Kicking Off the IGGP Conference 2025

Today, I’m heading to Columbus, Ohio, to attend the “Celebrate Your German-Speaking Ancestors” conference, hosted by the Palatines to America German Genealogy Society. This will be my first time attending this biennial event.

First, I want to say thank you to the organizers of this conference. It hasn’t been easy for them. Some members of the International German Genealogy Partnership (IGGP) board and a few scheduled speakers decided not to travel to the United States due to current travel advisories from Germany.

Additionally, the original conference venue, the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center, announced that its renovations and construction won’t be finished in time. Because of this, 15 attendees were offered the option to move their reservations to a nearby Sheraton.

I chose not to be one of them. The Sheraton is two miles away, and I often need a midday break. Plus, I signed up for evening events and didn’t want to deal with traveling back and forth. I’ve missed out in the past by not staying at the main conference hotel, and this time I wanted the full experience.

I’m really looking forward to experiencing the IGGP conference for the first time. I’ve attended FGS and NGS conferences before and always enjoyed them. I love learning new things, exploring the vendor booths, and diving into all things genealogy for three days straight.

Today is a travel day for me. I’ll arrive in Columbus early in the afternoon. On the schedule today is a German Village Bus Tour and a casual get-together for IGGP partners. Tonigth I’ll be able to attend the Welcome Reception. Tomorrow, the sessions begin, with four options to choose from during each time slot.

Check back soon for updates on all the wonderful things I’m experiencing!

Conference Packing List for the Digital Age

How Am I Feeling Today? A Then-and-Now Reflection

My husband had a “How Are You Feeling Today?” poster in his school counseling office, and it showed how I felt before my first genealogy conference. I was nervous and overwhelmed, but also happy, hopeful, and ecstatic to be heading to Springfield, Illinois for my first national genealogy conference. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew it would be exciting. Today, those feelings have shifted. I feel happy and relaxed because I know what lies ahead, and I am hopeful about gaining new knowledge, especially for researching my German connections at the International German Genealogy Partnership (IGGP) Conference in Columbus, Ohio.

Fourteen Years Later

After looking at the “How Are You Feeling Today?” poster and reflecting on the emotions I had before my first conference, I decided to revisit my earlier blog posts about preparing for a genealogy conference. Fourteen years later, I reread those posts to see what made it onto my packing list back in 2011. A lot has changed since that first trip, both in how I prepare and what I bring along.

Fourteen years ago, I attended my very first national genealogy conference. I still remember the excitement and the overpacking. I brought a netbook, printed schedules, a CD syllabus, and enough office supplies to outfit a small office. Fast forward to today, and while the thrill of attending a genealogy conference hasn’t changed, how I pack certainly has. Welcome to conference prep in the digital age!

This year, my tablet is my go-to genealogy companion. Instead of lugging around folders or printing the entire syllabus, I simply upload the syllabus to Dropbox and use ezPDF Reader to access it on my tablet. Not only can I highlight key information, but I can also take notes directly on the digital pages. No more sticky notes fluttering away between sessions.

For times when I want to jot down ideas or sketch a quick family tree diagram, I bring along my Rocketbook notebook. It gives me the feel of writing on paper, but with a quick scan, my notes are saved to the cloud. It is lightweight, reusable, and a game-changer for traveling genealogists.

Even in this digital era, some essentials haven't changed. I still bring a tote bag, perfect for collecting goodies from the vendor hall. Those vendor giveaways, sample charts, and irresistible books need a place to go, after all.

Comfortable shoes are still non-negotiable. You will thank yourself after walking between breakout sessions, strolling through exhibit halls, and standing in line for coffee, or in my case tea. I also dress in layers because conference centers love their air conditioning and temperatures can swing from summer heat outside to sweater weather inside.

My cell phone now handles what my camera, GPS, and notebook used to do, all in one pocket-sized device. From snapping quick photos of new products to navigating unfamiliar streets, it is indispensable.

Business cards still come with me, but now I carry two types. One with my personal genealogy blog information, and another promoting my new book. Conferences are a wonderful way to network with fellow genealogists, potential readers, and collaborators.

