Carolina Girl Genealogy

Jenny Hawran-Like Herding Cats Genealogy

Laura Hedgecock-Treasure Chest of Memories

Mary Kircher Roddy-MKR Genealogy

Shelley Murphey-Family Tree Girl

Thank you so much for watching!

Don't miss an episode. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,

This Week On My Family History Calendar- Remembering Two Births and Two Deaths

2026-05-17T15:00:00.000-04:00

May 17~
Elizabeth Emily (Vaughn) Bradford (1797-1865), my paternal 4th great-grandmother, died 161 years ago in Sumter County, South Carolina, and may have been buried there in the Dargan Cemetery. Many of the graves have been relocated, and at this time, there is no record of her burial.

May 18~

My maternal 4th great-grandfather, Philip Roberts, III (1798-1852), was born in Kershaw County, South Carolina, 228 years ago. His parents were Philip Roberts II (1763-1854) and Sarah (Kirtley) Roberts (1765-1838).

May 20~
George Philip Roberts (1856-1930), my maternal great-great-grandfather, was born in Richland County, South Carolina, 1704 years ago. He was the fourth child of Thomas Philip Roberts (1830-1893) and Eliza Atiza (Brazell) Roberts (1836-1890).

May 22~
This day marks what would have been the 138th birthday of my paternal great-grandfather, Jubal Ransom Early (1888-1964). Jubal was born in Statesville, Iredell, North Carolina, to Ransom Taylor Early (1829-1888) and Ellen Caroline (Martin) Early (1850-1926).

Who are you remembering this week?

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Helping you climb your family tree,

Celebration Sunday-Genealogy Happy Dance! Paying the Lunatic Asylum

2026-05-17T07:30:00.000-04:00

Celebration Sunday is a place to share your discoveries.

This weekly series enables everyone to tell about their Genealogy Happy Dance moment.

Share by scrolling

down and add your story to the comments section, or you may also put a link to a blog post telling about what had you dancing this week.


"Richland, South Carolina, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-V1BK-G?view=explore : May 17, 2026), image 941 of 1592; South Carolina. County Court (Richland County). Image Group Number: 004753577

My Happy Dance Moment for the week:

Taking a new look at a document I found years ago led me to a shocking discovery.

My maternal third great-grandfather, Thomas Philip Roberts, died in Richland County, SC, on 2 May, 1893. His will provided for his children, and probate records include an inventory and an annual return in May of 1894. I have seen the will but must confess that I hadn't really taken the time to look at the rest of the probate papers. What a mistake! Why? Because I found a shocking payment his estate made that year. $52.12 to the Lunatic Asylum.

The South Carolina Lunatic Asylum, now known as the South Carolina State Hospital, was established in Columbia in 1821. It is located on Bull Street in Columbia.

Doing a little research on the hospital to see if any records are available, I discovered that the South Carolina Department of Archives and History has them. Intake books, record files, and other items. There is a project that collects and tells the stories of those who were hospitalized there. Who was the bill for that Thomas was paying? The probate records do not say, but I am hoping to get to the archives and see if I can discover who was there and why.

The moral of the story? Go back over the records you have and see what you may have missed! It may be a story that needs to be told.

What was your happy dance moment?

Share your Happy Dance Moment for the week, and let's celebrate together!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,

GenFriends Genealogy Chat Show: Journey Through the Generations Podcast with Phillip and Trisha

2026-05-13T09:44:51.528-04:00

This week on GenFriends, the panel, Melissa Barker, Jenny Hawran, Laura Hedgecock, and I sit down with the hosts of Journey Through the Generations, Phillip and Trisha, to talk genealogy, family stories, and the passion behind their podcast. Join us for a fun conversation about preserving the past, connecting generations, and why these stories matter.

Watch and hear how they got started and the purpose of their podcast and blog.

Then go like and subscribe to their channel and follow Tricia's blog!

Links in this episode:

Blog

https://journeythroughthegenerations.com/

Christmas Movie Post:

ttps://journeythroughthegenerations.com/2025/12/01/my-genealogy-christmas-movie-night/#more-10342

Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journey-through-the-generations/id1247333259

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUfYxx-5pBo

Contact the panelists:

Melissa Barker -A Genealogist in the Archives

Jenny Hawran-Like Herding Cats Genealogy

Laura Hedgecock-Treasure Chest of Memories

Mary Kircher Roddy-MKR Genealogy

Shelley Murphey-Family Tree Girl

Thank you so much for watching!

