Lost Land: Was Daniel and Abel Fenn's Property Seized in 1857?

In an earlier blog post, Abel R. Fenn and Daniel C. Fenn Lose Court Case, I shared the attachment notice that was printed in the Ann Arbor Michigan Argus newspaper. Last fall I conducted further research at the Archives of Michigan, where I examined the Washtenaw County court records from 1857. Here is Part II of my findings.

During my research, I located additional court records documenting the appraisal of the Fenn brothers' property. Due to the poor quality of the photographs, I have chosen to share transcriptions of these records rather than images. Below is the record detailing the appraisal process and the property involved in the attachment.

Court Notice of Appraisal

State of Michigan

Washtenaw County

 

I do hereby return that by virtue of the attachment

 hereunto Annexed, I did on the 20th day of December

AD 1856 Attach the premises mentioned in the Inventory

Hereunto  Annexed, as the property of Daniel C Fenn and

 Abel R. Fenn. Defendants in the said attachment

named. All of Which Said property was appraised

by Edward H. Branch And John W. Brown two

disinterested freeholders who were by me first

duly sworn to make a true appraisement thereof

And whose appraisal is in writing signed by

 themselves And herewith returned, and I do

Further return that on the 5th day of January A.D 1853.

I served Daniel C Fenn one of the defendants in said

Attachment named with a copy thereof together and

A copy of an inventory of said property duly

Certified by delivering the same to him and

I also further return that I am unable to find

Abel R Fenn in said attachment named in my

Bailiwick

Dated January 6th 1857                     John C Mead

My fees   $4.25                                               Sheriff

? for ? fee 1.00

                 $5.25

Property Attached by Court

 State of Michigan

Washtenaw County

 By virtue of the writ of attachment

hereunto Annexed I did on the 20th

day of December AD 1856. Seize and attach all the right

Title and interest of Daniel C. Fenn and Abel R. Fenn

Vs Either of their defendants in Said Attachment named in

And to the following described premises situated in the

County of Washtenaw and State of Michigan to ? the

South East quarter of the North East quarter of section

twenty three (23) The South west quarter of the North

West  quarter of section twenty four (24) Containing

Eighty acres more or less Being in Township Number

Two (2) South of range Three East 

Also lots number seven (7) Eight (8) and Nine (9) in block ten according to

The recorded plat of the Village of Chelsea

Also a part of lot number six (6) to wit

Seventeen feet in width off the North Side and

Extending the whole length of said lot. And a strip

Off the South side of Lot number five (5) being five

Feet wide and extending the whole length of said

Lot the whole being in block number two (2) in the

Village of Chelsea according to the recorded ?

Of said village in the county of Washtenaw

State of Michigan

Dated December 20, 1856

 

                                                John C. Mead

                                                            Sheriff

December 20, 1856 copy filed with Register of Deeds

These documents offer a glimpse into the legal and financial troubles faced by my second great-grandfather, Daniel C. Fenn, and his brother Abel R. Fenn. It provides insight into the properties they owned and subsequently lost due to the court case. The court's inability to locate Abel adds another layer of mystery. Was he intentionally evading the legal process, or had he already moved away from Washtenaw County?

As I continue to uncover more about the Fenn brothers and their history, I hope to piece together the circumstances that led to this lawsuit and its long-term effects on their lives. If any descendants or researchers have additional information, I would love to hear from you.

I asked GPT-4o to plot the coordinates on a map, and this was the result on a present day map. I have not cross-referenced it with an 1856 map, so proceed with caution.

Chelsea, Michigan Google Map

The Washtenaw County map from Google Maps shows red pins marking Chelsea, MI, matching the locations on the map above. 

The blue pins indicate locations in Lima Township.

This paragraph was written entirely by GPT-4o when I prompted it to write a summary of map resources for Washtenaw county and Chelsea, Michigan in 1856.

"The Old Maps Online platform provides access to various historical maps of Washtenaw County, including detailed surveys from the mid-19th century. One of the most valuable maps for this research is Gustavus R. Bechler’s 1856 Map of Washtenaw County, Michigan, which depicts township boundaries, landowner names, and property divisions. This map, available through the Library of Congress, allows researchers to locate Township 2 South, Range 3 East (Lima Township) and pinpoint specific land sections, including Section 23 and Section 24, where Daniel C. Fenn and Abel R. Fenn owned land. Additionally, inset maps of Chelsea from this period show individual blocks and lots, including those attached in the legal proceedings against the Fenn brothers. Platforms like Historic Map Works and David Rumsey Map Collection also offer high-resolution scans of period maps, which can be cross-referenced with modern GIS tools to precisely map historical property locations."

