Family History Workshop Day 1 - Saturday March 1 2024

Today I attend day 1 of Family History Workshop at the St. Catharines Public Library from 10am to 4pm.  

Things that we covered:

• Ancestry Library Edition vs. personal membership for Ancestry.ca [https://www.ancestry.ca/]
• My Heritage (membership need to view most records)  [https://www.myheritage.com/] and My Heritage Family Tree Buillder (free download) [https://www.myheritage.com/family-tree-builder]
• FamilySearch.org (free access to records) [https://www.familysearch.org/en/]
• St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre online eMuseum[https://museum-cityofstcatharines.msappproxy.net/]
• Library and Archives of Canada [https://library-archives.canada.ca/eng]
• Archives of Ontario [https://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/tracing/index.aspx]
• British Home Children Registry  [https://www.britishhomechildrenregistry.com/]
• Scanning photos, documents, diaries etc.
• Discussed if the index of records is all that is available online  how to go about requested the record and that there will be fees attached which can vary
• Resources available at the St. Catharines Public Library: Special Collections Room which includes biographies, city directories, wills and more, Norval Johnson Heritage Collection, Local Names Index,  Historic Images of St. Catharines and Niagara Database, microfilm machines to view newspapers.

Day 2 of the Family History Workshop will take part on Saturday March 16 from 10am to 4pm at the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre.

St. Catharines Family History Workshop

Booked a spot for the upcoming St. Catharines Family History Workshop which takes places over two days on March 2 at St. Catharines Library – Central Branch and March 16 at. St. Catharines Museum from 10am to 4pm. I am looking forward to it.

Details about the St. Catharines Family History Workshop: (https://events.myscpl.ca/event/3785055)

Presented in partnership with the St. Catharines Museum, the St. Catharines Family History Workshop offers residents the tools, resources, and skills to begin to gather, preserve, and share their personal family histories.

This two-day workshop takes place at two locations, the first day (March 2) at the St. Catharines Public Library – Central Branch and the second day (March 16) at the St. Catharines Museum.

This workshop will cover:

• How to use and access family history research tools like Ancestry and MyHeritage 
• How to access and use the local history research material available at the Library and the Museum 
• How to decide what to keep and what to let go of 
• How to organize and preserve family photographs and archival material 
• How to care for family heirlooms 
• How to record family stories and oral histories interviews.

Each participant receives a family history kit with equipment to start on their project and a Family History Workshop Workbook.

 March 2 and 16 from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Advance tickets only | Space is limited | $55 plus HST per participant.

Registration is available through the St. Catharines Museum. Call 905-984-8880 or book online

at www.stcatharinesmuseum.ca

I STILL HERE/Family Tree Maker 2019 Person Notes and Research Notes/Records found on Ancestry Library Edition

 I STILL HERE!!! I know that it has been awhile since I blogged anything on doing genealogy research. My last post was in 2019 but I have still been really busy working on my family tree. Just been forgetting to blog about what I have been working on.

I have spent lots of time working in Family Tree Maker 2019 created timelines for everyone in my family tree in the person notes. Also, transcribed all records with the information that has been learned from that record. The transcription of records is in bold to stand out in the timeline to know what has been found. Types of records transcribed is newspaper announcements (birth, engagement, wedding, anniversary, death etc), family bibles (also noted who’s handwriting it’s it), church records, census records, military records, etc.

 In the research notes in Family Tree Maker 2019, I have noted that the facts have been noted and linked from all sources, also have created a research log (I did use the posts on my blog to make notes of what has been done). In the research log going forward keep track of the searches done and what records have been located.

Person Notes For Jules Dagenais

Research Notes For Jules Dagenas

In March 2023, I had to have carpel tunnel surgeries on both wrists, March 1^st for the right wrist and March 15^th for the left wrist. So I was one handed for a month and was off work while I was healing from the carpel tunnel surgeries. I also was not able to use the computer while I was healing from my surgeries. Once I was able to go back to work at the end of April 2023, I wanted to ease back into using the computer so I wouldn’t have issues with my wrists again or cause my carpel tunnel to return.

