Just like a truck driving through a construction zone, I am embracing the concept of slowing down in my family history research. I want to capture the stories of my ancestors and I’m not going to do that by speeding through it. In this post, learn some ways as a genealogist that you can be more thoughtful in your research and do it right the first time.
In the beginning, like every new budding genealogist, you want to see how far back you can go as fast as you can. So, you become a name collector. All you are interested in is the names and dates of your ancestors (and usually just on your direct line).
By slowing down you get a chance to think, analyze what you’ve found, and write up stories about your ancestors…not just collect names. And it’s the stories that give them meaning and make them interesting. They become more than just a name.
I’m Part Dutch!
Over the past few months, I’ve been tackling my dad’s Dutch side. When I first started genealogy, I didn’t even know we had a Dutch side! This line intimidated me for the longest time, but I am confident now that I can tackle this family line.
My Krewson Family
The first time the surname “Krewson” appears is my 2nd great-grandmother, Susanna Krewson. She was born around 1829 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and married Andrew Bothell in 1847 in Newtown, Bucks County.
The Krewson surname is interesting (and challenging) because it can be spelled in so many ways…Krewsen, Kroesen, Cruson, etc. This couple and their children eventually migrated south to Cecil County, Maryland. My truck driving route goes right through Cecil County and it’s all I can do not to stop and go to the library or historical society!
Susanna was the daughter of John Krewson and Jane Parker. How do I know that? It took a lot of digging, correlating, and plenty of thinking! Births were not recorded at that time. I have not located a baptism record for her and she never appeared on a census record with her parents.
Census Records
The 1850 census record was the first one that listed every member of the household by name. At that time, Susanna had already married and was living with her husband and children (still in Bucks County, PA).
From the first census in 1790 to 1840, only heads of households were named. Everyone else was just a tick mark in an age group. So, in 1850 she was with her husband, Andrew, and children, Alexander and Charles. The Bothell surname had plenty of spelling variations too!
Other Records
Her direct connection to her father is solely through his will, where he mentions each child by name (women by their married name). And there she is…Susanna Bothel.
It was only through her siblings’ baptism records, other census records, and her parent’s Find A Grave memorials that I could prove Jane Parker was her mother.
Finally
Susanna’s story is there, it’s just hidden in the records of those around her. I hope to find mention of her in her husband, Andrew’s Civil War service record, which I’m patiently waiting for from NARA.
Genealogy tip: Take the time to really look at what you’ve found. Many times the answer to our research question lies in a record we already have. By really scouring each record you’re sure not to miss a thing!
If slowing down in your research has led you to a brick wall, contact me and we can work together to break it down.