Additionally, I have Family Maps of Washtenaw County, Michigan by Gregory A. Boyd, J.D. that I will look at to find older maps of the Fenn land. It looks like I will be digging into land records soon.

This isn't all that I have found. Stay tuned for further updates as I continue my genealogical journey!

AI Disclosures

This blog post used the assistance of the artificial intelligence (AI) tool GPT-4o.

While the content reflects my ideas, writing, and research, GPT-4o was used for grammar and style suggestions, and for the transcription of court documents.

The summary of old map resources was entirely written by GPT-4o.

The headlines on this blog may be suggested by AI algorithms. I review, select, and edit the most fitting ones to capture the essence of the content. 

Discover Your Roots at the 2025 Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar

Created with DALL_E at GPT-4o

Spring is the perfect time to grow your family tree and there’s no better place to do it than at the Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar, held Friday, May 9 through Saturday, May 10, 2025. Co-hosted each year by the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan Genealogical Council, this yearly genealogy event is generously supported by the Abrams Foundation in loving memory of Barbara J. Brown.

The 2025 seminar will once again be a hybrid event, offering a rich lineup of speakers and sessions both onsite in Lansing, Michigan, and online via Zoom. Whether you’re just beginning your genealogy journey or you're a seasoned researcher, there’s something here for everyone.

Featured Speaker: Kelvin L. Meyers

A professional forensic genealogist since 1996, Kelvin brings nearly three decades of experience in tracing heirs, resolving complex lineage questions, and working with legal and probate cases across the United States and internationally. He is a sought-after expert in forensic genealogy, regularly collaborating with law firms, probate courts, and mineral rights companies to uncover and document familial connections.

Kelvin currently serves as President of the Forensic Genealogy Special Interest Group of the Association of Professional Genealogists. In recognition of his outstanding service to the field, he received the Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck Distinguished Service Award from the Dallas Genealogical Society in 2018. He is also a Fellow of the Texas State Genealogical Society.

A respected national speaker and educator, Kelvin has presented at genealogical societies, institutes, and conferences across the country. He is the author of Research in Texas for the National Genealogical Society’s Research in the States series, and continues to be a leader in applying forensic methodology to genealogical problem-solving.

Seminar Schedule:

Friday, May 9, 2025

Time	Event
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM	Continental Breakfast (onsite only)
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Extended Archives Research Hours (onsite only)
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM	Pre-Seminar Session: Military Records at the Archives (hybrid)
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM	Seminar Registration & Lunch (onsite only)
1:00 PM – 1:20 PM	Session 1: Welcome and Remarks
1:40 PM – 2:40 PM	Session 2: Resources of Faith Communities – Judy Nimer Muhn (hybrid)
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM	Session 3: Dealing with Record Loss – Kelvin L. Meyers (hybrid)
4:20 PM – 5:00 PM	Session 4a: Michiganology Updates (hybrid)
4:20 PM – 5:00 PM	Session 4b: Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Archives (onsite only)

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Time	Event
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM	Seminar Registration & Continental Breakfast (onsite only)
8:50 AM – 9:50 AM	Session 5: Digitizing Probate Records – Kris Rzepczynski (hybrid)
10:10 AM – 11:10 AM	Session 6: Researching Female Ancestors – Kelvin L. Meyers (hybrid)
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM	Session 7: City Directories – Jessica Trotter (hybrid)
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM	Lunch (onsite only)
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM	Session 8: My Ancestor in Court – Kelvin L. Meyers (hybrid)
2:50 PM – 3:50 PM	Session 9: Online Resources for Michigan’s Roots – Matt Pacer (hybrid)
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM	Extended Archives Research Hours (onsite only)

Special Perks for Onsite Attendees

• Free continental breakfast both days

• Lunch included on Friday and Saturday

• Extended research hours in the Archives of Michigan reading room

• Recordings of seminar sessions available to registrants for 30 days following the event

Registration Information

• Seminar Fee: $55

• Register for the Seminar and Free Military Records Pre-Seminar Session at the Archives of Michigan website.  https://www.michigan.gov/mhc/archives/family-history-seminar

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow researchers, learn from expert speakers, and explore the records that bring your family history to life. Whether you attend in person or from home, be sure to register today for the 2025 Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar!