Right wrist March 1st day of 
carpel tunnel surgery

Right wrist March 3rd with stitches
after carpel tunnel surgery once
able to take bandage off

Researching at St. Catharines Public Library

Well on Saturday October 14 I spent the day at the St. Catharines Public Library doing genealogy research on Ancestry. Currently I am using the Ancestry Library Edition to use the St. Catharines Public Library’s subscription to Ancestry to save money, then I just email to send the records home and enter the information on my family tree and source it myself.

1931 Census of Canada for Rodger Henri Dagenais

I had a very successful research day at St. Catharines Public Library. I found my maternal grandfather (Roger Henry Dagenais) in the 1931 Census of Canada, also found Roger in the Canada, Voters Lists 1935-1980 for 1974, also with my maternal grandmother (Elizabeth Dagenais), Gary Dagenais (uncle), Linda Dagenais (mother), and Rosemary Dagenais (aunt). I found my paternal grandmother (Jean Gertrude Marshall) in both the 1921 Census of Canada and 1931 Census of Canada.

1931 Census of Canada for
Jean Gertrude Marshall

Canada, Voters Lists 1935-1980
for Roger Dagenais, 
Elizabeth Dagenais,
Gary Dagenais,
Linda Dagenais,
and Rosemary Dagenais

1921 Census of Canada for
Jean Gertrude Marshall

More detail posts coming in the future about the records that were found at St. Catharines Public Library with transcription of the records.

I still need to add all the information from the records found today in Family Tree Maker 2019 and source all the information in the family tree.

Found News Clippings In The Special Collections Room At The St. Catharines Public Library

On Saturday September 21, I  spent the day at St. Catharines Public Library doing research on the family tree. 
I spent time in the special collections room and I found the following:

• Hear Ye! Hear Ye! - Edward L Dixon, 80th Birthday Announcement - [about my grandfather Edward Leslie Dixon] (I took a picture of the article) Found in a yellow folder marked Dixon (SPEC COLL 929.2 Dix) - Published in St. Catharines Standard, Jun 20 1998, p. F4 
• Middleman Lists 165 Questions To Guide Franchise Holders [about my uncle Edward Leslie Dixon Jr] ( I took a picture of the article) Found in a yellow folder marked Dixon (SPEC COLL 929.2 Dix) - Had the date May 8 1976 wrote on the article - believed to have been published in St. Catharines Standard.
• Franchise Buyer Beware [about my uncle Edward Leslie Dixon Jr] ( took a picture of the article) Found in a yellow folder marked Dixon (SPEC COLL 929.2 Dix) - Published in St. Catharines Standard, Jun 21 2000, p. B1
• Policeman Also Wears Military Hat [about my uncle Gary Dagenais] (I took a picture of the article) Found in a black binder marked Cull/Daym (SPEC COLL 929.2 Sur V.15) - Published in Hamilton Spectator, Oct 23 1991, p. B4

I will be posted the articles I found in the special collections room in the next couple of days.

I found my Uncle Tom Dagenais' & Aunt Susan's(not sure what her maiden name is) marriage date on Facebook. Aunt Susan posted a post a saying want to wish my husband Tom a Happy 27th Wedding Anniversary on Sept 19 2019. Which lets me calculate the marriage date as Sept 19 1992.

I found my Aunt Pamela (not sure what her maiden name is) Dagenais' birthday on her Facebook page. Her birthday is Sep 5 1962. The Facebook page was viewed on Sep 28 2019.

FamilySearch.org Class Attended At. St. Catharines Public Library

Today I attended the FamilySearch.org class at St. Catharines Public Library from 2pm to 4pm. In this class, we learned what is available on FamilySearch.org to search for free from anywhere. Which you can search family trees (submitted by users), historical records, user-submitted genealogies, FamilySearch Wiki, digitized books available for public use, and memories (submitted by users). 

We learned how to submit your own tree to FamilySearch.org, search the website for records, memories, trees, etc; how to add your own memories on FamilySearch.org 

Also learned that St. Catharines Public Library is an affiliated library with FamilySearch.org which means some images for records might be locked as it is actually on another website which is a paid website. But since the St. Catharines Public Library is affiliated library you can view those records at the library using one of the computers with their IP addresses and save the image of the record to a flash drive.