It is easy to get caught up in tech and sessions, but I never leave my room without a water bottle and a few snacks tucked in my bag. In 2011, almonds were my snack of choice. Now, I bring protein bars instead. Staying hydrated and energized keeps me focused throughout the day.

And of course, do not forget your chargers. Whether it is your tablet, phone, or another device, make sure it can last through a long day at the conference. Include a portable charger, if you have one, in case an outlet is not available when needed.

Packing for a genealogy conference today is more streamlined and efficient than it was back in 2011. I have traded bulk for cloud storage, paper for digital annotation, music cds for Sirius, and added a dash of smart technology to enhance my experience. But at its heart, the conference experience is still about connecting, whether it is with your ancestors, fellow researchers, or new ideas.

Now, if only packing my suitcase were this easy!

From Census to Story: Turning 1950 Census Clues Into Family Narratives

Source: Photograph captured from Google Maps, May 27, 2025

The 1950 U.S. Census is more than just a collection of names and numbers, it's a snapshot of American life and waiting to be rediscovered. In today’s post, I’m taking a closer look at one simple census entry: the household of Winston C. Glover, my  second cousin, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

A Visit from the Enumerator

On April 14, 1950, enumerator Narvelle S. Mitchell knocked on the door at 644 Fulton Street SE, a modest home in an urban Grand Rapids neighborhood. It wasn’t a farm or a grand estate, just an ordinary house. But inside lived a family whose story reflects the era's everyday experiences.

Here’s what the census tells us:

• Winston C. Glover, age 49, born in Illinois, head of household, married

• Margaret L. Glover, age 43, born in Michigan, his wife

• Mary Lynn Glover, age 16, born in Michigan, their daughter

Interestingly, none of the family members had occupations, hours worked, or income listed. At first glance, that might seem like a gap, but it actually opens a window for further research. Winston could have been between jobs, informally employed, or possibly retired early. Margaret may have been a homemaker, like many women in the post-war years, managing the household and raising their daughter.

Asking the Next Questions

Census records are great starting points—but they rarely tell the whole story. They spark questions like:

• What brought Winston from Illinois to Michigan?

• What kind of work did he do before 1950?

• What was life like for Mary Lynn as a teenager in Grand Rapids?

To dig deeper, sources like local directories, draft registration cards, school records, city maps, and yearbooks can offer more insight. A 1950 city directory might list Winston’s employer except Grand Rapids didn't have a city directory for 1950, but they had a 1949 and a 1951 one. Winston was listed as a salesman in both of those years.

A high school yearbook could show where Mary Lynn went to school and even what clubs she joined. A visit to the Grand Rapids City Archives, using Sanborn Maps,or school yearbooks at the Library of Michigan might help me find the answers to these questions and more. 

A Snapshot of a Changing America

Though brief, the Glover family’s census entry tells a very human story. They were part of a city growing rapidly after World War II, raising a daughter in a neighborhood shaped by change, transition, and hope for the future.

This small glimpse into their lives reminds us that every census line is more than just data. Behind it are real people, people who worked, laughed, dreamed, and left behind just enough clues for us to follow.

I haven't research this collateral line much. I have lots of records to explore to get the complete picture of one family in my Glover line.

AI Disclosures

This blog post used the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools at CPT4o. While the content reflects my ideas, writing, and research. AI was used for headings, grammar, and spelling editing.

Before Playlists: The Music My Parents Fell in Love To

During a recent visit to my mom’s independent living facility, she told me about a "Name That Tune" game held at her residence. She had listened from the second-floor balcony, choosing not to go down and participate, but she recognized many of the songs. It was more than just a game—it was a walk down memory lane. As I sat there smiling, imagining my mom tapping her fingers to the beat, I began to wonder: What songs were playing on the radio when she and my dad were falling in love?

My parents met in 1950 and married in 1952. It was an era of slow dancing at community halls, evenings spent around the radio, and the occasional night out at a local bar with live entertainment. Today, young couples might create a custom playlist on Spotify to remember the early days of their relationship, but back then, the music came from jukeboxes, record players, and the evening radio shows that filled American homes.