AI Disclosure

I am no graphic designer but I can articulate what I want. The image at the top of the blog post was created with my ideas by DALL-E through GPT-4o

Ethical AI for Genealogists

The above image was created using DALL-E on CPT4o. 

Numerous regeneration was needed because text integration 

with DALL-E can be inaccurate. Minimizing words helps accuracy. 

Introduction

In November 2024, I began experimenting with AI in genealogy and blogging, writing several posts about my experiences. Just as sourcing is needed in genealogy and blogging, I believe that including AI disclosure statements is equally important.

Curious about if others use AI disclosures, I asked the question on Facebook. One response surprised me. The commenter suggested that if they saw a disclosure about AI in a blog post, they would assume the entire post was AI-generated. I respectfully disagree. To me, an AI disclosure shows transparency and builds trust between myself and my readers. It informs readers about the role AI played in the blog writing process, including writing, title creation, and photography.

As genealogists and bloggers use AI in their writing and research, I believe it's important for them to provide transparency which is a foundation of good writing, especially in genealogy, where accuracy matters.

In this post, I'll explore the role of disclosure statements in genealogical writing, why transparency matters, and how I disclose the use of AI in my blog writing.

What is the role of AI in genealogy?

Using the tools AI offers can simply and enrich your family history stories. photographs, and research. It can transcribe documents, describe photographs, write biographies, plan your research, organize information, summarize items, edit for punctuation and grammar, analyze DNA, and more. Using AI in genealogy can save time and increase your efficiency. One thing it can't do is find my brick wall ancestor's parents!

Why does transparency matter?

Transparency is important because AI is only as accurate as the information you input. Errors may be found due to misinterpretation of the prompt and biases in responses. 

Transparency builds trust between the writer and the reader. It allows one to use their own skills to analyze and interpret what they are reading whether it is research findings or historical facts.

How does one disclose AI use?

First, the writer needs to identify what AI help was used. Identify which AI tools were used and how they were used. Were they used for transcribing, writing, ideas, titles, photographs, or analyzing data? Whenever the writer uses AI tools disclose how AI was used and write a disclosure statement. 

My general disclosure statements are found at the bottom of the right sidebar on the front page of my blog. They are:

Journey to the Past blog posts uses the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. While the content reflects my ideas, writing, and research. the AI was used for grammar and style suggestions.

The headlines on this blog may be suggested by AI algorithms. I review and select the most fitting ones to capture the essence of the content.

Some of the images used on this blog were created by AI software. These visuals were designed to complement the content and enhance the reader's experience.

A clear and concise explanation of how AI is used on relevant blog posts will be stated at the end of the blog post.

Each blog post where I use AI includes a concise explanation of how I used AI in the post. A few examples include: 

Statement for editing: This blog posts used the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. While the content reflects my ideas, writing, and research. the AI was used for grammar and style suggestions.

Statement for headline: The headline on this blog post was suggested by AI algorithms. I reviewed, selected, or edited the most fitting one to capture the essence of the content.

Statement for images: The image used on this blog post was created by AI software. The visual was designed to complement the content and enhance the reader's experience.

These are just three examples of AI disclosure statements. Each writer needs to assess their own use of AI and write disclosure statements specific to them. 

Conclusion

Using AI has its benefits for genealogical writing and research, but there are ethical considerations. It is every writer's responsibility the be ethical in their writing. Transparency and disclosure enhance the integrity of your family history, whether it is used in writing blog posts, family trees, or presentations. 

Other ways to show ethical responsibility are to verify AI-generated information with traditional research methods when possible, be transparent in your use of AI tools, use the skills you have learned as a genealogist to analyze AI-generated results before sharing, and advocate for responsible AI use within the genealogy community. Just as you analyze online family trees, analyze AI generated writing.

Do you use AI in your genealogy? Please share your own thoughts and experiences about using AI in your work.

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. the AI was used for headings, grammar, and spelling editing.

The 1925 Funeral Expenses for Frank H. Glover

Source: "Marquette, Marquette, Michigan, United States records," images, FamilySearch

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSVZ-T9L7-H?view=fullText  (Jan 8, 2025), image 466 of 1086.

Using the full search text feature on FamilySearch, I entered my great-grandfather's name, Frank H. Glover, and one of the returned records was a funeral register detailing his death and burial.

