Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen

We kick off Season 4 of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen covering military research at the National Archives, St. Louis with Lori Berdak Miller of Redbird Research. What if your ancestor's military personnel records were lost in the 1973  Fire?  Lori gives hints on reconstructing these lost records.Her passion as a document retriever and military researcher shines through as she shares her finds within these military archival records. Contact Lori at Redbird ResearchBe sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

Is Black and White genealogy research different?John dropped by the office to have a chat with Kathleen.  It gets personal!linktr.ee/hittinthebricks Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

Have you ever hit a brickwall in your family history research that seemed insurmountable? Howard Murray joined us from Colorado to trace his elusive two times great-grandmother Francis/Frances. She vanished from records between 1880 and 1900. Our HTB with Kathleen conversation offers strategies that you may use to leap over similar hurdles. Surprise: Family ties emerge as Howard and Kathleen uncover their shared DNA connection from Saline County, Missouri and Pratt County, KS ancestors. Our chat with Howard is an episode you won't want to miss. Join us and possibly find the missing piece in your family legacy!Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

Researching your ancestor was "placed out" during the orphan train movement of 1854 - 1920's? Brace yourself for an episode that might just reshape how you research this pivotal, yet shadowy, segment of American history. John questions Kathleen on the transport of children bustling East Coast cities to all 48 states.  No state was missed as the trains traversed the heartland's rural expanses to the reach the southern and western states.Kathleen brings a wealth of knowledge to our conversation, casting a light on the diverse tapestry of experiences faced by the orphaned children.  John is also seeking more information on his half-brother, Bob, who grew up within the walls of a boys' "boarding home" rather than the family homes. This episode doesn't just recount the past; it connects us to the human stories that continue to echo through time.Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen is supported by our generous sponsors:     MyHeritage.com     Caymus Vineyards, CA & Private Donors to TracingAncestors.comBe sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

Ever wondered how the unsung heroes of local genealogy societies are keeping the threads of local history and culture alive and their doors open? Kathleen uncovers the rich tapestry of contributions local societies.  By the end of our talk, you'll value these small genealogy societies not just as repositories of the past, but as vibrant storytellers preserving our collective legacy.Here is the link to the article: Don't Let It Happen to Genealogy Societies. Join us in supporting our local genealogical societies. Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

The military records of Dante Barber's third great-grandfather, David Barber confirmed David enlisted in the Civil War -  USCT at Ft Leavenworth, Kansas. David and wife Sophia Bullitt, were born in KY. Yet, all of their children were born in Missouri. In this DIY genealogy project, Dante will have to comb through records of KY, MO and Kansas to get his genealogical question answered: What can we learn about David Barber, born about 1819, prior to the Civil War?Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

Join us for a DNA myster. Our guest Alexis Bagale from Michigan  has been navigating DNA testing results to uncover the parents of her 2nd great-grandmother, Ellen Conard. Does her answer lie within the X chromosome? Let's review inheritance of the X-chromosome.Don't forget to share your thoughts on our Facebook page!Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

Unravel the mysteries of genealogy with Ann Blackburn, our distinguished guest and hobbyist genealogist from St. Louis, Missouri! Let's delve into the complexities of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) application process as Ann reveals her ordeal with incorrect historical details provided by earlier descendants.Be sure to listen to the special appearance from Chewey 's Mystery Minute as he walks us through a county formation analysis.Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

The echoes of the past resonate as we delve into the beauty of names, the intricacies of genealogy, and the wistful memories of grandparents, aunts, and uncles.   Now, imagine discovering a whole new branch of your family tree.  So, tune in and join us in this captivating episode about names, genealogy, and the timeless traditions of our families.Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

