The Klinosky Genealogy Page

Lithuanian genealogical research in Schuylkill County, PA

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In the early '90s, I did a simple family tree. However, I didn't really persue the matter (too busy with the military and college). Well, about autumn of 2001, I decided to search for myself on the web (just to see what I could find). I gave the search engine my surname and, to my surprise, found some websites about me of which I didn't know. However, the interesting part was finding someone with a genealogy page that had my surname. I didn't know these people, so I inquired; it turned out to not be related. But it got me wondering! I also searched for relatives' surnames - and 'discovered' some new cousins!

My ancestors were mostly from Schulykill County, PA, settling there as immigrants from Lithuania; my paternal Greatgrandparents emigrated about 1890, and my maternal Grandparents about 1910. Also, their children grew up there.

I think that there're two exciting trends in genealogy now - the storage and accessibility of information (e.g. name, birth & death dates, parents' names, marriages, etc.). Consider this: just in the last century or two, civilized cultures have begun saving information as a matter of government operation. This wasn't true before about the 1800s; churches were required to record this info since the 1500s, but it wasn't universal. Indeed, some cultures probably still don't.

Accessing information has become simpler: whereas previously you'd have to go to the town that collected the needed data, now you can go to a repository (e.g. NARA, LDS Family History Center), or even on the internet. Recently, another interesting concept has arisen - DNA analysis, which proves relationship when there is no documentation.

If you're new to genealogy, or just curious, check this out: RootsWeb Guide to Tracing Family Trees

Here is my KLINAUSKAS / ULEVICIUS ancestry. Klinosky thumbnail

Here is my BERNATONIS / HOLLEY ancestry.

General genealogy:

RootsWeb Ancestry.com Genealogy.com FamilySearch - LDS

Ellis Island Wall of Honor Genealogy links Cindy's List The Genealogy Home Page

Notes

Begin with the basics!
If you're just beginning this endeavor, don't try to get right into mailing off requests to archives and such. TALK TO YOUR RELATIVES! (Even a professional genealogist would have to do this - to understand your family.) Perhaps you think that you know your ancestors; I'd bet that you don't. Genealogy involves more than just a name and address. Also discuss your family with your relatives' friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Be aware that, as you progress, you'll find new questions and issues to discuss - this is part of the learning process.

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Lithuanian genealogy:

The Lithuanian Global Genealogical Society Lithuanian Genealogy Lithuanian Research

FEEFHS Cyndi's List - Baltic Little Lithuania Lithuania Genealogy Forum

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Lithuania - other than genealogy:

Yahoo!: Lithuania Lithuania Lithuanian-American Community, Inc. Lithuanian Heritage Club

Lithuania Online Global Resources for Lithuania Lithuania Home Page

The Philadelphia Lithuanian group has a map of Lithuania's changing borders. It's about 1' x 2' and mounted in a frame, so I couldn't scan it (had to photograph it). Historical Lithuania

Schuylkill Co. seal

Schuylkill Co. genealogy:

Schuylkill County Government Schuylkill County Genealogy Ties Schuylkill County PAGenWeb

Notes

Of course, the primary resource is the courthouse (in Pottsville) [here's a picture]. The archives (one floor down from the entrance) has most of the info. Nota bene: if you don't find a person in the naturalization volumes, look in the Records of Declarations of Intention (which are handwritten); if the person didn't file a Petition for Naturalization, nothing will be in the naturalization volumes (not even the D. of I.), but the D. of I. will be in the handwritten volumes. A good source of info regarding veterans is the grave marker request, held in the Veteran Affairs office.

Another resource is the library (just 2 blocks away, on Market Street) [here's a picture]. They have microfilms of the census and the "Pottsville Republican" (newspaper), and a shelf full of books to help in your quest.

Schuylkill Co. - other than genealogy:

Schuylkill Visitors Bureau Mine Country - Anthracite Coal Region History

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PA genealogy:

PA State Archives ARIAS The Genealogical Society of PA

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US genealogy:

NARA - genealogy INS - genealogy Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) vital records

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