I had previously researched Frank H. Glover’s death, obtaining his death certificate, visiting his cemetery plot, and transcribing his obituary. However, this funeral register provided new insight, particularly regarding his funeral expenses, a detail not found in my earlier research. The information in this register aligned with facts I had already verified through other sources.

Frank H. Glover’s death was recorded on October 9, 1925, in Marquette, Michigan. He passed away at the City New Power Plant, and according to his obituary, it was his first day of work at the plant. His occupation was listed as a machinist, with the obituary specifying, “He was employed by the city to work on the new oil storage tank at the auxiliary power station.” Over the years, he had also worked as a lighthouse keeper, railroad brakeman, and carpenter. His cause of death was recorded as arteriosclerosis and heart decomposition, a condition that, with modern medical advancements, might have been treated, allowing him to live longer.

Frank was laid to rest in Park Cemetery, Marquette, Michigan, in Lot 151. He shares his final resting place with his wife, Hattie Fenn, who passed away years later. While the funeral register does not list the officiating clergyman, his obituary confirms that Rev. H. J. Bryce, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, conducted the service.

A breakdown of the funeral expenses was included in the funeral register. The total cost of Frank's funeral was $244.50 in 1925, which, when adjusted for inflation, amounts to $4,438.32 in today’s dollars.

Funeral Expense Item	Cost ($)
Coffin or casket & Box	140.00
Metallic Lining	2.50
Embalming and Attendance	25.00
Hearse	15.00
Clergyman	7.00
Outlay for Lot	50.00
Opening Grave	5.00
Total	244.50

This funeral register provides a look into the customs and costs of funerals in 1925. The detailed breakdown of expenses reveals not only the financial aspects of burial at the time but also the traditions and expectations surrounding death. As genealogists, records like these help us understand more than just names and dates. They offer a look into the lives, occupations, and final moments of our ancestors. Each new discovery helps us learn more about our ancestors and the lives they lived. It gives us a clearer picture of who they were and makes sure their stories are not forgotten.

Full Transcription:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       169

FUNERAL REGISTER

No. 89

First Column

• Remains of Frank H. Glover
• Father's Name: Unknown
• Birthplace of Father: Unknown
• Mother's Maiden Name: Unknown
• Birthplace of Mother: Unknown
• Charged to: [Not specified]
• Date of Funeral: 10/9/25
• Place of Death: City New Power Plant
• Occupation of Deceased: Machinist
• Cause of Death: Arterio Sclerosis and Heart Decomposition
• Certifying Physician: [unreadable] Angell
• Clergyman: [Not specified]
• Interment: Park Cemetery

Second Column

•  Residence 118 E Ohio St
•  Residence [Not specified]
•  How ? [Not specified]
•  Shipped to [Not specified]
•  Date of Birth 8/7/1862 Date of Death 10/7/1925
•  Single or Married Married
•  Age 63 years 2 months -days
•  Number of Burial Certificate 151
•  Plate engraved [Not specified]
• Lot or grave No. [Not specified] Section [Not specified]
• Cemetery Chart [Not specified]

• Coffin or casket & Box               140.00
• Metallic Lining                                 2.50
• Outside Box
• Burial Robe
• Embalming and Attendance     25.00
• Autos
• Carriages
• Flowers
• Hearse                                            15.00
• Clergyman                                       7.00
• Singers  Pallbearer
• Death notices in Papers
• Outlay for Lot                                 50.00
• Opening Grave                                 5.00
• Grave Lining
• Shipping charges, prepaid
• Total Amount of Bill: [Not specified]

 

REMARKS [Not specified]

The Missing Link: The Sole Record Connecting Huldah Rowley to Her Father, Hopkins

 

Source: The Settlers of the Beekman Patent, Dutchess County, New York: An Historical and Genealogical Study of All the 18th Century Settlers in the Patent by Frank J. Doherty (Volume X), p85.