The perfect episode for the DIY genealogist! We all love a good myth-busting session, and what better topic than the US Census! John needs Kathleen to address his burning census questions!  (Shhh! He didn't like all the answers). This question/answer session covers census and census substitutes. We cover colonial era enumeration schedules (Musters), as well as Federal census quirks starting in 1790. Don't forget the 1850 and 1860 slave schedules!We love equipping you a few must-visit resources:stevemorse.org archives.gov (About Census Records)census.gov (instructions for census taker)a3genealogy (search bar in upper lefthand corner)Trust us - you won't want to miss this episode!Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

Have you ever wondered just how deep the roots of your family tree reach? In today's DIY genealogy episode, we embark on an adventure alongside our guest, retired military veteran and IT professional, Bruce Gebbeken. As we explore the enigmatic life of his great-grandfather, James Jordan, we navigate the puzzling labyrinth of census records and familial silence. Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

John catches up with Kathleen while she's traveling doing research for clients, in Richmond Virginia with Kevin Spire, an a3genealogy intern. They talk about their work at the Library of Congress as well as other valuable repositories in the D.C., VA. area. Chewey has a  highlighted spot.Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

This episode challenges assumptions and forces Nancy to cross-reference documents to reveal the true lineage of a family.  In this DIY genealogy expedition, Kathleen delves into the mysteries of the Carpenter family, unearthing alias names and debunks relationships. Trees, census records, biographical sketches are riddled with errors!We also acknowledge our amazing sponsors and vibrant Facebook community. We cordially invite you to share your thoughts on this episode.Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

Ever wondered what mysteries your family name might hold? Our guest, Dina Newman from Kansas City, shares her captivating DIY genealogy journey of tracing her roots, uncovering unexpected connections and piecing together a complex family history. As we delve into the unusual last name of Tyeskey, we explore not only a tale of adopted surnames but also a story that reaches back to ex-slave Phyllis Petite and a Texas plantation owner, Jack Bell. This isn't just a tale of name changes; it's a deep dive into the identities that names can shape,  and the stories they silently hold.As we navigate the winding roads of Dina's family history, we uncover the intriguing heritage of the Tyeskey family,  and their ties to Oklahoma and Texas.  We also shed light on the riveting tale of Phyllis Petite, revealing unexpected historical threads that challenge the familiar narratives of Dina's family history. From Fort Gibson to Rusk County, Texas, prepare to embark on an enthralling excursion into the past, unraveling mysteries, and exploring the fascinating intersection of names, family, and identity.Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

Ever wonder how your newly arrived immigrants tackled the new land? Join us for a fascinating journey as we trace the Greek ancestry of our neighbor and guest, Stephanie Holthaus. Stephanie captivates us with tales of her maternal grandfather, Pete Constantine Chepolas. We aid Stephanie through a maze of Greek related ancestral records to trace her family from Greece to Texas with a few stops along the way. Plus, we explore an unexpected twist in Stephanie's ancestry — a DNA cousin of Turkish descent!Tune in for this engrossing exploration into family history and DYI Greek genealogy!Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

We've got an intriguing genealogy mystery on our hands, as we chat with Bonnie Flatt from Illinois about her brick wall: Her DIY research reveals her great-grandfather, Richard Bush. Born in 1834 in either Illinois or Indiana, Richard's origins remain elusive, and Bonnie's quest for answers has led her to explore various strategies, such as understanding the naming conventions of the time period, investigating land records, and examining military records, wills, deeds, and probates.Elusive Ancestor Research TipsUnscramble the family using  and analyzing the following:Marriage RecordsAnalyzing Census Records by following children names, and ages and others living in the home.County Court RecordsCemetery Records. Or death certificates if recorded by stateDNA Analysis to connect to family, if applicable. May wish to use a professional.Wills Land Records Military recordsNeed More Information visit a3Genealogy blog: Elusive Ancestor Research tips and Hints posted 25 Jun 2023: linktr.ee/a3genealogyBe sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