My dad and mom loved music their entire life. My parents had a deep appreciation for big band swing. Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Tommy Dorsey were some of their favorites. As my dad grew older, his musical taste shifted toward country, and his record collection followed suit. My mom's music taste lended itself to more of the standards. She enjoyed Tony Bennett, Andy Williams, and Al Martino. There was always music in our home. I remember watching Hee Haw and The Lawrence Welk Show together as a family, sometimes reluctantly. But those shows were more than entertainment, they were part of our lives.

Their love of music was handed down to me. I grieved the loss of LPs, only to see them make a comeback. Today, I use Amazon Alexa to play my favorites or stream music on iTunes from my computer. I enjoy the music of the late 60s and early 70s, before disco and auto-tuning.

Thinking about those early years of my parents’ romance, I created a playlist of songs that would have been playing when they were dating. These are the tunes that would’ve filled the airwaves between 1950 and 1952, perfect for dancing cheek-to-cheek, driving on a summer evening, or simply sitting side by side, dreaming of the future.

The Soundtrack of Their Love: A 1950–1952 Playlist

1950

• Mona Lisa – Nat King Cole

• Sentimental Me – The Ames Brothers

• Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered – Doris Day

• Harbor Lights – Sammy Kaye Orchestra

• La Vie En Rose – Edith Piaf

1951

• Because of You – Tony Bennett

• Too Young – Nat King Cole

• Unforgettable – Nat King Cole

• How High the Moon – Les Paul & Mary Ford

• Cold, Cold Heart – Hank Williams

1952

• You Belong to Me – Jo Stafford

• Wheel of Fortune – Kay Starr

• Blue Tango – Leroy Anderson

• Here in My Heart – Al Martino

• Anytime – Eddie Fisher

This playlist is my tribute to the soundtrack of my parents’ love story, songs that might have played at their favorite dance hall, drifted through the open windows of a parked car, or been heard while slow dancing in the living room. They didn’t need streaming services or curated digital playlists; they had each other, and the music of the moment was more than enough.

Do you know what songs your parents or grandparents fell in love to? It’s a beautiful journey to explore and you might just find yourself dancing along the way.

AI Disclosures

The image used on this blog post was created by AI software, DALL-E. The visual was designed to complement the content and enhance the reader's experience.

This blog post used the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools at CPT4o. While the content reflects my ideas, writing, and research. AI was used for  grammar and spelling editing.

This blog post used the assistance of artificial intelligence for the creation of a list of hit songs from 1950-1952. I selected five titles and artists for each year.

GPT4o suggested blog post titles based upon my writing and ideas and I selected the one and edited to enhance the blog experience.

From Colonial America to Medieval England: Daniel Poor and the Possible Bishop Connection

 

Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire, England 

photograph from Creative Commons CC by 2.0 Deed, Attribution 2.0 Generic

During a recent trip to Europe I saw a few cathedrals. I was in awe of the history and architecture of these cathedrals. Although I didn't see Salisbury Cathedral, I was interested in it because of my possible family connection to it. 

Salisbury Cathedral has a long history in England. The main body of the cathedral was constructed between 1220-1258 A.D. and the spire completed in 1320 A.D. Salisbury Cathedral is the location of one of the remaining original Magna Cartas.

My possible relationship to the cathedral traces back to Bishop Richard Poore (Poor), who was instrumental in the cathedral's founding. Through mainly secondary sources, including family histories, a cousin's genealogical research, and my own United States research, I've established Poor ancestry. But does it connect to Bishop Richard Poore of Salisbury? Further research with primary sources needs to be conducted to prove this.

The materials I’ve found so far are not thoroughly sourced, and I want to be cautious about presenting any conclusions.. The history of Salisbury Cathedral is available online at the Salisbury Cathedral website and it is a good place to learn more about the site's significance.

I’ve also consulted the "East Wind, West Wind" family history published on Genealogy.com. While it offers useful clues, it lacks direct source citations. The site includes a bibliography, but a front-page disclaimer notes, “Some portions are fictionalized for reader interest.” As such, it should be used with caution and as a starting point but not a definitive source.

