Discover your past … Discover yourself

Posted on June 23, 2010 by

Prairie Roots logoWelcome to the Prairie Roots Genealogy blog, a companion to the Prairie Roots Research website. This blog chronicles a journey of discovery, exploring the history of Iowa’s people and places. Join me in this adventure; together we’ll explore Iowa’s nooks & crannies, investigate historical & genealogical resources, and gain a greater understanding of our Iowa heritage.

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National Archives Central Plains Region

Posted on May 15, 2012 by
National Archives Central Plains Region

National Archives Central Plains Region, Kansas City, Missouri

You don’t have to travel all the way to Washington, D.C., to find federal records of Iowa significance. The National Archives Central Plains Region in Kansas City, Missouri, is home to many useful and important government documents.

Located at 400 West Pershing Road in Kansas City, the Central Plains Regional Archives house documents, photographs, maps, and more, created or received by Federal Courts and over eighty Federal agencies in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Continue reading →

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Federal Census Research: 1850

Posted on May 15, 2012 by
1850-censustaker

1850 Census Taker. U.S. Census Bureau photo.

Until 1850, Federal census enumerations only listed heads of households, with other household members identified only statistically, by age and sex. So researchers rejoice to find their families in the 1850 census, the first to identify every individual in each household by name. Four additional schedules were completed: Slave, Agriculture, Mortality and Industry.

1850 U.S. census highlights:

  • The “as of” date for this census is 1 June 1850.
  • Although all indivuduals are named, it’s important to remember that their relationship to the head of household is not stated. Be careful not to jump to conclusions about those relationships—keep looking for other records, including other census years, that might confirm or clarify how those individuals fit into your family structure.
  • Don’t overlook the column for “value of real estate owned,” a good clue that you might need to access local or federal land records for your ancestor.
  • Occupations for individuals over age fifteen are included.
  • Couples married within the past year are noted. This is a good lead for a marriage date.
  • Don’t overlook the other schedules to get a complete picture of your family in 1850. Continue reading →
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Somewhere in Time…IGS Wedding Memories

Posted on May 14, 2012 by

1914 Wedding Gown. Somewhere in Time: IGS Wedding Memories.

The Iowa Genealogical Society is currently hosting a very special exhibit in the West Wing of the IGS Library, 628 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines.

“Somewhere in Time: IGS Wedding Memories,” is a fundraiser exhibit of IGS member heirloom wedding dresses, apparel and accessories, along with vintage photographs and wedding stories.

The event kicked off last weekend, and will remain open to the public this Thursday through Saturday, May 17 – 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. A $5 donation is requested at the door. All funds raised benefit IGS programs and services.

The oldest gown displayed dates to 1863. Other heirloom treasures feature fashions and artifacts from the Edwardian Era, the Great Depression, World War II, and the Post-war Era. Photographs and family wedding stories enhance this unique event.

Travel back through time with the Iowa Genealogical Society, learn about wedding trends through the ages; enjoy and celebrate a rare glimpse of Iowa’s ancestral wedding memories!

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The Mexican War: 1846 – 1848

Posted on May 8, 2012 by

David S. & Jeanne T. Heidler, Greenwood Guides to Historic Events: The Mexican War (Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 2006). 264 pages, hardcover. $46.95.

Did your ancestor participate in the Mexican War? I have not identified anyone on my family tree who did, but the events of that time period are significant for any Iowa researcher or student of American history.

David & Jeanne Heidler have produced a solidly researched text exploring the political and military circumstances that produced the Mexican War in 1846. Written for high school or undergraduate students (which may explain the price), this little volume is a good introduction to the conflict between the United State and Mexico. The maps are very good, and equal time is given to both sides of the conflict. Original documents and biographies of the key players are included at the back of the book.

If you expect to learn about the American troops and militia who participated, and where they were from, you will be somewhat disappointed. The book does not delve into troop numbers or origins in any detail. But if you want to get an introduction to this seldom-studied conflict that was a training ground for so many Civil War figures, this is a well-written and engaging volume.

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Federal Census Research: 1860

Posted on May 8, 2012 by
U.S. Patent Office, Washington, D.C. 1860

U.S. Patent Office, Washington, D.C. 1860. U.S. Census Bureau photo.

On the brink of Civil War, the 1860 census was the last decennial census to include a slave schedule. The Government Printing Office improved uniformity for the first time by printing all the forms used across the country.

The “as of” date was 1 June 1860. Each page included the name of the county, township, and post office.