E201  On this first episode of Season 2, join us on an enlightening journey as we explore the world of DIY genealogy with our inspiring guest, Ronnie, a dedicated teacher from Farmingdale, Long Island. Roni  joins Kathleen for a session that sorts out four Samuels, the Salvation Army, and why assumptions are the arch enemies of genealogy heroes.  Research Sites/ Repositories Bronx Jewish Synagogues:         http://www.bronxsynagogues.org/ic/bronxsyn/survey.htmlNYC Dept of Vital Records: https://a860-historicalvitalrecords.nyc.gov/searchJewish Gen: https://www.jewishgen.org/databases/jgform.phpJewish Genealogy Society of NY: https://groups.jewishgen.org/g/mainFamilysearch.org:  https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&query=%2Bsubject%3Ajewish Familysearch Wiki:  Russia Jewish Records        https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Russia_Jewish_Recordsfold3.com: may have the naturalization records of parents or holder siblings born in Russia.  This database is most often  free through your library card. NY – NARA:  New York National Archives may hold naturalization records.  https://www.archives.gov/nyc USCIS. For naturalization records  after Sep 1906; some ship manifests https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-639.pdfOther ResourcesResearch Orthodox Church in America (OCA) https://blog.a3genealogy.com/2012/06/research-orthodox-church-in-america-oca.html7 Steps to Begin Jewish Genealogical Research https://blog.a3genealogy.com/2018/01/7-steps-to-begin-your-jewish-research.htmlAnd be sure to follow the a3Genealogy blog for a full blog post on this topic.Happy Research (and learning). Be sure to provide feedback for each episode. Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

Kathleen and Vickie begin a search in the Indian Territory (Oklahoma ) for Vickie's great-grandmother Ellen's maiden name. Kathleen's advice? "Let's let's go back to the starting gate." She outlined 10 resources/steps to review even before the DNA analysis.  The more information gathered on the family for your DNA analysis, the more success you'll have toward reaching your goal.  This Do it yourself genealogy work will help Vickie build a strong foundation to stand on when she starts swinging the hammer on her family brick wall.What was Ellen’s Maiden Name?1.     Organize. Separate family units (i.e. children from first and second husbands, and  grandchildren.)2.     Local Records. School census and enrollment documents will provide birthdates and parentage hints, and possible extended families.  Review school records for all of Ellen’s children and those under her care. 3.     Church Records. Marriage records often name parents, and family members as witnesses.  Local preachers may have kept records. You may uncover Ellen’s maiden name through her family connections.4.     Vital Records. Birth certificates, delayed birth certificates, and death certificates may name mother’s maiden name. These may also assist with #1: separating family units. 5.     Social Security Application ($$). This may not be fruitful at this time, as the children of Ellen may not know their mother’s maiden name. But, be sure to re-evaluate the cost/risk benefit. 6.     Marriage Records. Marriage applications often name mother’s maiden name. Review the marriage records for all children of Ellen.7.     Midwife Records / Family Bibles.  Midwives typically know the families and may have recorded Ellen’s maiden name. Don’t forget to research the midwife. Many families had a midwife in the family.  8.     Newspapers (Local and Online). Obituaries and even court recorder published announcements may proffer names and relationships. Who was Ellen’s family? 9.     Land Records. James (and/or Ellen) owned their land.  How did they acquire it?  Land deeds may provide hints to Ellen’s family, parents, or name first husband, if applicable.10. Native American Records / Applications (NARA).  Don’t forget the rejected applications also.   Our goal here was to identify records that often name mother’s maiden name.Interested in participating in an future episode of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen, just submit the form.Kathleen Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!

Kathleen and Rhonda go in search of the elusive Dr. Benjamin Fuller. The timeframe covers the prohibition era.  As Kathleen says, you have to be creative when your brickwall conundrum is: 1 man; with 2 wives; who uses 3 names; covers 4 states; and 5 counties.  She also says, "This is a do it yourself (DIY) genealogy podcast. “Ill show you where the shovel is, but I'm not digging up your family.”Learn more tips to the researching your legal (and not so legal) missing ancestor: Further research tips? Ancestor Was Prohibition Era Pharmacists, Druggists, or Doctors?  Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!