The Ancestor Hunt’s Top 100 Free Genealogy Websites

https://theancestorhunt.com/blog/the-ancestor-hunts-top-100-free-genealogy-websites/

Genealogy Toolbox

Below are some sites where you can find great genealogical dictionaries, glossaries, information on abbreviations and much, much more! I've included Cyndi's List since there are even more references to be found there.

1.       Ancestry's Glossary of DNA Terms

2.       Ancestry's Glossary of Genealogical Terms

3.       Berks County Genealogical Society - Helpful Tips Genealogy Terms

4.       Cyndi's List Genealogy Dictionaries & Glossaries

5.       Family History Daily 300 Historical Abbreviations Explained

6.       FamilySearch Research Wiki - A Glossary of Genealogical Terms

7.       FamilySearch Research Wiki: Genealogical Terms

8.       FamiyTreeDNA Glossary Terms

9.       Family Tree Magazine Genealogy Terms Glossary

10.   Family Tree Magazine Ultimate List of DNA and Genetic Genealogy Terms (+ Free Download)

11.   Genealogy in Time First Name Abbreviations

12.   Genealogy in Time Genealogy Word Dictionary

13.   Genealogy in Time Latin Dictionary

14.   Genealogy.com Genealogy Glossary

15.   Genealogy Quest Glossary of Terms

16.   Genealogy Trails – Genealogy Terms Encountered While Family Researching

17.   Gramps Project Genealogy Glossary

18.   International Society of Genetic Genealogy Wiki Genetics Glossary

19.   MyHeritage Genealogy Glossary: Common Genealogy Terms Explained

20.   MyHeritage Genealogy Glossary: Common DNA Terms Explained

21.   MyHeritage Guide to abbreviations and key genealogy terms

22.   National Cemetery Administration Headstone and Marker Inscriptions

23.   PBS History Detectives Genealogy Glossary

24.   Root To Branches Genealogy Terms Explained

25.   Roots Dictionary of Genealogy & Archaic Terms

26.   RootsWeb Genealogy Abbreviations

27.   RootsWeb Genealogy Terms

28.   The DNA Geek – A Genetic Genealogy Glossary

29.   Thomber.net Glossary of Old Medical Terms

30.   Treemily Comprehensive Glossary of Genealogical Terms

State of Franklin - August 23, 1784

August 23, 1784 that four counties in northeast Tennessee declared their independence from North Carolina to become the "State of Franklin."  Within a few months, four other counties joined.  All of the settlers in the area did not agree with secession from North Carolina, and even today, many history buffs in the area consider themselves as either "Tiptonites" or "Franklinites."  This new state only lasted around four years and eventually the area became a part of Tennessee. 

We have over 30 documents in our collection here at the archives that bear the heading, "State of Franklin."  These have been digitized and may be viewed on our website at: https://wctnarchives.org/state-of-franklin-documents/

Proclamation 23 Aug 1775

King George III declared the colonies to be in open rebellion to his authority and were subject to severe punishment. This proclamation asserted that patriots were dangerous traitors, and any person failing to report them was also subject to penalty. Our brave founders did not cower at this enormous threat from the king as he failed to strike fear in the hearts of our patriots. Less than one year later, America declared its independence, showing the world that America would never be ruled by tyrants, but by its own free people.

Have You Read Many Newspapers from Early America? Start Here.

The Library of Congress has a free section on their website, specifically sharing newspapers throughout American history. It's designated as "Chronicling America" and it pulled me down the rabbit hole. I only paused to write this blog post!

Click here to check it out.

3 Facts about early American newspapers.

1) The first known American newspaper to be printed was in 1704.

I have to give this one to Boston! Even larger cities like New York and Philadelphia were over a decade behind Beantown. Titled the Boston News-Letter, it ran weekly until 1776.

Click here to read the details from the Massachusetts Historical Society (which is history in itself, founded in 1791).

2) The oldest long-running newspaper in America hails from Connecticut.

Another point to New England! Thomas Green started printing the Harford Courant (first-known as the Connecticut Courant) in October of 1764. Extra note for you Sunday-paper lovers- the first Sunday edition of the Courant came out in 1913.

Click here for the history of this early American newspaper, direct from Connecticuthistory.org.

3) 37 newspapers were in print by the time of the American Revolution.

Seeing so many version of the Virginia Gazette, this doesn't surprise me. Being that we were still British at that time, all were formatted like London papers. Like today, printers (publishers) had their own style and since every colony was made up of people with their own ideas, cultures, and needs, the papers reflected the differences.

Click here to learn about early American newspapers from a website titled Colonial Print Culture.

Soldiers Shaving

This poem is an excerpt from my chapbook "Revolutionary Verse", a free download, or if you prefer a printed copy, buy direct, click here.

Poem inspired by the General Washington addresses about beard and cleanliness in the ranks of the Continental Army at Valley Forge, April, 1778:
“Slovenliness and unsoldierly neglect in other respects ought rather to excite each man to compensate those blemishes by redoubled attention to the means which he has in his power; For instance, the soldier may always shave his beard, appear with clean hands and face & in general have an air of neatness which will be conspicuous under all disadvantages.”

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-14-02-0402

 

 Soldiers Shaving

On the Twelfth Day, Shaving Must Be Clear

Clean-shaven soldiers, neatness held as pride,

No whisker dared to tarnish ranks' esteem,

In Washington's command, no beards abide.

 

The frontier harsh, yet razors still applied,

Through diaries and orders, clear the theme,

Clean-shaven soldiers, neatness held as pride.

 

No stubble left for fashion to provide,

A shadowed cheek disrupts the proper scheme,

In Washington's command, no beards abide.

 

Through discipline, such blemishes denied,

A soldier's honor bound to shave supreme,

Clean-shaven soldiers, neatness held as pride.

 

With razor’s stroke, their dignity implied,

Their duty sharp, their ranks a polished dream,

In Washington's command, no beards abide.

 

To stray from this, their punishment supplied,

For slovenly neglect, provisions deem,

Clean-shaven soldiers, neatness held as pride,

 In Washington's command, no beards abide.

 

Join us in celebrating the spirit of the American Revolution with "Revolutionary Verse." Whether you're a history enthusiast, a poetry lover, or simply someone who appreciates the sacrifices made for freedom, this chapbook is a must-read. Experience the power of verse to connect us with our heritage and inspire us for the future.

This “Chapbook” is a free PDF download, or hardcopy can be purchased and mailed to you.  

OR Download the Flysheet

Click or type in the URL to order the book directly from the printing company.

Author Spotlight - Lulu (Printer)

https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/lawsrl

Scroll to bottom to see catalog

ISBN 978-1-300-33836-9

(Soft Cover Perfect Bound)