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Susan E. Ball, President, TxSGS
Topic: “Delving into Divorce: Finding Family Details in the Civil Court Docket”
Topic Description: More prevalent than most realize, early divorce records shine a light on dark times in our ancestor’s lives. Many marriages were short-lived, lasting on average about six to eight years. Consequently, the case files may provide a critical source of information about a family that formed and dissolved between census years. While divorce is an unhappy event, the records left behind are a happy silver lining for researchers. In this lecture, Susan shares information that may be found in divorce case files and where these records may be found.
About the Speaker: A genealogist for over 30 years, Susan Ball is TxSGS past president, co-editor of Stirpes, and president of the San Angelo Genealogical and Historical Society. A strong supporter of records abstraction and publication, Susan has compiled four books of genealogical records, three of which have won TxSGS book awards including the coveted grand prize. She also serves her local society as editor of the SAGHS Newsletter and assistant editor of Stalkin’ Kin of Old West Texas, the SAGHS biannual journal. In addition to giving presentations and seminars to numerous societies and the TxSGS Annual Conference, Susan has been the workshop speaker for the Amarillo Genealogical Society, the Permian Basin Genealogical Society, and twice for the Kerrville Genealogical Society.
Mic Barnette
Topic: “Extend Your Direct Maternal Lineage: Take an mtDNA Test”
Topic Description: The maternal line on most people’s trees is often the shortest. Learn why and how a Mitochondrial test may help you extend your pedigree.
About the Speaker: Mic Barnette has been actively engaged in genealogy since the age of 12. He has written numerous articles which have appeared in national, state and local magazines, newsletters and quarterlies. From 1994 to 2004, he penned a widely read award-winning historical-genealogical column in Houston’s leading newspaper, the Houston Chronicle. Mic has been a library associate in the Genealogy Department of the Dallas Public Library since 2006. Since the 1980’s he has conducted professional genealogical research, taught genealogical classes, and lectured on genealogical topics at national, regional, state, and local events.
He is the Family Tree DNA administrator and website webmaster for the Barnett, Barney, Finch Surname Projects as well as the Charles County, Maryland, and Dallas Genealogical Society DNA Projects.
J. Mark Lowe, FUGA
Topic: Let There Be Light: Using Church Related Periodicals
Topic Description: Our ancestors may have been exemplary citizens or just average folk. However, their faith and participation in church and related religious organizations should help us understand the community where they lived and how they functioned within that neighborhood. Religious periodicals are filled with information about members and others in the community.
About the Speaker: J. Mark Lowe has been researching families for more than 55 years. He grew up in Tennessee with extensive family roots in Kentucky. Mark describes himself as “born to be curious.” He is a professional genealogist and educator who specializes in original records and manuscripts throughout the South. He coordinates “Research in the South” courses at IGHR, SLIG, and TIGR, has worked on several TV series, hosts a YouTube channel, and conducts webinars.