Don't miss an episode. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,

GenFriends Genealogy Chat Show: Celebrating Mothers Plus Tips for Researching Females

2026-05-06T09:41:00.003-04:00

Celebrate the women in your family tree this Mother’s Day! 💐

The panel, Melissa Barker, Jenny Hawran, Mary Kircher Roddy, and I share photos and stories of the mothers in their lives and give practical tips to help you find maiden names and other information to uncover the stories of the women who came before you.

Watch and then share yours! We would love to hear your stories and tips!

Links in this Episode:

Melissa's presentation on finding female ancestors.

https://www.tngs.org/event-6631859

Contact the panelists:

Melissa Barker -A Genealogist in the Archives

Jenny Hawran-Like Herding Cats Genealogy

Laura Hedgecock-Treasure Chest of Memories

Mary Kircher Roddy-MKR Genealogy

Shelley Murphey-Family Tree Girl

https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/panel-dna-surprises-and-family-identity-a-guide-to-preparation-processing-and-family-storytelling

Thank you so much for watching!

Don't miss an episode. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,

This Week On My Family History Calendar-Remembering Mimi

2026-05-03T15:00:00.001-04:00

May 3~
This day marks the 112th anniversary of the marriage of my paternal great-grandparents, John McSwain Hudson (1880-1961) and Louvinia Blanche (Thames) Hudson (1886-1918). John was 34 and Blanche 28 when they married in Manning, Clarendon, South Carolina.
Marriage Announcement
John and Blanche Hudson
Manning Times (Manning, SC)
9 May 1914

May 5~
My paternal grandmother, Mary (Baker) Hudson (1920-2010), was born 106 years ago in Columbia, Richland, South Carolina. Mary was raised by her maternal grandparents and learned later in life that she was the biological daughter of Jubal Ransom Early (1888-1964) and Emma Ruth (Baker) Early (1901-1993). She never legally used the surname Early.

Happy Birthday, Mimi! You are missed.

Mary (Baker) Hudson
1920-2010

May 9~
Thomas Phillip Roberts (1830-1883), my maternal 3rd great-grandfather, died 133 years ago on this day in Richland County, South Carolina. He was buried in Brown's Chapel Cemetery.

Thomas Phillip Roberts
Headstone
Brown's Chapel Cemetery
Richland County, South Carolina
photo credit: Jim Hepler

Who are you remembering this week?

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Helping you climb your family tree,

Celebration Sunday-Genealogy Happy Dance!- Finding Jainey

2026-05-03T09:00:00.001-04:00

Celebration Sunday is a place to share your discoveries.

This weekly series enables everyone to tell about their Genealogy Happy Dance moment.

Share by scrolling

down and add your story to the comments section, or you may also put a link to a blog post telling about what had you dancing this week.

My Happy Dance Moment for the week:

This photo was in a scrapbook owned by my maternal grandmother's sister. She let me take photos of the images. Under this photo, she had written, Jainey, Etta, Amos, Thomas, and Charles. I knew Etta, my maternal great-grandmother, and the boys. The names are those of her brother George's sons. But I had no idea who Jainey was. When I asked my great aunt, she told me Jainey was another of the children that her grandfather, William A. McManus, took into his home. The only reference I could find was a letter that William wrote to his daughter, Etta, in 1914. In it, he mentioned Jainey. Other than that, that is all I knew about her.

Until this week, when documents through Full Text Search led me to her identity and how she fit into the family. Janiey was Jane (McRady) McManus. A double cousin. Her parents died when she was young, so it is likely that the story of her coming to live with William at some point is most likely true.

One mystery solved, but there is another in this photo. Those boys? Are they the three boys of George McManus? Amos died in 1902, and Charles was born in 1903. Perhaps Charles's birth date is off, but all his records state he was born in 1903. As for Amos? His death in 1902 is recorded in a newspaper announcement. How could they be in a photo together? Hoping to solve this one day!

What was your happy dance moment?

Share your Happy Dance Moment for the week, and let's celebrate together!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,

GenFriends Genealogy Chat Show: Talking DNA

2026-04-29T10:20:00.002-04:00

DNA can change everything. In this episode of GenFriends, the panel, Jenny Hawran, Shelley Murphy, Mary Kircher Roddy, and I share the DNA projects we’re working on, Jenny’s continuing journey after discovering an unexpected NPE, and the honest realities of taking a DNA test.

