QFHS Snippets - June 2010 Volume 10, No. 6


Join us at our Annual General Meeting on 16 June and see the new committee being elected.

A grant of up to $10, 000 is available through The Lord Mayor’s Helen Taylor Award for Local History.

Enjoy browsing though historic photos on two Queensland websites.

There’s a new atlas of Canada now available online.

The power of the internet has reunited a father and son after 37 years.

Happy researching!

Please to send your Snippets pieces to us at: snippets@qfhs.org.au

Table of Contents    QFHS Snippets - June 2010 Volume 10, No. 6

    1. About This Newsletter
    2. QFHS Gaythorne Centre
    3. QFHS Dates to Remember
    4. Caloundra Family History Research
    5. Paddington Cemetery Talk and Tour
    6. Genealogy Online - Chermside & Brisbane Square
    7. History Alive
    8. Queensland State Archives 2010 Saturday Openings
    9. Queensland State Archives Seminar
    10. Read all about it! Newspapers at the State Library
    11. The Lord Mayor's Helen Taylor Award for Local History
    12. Some Historic Photos of Old Queensland
    13. Hinchinbrook Shire Library (North Queensland)
    14. DNA Proves Charles Kingston Philandering Theory
    15. National Library of Australia - Trove
    16. 5,000 New WW1 Records Go Online at findmypast.co.uk
    17. 1939 National Identity Register - Scotland
    18. Alan MacLeod Ancestry Research in Scotland
    19. Canada's Online Atlas
    20. Facebook Reunites Father and Son After 37 Years
    21. Find the Popularity of Your Surname
    22. Take a Second Look at Names on Certificates
    23. June's Joke
    24. Acknowledgements

1.    About This Newsletter

Snippets is a monthly publication of the Queensland Family History Society Inc. (QFHS). QFHS Website http://www.qfhs.org.au/

Please do not click on reply to contact Snippets - the 'click on reply' facility is strictly for 'un-subscribing' to the mailing list.

You are encouraged to contribute items which you feel would be of general interest to the family historian hunting for that illusive relative. Humorous items and items relating to the technology of using computers in genealogy are also welcome. Submit your BRIEF items supplemented by hyperlinks to additional details.

Snippets will rarely include items of a commercial nature and only then when they are likely to be of interest to a majority of our readers.

Submit your items to us via: snippets@qfhs.org.au
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2.     QFHS Gaythorne Centre

Our address is:

    58 Bellevue Ave
    Gaythorne QLD 4051
    QFHS library - (07) 3355 3369

For details about QFHS Centre, including location map, transport etc, click here: http://www.qfhs.org.au/location_hours.htm#Library

3.     QFHS Dates to Remember

QFHS Monthly General Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month (but not in January and December), at the QFHS Library, and start at 7:30pm. Attendance is free, and visitors are welcome.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, 16 June.

Join us for our Annual General Meeting when office bearers will be elected and a presentation will be made to the Family History Award recipient.  Top of page
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QFHS Daytime Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month (but not in January and December) at 20 Marmont Street, Geebung from 10am - 12 Noon.

The next meeting will be held on 7 June.

Contact Maureen Mutton on 3265 4378 if you would like to attend.  Top of page
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Central European Group

Meetings are held 10am - Noon on the 4th Saturday of each odd-numbered month. A $2 donation goes toward purchasing relevant records.

The next meeting will be on 24 July 2010 at the QFHS library.

For further information, contact Eric Kopittke on (07) 3376 4339 or email kopittke@tpg.com.au OR centraleuropean@qfhs.org.au  Top of page
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Computer Training Courses, 2010

Do you want to know how to make best use of the computer-based resources at the QFHS library? Perhaps you would like more information on family history research in the Internet.

In 2010, the Society will be holding two computer training courses to introduce the use of computers in family history research. Each course comprises two sessions with all sessions being held at the QFHS library at Gaythorne.

Please note these courses are now offered to non-members as well as QFHS members.

Saturday, 7 August from 9am - 12 Noon
'Introduction to Computer Resources'
This session will provide an overview of the computer network and how to make best use of the menu system. It will also focus on the CD-based resources at Gaythorne. The aim of the session is to familiarise participants with the layout of the computer room, the types of resources available, and how to access these resources.