GPT 4o Transcription     The Rowley Family

adjoins the Nine Partners Patent and is adjacent to the CT border. On 1 May 1759 the rent book reads: "This farm is cleared of rent by a bond given by Daniel Rowley and Jonathan Rowley for £45. Each has now half the farm, see p. 163 and 164." The rent book, page 164 reads: "Jonathan Rowley lot 15, 100 acres, rent begins 1760 at 11 bushels per year. Now Garret Winnegar, gave bond for Jonathon Rowley his part of the bond remains £28/18/7. Dan'l Rowley paid his part by Davis last April & interest to now is 2 & 3 years back rents is 33 bushels of wheat @7/bushel £11/11, net together is £41/16/2, so the bond is £41/16/2, which clears this farm to May last 1763, which farm now belongs to said Winnegar." Jonathan was still of Beekman when on 22 Feb. 1764 he bought 100 acres in Mount Ephraim. He sold 40 acres of this to Daniel Rowley 10 July 1766 when both were living Richmond, MA.

On 16 Jan. 1801 Samuel Hake of Rhinebeck, merchant mortgaged several parcels to John S. Jones of New York, merchant. The second parcel is described as: In lot 15 SW corner Daniel Rowley. Bounds Christopher Elliot 100 acres. Leased May 1 1750 to Jonathan Rowley, wife Elizabeth and son Hopkins.^(50) On 13 May 1808 Samuel Hake and his wife Elizabeth sold this 100 acres to James Grant of Pawling for $1,062.50. The deed noted that Josiah Wheeler was then on the farm formerly Daniel Rowley, that had been leased to Jonathan Rowley 1759.^(51)

Jonathan Rowley was in Pittsford, Rutland Co., VT in 1790 at 2-3-3 and died, probably at Pittsford, between 4 March 1805 and 25 May 1806.

Children: (by Elizabeth)^(52)
i. Hopkins, b. 18 Dec. 1758; m. Elizabeth Stewart, b. 1770, d. 1825.
He was in Pittsford Town, Rutland Co., VT in 1790 at 1-0-2 and is buried as a Revolutionary War Patriot in Shoreham, VT. He died 1 Sept. 1831. They had dau. Huldah b. at Pittsford, VT 18 March 1789 who married Daniel Fenn 28 Feb. 1808 at Shoreham, VT.^(53)

ii. Mary, b. ca. 1759; m. John Mott. They went to OH.

iii. Jonathan, b. 1760-61; he was killed and scalped on a military scouting mission in May 1779.

iv. Joseph, b. ca. 1762-63; m. 1st unk., 2nd Content Randall. He is said to have died in War of 1812.

---

Footnotes:
^(50) M 8:386.
^(51) D 20:457. A map drawn 1795 by Will Cockburn shows that Josiah Wheeler is on a 100 acre farm in the north-east corner of lot 15. A road goes through the west center of the farm and the house is on the road, just north of the southern property line. Daniel Rowley's farm was just to the west of Jonathan's.
^(52) Children by Elizabeth from Mayflower Families through Five Generations, Volume Six, Stephen Hopkins, p. 401-2.
^(53) Link to ancestry record. See following for others in his family: http://www.flint.com/rowley/Biographies/1790/1-6.0149_hopkins.htm.

Unraveling the Hopkins-Huldah Rowley Connection

In over fifteen years of researching the Rowley family, one sentence from The Settlers of the Beekman Patent, Dutchess County, New York: An Historical and Genealogical Study of All the 18th Century Settlers in the Patent by Frank J. Doherty (Volume X) remains the only direct link I've found tying Huldah Rowley to her father, Hopkins Rowley. The passage simply states:

"They had dau. Huldah b. at Pittsford, VT 18 March 1789 who married Daniel Fenn 28 Feb. 1808 at Shoreham, VT."

It’s just one piece of evidence, but it’s the strongest I’ve found among dozens of secondary records. Unfortunately, after evaluating the source, it proves unreliable, as it does not cite the origin of the information when referring to the source in (53) above. Despite years of research, I’ve come up empty-handed when it comes to primary sources that confirm this connection. The fact that the family was Baptist adds to the challenge—without baptism records to consult, proving this link feels nearly impossible.

Is this brief mention, combined with other circumstantial evidence, enough to confirm Huldah's parentage? That’s the question I continue to explore.

I consulted GPT-4o to assist in planning future research. The prompt I used was: "Plan for future research to prove that Hopkins Rowley is Huldah Rowley's father." and added to the transcription response. Below is the response generated from that prompt. My findings, or lack thereof, are indicated in bold text.