Watch our conversation and let us know which DNA projects you are working on.

Links in this Episode:

PANEL: DNA Surprises and Family Identity: A Guide to Preparation, Processing, and Family Storytelling

The Day My DNA Test Changed Everything: An NPE Story -interview with Amie Cross

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J48NMVlZgQk

Contact the panelists:

Melissa Barker -A Genealogist in the Archives

Jenny Hawran-Like Herding Cats Genealogy

Laura Hedgecock-Treasure Chest of Memories

Mary Kircher Roddy-MKR Genealogy

Shelley Murphey-Family Tree Girl

https://genealogical.com/store/searching-for-sisters-a-guide-to-researching-catholic-nuns-in-the-united-states/

Thank you so much for watching!

Don't miss an episode. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,

GenFriends Genealogy Chat Show: Searching for Sisters with Special Guest Sunny Jane Morton

2026-04-22T09:41:00.000-04:00

The panel, Jenny Hawran, Mary Kircher Roddy, and I welcome special guest Sunny Jane Morton, discuss her book Searching for Sisters and how to research Catholic nuns in family history. Learn strategies for finding convent records, tracing women in religious life, and uncovering stories often missing from traditional records.

Watch as we get advice for finding connections for our research and get tips for finding yours!

Do you have Sisters in your family tree?

We'd love to hear from you.

Links in this episode:

Buy the Book:

15 % off PROMO CODE:

Church26

Contact the panelists:

Melissa Barker -A Genealogist in the Archives

Jenny Hawran-Like Herding Cats Genealogy

Laura Hedgecock-Treasure Chest of Memories

Mary Kircher Roddy-MKR Genealogy

Shelley Murphey-Family Tree Girl

Thank you so much for watching!

Don't miss an episode. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,

Celebration Sunday-Genealogy Happy Dance! Learning Something New!

2026-04-19T07:00:00.007-04:00

Bible, made a DNA connection, or found a new branch to your tree. The one that is met with glazed stares and eye rolls.

Celebration Sunday is a place to share your discoveries.

This weekly series enables everyone to tell about their Genealogy Happy Dance moment.
Share by scrolling
down and add your story to the comments section, or you may also link to a blog post about what had you dancing this week.

1940 Columbia, Richland County Census

My happy dance moment for the week:

Genealogy education is something that I really love. There's always something new to learn and ways to look at records differently to find information about your family.
The last couple of months, I have been taking Michael Strauss' SLIG course
Navigating Federal Records Collections: A Researcher's Guide to Historical Discovery. This past week Micheal taught his session, The New Deal: Putting Your Ancestors to Work.

This section taught us about the ways the government put people back to work after the Great Depression. One of the programs we talked about was the Works Progress Administration, or WPA, as it became widely known. I knew from my paternal great-grandmother's Social Security Application that she worked for the WPA, but I had never done much about looking into what that meant for her.
Michael suggested that we take a look at the 1940 census to see what occupations were listed for our people and what type of work they were doing. If GW was listed, then they were doing government work. In other words, they were participating in one of the New Deal programs.

Remembering my great-grandmother and her SS application, I wondered what the 1940s census recorded about her occupation. Sure enough, she was listed as a Cutter, working for the WPA. GW for government work is in the box.

Looking above her to her husband, my paternal grandfather, Jubal, is also listed as doing government work. That was brand new information to me. See, it says that he was a Timber Estimator for Santee Cooper. But I had never noticed that GW next to it, Jubal had worked in the logging business for years, so I didn't pay close enough attention when I first read this record. I did not know that the Santee Cooper, one of the largest electric companies in the State of SC, was participating in a government program to help put people back to work.
Thanks to Michael and his course, I now have a new direction for finding records for my great-grandparents. And I got a reminder to go back over your documents. You never know what you have learned that helps you to discover new things!

What were you celebrating?
Share your Happy Dance Moment for the week, and let's celebrate together!
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GenFriends Genealogy Chat Show: Let’s Talk AI: What’s Working in Our Genealogy Research

2026-04-15T09:07:00.000-04:00

AI is becoming part of many genealogists’ workflows, but everyone is using it a little differently. In this GenFriends Cheri and the panel, Melissa Barker, Jenny Hawran, Laura Hedgecock, and Mary Kircher Roddy share how AI is fitting into our current genealogy projects, from analyzing and transcribing records to exploring historical context. We’ll also talk about where human judgment still matters most and how to use these tools responsibly.