Saturday, 4 September from 9am - 12 Noon
'Check These Out!'
This session will introduce just some of the many genealogical sites on the Internet. The session will cover the use of search engines, Internet security, the range of resources available, and how the information available is collected. 

Please note that due to limitations in computer hardware, both of these sessions will be in a demonstration mode, as we do not have the facilities at this time for a hands-on approach. The numbers are limited to 16 places at each session. If you are not confident in the use of computers and the Internet, there is an optional introduction at starting at 8.30 am on both Saturday, 6 March and Saturday, 1 May.

More sessions will be held on Saturday, 7 August and Saturday, 4 September.

The cost is $11 per session for members; however, if you are a library assistant, the cost is $2.75 per session. The non-members' fee is $15. Prices include GST. Should you wish to attend either or both of these sessions, please email Sue Reid on: smreid@tpg.com.au   Top of page
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Educational Workshop

Cost is $5.50 per person which goes towards purchasing more research materials for the Library. Time - 10am to 12 noon at QFHS Library.
Next workshop dates are: 
For bookings - contact Desley Schafer - phone (07) 3204 4254 or email: educationofficer@qfhs.org.au
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English West Country Group

This group researches the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Meetings are held from 12 Noon - 2pm at the QFHS Library, on the fourth Thursday of the odd-numbered months.

Next meeting: Thursday, 22 July 2010.

For further information contact Robert Browning on (07) 3359 9801 or email: robertbb2@bigpond.com   Top of page
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Family History Writing Group

These meetings are held from 9am - 11am at QFHS Library on the third Saturday of odd-numbered months.

Next meeting: Saturday, 17 July 2010.

For further information contact FHWriters@qfhs.org.au OR Robert Adamson on (07) 3266 8353 OR Sue Reid on (07) 3378 2278.  Top of page
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Family Tree Maker User Group

These meetings run from 10am - 11:30am at QFHS Library and are held on 1st Friday each month except January and last Saturday in each even-numbered month except December.

The next meetings will be held on:
For further details, please contact Kerri Kleidon or Joe Greaves via e-mail on: familytree@qfhs.org.au
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Irish Interest Group

Meetings are held from 10am - 12 Noon at QFHS Library on the second Saturday of the even-numbered months (not December).

Next meeting: Saturday, 12 June 2010.

For more information about Irish Interest Group contact Mary King on (07) 3205 3353 or email irish@qfhs.org.au   Top of page
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Member Orientations - 'Old' & New Members Welcome

You will almost certainly learn new stuff about the Society, and helpful hints about using the Library and researching, all in a friendly atmosphere and informal setting. New members are especially welcome.

Next orientations:
Numbers are limited to allow full participation. BOOKING is ESSENTIAL. Please note: Sessions are usually fully booked, with a waiting list, so please advise the organisers as soon as possible if you find you are unable to attend when you have a booking.

Contact Bev Bonning on (07) 3355 7389 or Wendy Annand on (07) 3395 2530 or email them at welcome@qfhs.org.au   Top of page
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Scottish Interest Group

Meetings are held from 10am - 12 Noon at QFHS Library on the second Saturday of odd-numbered months (except January). Donations to buy more Scottish resources are welcome.

Next meeting: Saturday, 10 July.

For further information: Email scottish@qfhs.org.au OR phone Sam on (07) 3266 9131
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Welsh Interest Group

This group meets on the fourth Sunday of the odd numbered months from 10am - 12 Noon at the QFHS Library.

Next meeting is: Sunday, 25 July.

Contact Paul Wood on welsh@qfhs.org.au for further information.   Top of page

4. Caloundra Family History Research

Caloundra Family History Research Inc. is hosting a seminar on Australian Research on Saturday, 5 June 2010 with guest speakers Judy Webster and Nola Fulwood. Judy will speak on 'My favourite archival source' and 'Who else is researching your family?' Nola's topic is 'Primary records: The how, when, where, why, who, and what of primary sources.'