You might wonder why I’m sharing this now, even though I haven’t found conclusive proof. It’s because of the genealogical concept of the preponderance of evidence, the process of collecting multiple records that, while individually insufficient, together strongly suggest the likelihood of an event or relationship. This approach becomes essential when primary records are missing, as often happens the further we go back in time. Secondary and tertiary sources, when carefully weighed and analyzed, can form the foundation for building a well-supported genealogical case.

It’s also important to avoid being misled by repeated information that stems from a single source. For example, if one researcher publishes birth data, a second cites that in a book, and a third posts it online, it may seem like independent confirmations, but all rely on the same original source. Such circular citations can give a false sense of reliability. Always verify the origin of each record and evaluate its credibility before accepting it as fact.

This is where I am with my Poor family. I feel confident tracing my research to Daniel Poor (1624-1698), who arrived on the Bevis from Southampton in 1638 as a servant to Richard Dummer.  His sister, Alice, 20 and brother Samuel, 18 were on the same ship.  He is listed on passenger list as "Da'yell Poore."

Complicating things further is the spelling of his surname: Poor, Poore, Poer, and more, all of which have been found in records. I am sharing this information in hopes of connecting with other Poor researchers. At this point, I do not have the preponderance of evidence necessary to confidently record Daniel Poor’s parentage, but I remain hopeful that collaboration and further investigation will help fill in the gaps. 

Genealogical research is often a long and winding journey, especially when exploring centuries-old connections. While I haven’t yet verified a direct link to Bishop Richard Poore of Salisbury, I believe in the value of sharing research-in-progress. It invites collaboration, fresh insights, and perhaps even the discovery of that one missing piece of evidence. If you’re also researching the Poor family or have come across similar records, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we might be able to shed more light on this interesting family story.

AI Disclosures

GPT4o suggested blog post titles based upon my writing and ideas and I selected the one with edits to enhance the blog experience.

This blog post used the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools at CPT4o. While the content reflects my ideas, writing, and research. the AI was used for grammar and spelling editing.

Coming Soon: "Fort Custer in the World Wars" Hits Shelves July 15!

A Leap of Faith

I am a little over 40 days away from the publication of my book, Fort Custer in the World Wars! This has been a huge leap of faith for me. Although I have written my blog for 15 years, I never considered myself an author. Now, I can say that I am.

From Idea to Action

The book was conceived years ago while I was volunteering with my friend, Jan Gay, to organize the Fort Custer library. After organizing the library, we discovered boxes of photographs that needed attention. Initially, we weren’t going to organize the photograph room, but decided to at least sort the photos by time period, a challenge for us baby boomers! Once sorted, Jan retired, and I decided to digitize the photos. I ended up digitizing over 2,000 images! It seemed a shame not to share them with the public.

Pitching the Book

I presented the idea of creating an Images of America book on Fort Custer to the Fort Custer Historical Society board, and they were very supportive. With their blessing, I contacted Arcadia Publishing, the publisher of the series. I pitched my idea and they agreed. That was the beginning of countless hours selecting photographs, obtaining copyright permissions, organizing chapters, researching Fort Custer’s history, writing chapter introductions, and describing each image.

Photo Selection and Support

The book includes 200 historic photographs, the maximum allowed. Narrowing down the collection wasn’t easy. Some images, like those from Getty, were cost-prohibitive. Thankfully, my son-in-law, Chase Agnello-Dean, a professional photographer for the Chicago Blackhawks, helped me navigate copyright concerns. He patiently answered questions like when I asked if 'RTO' was a photographic company (it actually means 'Return to Owner').

Digging Deeper for Images

Many photographs were in the public domain, taken by government entities. I researched images at the Library of Congress and the National Archives. I even needed a few more photographs because some existing ones lacked the quality required for print. One such photo, which I really wanted to use, was solved when I found an 11x17 copy hanging in Fort Custer's museum. I had it professionally scanned and included it in the book.