1. Reevaluate and Analyze Existing Evidence

• Review Secondary Sources: Reassess all secondary records you've gathered, looking for overlooked details or indirect evidence that could strengthen the connection. DONE
• Cross-Reference Timelines: Create detailed timelines for both Hopkins and Huldah, focusing on overlapping locations and events. This may reveal patterns or gaps to guide further research. (Need to do)
• Evaluate Witnesses: Review marriage, land, or probate records for witness names that could indicate familial or community connections. DONE

2. Focus on Land and Probate Records

• Land Deeds and Transfers: Search for property transactions in Pittsford, Shoreham, and surrounding areas. If Hopkins transferred land to Huldah or her husband, Daniel Fenn, it could indicate a familial relationship. (I have found that Daniel Fenn received six $100 promissory notes from Hopkins Rowley 31 Aug 1815 in Shoreham Vermont. I feel this is important and ties Daniel Fenn to the Hopkins Rowley family. Why else would Daniel be lent $600 which in today's money is a little over $12,000. )
• Probate Records: Investigate wills, estate inventories, or guardianship records for both the Rowley and Fenn families in Rutland County, Vermont, and any nearby counties. Look for mentions of Huldah or her husband. (Hopkins Rowley probate records were involved in a fire and the remnants that I looked at holds no information. I have not found Daniel Fenn's probate record which could be in Michigan.)
• Neighbor and Associate Research: Trace families living near Hopkins Rowley and Daniel Fenn. Neighbors often appear in legal records and can provide context for family connections. (Completed)

3. Church and Religious Records

• Baptist Church Membership Records: Even though baptism records are unlikely, Baptist churches may have kept membership rolls, marriage records, or minutes. Check for records in Pittsford, Shoreham, and nearby communities. (Have not found any for Vermont areas; I found Lima Township Michigan ones where they were members.)
• Minister’s Journals: If a local minister officiated Huldah's marriage, their journals or records may mention family connections. (None found)

Other research I have conducted includes researching Huldah's brothers and sisters to establish connections among them and to Hopkins. I have researched Hopkin's family but nothing ties Huldah to Hopkins directly.

I have searched for Huldah's release of dower but have been unable to locate it. Although I do not have definitive proof that Hopkins Rowley is the father of Huldah Rowley, who married Daniel Fenn, I believe this to be the case based on dozens of indirect secondary sources. These include census records, school and land documents, military records, and town history books. However, the research I have conducted has not been accepted by the DAR to establish the connection between Huldah and Hopkins. 

Do you have a father-child connection you believe to be true but no direct evidence proves it? Share your stories in the chat, please.

AI Disclosure

This blog post used the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

Specifically, GPT4o was used to transcribe the book page and to check spelling and grammar. 

GPT4o was asked to plan future research based on the transcription it provided. 

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

Tips for Researching Postmaster's in Federal Records

Source:  Mural "Ben Franklin, colonial postmaster," by George Harding at the Ariel Rios Federal Building in Washington, D.C

 from Wikimedia Commons, in the public domain.

The United States Postal Service was established in 1775 under the Second Continental Congress, with Benjamin Franklin appointed as the first Postmaster General.

Postmaster records can be found at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. (Archives I) and College Park, Maryland (Archives II). The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C. holds some relevant materials. Personnel Records are available through National Archives in St. Louis, Missouri.

Most publicly available postal records are part of Record Group 28 (RG 28) at the National Archives catalog.

Records of the United States Postal Service 

• Civilian Personnel Files: For individuals no longer employed by the Postal Service, personnel records prior to 1951 are considered archival or open to the public. These records, covering the years 1919–1951, are housed offsite at the National Archives Annex in Valmeyer, Illinois. Records after 1952 are not available to the public. Contact the National Archives-St. Louis for requests. In person access requires an appointment.
• Appointments of Postmasters: Records include names, places, and dates of appointment of postmasters. Postmaster appointments for 1789-1832 are found in seven volumes and have been digitized and are available online. Postmaster appointments for 1832-1971 have been reproduced as Microfilm Publication M841, Record of Appointment of Postmasters, 1832–Sept. 30, 1971 (145 rolls). These records are arranged alphabetically by state, then by county, and by the name of the post office. . A limited index is available at Family Search.
• Reports of Site Locations: Reports covering nearest post office to current site, location of the current site, nearest railroad and station for deliveries, railroad name, and maps. The National Archives Identifier Number is 608210 The records are organized by state, county, parish or district. This series if digitized and available online.
• Substitute Mail Carriers: Registers of substitute mail carriers from 1885-1903 and divided into two volumes. Volume I and Volume II are digitized and available online.
• Rural Main Records: A number of records are available in RG28. They pertain to correspondence, inspection reports, and route information. They can be found in 28.3.5 and 28.7. Maps can be found in 28.6.2.
• Railway Postal Clerks: One roll of microfilm, M2077, holds three indexes to rosters of railway clerks, ca. 1883-ca. 1902. These records are part of Record Group (RG 28), Records of the Post Office Department, and are designated as Entry 118 in Preliminary Inventory (PI) No. 168, Records of the Post Office Department. The indexes show postal routes arranged by cities and names of clerks arranged alphabetically by the first couple of letters of the surname.
• Official Register of the United States, 1816-1959: includes postal records listing the names of postmasters, mail carriers, and other postal employees. A two-volume set covering 1879–1911 specifically compiles these records. An excellent resource on the register, written by Don Heller, is available on the Pennsylvania State University website and provides links to post office records.
• Star Routes: Contract Route Registers or "Star Routes" have registers for the years 1814-1817,1824,1828-1870, and 1917-1960. Included are the names of the stops along the routes and names of bidders for the contracts. These records can be found in Record Group 28.4.3