Ancestry News Update/Upcoming Genealogy Class

I currently don't have a paid membership for Ancestry.com as I am trying to save money with genealogy. I have been doing lots of research at the St. Catharines Public Library using the Ancestry Library Edition at the library so I can still search on Ancestry and you can be sent the records home thru email. I have also been using FamilySearch.org a lot to do searches about my ancestors as it is free to use. 

Another reason I currently not paying for Ancestry.com is I am trying to organize all my research in Family Tree Maker 2017. A couple of weeks ago I posted a blog about creating a task list in Family Tree Maker 2017. And I mention that in the personal notes I am created a timeline of the person's life, and the research notes I am adding notes to help with my research. And I would like to work on this before I go back to having a paid Ancestry.com membership.

On Thursday, April 11, 2019, I will be taking a class a the St. Catharines  Public Library on FamilySearch.org from 2:00pm - 4:00pm it is a free class but if you want the handouts you need to pay $2.00. In this class, you learn how to piece together your ancestor’s history by learning how to search Historical Records, Genealogies, Memories, and Family Tree in FamilySearch.org, the world’s largest free genealogy website. Pre-registration is required. 

Linda Dixon - Trying To Shake Her 35-Year Habit Newspaper Article

Today I went to St. Catharines Public Library doing research using the microfilm machines at the library.  I found the newspaper article about the interview my mom (Linda Marie Dixon) trying to quit smoking. It was published by St. Catharines Standard, Sep 27, 2002, p. A2

Transcription of text in the document: Trying to shake her 35-year habit
Son will support mom in bid to win Quit Smoking Contest

By Kalvin Reid - Standard Staff

Linda Dixon is giving up cigarettes Oct 1.

Besides, looking for a more healthy lifestyle, the west St. Catharines resident is hoping to drive away in a new car.

"I have been saying I want to quit for a long time," the 48-year-old said Thursday after entering the third installment of the Quit Smoking Contest. "I feel this is a good challenge for me."

The contest, which challenges daily smokers over the age of 19 to butt out from Oct. 15 to Nov. 15, is offering a new Honda Civic DX-G as it's grand prize, to be awarded from a draw of people who successfully stay away from cigarettes for the month.

Seven Samsung digital cameras will also be awarded on a regional basis.

Dixon, who has been smoking since she was 13, will be using the assistance of "the patch" to help her through the month. She will also be butting out two weeks before the contest begins.

"I'm going to try for the first of October, Tuesday, to quit," she said. "I have to get myself ready."

The content atmosphere is an "excellent motivator" to get people to drop smoking, said Sarah Rose, a health promoter with Niagara Region's a public health department.

"There are better cessation rates in contests like this," she said. "They really work. It's a win-win situation. Not only can you win a car, but you will be healthier and live a better life."

An evaluation of last year's Quit Smoking contest found 74 percent of the registrants quit for a least that month and 31 percent, about 4,000 people were still smoke-free a year later.

The contest also requires smokers to have a buddy to offer support and encouragement through those tough days.

Dixon had 19-year-old son Jay standing by.

Although she has tried quitting before, she hasn't made an attempt since her kids were younger. She is looking forward to the support her son offers.

"I'm going to think positive all the way through," she said. " I have wanted to do this for a long time. It's going to be hard, but I think I can do it."

Rose said having someone providing support goes a long way towards helping people quit and making the contest a success.

"It has a built-in support system right there," she said. "A lot of people going through cessation outside the contest don't have the support and they struggle."

Contest registration forms are available at the public health department, in doctors' offices, walk-in clinics and online at www.quitssmokingontario.ca

Upcoming Genealogy Classes

Upcoming Genealogy Classes at the St. Catharines Public Library (Central Library - 54 Church St, St. Catharines, ON) Contact 905-688-6103 ext. 211 to sign up for the classes

Ancestry Library Edition - (Thursday, March 21, 2019; 2:00PM - 3:30PM Free Class; Handouts are $2.00) This class will show you had to search Census Records, Wills, Passenger Lists, Birth, Marriage & Death Records on Ancestry.com Pre-registration is required.

