Through Contemporary Eyes: Using Newspapers to
Investigate the Past
April
2000
Genealogy has much in common with journalism, depending on the same
"5W" concepts for interest. We start with "who", then
continue with the statistics of "when" and "where" an event
(the "what") took place. But what makes our ancestors
interesting and unique is the "why". Let's take a look at these
concepts to see how newspapers can be used to expand our genealogical
information and add depth to our research.
First, a few definitions to help as we go along (from Random HouseWebster's
Unabridged Dictionary (Second Edition), New York: Random House, 1998):
Contemporary –
existing, occurring, or living at the same time; belonging to the same time.
Documentation –
a furnishing with documents, as to substantiate a claim or the data in a book
or article.
Newspaper – a
publication issued at regular and usually close intervals, esp. daily or
weekly, and commonly containing news, comment, features, and advertising.
Primary -
immediate or direct, or not involving intermediate agency; .
Vital Statistics–
statistics concerning human life or the conditions affecting human life and
the maintenance of population.
Even though newspapers can be used to find information on vital events, there
is a great deal more that can be gleaned from their pages. To use this
tool effectively, however, you need to recognize a few facts about newspapers
over time.
Not all newspapers have/had the same focus. There are different types
of publications, which have differing value to the genealogist:
Large City Newspapers are the ones we think of first. These have
often been in existence for a very long time, and may include valuable
information not found elsewhere. However, they may not
devote much space to the individual lives of average local citizens.
Local Newspapers focus very specifically on the community they serve in
great detail. These are usually the best for genealogical information,
since the individuals are highlighted and local events (such as births,
marriages, and deaths) are often covered in depth.
Suburban Edition Newspapers are a more recent development, but are similar to the local newspapers in scope and
attitude. These may also provide valuable genealogical information.
Ethnic Newspapers - [including religious, industry/business and fraternal publications in this
category] these may also be wonderful sources since they have a very narrow
focus, limiting their coverage to events impacting their constituency.
Such newspapers were very common among immigrant populations in the 19th
century, as a link to the homeland, and an aid in keeping up on the news of
the new area in the native tongue while learning the new language.
Political Newspapers were particularly common in 19th century
America. These publications reported the political news of the time
(usually local, regional, and national; sometimes even international).
They also reported some other news of the time, but often with a political
slant - i.e., the editors generally were quite open about their political
leanings and it was obvious from the coverage of news events. For
genealogists there may not be much information on the vital events of our
ancestors (unless they were involved in politics), but these may be an
excellent source for a "flavor of the times".
Most of the above also
include advertising, which may be helpful in establishing a
"flavor" of the times.
Let's look at some of the specific types of information that you might find
in various newspapers:
Marriage Information
Obviously the principal type of article could be the marriageannouncements.
These announcements include the names of the bride and groom, and often list
their parents as well. Some marriage announcements will give a great
deal of information about the current occupations, recent scholastic
attendance (high school or college), and even hobbies.
Engagement announcements are frequently a good source of
information on the couple. Like the marriage announcement, they
obviously give the names of both parties, and often the parents. Again,
they may go into some detail about recent achievements and occupations.
Anniversary announcements, particularly the first, fifth,
tenth, twenty-fifth, and fiftieth. These are generally commemorated with
a party by the family. The newspaper articles in small-town or suburban
papers may include details about the husband and wife, including parents,
residence(s) in childhood, scholastic achievements, marriage date, children,
and living descendants. These may also show the current residences of
children and grandchildren who attended the party.
Don't overlook obituaries as a source of marriage
information. They will often include the date of marriage of the
deceased as well as other information about the spouse and residences during
the marriage.
Birth notices sometimes indicate the names of both parents,
including the maiden name of the mother in some cases.
Birthday celebrations may also indicate the marriage, or at
least the name of the spouse.
Birth Information
Birth notices can be quite frustrating or very rewarding. Some of the
frustrations:
The child may not yet be named, so the notice simply gives the gender.
Both parents may not be named - the father is nearly always listed, but the
mother is sometimes not mentioned. [Note: if there is also a section for
Hospital Admissions and Dismissals, look for mother and child there.]
The exact birth date may not be indicated.
They can also be quite rewarding, and provide some great "bonus"
information:
Grandparents (or even great-grandparents) may be named.
Siblings may be listed, sometimes with ages.
Death Information
Don’t be disappointed if there’s no major obituary .... not everyone was
a "prominent person" who "rated" a large obituary.