Similar to the 1850 questionnaire, 1860 added a column for the value of personal estate. Occupations are listed for each individual over the age of fifteen. Continue reading →

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Iowa Calendar: May 2012

Posted on April 30, 2012 by

May really kicks off the season for many of Iowa’s smaller museums and attractions, in addition to events that honor our veterans on Memorial Day. So much to see and do, so little time!

Tuesday, 1 May: Human Rights and American Women. 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. State Historical Society of Iowa Centennial Building, 402 Iowa Avenue, Iowa City.

Students of University of Iowa Professor Linda K. Kerber will present their original research. Kerber’s students have used library and archival materials from the Iowa Women’s Archive and the State Historical Society of Iowa to investigate cases where human rights issues were at stake. Their lectures will reveal untold stories of how American women and their families have faced challenges to citizenship, identity, and human rights in Iowa and the Midwest. Call (319) 335-3911 for more information. Website: http://www.iowahistory.org Continue reading →

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Midwest Genealogy Center

Posted on April 30, 2012 by

Midwest Genealogy Center, Independence, Missouri

One of the finest libraries in the Midwest is located in Independence, Missouri, and makes for a great family history research road trip.

The Midwest Genealogy Center is located at 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road, Independence, Missouri. It’s easy to find: take Exit 14 north from I-70 about 1½ miles on Lee’s Summit Road to South Kiger Road. Turn left — you’ll see the library right away.

This beautiful, state-of-the art, user-friendly library was built in 2008 and houses an extensive and diverse collection of family history resources. Not at all limited to Missouri resources, you can investigate over 70,000 reference volumes covering a broad range of topics for many states, including Iowa: compiled state records, local histories, family genealogies, maps, and more, including over 59,000 rolls of microfilm. Continue reading →

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Iowa and the Civil War: Nothing But Victory

Posted on April 13, 2012 by
Company D, 7th Iowa Volunteer Infantry

Company D, 7th Iowa Volunteer Infantry

Here is something you won’t want to miss! The State Historical Society announces a new exhibit– Iowa and the Civil War: Nothing But Victory, opening Saturday, 14 April 2012, at the State Historical Museum, 600 East Locust, Des Moines.

Discover the stories of Iowa and those who served during America’s bloodiest conflict. With more than 300 authentic artifacts and documents, this 10,000 square-foot exhibition recounts the first-hand experiences of Iowans at war and the communities that supported them.

See the historic battle flags Iowa troops carried into battle and the actual weaponry – cannons, guns and swords – they used while fighting in some of the most important events and turning points of the Civil War. Continue reading →

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Federal Census Research: 1870

Posted on April 13, 2012 by
1870 census office

In 1876, Census Bureau headquarters is listed as being located in room 20 of "Wright's Building" at the corner of G and 8th Streets, NW. U.S. Census Bureau photo.

The 1870 federal census was the first following the Civil War, and the first to reflect emancipation. This was also the first time Native Americans were counted with the regular population, unless they lived on reservations.

The “as of” date was 1 June 1870. Special questions to note:

  • If born within the year (1 June 1869 – 31 May 1870) state month
  • If married within the year (1 June 1869 – 31 May 1870) state month
  • Are mother/father of foreign birth?
  • Male citizens  of U.S. age 21 and upwards
  • Male citizens of U.S. age 21 and upwards whose right to vote was denied or abridges on other grounds than rebellion or other crime.

The citizenship questions are in reference to the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which guarantees citizenship, due process, and equal protection under the law for men regardless of race. Continue reading →

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The Essential American: Henry Clay

Posted on April 3, 2012 by
Henry Clay, the Essential American

Henry Clay, the Essential American

David S. and Jeanne T. Heidler, Henry Clay, The Essential American (New York: Random House, 2011), 495pp. Paperback. Available at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com, $18.00.

Taking a break from reading about U.S. presidents, I just finished a wonderful book by by David S. and Jeanne T. Heidler. Henry Clay, The Essential American is a beautifully written volume chronicling the lives and times of statesman Henry Clay.

The Heidlers truly bring Clay to life, and in the process weave a richly descriptive narrative of the politics, culture and historical events between 1777 and 1852. Their portrait of Clay is sympathetic, yet balanced, and I learned more about the times he lived in, and the presidents he served under, than I have from most of the presidential biographies I’ve read.

Henry Clay (1777 – 1852) was a Kentucky lawyer and politician who shaped the course of American history as much as any of the presidents he served under. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1811, he served three terms as Speaker and was later elected to the Senate, where he remained until his death in 1852. Between 1825 and 1829 he served as Secretary of State in John Quincy Adam’s administration. Continue reading →

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