Chapter Development

With hundreds of photos selected, I began organizing them into categories that later became the book’s chapters. Initially, the titles were basic, but I refined them as I wrote the chapter introductions. Here are the final chapter titles with explanation :

The Formation of Camp Custer (Establishment, Training, Divisions, Buildings)

Citizen Training Between the Wars (Civilian Conservation Corps, CMTC)

The Growth of Fort Custer (Divisions, Training, Buildings)

Everyday Life at Fort Custer (Barracks, Social, Off Duty, Recreation)

The German Prisoner of War Experience (at Fort Custer) (Daily Life, Recreation, Funerals)

Healing Heroes at Fort Custer Hospitals (Buildings, Personnel, Equipment)

Legacy and Preservation (Museum, Library, VA Hospital, National Cemetery)

Cover and Proofs

I selected ten photographs for cover consideration, but Arcadia makes the final decision. Seeing the first proof with my name on the cover was both humbling and exciting.

A Learning Experience

Organizing the chapters and writing the content taught me so much. I researched thoroughly to avoid errors. Five proofreaders with military backgrounds reviewed it, and my college roommate, an English major, helped with grammar and style. Their feedback was invaluable. The book contains over 17,000 words.

A Labor of Love

Seeing the book proof with chapter layouts and captions was thrilling. It meant I was close to publishing. I even had to consult the Chicago Manual of Style, which I had never used before. I learned how to properly reference military divisions and titles, among other things. Despite the occasional stress, I enjoyed the process. I love researching and, once started, enjoy writing too.

Publication and Purpose

Fort Custer in the World Wars will be available on July 15! It’s available for pre-sale at national retailers, but I hope you will support your local bookstores. I’ll be sharing more about the book and Fort Custer in upcoming posts. A launch party is being planned and I will post details once finalized.

Oh, and the most important part—all proceeds from the book go to the Fort Custer Historical Society. I volunteered to write the book for them. FCHS relies solely on donations and memberships for funding. I hope the book is a great success.

Remembering the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchards and My Family Connection to It

Image created by AI software, DALL-E. The visual was designed with author prompts to complement the content and enhance the reader's experience. 

At the intersection of U.S. 31 and M-22 in Manistee County today, you will find the Little River Casino Resort. But before the casino and modern development, that stretch of land was home to a thriving agricultural enterprise that was important to  the areas fruit farming industry. This was the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchard Company, once one of the largest orchards in northern Lower Michigan.

The story of the orchard began in 1940 when two local businessmen, Jebavy and Sorenson, purchased the Manistee Orchard Company from the Graham family. At the time, the orchard covered 550 acres and was already known for its fertile location and productive yields. After the purchase, the name was changed to the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchard Company. With new leadership and vision, the orchard began to expand and modernize.

The mid-20th century was a significant period for agriculture in Michigan. The state had become one of the nation's leaders in fruit production, especially apples and cherries. Technological advancements, improved cold storage methods, and the rise of large-scale processing allowed orchards like Jebavy-Sorenson to thrive. These developments helped meet the growing demand for both fresh and processed fruit throughout the country.

By 1979, just before it was sold, the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchard had grown to 900 acres. Its facilities were impressive for the time. The orchard featured cold storage space for 150,000 bushels of apples and freezer capacity for 350 million pounds of fruit. A processing plant on site handled sweet and sour cherries, blueberries, applesauce, and both frozen and sliced apples. Gross sales exceeded $4 million annually, making the orchard not just a local business but a regional powerhouse in fruit production.

The photograph of the Walter and Lola (Fredricks) Brown home on Jebavy Road at the top of a hill overlooking the acres of fruit trees, date unknown.

Courtesy of Bertha Brown Asiala family photograph collection.

This orchard is a part of my family’s story. My uncle, Walter Brown, managed the operation for many years. He lived on Jebavy Road in a house that overlooked the orchard, giving him a front-row seat to the changing seasons, the labor of harvest time, and the steady growth of the business. 

Uncle Walter and Aunt Lola lived in the house within the orchard for many years, remaining there until his passing in 1977. Their son, Walter Jr., known as “Freddy,” also worked at the orchard for a time.

Uncle Walter in 1963 with some of his nieces and nephews on the Fredricks side. Can you spot me? I was 5 at the time. Photograph courtesy of my cousin, Katherine Fredricks, from her family collection.