Also note that papers in different times or places had policies which might make
it expensive to insert a large obituary. For example, some current
newspapers will publish a small "death notice" for a
fee, while an obituary article is published at no charge - but at the newspaper
editor's discretion. Others will publish the death notice for free, but
charge to include an obituary article. By reviewing the newspaper over
time, it will probably become apparent what the particular paper's policy is on
death notices and obituaries (there should even be a statement published
periodically). The policy of the paper will tell you something about your
subject by what they could afford.
Whether you find an obituary or not, look after the death notice
for other articles of interest.
The funeral arrangement confirmation may be in a subsequent
issue (particularly of a daily paper), and will give details on the funeral
home and/or cemetery arrangements.
Thank-you's from the family often give names of family
members.
Social notices (gossip columns) will often list out-of-town guests
visiting for the funeral, along with their relationship and current
residence. These can be wonderful resources for finding where that
"prodigal son" moved when he left home, by checking for him visiting
when his father or mother died.
Legal or Criminal Issues
One of the frequently-established policies (particularly in this country) is
that newspapers are required to advise the community of legal situations, such
as foreclosures and bankruptcies. They also usually include many other
legal and criminal issues, because of the interest exhibited in them.
Again, these can provide a wealth of "why" information on your
subject. Some of the types of issues you might find documented:
Divorce
Bankruptcies or judgements
Adoptions
Property sales/repossessions
Arrests
Trials
Fines
Human Interest Stories
Finally, the "why" of your subject can be expanded even further by
looking for the human interest stories included in most newspapers. For
example:
Academic awards. These notices will often indicate the
proud parents' names (and sometimes even an address). There might also
be notices of grants or patents, which would lead to additional sources of
information.
Sports awards. Did
your ancestor excel at some sport or other type of athletics?
Hobby features. These can range from featuring an
unusual or impressive collection, to crafts, sports, or just unique
interests.
Natural disaster features (floods, etc.). These events
in a local paper during the time your subject was living there will most
likely have played a part in his/her life. Be sure to read the article
for its impact on the community. There MAY be a bonus of a mention of
your subject, but even if there is not, this information provides wonderful
background or social history information for any biography you might compile.
"Gossip" or social columns. These are terrific
for picking up information on families spreading to other locales. When
family members move away, return for a visit, have visitors from the old town,
or even do something interesting in their new location, the old home town
paper will often make mention.
Church, school or club events. Often activities
(especially in certain smaller towns) revolve around the church, club and the
school. The notices or articles may help pinpoint the religion and
education of your subject, give dates for baptisms and church membership, or
just add depth to your profile.
Fraternal organization news. The articles about
fraternal organizations can suggest political, religious, or military
connections which may prove to be valuable leads for further research.
Now that you know why you want to read newspapers, the next trick is to find
them.
The first step, of course, is to determine the place and time period you want
to check. Make a list of all the possibilities for your target person,
then rank by likelihood of finding information.
Next, I suggest going to a directory of newspapers appropriate for the place
and time. For example, a few are listed in the bibliography
at the end of this article. Most can be found at public libraries or
university libraries. If there doesn't seem to be one that seems
appropriate, ask your librarian (nicely, of course) for assistance in finding
newspapers published in that particular time and place.
Check in any/all directories and note the pertinent newspapers.
Remember that the political newspapers are least likely to be of help (unless
your target person was the editor, then you'll probably get an earful of his
opinions!).
Once you have determined which newspapers you want to find, begin looking for
the repositories. Some of the directories indicate known repositories for
each publication, but some do not.
Newspaper Office. If the newspaper still publishes, you
may contact them directly to find out where you can view past issues. A
few may have a viewing area onsite. Others will probably refer you to a
local library or other repository.
Local Libraries. First look for any published abstracts
of the newspaper you're seeking. Then go to the newspaper. Don't
just look at the articles located in the abstract, however, since they may have
missed something important to you.
Check the card catalog at your library, if the
area is nearby. If
it is a distance, contact the local genealogical society or library there for
assistance. State clearly the publication and time period, and the reason
for your request. Ask if the publication is available on Inter-Library
Loan, and what are the conditions for borrowing. If it is not, and you are
unable to travel there to look for yourself, ask if there is a local genealogist
who might assist you with lookups and copying. Be sure to check for an
online catalog to assist in this search.
Large Genealogical Libraries. Check with any large
genealogical libraries in the area to see if they have acquired copies of the
newspaper in question. For example, Western Reserve Historical Society in
Cleveland (OH), Orlando (FL) Public Library, Ellen Payne Odom Genealogy Library
at the Moultrie-Colquitt County (GA) Library, Burton Historical Collection of
the Detroit (MI) Public Library, Newberry Library in Chicago (IL), Sutro Library
in San Francisco (CA), Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research in
Houston (TX), or Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne (IN). If you have
access, definitely check the Library of Congress collection as well.