The Caloundra group would like to invite QFHS members to hear two excellent speakers who have a wealth of knowledge on matters genealogical and research techniques.

The seminar will be held at the Guide Hut, Arthur Street, Caloundra starting at 12:30pm. Expected finishing time is about 4pm. The cost for visitors is $10 and includes afternoon tea.
Bookings are essential. If you would like to attend, please call Valerie Thornton on 5437 3879 or email her at: thornskv@bigpond.net.au   Top of page

5. Paddington Cemetery Talk and Tour

Christ Church Anglican Church, Milton will be holding a champagne luncheon on Wednesday, 9 June 2010, commencing at 11 am. QFHS Research Officer, Jan Veacock will be the guest speaker; her topic is 'The Paddington Cemetery and the people who were buried there'.

Paddington Cemetery is located under Lang Park (Suncorp Stadium). There will also be a tour of the church and the remaining headstones from the Paddington Cemetery. Cost will be $25.00 and includes lunch.

Proceeds will benefit the Church and the upkeep of the remaining headstones. Book your spot with Jan Veacock on (07) 3201 1753   Top of page

6. Genealogy Online - Chermside & Brisbane Square

These popular computer classes helping researchers find family history resources on the Internet are held on the first Sunday of each month from 1:30pm to 3pm at the Chermside Library, 375 Hamilton Road. The next class will next be held on Sunday, 6 June.

QFHS Library Assistants are on hand at Chermside to help on an individual basis. Numbers are limited and bookings are essential so contact Jo or Lisa at Chermside Library on (07) 3403 7200.

A new class will be starting at Brisbane Square Library - 266 George Street, Brisbane on Sunday, 20 June from 1pm to 2:30pm.

For further information contact Elaine Pollard at koko12@tpg.com.au or Jill Ritchie at: jillr@ecn.net.au   Top of page

7.  History Alive

Queensland Living History Federation will be holding History Alive at Fort Lytton National Park, on Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 June 2010, from 9:30 am to 4:30pm.

Feel the thrill of knights' tournament, sword fighting and archery, arts and crafts, tanks and a range of World War II armoured vehicles, all on display.

For more information see http://www.historyalive.org.au/   Top of page

8. Queensland State Archives 2010 Saturday Openings

In 2010, Queensland State Archives will be open to the public on the second Saturday of every calendar month from 9am to 4:30pm. The 2010, Saturday opening dates for the next three months are:
Queensland State Archives are located at 435 Compton Road, Runcorn, Queensland. For more details, go to http://www.archives.qld.gov.au/research/hours.asp   Top of page

9. Queensland State Archives Seminar

New researchers are invited to attend a Getting Started seminar on Tuesday, 15 June from 10am. The seminar is presented by one of Queensland State Archives' experienced Reference Archivists and will provide you with the basics to begin your research at Queensland State Archives at 435 Compton Road, Runcorn, Queensland.

For more information go to: http://www.archives.qld.gov.au/events_2010.asp#April

To book, call (07) 3131 7777.   Top of page

10. Read all about it! Newspapers at the State Library

Discover the newspaper resources available at the Queensland State Library, including copies in the Tim Fairfax Newspaper Reading Room, online, microfilm, and the resources of Heritage Collections such as cuttings books and clippings files. The session includes a tour. A prerequisite for the session are basic computer skills.

The session will be held on Wednesday, 16 June from 9:30am-12noon at the Training Room, level 1, Queensland State Library, Stanley Place, Southbank, Brisbane.

To book your free ticket, contact Qtix on 136 246 or: https://www.qtix.com.au/show/SLQ_Read_All_Apr_Jun_10.aspx   Top of page

11. The Lord Mayor's Helen Taylor Award for Local History

Brisbane City Council invites history students or independent researchers to submit applications for research projects that further the understanding of Brisbane's history or heritage. A grant of up to $10,000 is available to support a project that provides insights into Brisbane's past and contributes to developing the city's distinctiveness and sense of identity.

What sort of projects?
The successful project will take a creative approach to making the research available to the community through developing a website, publishing a book, developing a performance or possibly creating a exhibition of artefacts or artworks.