My Uncle Walter really was the heart of the orchard. As manager, he kept things running day in and day out. He planned the growing seasons, watched over the trees, and knew just when it was time to harvest. He worked closely with the crew, many of whom returned year after year, and everyone respected him. I remember him as someone who didn’t say a lot, but he always knew what needed to be done and he did it without fuss.

Farming in the 1950s and 1960s was changing fast, and Uncle Walter kept up with it. He oversaw everything from the storage buildings to the processing of apples and cherries. He kept detailed notes, scheduled the spraying and pruning, and made sure the equipment was ready to go. I still picture him walking the orchard road in the early morning, checking on the trees with a quiet focus. It was hard work, but he loved it and it showed in how well the orchard thrived under his care.

Today, the land where the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchard once thrived lies quiet and dormant. Now owned by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the orchard is no longer accessible to the public, with the road gated off. What remains is a bittersweet sight with rows of trees left untended, many of them lifeless, or cleared land, a remembrance of what was once a vibrant and bustling agricultural hub.

Although the orchard no longer exists in its former condition, the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchard Company is remembered through the stories of those who worked there and the many who visited. Its roots run deep in Manistee County, Michigan. For those of us with family ties to the orchard, it holds a special place in our hearts,  including me. I still remember bringing home bushels of apples and lugs of cherries from our visits.

AI Disclosures

This blog post used the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools at CPT4o. While the content reflects my ideas, writing, and research. the AI was used for grammar and spelling editing.

ChatGPT4o suggested blog post titles based upon my writing and ideas and I selected the one with edits to enhance the blog experience.

The image used on this blog post was created by AI software, DALL-E at ChatGPT4o. The visual was designed using prompts written by the author. The visual was designed to complement the content and enhance the reader's experience.

Lighting the Way: A Genealogist’s Guide to Lighthouse Keeper Records

Last month, I shared the story of my postmaster ancestor and offered tips for researching postmasters in federal records, focusing on resources available through the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). This month, I’m continuing the theme of federal service by exploring the life of my ancestor, Frank H. Glover, who served as a lighthouse keeper at Point Betsie, Michigan. Researching lighthouse keepers presents unique challenges, but with the right approach to federal records, it’s possible to uncover details about their service. In this post, I’ll share helpful tips and resources for tracing lighthouse keepers through federal archives.

Glover, Hattie L. "Fenn", Frank H. Glover lighthouse keeper appointment. In The Holy Bible: with Revised New Testament. Chicago: GW Borland & Co., 1882. Original owned in April 2025 by Brenda Leyndyke, [address for private use], Kalamazoo, Michigan.

A Beacon of History: Early Lighthouse Service

Lighthouse keeping became a federal responsibility in 1789 when Congress transferred oversight to the Treasury Department. While early record-keeping was limited, appointments were often made by government officials and may appear in Treasury documents or even Congressional records. If your ancestor served before 1852, you may need to search regional archives or maritime museums.

The Lighthouse Board and Improved Record-Keeping

The formation of the U.S. Lighthouse Board in 1852 marked a turning point in record-keeping. Lighthouse districts were organized, and annual reports detailed personnel changes, repairs, and supply deliveries. Most of these records, including employment logs and correspondence, are now housed in Record Group 26 (U.S. Coast Guard) at NARA.

Frank H. Glover: Second Assistant Lighthouse Keeper

I first learned of Frank’s lighthouse service from a newspaper clipping tucked inside his wife’s Hattie Fenn’s Bible. It stated that he had been appointed second assistant lighthouse keeper. Knowing that lighthouse keepers were federal employees I knew I needed to look at NARA Record Group 26 for records. Frank’s appointment aligned with the Lighthouse Service era (1910–1939), when records became more standardized and often include details such as salary, dates of service, and transfers.

After 1939: The Coast Guard Takes Over

In 1939, the Lighthouse Service was merged with the U.S. Coast Guard. If your ancestor served beyond this date, the Coast Guard Historian’s Office or NARA may have service records. Veterans' records, if applicable, can also provide insight into their time at the lighthouse.