A comprehensive list of what is included in Record Group 28 (RG28) at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) can be found here. Click on "Search this record group in the National Archives Online Catalog" to access the catalog, which contains over 17,000 records. More than 6,000 of these records are digitized and available online.

Family Search: Additional postal resources can be found in the FamilySearch catalog by searching the keyword United States Post Office. A recent search returned over 500 items, covering topics such as postmaster appointments, record cards, lists, Benjamin Franklin’s ledgers, and more. Not all records are digitized.

US Postal Bulletin: Digitized copies of the U.S. Postal Bulletin (1880–2016) are available online at USPostalBulletins.com. Published daily except Sundays, the Bulletin focused on USPS business operations. The archives are fully indexed and searchable by full text. The website also includes a list of post offices.

Credit: The Library of Congress from Detroit Publishing Company photograph collection in the public domain. A circa 1900 photograph of Saginaw Michigan Post Office.

Library of Congress: The nation's main library in Washington, D.C., holds a vast collection of postal references, including original records, photographs, manuscripts, and other historical materials. A search of its catalog recently returned over two million resources, many of which are available online. Users can narrow their search by state to refine results; for example, a search for Michigan yielded over 18,000 records. These records include newspapers, photographs, prints, drawings, manuscripts, narratives, films, books, and more.

Many books and magazines are written about the United States Postal Service. Check Hathi Trust or World Cat to see what is available. They cover a variety of topics about the United States Postal Service.

Digging into postal records can reveal  insights into the history of the U.S. Postal Service and the individuals who contributed to its operation. Whether you're researching a relative who served as a postmaster, seeking historical mail route maps, or investigating the records of railway postal clerks, there are numerous resources available. Digitized records are now available online, and finding this information has become more convenient than ever. From the National Archives to FamilySearch and the Library of Congress, a treasure trove of knowledge awaits your exploration. So, if you have a passion for postal history, begin your search, you might just stumble upon some captivating details!

NOTE: I cannot end this blog post without acknowledging Michael Strauss, AG for his excellent coordination of the "Guide to Treasures Found in Federal Records" at Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburg (GRIP 2022), now the GRIP Genealogy Institute. 

Photograph taken at the conclusion of the class.

I had and still have many sticky notes to follow up on. The session, Postmasters and Letter Carriers: Records of the U.S. Postal Service was used as a reference for this blog post. Additionally, I spent many hours at the NARA website. Thank you Michael for the excellent presentation.

I used Michael's information to research one of my postmaster ancestors and wrote about it here.

Genealogy Clues in Susanna Koenig Fredrich’s Death Certificate

 

Source: Susana Fredrich, death certificate (digitized copy) Number 858 (5 December 1905, stamped), Michigan, Department of State-Division of Vital Statistics, Archives of Michigan, 702 W Kalamazoo St, Lansing, MI 48915, at Michiganology.org Accessed 8 March 2025

Susanna Fredrich (née Koenig), my second great-grandmother, left behind a death certificate filled with clues that helped me learn more about her life and connect her to other family members.

Every family history researcher should know what clues to look for in a death certificate. However, the information is only as accurate as the person providing it. In this case, the informant was Susanna’s son-in-law, August Guhse, who was married to Ottilie Fredrich.