Again, check for an online catalog.
LDS Family History Library. Check the catalog (FHLC) at
your local Family History Center (FHC) or online (http://www.familysearch.org/).
They have not acquired too many newspapers on microfilm, but it is always a
source to check, just in case.
Remember to consider the information in the article. Is it
contemporary or historical? The closer the article is written to the
time of the event, the more likely it is to be fairly accurate.
Newspapers sometimes publish events not because they involve anyone local
but because they were sensational (can you spell T-A-B-L-O-I-D?). Be
very careful in your use of these articles (but they do add some flavor!)
Verify all information. Newspaper articles are rarely the primary
source for an event. Look for that primary source to verify the
information in the article. Use the information in the article to expand
on the primary source, not in place of it (unless there is no primary source -
but be sure you make a diligent effort to look for it).
As in all genealogy, spelling is optional. There were numerous
opportunities for errors in spelling between the event, the reporter, the
editor, and the typesetter. Don't disregard an item because "it
isn't spelled right".
Newspaper research can be rewarding and fun, as long as you keep it in
perspective. And in case you couldn't tell, I suggest you browse through
as many of the newspapers for the area as you can find. Articles weren't
always published on the most timely basis - particularly when it is news of an
event that happened elsewhere (for example, the marriage of a former resident
who had moved out of state). But those can be the most helpful pieces of
information. Also consider that there may be relevant information before
the time period you expect. For example, you might find a reference to
your target person as a visitor to someone in the area prior to the time
he moved there. That would definitely give an insight to "why"
he moved!
Brigham, Clarence Saunders. History and Bibliography of American
Newspapers 1690-1820. Worcester, MA: American Antiquarian Society,
1947.
Croom, Emily Anne.
The Genealogist's Companion & Sourcebook. Cincinnati, OH:
Betterway Books, 1994. See especially Chapter 1 on "Cluster
Genealogy".
Croom, Emily Anne. Unpuzzling
Your Past: A Basic Guide to Genealogy (Second Edition). White Hall,
VA: Betterway Publications, Inc., 1989.
Gregory, Winifred, Editor. American Newspapers, A Union List
1821-1936. New York: H.W. Wilson Co., 1937.
Szucs, Loretto Dennis
and Sandra Hargreaves Luebking. The Source: A Guidebook of American
Genealogy (Revised Edition). Salt Lake City, UT: Ancestry, Inc.,
1997.
Web Sites:
American Journalism Review - News Link. Listed by state. Not all
papers have on-line archives; contact information provided. http://ajr.newslink.org/statnews.html
Editor and Publisher - Media Links / Online Media Directory.
Searchable Worldwide listing for Newspapers, City Guides, Magazines,
Association Newsletters and more. http://emedia1.mediainfo.com/emedia/
Park Genealogical Books. Minnesota Newspapers and Genealogy. Research
Notes - specialists in genealogy and local history for Minnesota and the
surrounding area. www.parkbooks.com/Html/res_news.html
Repeat Performance records many
presentations at national and regional genealogical conferences. These are
available on audio cassette for about $7.50 each on-site, through mail order,
or through their web site. A search engine also allows you to search for other
presentations by title or presenter. http:/www.repeatperformance.com/
Specifically look for these:
Benedict,
Sheila. "Newspaper Research: Much Needed, Often
Overlooked." National Genealogical Society Conference in the
States, 5/12/1999, Richmond, VA. NGS080
Carmack, Sharon.
"Ancestors Not News Material? Newspapers Can Still Help Your
Research". 4/9/1998, Salt Lake City, UT. UGAC98103
Casteleyn, Mark.
"Newspapers: Their Whereabouts And Uses". The Second Irish
Genealogical Congress, 9/22/1994, Dublin, Ireland. IR-E.10
Collier, Leslie.
"I'm Late, I'm Late, For A Very Important Date: Newspapers, PERSI &
NUCMC." Dallas Genealogical Society Regional Conference,
11/19/1994, Dallas, TX. DGS-M-3
Eisler, Luanne.
"Nineteenth Century Newspapers as an Overlooked Research
Tool". Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society, 1999. WPGS99S22
I am always interested in hearing from readers, so if you have any
comments, suggestions, or questions, please email me at:talkgenealogy@aol.com.
Stop by next month for more Pilgrims, Pioneers & Aliens! Happy Hunting!
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