Tips for Finding Lighthouse Keepers in Federal Records

·       Start with what you know: family Bibles, newspaper clippings, oral histories.

·       Search NARA’s Record Group 26 for personnel files, annual reports, and logbooks.

·       Look for regional Lighthouse District records (Point Betsie was part of the 11th District).

·       Use Civil Service employment records for appointments after 1883.

·       Don’t forget census records, city directories, and maritime museum collections.

          While federal records are essential, local sources can also offer leads. Maritime museums, local newspapers, and historical societies often hold photos, journals, or visitor logs. Check to see if the lighthouse in question has any records or information.  These can help fill in the daily life details that government forms overlook.

National Archives Record Groups

Researching lighthouse keepers involves exploring a variety of federal records, many held at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. These resources can provide appointment details, job descriptions, logs, and correspondence related to keepers from the early 19th century onward.

1. Registers of Keepers (1848–1912) – Microfilm M1373 holds registers of lighthouse keepers, indexed by station and last name.
2. Keepers’ Logbooks (from 1872) – These logs document daily or monthly activity, including personnel changes. Logs vary in detail and are found in RG 26 Entries 80, 330, P-65, and 159.
3. 1928 Job Descriptions – Keepers completed two-page forms detailing their duties and dates of service during a salary reclassification (RG 26 Entry 111).
4. Field Records and Letters – Letters from keepers about routine station issues may be found in district office volumes (RG 26 Entries 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9).
5. Retirement Cards – Nine boxes of USCG retirement cards summarize employee service (RG 26 Entry 7).
6. Nominations and Appointments – Indexed correspondence and databases track lighthouse appointments and personnel changes (RG 26 Entries 16, 17I, 24, 32, 82, 85, and 259).
7. Pre-1848 Appointments – Letters sent by lighthouse administrators to local customs collectors document early appointments (RG 26 Entries 17C and 18).
8. Federal Registers of Employees – Listings of keepers, inspectors, and officials under the Treasury Department, often located at Archives II, College Park.
9. Letters to the Secretary of the Treasury – Appointment confirmations sent to the Secretary from 1852 to 1908 (RG 26 Entry 31).
10. Oaths of Office – Keepers signed oaths found in RG 217 Entry 282, covering 1865–1894.
11. Personnel Files – Civil Service files for keepers post-1896 are held at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis.

 Some portions of Record Group 26 (RG 26) have been digitized and are available online through the National Archives Catalog and partner sites. However, most records remain available only onsite at National Archives locations.            

 1. National Archives Catalog – Limited RG 26 records such as photographs, lighthouse plans, and some logbooks are digitized. Search "Record Group 26 lighthouse" and filter results by "Available Online": https://catalog.archives.gov
2. Registers of Lighthouse Keepers (Microfilm M1373) – These records are not digitized on the NARA website but may be available via:

·        FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org)

·       Some libraries with NARA microfilm collections

·       Occasionally through the Internet Archive

·       For the most comprehensive research, in-person visits to NARA (particularly Washington, D.C.) or contacting maritime archivists may be necessary.

 Conclusion

Tracing Frank H. Glover’s service at Point Betsie gave me great appreciation for the dedication lighthouse keepers showed in protecting mariners. The path through federal records isn't always easy, but persistence helps. Have you discovered a lighthouse keeper in your family tree? I’d love to hear your story!

Links

https://www.archives.gov/research/lighthouses

https://www.archives.gov/research/military/coast-guard/lighthouse-service

https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/index-numeric/001-to-100.html

https://www.archives.gov/research/military/logbooks/lighthouses.html

https://uslhs.org/resources/finding_information/libraries_archives/national-archives

https://uslhs.org/gr/inventory/light_station_states.php?notify=Y

https://library.doc.gov/digital-exhibits/lighting-americas-beacons

https://lighthousehistory.wordpress.com/research/uslhs/

AI Disclosures

This blog post used the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools at ChatGPT4o. While the content reflects my ideas, writing, and research. AI was used for headings, grammar, and spelling editing.

ChatGPT4o suggested blog post titles based upon my writing and ideas and I selected the one with edits to enhance the blog experience.