Watch and hear our thoughts and experiences.

How are you using AI in your research?

We'd love to hear from you!

Contact the panelists:

Melissa Barker -A Genealogist in the Archives

Jenny Hawran-Like Herding Cats Genealogy

Laura Hedgecock-Treasure Chest of Memories

Mary Kircher Roddy-MKR Genealogy

Shelley Murphey-Family Tree Girl

https://isbgfh.com/product/special

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Don't miss an episode. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,

GenFriends Genealogy Chat Show The British Institute with Todd Knowles and Megan Heyl

2026-04-01T09:49:00.002-04:00

The panel, Melissa Barker, Jenny Hawran, Laura Hedgecock, Shelley Murphy, and I welcome Todd Knowles and Megan Heyl to talk to us about the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History (ISBGFH).

Watch as we learn the many ways the British Institute can help you learn about and discover your British ancestors. Don't miss out on the special coupon code just for GenFriends viewers!

From webinars to day and week-long courses, there's something for everyone!

Thanks to Shelley for inviting Todd and Megan to join us.

Links in this episode:

International Society for

British Genealogy and Family History (ISBGFH).

https://isbgfh.com/

Link to Special Code:

Contact the panelists:

Melissa Barker -A Genealogist in the Archives

Jenny Hawran-Like Herding Cats Genealogy

Laura Hedgecock-Treasure Chest of Memories

Mary Kircher Roddy-MKR Genealogy

Shelley Murphey-Family Tree Girl

Thank you so much for watching!

Don't miss an episode. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,

Celebration Sunday-Genealogy Happy Dance!-A Second Trip to Salt Lake!

2026-03-29T07:00:00.001-04:00

Celebration Sunday is a place to share your discoveries.

This weekly series enables everyone to tell about their Genealogy Happy Dance moment.
Share by scrolling
down and add your story to the comments section, or you may also link to a blog post about what had you dancing this week.

My Happy Dance Moment for the week:
A week after returning home from RootsTech, I flew back to Salt Lake City to spend an extra day in the FamilySearch Library and attend a family event.

Although it was fun being back at the library, wow, was it quiet after the masses who took time to research before, during, and after RootsTech!

I learned more about the book scanners and got a book onto a thumb drive for a friend. So happy to be able to help!

An extra day at the library, helping a friend, and then heading out to see family was an extra special happy dance moment!

What were you celebrating?
Share your Happy Dance Moment for the week, and let's celebrate together!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Helping you climb your family tree,

GenFriends Genealogy Chat Show with James and Alisha from Forgotten Lines Podcast

2026-03-17T10:45:00.000-04:00

The panel, Melissa Barker, Jenny Hawran, Laura Hedgecock, and I welcome James and Alicia Doherty from Forgotten Lines Podcast.

Watch as we learn how the podcast started, how story ideas are found, and get a scoop on upcoming videos.

Have you watched Forgotten Lines?

What is your favorite episode?

We'd love to hear from you!

Links in this episode:

Forgotten Lines YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ForgottenLinesPodcast

Forgotten Lines Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/8959729740761996/

Contact the panelists:

Melissa Barker -A Genealogist in the Archives

Jenny Hawran-Like Herding Cats Genealogy

Laura Hedgecock-Treasure Chest of Memories

Mary Kircher Roddy-MKR Genealogy

Shelley Murphey-Family Tree Girl

Thank you so much for watching!

Don't miss an episode. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,

Celebration Sunday-Genealogy Happy Dance! RootsTech 2026

2026-03-15T07:30:00.003-04:00

Celebration Sunday is a place to share your discoveries.

This weekly series enables everyone to tell about their Genealogy Happy Dance moment.
Share by scrolling
down and add your story to the comments section, or you may also link to a blog post about what had you dancing this week.

My Happy Dance Moment for the week:

RootsTech 2026 was once again an amazing experience!
I gave 3 presentations, connected with friends, made new friends, had a book signing, and served again on the media team. I think my favorite moment was recording GenFriends from the Media Hub. I can't believe it's over for another year!