The award honours the work of the late Helen Taylor who combined research skills and writing history with a passion for making history accessible to the community. Applications close on Friday, 16 July 2010.

For more information visit: http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE::pc=PC_3065   Top of page

12. Some Historic Photos of Old Queensland

From the Courier Mail website, enjoy browsing through the interesting old photos: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/features/our-queensland?referrer=email&source=CM_email_nl&emcmp=CM&emchn=Newsletter&emlist=Member

13. Hinchinbrook Shire Library (North Queensland)

This website has a marvellous collection of old and historical photos of people and events covering Ingham, Halifax, Macknade.

Check it out at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hinchinbrooklibraries/   Top of page

14. DNA Proves Charles Kingston Philandering Theory

Charles Cameron Kingston's reputation as South Australia's promiscuous premier has been confirmed through modern science. Exactly 102 years to the day after Kingston's death, his illegitimate great-grandson Malcolm Simpson said he was pleased DNA tests had confirmed the family link.

There were rumours during his lifetime that Mr. Kingston fathered several illegitimate children. University of Adelaide anatomical science Professor Maciej Henneberg said the DNA tests confirmed Kingston was related to at least four descendants, including a grandson who came forward after the exhumation.

You can read more in an article at: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/dna-proves-charles-kingston-philandering-theory/story-e6frea6u-1225865242518/   Top of page

15. National Library of Australia - Trove

Enjoy searching through this extensive resource and discovering journals, magazines, photos, Australian newspapers, maps and much more at:  http://trove.nla.gov.au/

16. 5,000 New WW1 Records Go Online at findmypast.co.uk

Pay per search UK family history website findmypast.co.uk has expanded its collection of British military records with the release of the Royal Marine Medal Roll 1914-1920. The record set provides a listing of all Royal Marines who received medals for their service in World War 1, including those awarded the 1914 Star, the Clasp to the 1914 Star, the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
 
Containing records of over 75,000 Officers, NCOs and other ranks, the Royal Marine Medal Roll 1914-1920 comprises both transcripts and images of the original WW1 Campaign Medal Rolls for the Royal Marines. Aside from the medals awarded, the records detail the Marine's name, rank, service branch, service number and also a description of where or to whom the medals were issued. In addition to this, many of the transcripts contain extra service details for the Royal Marine, often highlighting those that died of wounds or were killed in action during WW1. These details are available online for the very first time.

More details at: http://www.findmypast.co.uk/royal-marine-medal-roll-search-start.action   Top of page

17. 1939 National Identity Register - Scotland

In 1939, the National Registration Act ordered a register of everybody living in the United Kingdom - for the purpose of issuing identity cards, ration books and call-up papers. The register has been kept secret because the 1939 Act prohibited publication of the information but under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 that restriction has been reviewed and details about people who have since died are now being made available.

The General Register Office for Scotland will give details of people now deceased when provided with: Full name, Death certificate (died outside Scotland), or date of death if died in Scotland and date of birth. Charge is £13 or £5 for an unsuccessful search.  Payment is by credit card. Details can be found at: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/   Top of page

18. Correction - Alan MacLeod Ancestry Research in Scotland

In the last QFHS journal an error was made in the email address of Alan MacLeod Ancestry Research in Scotland on page 77. The email address should read: ajmacleo@aol.com

19. Canada's Online Atlas

When researching ancestors in Canada, you may find records that state they lived in Upper Canada or in Lower Canada. Where are those places? The Atlas of Canada can tell you.

The web site includes many maps, including today's political divisions, ecology, rivers, population, agriculture, mining, climate change, relief maps and many more. However, genealogists will be attracted to the Map Archives and historical maps.

If you have Canadian ancestry, you will be interested in this free website. The Atlas of Canada is available at http://atlas.gc.ca/   Top of page
   

20.  Facebook Reunites Father and Son After 37 Years

A father in Leicestershire has been reunited with his son with the help of Facebook. They had both searched for the other for years, then they finally connected on Facebook. You can watch a video of the two at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/8679073.stm

21. Find the Popularity of Your Surname

Just how popular is your surname? Is it popular in other countries? This web site will tell you.