Here are some key details from Susanna’s death certificate and how they contributed to my research:

1. Full Name and Variations: Susana Fredrich

The name listed on a death certificate may include middle names, initials, or alternate spellings. Comparing it with other records can confirm identities and reveal new leads. I have found Susanna’s name spelled as Susana, Susan, and Suzanna. I have chosen to use Susanna, as found on her baptismal record.

2. Date and Place of Death: November 4, 1906, at 187 Lincoln, 1st Ward, Manistee, Michigan

This information helps locate obituaries, cemetery records, and probate files, which may provide more details about the deceased’s family and final years.

I found Susanna’s obituary in the Manistee Daily News on November 4, 1906, at the Manistee Public Library. The obituary states she died at the home of her daughter, Ottilie Fredrich Guhse. I haven't looked for her probate file.

3. Birth Date and Place: December 28, 1808, in Germany

Birth details can lead to earlier records such as birth certificates, church records, or census entries, helping track an ancestor’s early life.

I have found Susanna’s baptismal record, census records, and immigration papers. Her baptismal record states:

"Entry of birth of Susanna Koenig, birth and baptism on January 4, 1810, in the afternoon at half past two, in Wolfhals. The inhabitant Friedrich Koenig and his wife, Catharine (born Burger), had a daughter who was baptized Susanna."

This suggests a discrepancy between her reported birth year and the actual record.

4. Parents’ Names and Birthplaces: King (Koenig) and Unknown in Germany

Parents' names are crucial for identifying previous generations. Be sure to check maiden names, as they can open doors to new family branches.

The death certificate lists her father as "King" from Germany and her mother as "Unknown." Her baptismal record provides both parents’ names: Friedrich Koenig and Catharine (born Burger).

5. Spouse’s Name: Not Stated

A spouse’s name can confirm marriage records, track family movements, and lead to additional documents like census records and wills.

The certificate states that Susanna was widowed, but it does not list her husband's name. Further research shows that Susanna Koenig married Christoph Fredrich.

6. Cause of Death: Senile Debility

While cause of death is primarily a medical detail, it can hint at hereditary health conditions and lead to medical records for further insight.

Susanna’s cause of death was listed as senile debility, not surprising at the age of 96. Imagine the life she witnessed: born in 1810, she lived through nearly a century of changes before passing in 1906.

7. Informant’s Name and Relationship: August Guhse

The informant is often a close relative, which helps verify family connections and can lead to further research into their lineage.

Susanna’s informant was August Guhse, her son-in-law, who was married to her daughter Ottilie Fredrich Guhse.

8. Place of Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery, Manistee

Cemetery records provide additional clues. Visiting the grave or checking burial records may reveal other family members buried nearby.

Oak Grove Cemetery in Manistee, Michigan, does not have a record of her interment. Find a Grave does not list a Susanna Fredrich or Koenig or King buried in Manistee County. Despite this, her obituary confirms that she was buried in Oak Grove.

Obituary (Manistee Daily News, November 4, 1906):

"Mrs. Susanna Fredrich, a widow, died today at the home of her daughter, Mrs. August Guhse, 187 Lincoln Street, at the age of 97 years and 10 months. She leaves other daughters, Mrs. Engelhuber, Mrs. John Zobel, and Mrs. Radtke, and one son. The funeral will be held at the Guhse home Wednesday at 2 p.m., with burial at Oak Grove."

Further research into her burial location could involve checking funeral home records or a burial permit.

9. Occupation: None

An ancestor’s occupation can lead to employment records, union records, or historical context about their trade.

I have never found a record indicating that Susanna worked outside the home.

10. Address at Time of Death: Not Stated

Knowing where an ancestor lived can direct research to local archives, newspapers, and city directories for further insights into their daily life.

Although the death certificate does not specify where Susanna lived at the time of her death, one can infer she was living at 187 Lincoln Street with her daughter, Ottilie Guhse.

The 1900 U.S. Census lists her living with the Guhse family at 185 Lincoln Street, Manistee. Checking Manistee City Directories from 1900-1906 could clarify whether the two addresses were the same or if one record contained an error. A quick Zillow search shows that 187 Lincoln was built in 1900, meaning both addresses could be correct.

Final Thoughts

Susanna Fredrich’s death certificate provided numerous clues about her life. While some details raised new questions, such as her burial location, it confirmed important connections and led to further research opportunities. Death certificates are powerful tools in genealogy, when cross-referenced with other records, they can eliminate doubt in your research.