NEW CLASS FamilySearch.org - (Thursday, April 11, 2019; 2:00PM - 4:00PM Free Class; Handouts are $2.00) In this class you learn how to piece together your ancestor’s history by learning how to search Historical Records, Genealogies, Memories, and Family Tree in FamilySearch.org, the world’s largest free genealogy website. Pre-registration is required. 

I have previously taken the Ancestry Library Edition class back in 2017, which I have already blogged about what I learned in the class.

I have signed up for the FamilySearch.org class on April 11, 2019, which I am looking forward to taking and I will blog about what I learn in the class afterward.

Elizabeth Jean Dixon's Birth Announcement

Here is my sister Elizabeth Jean Dixon's Birth Announcement, she was born Nov 3, 1977. Was found on microfilm of old newspapers at the St. Catharines Public Library. It was published by the St. Catharines Standard, Nov 4, 1977, p. 2.

Transcription of text in the document:    DIXON - John and Linda are proud to announce the arrival of their daughter, Elizabeth Jeanne, on Nov 3, 1977, 61bs, 4ozs. First grandchild for Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Dixon and second for Mrs. Elizabeth Dagenais. Thanks to staff of General Hospital and Dr. Epstein and Dr. Donevan.    

Published by St. Catharines Standard, Nov 4 1977, p. 2

John (Jay) Marshall Dixon Jr's Birth Annoucement

Here is my brother John (Jay) Marshall Dixon Jr's Birth Announcement, he was born on Mar 27, 1983. Was found on microfilm of old newspapers at the St. Catharines Public Library. It was published by the St. Catharines Standard, Mar 29, 1983, p. 2.

Transcription of text in the document:    Births  DIXON - John and Linda are thrilled to announce the birth of their son, John Marshall weighing 5lbs, 8oz on March 27. A new side-card buddy and prospective Blue Knight for Daddy to love. A new little brother for Elizabeth and Lisa. Third grandchild for Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Dixon and eighth grandchild for Mrs. E. Dagenais.

Carter Jason Hemphill's Birth Annoucement

Here is my nephew Carter Jason Hemphill's Birth Announcement, he was born on May 14, 2002. Was found on microfilm of old newspapers at the St. Catharines Public Library. It was published by the St. Catharines Standard, May 15, 2002, p. B6.

Transcription of text in the document:    Our Little Linebacker  HEMPHILL -  Corey and Elizabeth are thrilled to announce the birth of Carter Jason on Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 71bs 7.2 oz. First grandchild for Joanne and Mark Hemphill and Linda and John Dixon. Thanks to doctors and staff at the St. Catharines General Hospital.   

Published by St. Catharines Standard, May 2002, p. B6

Found News Clippings Using The Microfilm Machine At St. Catharines Public Library

Today I went to St. Catharines Public Library  doing research using the microfilm machines at the library. I have been looking for birth, marriage and death announcements for relatives.

Once I find the news clipping I am printing a copy at the library it costs $0.50 to print a copy. I also write down the newspaper published in, the date and page.

If I already had a copy of the news clipping I just looking to find the newspaper it was published in, the date of publication and page.

The following I had already had a newspaper clipping: (click the title to see the article as previous posted on blog)

• Katelyn Helen Hemphill's Birth Announcement (Published by St. Catharines Standard, Aug 13 2005, p. C7)
• Lisa Marie Dixon's Birth Announcement (Published by St. Catharines Standard, Jan 2 1981, p. 2) 

I have found the following from the microfilm machines: (The newspaper clippings will be posted in the next couple days)

• Carter Jason Hemphill's Birth Announcement (Published by St. Catharines Standard, May 15 2002, p. B6)
• John Marshall Dixon Jr.'s Birth Announcement (Published by St. Catharines Standard, Mar 29 1983, p. 2)
• Elizabeth Jean Dixon's Birth Announcement (Published by St. Catharines Standard, Nov 4 1977, p. 2) 

Newspaper Clipping Of Linda Marie Dixon's Death Notice

Here is the newspaper clipping of  Linda Marie Dixon's death notice found on microfilm of old newspapers at the St. Catharines Public Library. It was published by the St. Catharines Standard, Apr 1 2010, p. C12