PublicProfiler.org displays a map of the world and then invites you to enter your surname or any other surname of interest. It then displays the popularity of that name around the world.

The site contains data for 26 countries in Europe, America, Asia and Oceania. However, it does not contain information for all countries. Have fun checking surname popularity at: http://www.publicprofiler.org/worldnames/   Top of page

22. Take a Second Look at Names on Certificates

When one obtains birth, death, and marriage certificates, or other legal documents there are often names appearing, as being in attendance on the occasion registered that mean nothing to researchers at the time.

On the birth certificate of my grandfather born at Margaret Street, Brisbane in 1866 the nurse is given as Mrs Kalb. This did not appear relevant until, many years later it was found that Mary Ann Kalb was the sister of my grandfather's mother, Matilda Elizabeth née Lacy. Later generations had known Mary Ann née Lacy as Mrs Knights, thus we had never been able to find her name on the shipping list for 'Bayswater'.

It was not until English census returns for 1861 showed Mary Ann had married Mr. Kalb and had a son Ferdinand. Mary Ann and Ferdinand Kalb are listed as being on 'Bayswater' when it arrived in Brisbane in 1864. Mary Ann married Mr. Knights in Brisbane.

On an affidavit relating to the Herbert inheritance of the Herbert girls, daughters of Matilda Elizabeth, power of attorney is given to George Greig. I had often wondered why! Who was this Mr. Greig given such a role? A letter written in 1893 by Louisa Reid née Herbert is penned while she stayed at 9 Argyle Place, Edinburgh the home of George Greig. Further research found that George Greig married Margaret Mitchell daughter of Eleanor Eliza Mitchell formerly Howell née Lacy, another sister of Louisa's mother Matilda.

The moral here is to take another look at the names of people listed on certificates there just might be a connection.

(c) Lefayre Palmer 2010. Email: lefayrep@optusnet.com.au   Top of page

23. June's Joke

Genealogy - It's all relative in the end anyway
Genealogy - A hay stack full of needles. It's the threads I need
Genealogy - Collecting dead relatives and sometimes a live cousin!
Genealogy - Where you confuse the dead and irritate the living
Genealogy - A search for the greatest treasures - our ancestors
Genealogy - Will I ever find time to mow the lawn again?
Genealogy - Is like Hide and Seek - They Hide and I Seek!
Genealogy - It's not a hobby, it's an obsession
Genealogy - A really dead-end hobby
Genealogy - Better than the best adventure game and as frustrating
Genealogy - Chasing your own tale!
Genealogy - History of people who made the history of our family
Genealogy - It's all relative in the end anyway
Genealogy - The only hobby where dead people can excite you
Genealogy - Tracing descent from someone who didn't
Genealogy - An addictive and infectious disease
Genealogy - People collecting people!
Genealogy - The study of Relativity
Genealogy - Chasing your own tale!
Genealogy - Fun for the WHOLE family!
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24. Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all those who have taken time out to send items of interest to our "Snippets" mailbox at: snippets@qfhs.org.au

The more we receive, the more frequently we can produce a Newsletter. If your submission does not appear in this issue, we will try to include it in a future edition. Please note that reference to any product does not imply endorsement. Members are cautioned to evaluate products prior to purchase.

Pauline Macfarlane

Disclaimer: This newsletter is produced in good faith, and information received is deemed to be accurate, but the editor takes no responsibility for incorrect information supplied. [Editor's note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Editor or of QFHS]

Permission to reprint articles from QFHS 'SNIPPETS' NEWSLETTER is granted unless specifically stated otherwise, provided: (1) the reprint is used for non-commercial, educational purposes; and (2) the following notice appears at the end of the article: "Previously published in QFHS 'SNIPPETS' NEWSLETTER" with the appropriate date and volume number (eg QFHS 'SNIPPETS' NEWSLETTER January 2009 Vol 9 No. 1). The last six months issues of Snippets are available from: http://www.qfhs.org.au/snippets.htm

If you do not wish to continue to receive the QFHS email Newsletters, please click on "REPLY" at the top of your window and simply type "unsubscribe" in the subject line. You do not need to write a message.
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