What were you celebrating?
Share your Happy Dance Moment for the week, and let's celebrate together!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Helping you climb your family tree,

GenFriends: From the Media Hub at RootsTech 2026 with special guest Erin Schurtz

2026-03-09T19:18:00.001-04:00

Cheri and the panel, Jenny Hawran, and Laura Hedgecock sit down in front of the Ruby Screen in the Media Hub at RootsTech to talk to Marketing Director Erin Schurtz.

Watch as Erin shares how she got involved with RootsTech and the work she does to plan and prepare the media team for the conference each year.

If you weren't able to attend in person, there are many recorded sessions, including the Keynote addresses, on RootsTech.org to watch, enjoy, and learn from.

Did you attend live or watch via livestream?

What was your most memorable experience?

We'd love to hear from you!

Links in this episode:

RootsTech.org

Contact the panelists:

Melissa Barker -A Genealogist in the Archives

Jenny Hawran-Like Herding Cats Genealogy

Laura Hedgecock-Treasure Chest of Memories

Mary Kircher Roddy-MKR Genealogy

Shelley Murphey-Family Tree Girl

Thank you so much for watching!

Don't miss an episode. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,

GenFriends Genealogy Chat Show: Grip 2026 with Gena Philibert-Ortega and Kristi Sexton.

2026-02-24T14:23:00.000-05:00

The panel, Melissa Barker, Laura Hedgecock, Shelley Murphy, Mary Kircher Roddy, and I, welcome Gena and Kristi to tell us about what the GRIP Institute is, the 2026 lineup of courses, and how to become a GRIP course coordinator.

Have you been to GRIP?

We'd love to hear from you.

Links in this episode:

Grip Institute

https://grip.ngsgenealogy.org/

GRIP Call for Presentations:

https://conferencekeeper.org/call-for-papers/

Contact the panelists:

Melissa Barker -A Genealogist in the Archives

Jenny Hawran-Like Herding Cats Genealogy

Laura Hedgecock-Treasure Chest of Memories

Mary Kircher Roddy-MKR Genealogy

Shelley Murphey-Family Tree Girl

https://katepenneyhoward.com/

Thank you so much for watching!

Don't miss an episode. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,

GenFriends Genealogy Chat Show: Kate Penney Howard: From RootsTech to Professional Genealogist.

2026-02-18T09:30:00.000-05:00

The panel, Melissa Barker, Jenny Hawran, Laura Hedgecock, Mary Kircher Roddy, and I welcome Kate Penny Howard.

Watch as Kate shares her compelling story of how setting a goal to attend RootsTech after chemo led her to become a Professional Genealogist.

We all have journeys that lead us to where we are today.

What's yours?

We would love to hear from you!

Links in this episode:

Kate Penny Howard

Contact the panelists:

Melissa Barker -A Genealogist in the Archives

Jenny Hawran-Like Herding Cats Genealogy

Laura Hedgecock-Treasure Chest of Memories

Mary Kircher Roddy-MKR Genealogy

Shelley Murphey-Family Tree Girl

Thank you so much for watching!

Don't miss an episode. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,

This Week On My Family History Calendar-Remembering Two Female Ancestors

2026-02-15T16:00:00.001-05:00

February 17~
Louvinia Blanche (Thames) Hudson (1886-1918), my paternal great-grandmother, would be celebrating her 140th birthday today. Blanche was born in Clarendon County, South Carolina, to Benjamin Thomas Thames (1854-1930) and Margaret Francis (Gibson) Thames (1854-1929).

February 20~
My Paternal 3rd great-grandmother, Mary Alice (Dargan) Bradford (1825-1875), died 151 years ago in Sumter County, South Carolina.

Who are you remembering this week?

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Helping you climb your family tree,

Celebration Sunday -Genealogy Happy Dance! A Book Signing at RootsTech

2026-02-15T08:00:00.004-05:00

Celebration Sunday is a place to share your discoveries.

This weekly series enables everyone to tell about their Genealogy Happy Dance moment.
Share by scrolling
down and add your story to the comments section, or you may also link to a blog post about what had you dancing this week.

My Happy Dance Moment for the week:
I am so honored to be participating in a book signing at RootsTech 2026 with these wonderful authors! If you are going to RootsTech in person, please drop by the GenealogyBank Booth (1209) on Thursday, 5 March at 3:30! I would love to see you!