Transcription of text in the document:    Deaths  DIXON, Linda Marie - Passed away peacefully at the St. Catharines General Hospital in her 56th year after a brief illness on March 31, 2010 with her husband at her side. Linda was the beloved wife of John Dixon and the daughter of the late Elizabeth Shirley and Roger Dagenais: much-loved mother of Elizabeth Hemphill (Corey), Lisa Dixon, John "Jay" M. Dixon Jr. (Ashleigh). She was number one Granny to Carter Hemphill, Katelyn Hemphill & John M. Dixon the third and sister of Gary Dagenais, Raymond Dagenais, Rosemary Hipwell, Corrie Bernard, Cathy Gniwodda, Tom Dagenais & Theo Dagenais. Shelia Rose was Linda's best friend who was with her throughout this difficult time. Her family would like to thanks the members of the Alcoholic's Anonymous for her long time of sobriety. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received at the HULSE & ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 75 Church Street (905-684-6346) on Monday evening from 7:00 - 9:00 o'clock. A service of remembrance celebrating Linda's life will be held in the chapel on Tuesday afternoon at one o'clock. Online condolences may be made at www..hulseandenglish.com

Published by the St. Catharines Standard, Apr 1 2010, p. C12

Newspaper Clipping Of John Marshall Dixon III's Birth Annoucement

Here is the newspaper clipping of John Marshall Dixon III's birth announcement found on microfilm of old newspapers at the St. Catharines Public Library. It was published by the St. Catharines Standard, Feb 21 2009, p, B8

Transcription of text in the document:    Births  DIXON - John Jr. (Jay) and Ashleigh (nee) Pawluck are pleased to announce the speedy arrival of their son John Marshall Dixon III on Thursday, February 12, 2009 weighing 6lbs 13oz. First grandchild for Bill & Marilyn Pawluk. Third grandchild for John Sr. and Linda Dixon. Special thanks to Dr. Shetty and the nurses at the St. Catharines General Hospital.    

Published by the St. Catharines Standard, Feb 21 2009, p. B8

Newspaper Clipping Of Bronwyn Jean Dixon's Death Notice

Here is the newspaper clipping of Bronwyn Jean Dixon's death notice found on microfilm of old newspapers at the St. Catharines Public Library. It was published by the St. Catharines Standard, Oct 6 2006, p. A8

Transcription of text in the document:    Deaths    DIXON, Bronwyn Jean - Died suddenly on October 3, 2006 as the result of a car accident at the age of 23. Darling daughter of Ted Dixon. Loving daughter of Jean Baird, step-daughter of George Bowering, big sister & alternative mom to Sebastian Baird-Roberts. Beloved granddaughter of Martha Baird. Loved also by step-brother Jobe Roberts, step-father Bill Roberts, Aunt Melody & Uncle Ron, and Uncle Jay, Aunt Ruth, Kelly & Mark Doyle, Nancy & Joe Reagan, beloved Aunt Jane, cousin Owen, Uncle John & Aunt Linda Dixon, cousins, Elizabeth, Lisa & Jay. Bronwyn will be lovingly remembered by all her friends whose lives she touched. A celebration of Bronwyn's life will be held at the HULSE & ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 75 Church St, St. Catharines (905-684-6346) on Saturday, October 7th, 2006 at 3pm. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1-3 pm. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to Ovarian Cancer Research, a cause that was close to Bronwyn's heart, in honor of her Aunt Ruth would be appreciated by her family. 

Published by the St. Catharines Standard, Oct 6 2006, p. A8

Newspaper Clipping Of Alice Anne Dixon's Birth Annoucement

Here is the newspaper clipping of  Alice Anne Dixon's birth announcement found on microfilm of old newspapers at the St. Catharines Public Library. It was published by the St. Catharines Standard, Aug 29 2013, p. C18

Transcription of text in the document:    It's A Girl!  DIXON    A Rainbow only appears after the storm. John (Jay), Ashleigh, big brother John, big sister Anne and fur brother Vegas welcomed the newest member Alice Anne on August 1, 2013 at 6:28am weighing 7lbs 11oz.    A HUGE thank you to all her nurses, the doctors and residents in the Level 2 NICU at McMaster who took excellent care of our newest trouble maker.  

