amy Coffin

I don’t normally do book reviews but I thought I’d share this one because this is a useful book for the genealogy blogger, of any level.

The author Amy Coffin is a Texas based genealogy blogger and professional genealogist that I admire a lot.  She quietly educates by leading by example.  And she does so with a sense of humour.

Her book arose out of a conversation with colleague Denise Levenick when they challenged each other to finish certain personal goals. In this case, Amy’s goal was to finish her genealogy blogging book.

Subtitled, 201 Topics, Plus Tips and Tricks for your Genealogy Blog, this book features 72 pages of ‘good stuff’ for the blogger.

The book leads off with the whys and hows to start a blog and dispels some of the myths of genealogy blogging.  I was nodding along in agreement as Amy mentioned how blogging can help make cousin connections and how you don’t need to be a techie expert to be a genealogy blogger.

Introduction ......................................................................................... 3 

Chapter 1 – Why Start a Genealogy Blog? ............................................... 4 

Chapter 2 – 6 Blogging Myths ................................................................ 6 

Chapter 3 – Tips for Writing Good Blog Posts ........................................... 9 

Chapter 4 – How to Get More Blog Readers............................................ 13 

Chapter 5 – How to Get More Blog Comments and Mentions .................... 15 

Chapter 6 – Quality Control: A Blogger’s Checklist .................................. 18 

Chapter 7 – Jump Start Your Genealogy Blog: 52 Ideas, 52 Weeks ........... 21 

Chapter 8 – 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy ............................................ 32 

Chapter 9 – 52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy and History ........................ 51 

Chapter 10 – 25 Great Topics for Genealogy Society Blogs ...................... 59 

Chapter 11 – 20 Blog Topics for Professional Genealogists ....................... 65 

Parting Thoughts ................................................................................ 70 

Amy shares practical tips for writing solid content and gives the reader many topic suggestions in case you run out of ideas.  This includes 52 weeks of blog prompts for both genealogy and personal history.  She features a bloggers checklist to maintain quality and she talks about how to get more readers. After all writing in a void is no fun.

The Genealogy society blogger and professional genealogist get a mention as well.

This book is a steal of a deal at $2.99. Amy could have easily charged more. I recommend this book for any beginner or established genealogy blogger.

The Big Genealogy Blog Book by Amy Coffin is available as a PDF download or in EPUB format from Lulu.com (NOOK and iBookstore coming soon). It is also available for Kindle from Amazon.com.  Go get it now before she takes my advice and raises the price!

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Disclosure – Amy is a personal friend that I met online blogging and in person at genealogy conferences. She kindly provided me with a copy of her book and she did not ask me to do a review.  I did this review because I think Amy has produced a helpful and practical book that will benefit any wannabe or established genealogy blogger.