Case Studies in Historical Genealogy
When Family Stories Meet Documentary Evidence
These case studies demonstrate the rigorous methodology behind transforming family legends and fragmented records into documented history. Each investigation reveals how careful analysis of primary sources—from 17th-century court documents to 20th-century newspaper archives—can validate stories, resolve mysteries, and bring ancestors to life through the power of historical research.
Featured Case Studies
Four Generations of Hamall Family Research (1841-1998)
Two interconnected BCG-compliant case studies demonstrating multi-generational research across 157 years
The Owen Hamall Mystery
Seven Years to Solve One Census Entry
Who was "Thornton Hammil" listed as Owen's brother in 1880? A seven-year investigation across three countries revealed a blended family, parallel tragedies, and the Irish immigrant experience.
The Three Thomas Hamalls
Three Generations, One Cottage
Owen's son, grandson, and great-grandson—all named Thomas—maintained connection to one property across 87 years. Proving relationships that survived divorce, geographic distance, and death.
One Family, Two Research Challenges
These case studies demonstrate complementary genealogical skills: mystery-solving and identity establishment (Owen Hamall) and relationship proving across disruption (Three Thomas Hamalls). Together they prove four generations of one family across 157 years, from County Monaghan, Ireland to Riverside, Illinois—documenting the immigrant experience, family tragedies, and the bonds that transcend divorce, distance, and death.
Additional Case Studies
Exploring diverse genealogical challenges across centuries and continents
The Louise Senécal Guilbault Case Study
Reconstructing the Life of a 17th-Century New France Pioneer
From orphan in Rouen to founding mother of New France—how cross-referencing baptismal records, marriage contracts, census data, and extraordinary court documents revealed strategic choices, mysterious gaps, and family conflicts of a Fille du Roi who left a legacy that shaped a continent.
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The Donation Dispute
Unraveling a 330-Year Old Family Lawsuit Through Primary Sources
When nine consecutive court victories appeared in an ancestor's file with no explanation, systematic research through Sovereign Council judgments, notarial records, and legal terminology revealed a 71-year-old literate widow who fought her stepdaughter through five judicial levels—and never lost once.
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The Kenny Family Case Study
When Family Stories Meet Historical Documentation
From family legend to documented history—how contemporary newspaper coverage and fire department records validated a century-old story about Captain Thomas Patrick Kenny's heroic role in the 1909 Cherry Mine disaster, one of America's most famous industrial rescues.
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The Owen Hamall Mystery
Solving a 140 Year Mystery
One misrecorded name in an 1880 census. Four missing children lost between records. A half-brother whose identity was hidden for over a century. Discover how we solved this genealogical puzzle and reconstructed a complete family saga across Ireland, Montreal, and Chicago.
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The O'Brien Legacy
From Mystery to Reunion
One probate record. $11,000 in hidden bonds. A family story that spans three countries and 150 years. Discover how we solved this genealogical puzzle and reunited living descendants.
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The Abitakijikokwe Discovery
Uncovering an Ojibwe Ancestor in Quebec Parish Records
For 200 years, she was nameless—listed only as "Sauvagesse" in family records. Through systematic research across five Quebec parishes and the discovery of a single marriage record preserving her Ojibwe name, Marie Josephte Abitakijikokwe emerged as one of the best-documented Indigenous women in colonial records.
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The Brooklyn Mat Maker
Surname Confusion to Breakthrough
Seven years of research. Dozens of John Kennys. One occupational progression that unlocked a complete Irish immigrant family story spanning three generations.
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The Tamayo Family
A Philippine Genealogy Case Study
How FamilySearch's revolutionary Full Text Search uncovered a 26-year family saga of struggle and recovery in rural Philippines - proving that seemingly impossible Philippine genealogy breakthroughs are now possible.
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