Published by the St. Catharines Standard, Aug 29 2013, p. C18

Newspaper Clipping Of Edward (Ted) L. Dixon's Death Notice

Here is the newspaper clipping of Edward (Ted) L. Dixon's ' death notice found on microfilm of old newspapers at the St. Catharines Public Library. It was published by the St. Catharines Standard, Aug 9 1999, p. B4

Transcription of text in the document:    Deaths  DIXON, Edward L. (Ted) Sr. - Peacefully at his residence on Saturday, August 7, 1999 in his 82nd year. Beloved husband of the late Jeanne Dixon (1986). Dear father of Edward L. Dixon Jr. John M. Dixon and his wife Linda and Laura Jane Kleiser and her husband Andrew. Grandfather of Elizabeth, Lisa, John Jr, Bronwyn, and Owen. Beloved friend of Nancy Reid.  At Ted's request, there will be no visitation. A private service will take place following cremation. Arrangements entrusted to HULSE & ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL, 75 Church St (684-6346)    

Published by the St.Catharines Standard, Aug 9 1999, p. B4

Newspaper Clipping Of Elizabeth Shirley Dagenais Death Notice

Here is the newspaper clipping of Elizabeth Shirley Dagenais' death notice found on microfilm of old newspapers at the St. Catharines Public Library. It was published by the St. Catharines Standard, Feb 13 2003, p. B6

Transcription of text in the document:    Deaths  DAGENAIS, Elizabeth Shirley - After a brief illness on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at the St. Catharines General Hospital in her 72nd year. Loving mother of Garry and his wife Marlene, Raymond, Linda and her husband John Dixon, Rosemary and her husband Gary Hipwell, Corrine and her husband Roy Bernard, Cathy and her husband Roger Ginowadda, Theodore and his wife Pamela and Thomas and his wife Susan. Survived by her 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.   At the request of the family, there will be no visitation. Private Family Service, in lieu of flowers donations, may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Arthritis Society. Arrangements entrusted to the HULSE & ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 75 Church Street, 905-684-6346.   

Published by the St. Catharines Standard, Feb 13 2003, p. B6

Found News Clippings Using The Microfilm Machine At St. Catharines Public Library

I have been doing lots of research on the family tree at St. Catharines Public Library, spending full days doing research using the microfilm machines at the library. I have been looking for birth, marriage and death announcements for relatives.

Once I find the news clipping I am printing a copy at the library it costs $0.50 to print a copy. I also write down the newspaper published in, the date and page.

If I already had a copy of the news clipping I just looking to find the newspaper it was published in, the date of publication and page.

I have found the following from the microfilm machines: (The newspaper clippings will be posted in the next couple days)

• Elizabeth Shirley Dagenais death announcement (Published by St. Catharines Standard, Feb 13 2003, p. B6)
• Edward L. (Ted) Dixon death announcement (Published by St. Catharines Standard, Aug 9 1999, p. B4)
• Alice Anne Dixon birth announcement (Published by St. Catharines Standard, Aug 29 2013, p.C18)
• Bronwyn Jean Dixon death announcement (Published by St. Catharines Standard, Oct 6 2006, p. A8)
• John Marshall Dixon III birth announcement (Published by St. Catharines Standard, Feb 21 2009 p. B8)
• Linda Marie Dixon death announcement (Published by St. Catharines Standard, Apr 1 2010, p. C12)

The following I had already had a newspaper clipping: (click the title to see the article as previous posted on blog)

• Linda Marie Dagenais wedding shower announcement (Published by St. Catharines Standard, Aug 1974, p. 12)
• Anne Louise Marie Dixon birth announcement (Published by St. Catharines Standard, Sep 20 2011, p. C6
• Dixon -Dagenais marriage announcement (Published by St. Catharines Standard, Aug 12 1974, p. 12)

Genealogy Resources Available At St. Catharines Public Library

In this video I talk about the genealogy resources available at the St. Catharines Public Library from Ancestry Library Edition (available only at the library), Historic Images of St. Catharines & Niagara, Local Names Index and St. Catharines Standard (available only at the library).