What were you celebrating?
Share your Happy Dance Moment for the week, and let's celebrate together!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Helping you climb your family tree,

GenFriends Genealogy Chat Show: New AI Feature on Goldie May with Richard Miller

2026-02-11T09:26:00.000-05:00

The panel, Melissa Barker, Jenny Hawran, and I welcome Richard Miller, developer of Godie May, to tell us about its new AI feature.

Watch as Richard shows us the way AI has been added to Goldie May for a powerful way to research your family.

Have you tried Goldie May?

We'd love to hear from you.

Links in this episode:

Goldie May https://www.goldiemay.com/ Goldie May's AI Assistant https://youtu.be/vHoTMgopnIk

Contact the panelists:

Melissa Barker -A Genealogist in the Archives

Jenny Hawran-Like Herding Cats Genealogy

Laura Hedgecock-Treasure Chest of Memories

Mary Kircher Roddy-MKR Genealogy

Shelley Murphey-Family Tree Girl

https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/freedmens-bureau

Thank you so much for watching!

Don't miss an episode. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,

This Week On My Family History Calendar-Remembering Pop and a Paternal 6th Great Grandmother

2026-02-08T16:00:00.001-05:00

February 9 ~
Catherine Ann (Singleton) Dargan (1729-1808), my paternal 6th great-grandmother, was born in Virginia 297 years ago. Her parents were Robert Singleton and Ann. Catherine may have been called by her middle name, Ann. She was the wife of Capt. John Dargan (1726-1766) and lived in Sumter County, South Carolina.

Feb. 14~
My paternal grandfather, Benjamin Allen Hudson (1918-1976), died 50 years ago in Lake City, Florence, South Carolina. He was 57 years old when he suffered a heart attack while working in his backyard and passed away.

We miss you, "Pop."

Who are you remembering this week?

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Helping you climb your family tree,

Celebration Sunday-Genealogy Happy Dance! Finding an Ancestor in the Freedmen's Bureau Records-Thanks, Shelley!

2026-02-08T08:00:00.039-05:00

Celebration Sunday is a place to share your discoveries.

This weekly series enables everyone to tell about their Genealogy Happy Dance moment.
Share by scrolling
down and add your story to the comments section, or you may also link to a blog post about what had you dancing this week.

"South Carolina, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99ZG-8XCR?view=explore : Feb 8, 2026), image 1067 of 1268, BR Gibson contract with Richard Gibson, 1867, pg. 3.

My Happy Dance Moment for the week:

After listening to Shelley Murphy share how to search the Freedmen's Bureau Records on FamilySearch using Full Text Search, on GenFriends, I used her instructions to search for some of my family who may have been included.
And sure enough, I found a record! This is a labor contract between my ancestor Benjamin Reese Gibson and a man named Richard Gibson. Richard said he would work the land and, in return, receive a portion of the harvest. Now, I am trying to determine who Richard was. He was not a family member, and most likely was someone who was formerly enslaved either by the Gibson family or someone else in the community. He doesn't appear in the 1870 census, at least under this name.
A clue to add more to the family story.
Thanks, Shelley!

What were you celebrating?
Share your Happy Dance Moment for the week, and let's celebrate together!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Helping you climb your family tree,

GenFriends Genealogy Chat Show: How to Search for Family in the Freedmen's Bureau Records

2026-02-04T08:02:00.000-05:00

The panel, Melissa Barker, Jenny Hawran, Laura Hedgecock, Mary Kircher Roddy, and I learn how to search for family in the Freedmen's Bureau Records from Shelley Murphy.

Watch as Shelley walks us through how to find and search through these records that can help families connect with ancestors during the aftermath of the Civil War in many southern states. We learn that these records are often mistaken for records of African Americans, but they include all ethnic groups, from labor contracts to letters and more.

Have you used the Freedmen's Bureau in your research?

We'd love to hear about it.

Links in this episode:

Freedman's Bureau

Freedmen's Bureau FamilySearch

https://www.familysearch.org/en/search/collection/2721171

Mapping the Freedmen's Bureau

https://mappingthefreedmensbureau.com/maps/

Freedmen's Friday

https://thebpog.org/thebpog/

Freedmen Friday

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063649637247

Contact the panelists:

Melissa Barker -A Genealogist in the Archives

Jenny Hawran-Like Herding Cats Genealogy

Laura Hedgecock-Treasure Chest of Memories

Mary Kircher Roddy-MKR Genealogy

Shelley Murphey-Family Tree Girl