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.
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 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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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.
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.
View Case Study
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.
View Case Study
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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