Southern Utah Family History & Genealogy Group

Annual Saturday Meeting 12-17-2011

2012-01-13T15:04:00.002-07:00

SOUTHERN UTAH FAMILY HISTORY AND GENEALOGY GROUP
(Washington County PAF User Group)

St. George East Stake Building
449 South 300 East, St. George, UT
Saturday, December 17, 2011

GREETER: Sandra Bryant

WELCOME: Marilyn Rohrer - 10:00 am

OPENING PRAYER:

Welcome was extended to all members and visitors.

Several announces were made which included:
→Don Snow’s classes for the remainder of the year were announced.
Printed schedules available from Don.
Wed 04 Jan 2012 -- Your Questions (Please give us your genealogy
and technology questions in advance, if possible)
• Wed 18 Jan 2012 -- Picasa and Other Freeware to Work with Photos
• Wed 01 Feb 2012 -- Descendancy Research
• Wed 22 Feb 2012 -- Search Tools: Desktop and Online

Pat Foster announced that next years dues will be $12.00 per household per year. There will be no more newsletters to be mailed, USPS, they will all be send via email. Dues are due by February 1, 2012 to receive further copies of the newsletter. See Pat for an Application/Renewal form.

The question was asked, from the audience, if our group was going to participate in the St. George Heritage Fair being held next month. This will be looked into by the board.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The names of nominees were read and seconded; there were no further nominations from the floor.
The voting was unanimous in favor of the nominees.

The Officers and Board Members of the Southern Utah Family History & Genealogy Group for the year 2012 are as follows:

President: Bob Kroff Vice-President: Fran Lightner
Secretary: Sandra Bryant Treasurer & Membership: Pat Foster
Publicity: Wilma Stratton Greeters: Sandra Bryant and Helen Lenz
Newsletter: Julie Hammons Correspondence Secretary: June Morton
Set-Up: Curt Rohrer WebMaster: Russ Bateman

Board Members-At-Large: Don Snow, Lida Larkin, Max Turpin, Marilyn Rohr
At this point the Conducting of the Meeting was turned over to the new President Bob Kroff

Prize Drawing was held.

PRESENTATION: Russ Bateman

Russ showed a video of the story of David and Willi Cannon. It was from the old Death Valley Days TV program. The story was entitled ” Sago Lillies”. It was the story of the original settlers of St. George. This was fitting end to our year of learning about the history of St. George.

Bob Kroff, our new President, spoke about the up-coming year.
He has chosen a theme of “Moving Ahead”. He wants the year to be a year of learning new skills and moving further into the technical world. He announced that January’s presentation would be on the original Uncle Verl video and self publishing.

Great treats and goodies were enjoyed by all.

CLOSING PRAYER: Julie Hammons

RECORDING SECRETARY: Pat Foster

2011 Christmas Gift List
Flash Drive Helen Lenz
Staples $10.00 Gift Certificate Julie Hammons
Fairway Grill $20.00 Gift Certificate Bob Kroff
Barnes and Noble $10.00 Gift Card Curt Rohrer
Applebee's 2 for $20.00 Gift Certificate LaNell Ehrheart
WalMart $10.00 Gift Card Connie Hatch
See's Candy $10.00 Gift Card Lola Crowley
Office Max $10.00 Gift Card Russ Bateman
Red Robin $10.00 Gift Card Pat Foster
Flash Drive Jo Covington
Box of 'Cutie” Tangerines Don Snow
In-n-Out $5.00 Gift Card Sandra Byrant
Staples $10.00 Gift Card Sandra Nagy
WalMart $10.00 Gift Card Reta Adams
Fairway Grill $10.00 Gift Card Mary Alice Hansen
Turkey from Albertson Pat Miller
Office Max $10.00 Gift Card Sharon Jewkes
Red Robin $10.00 Gift Card Irvin Wright
Flash Drive Marlene Stewart
Garden Sprout $25.00 Gift Certificate Gordon Stewart
In-n-Out $5.00 Gift Card Max Turpin
Ham from Albertson Paul Covington

January 2012 - Newsletter - 1st page

2012-01-13T14:58:00.003-07:00

Family History/Genealogy
Newsletter
http://washingtoncountypafusersgroup.blogspot.com Vol. 3 #1- January 2012
Facebook -Southern Utah Genealogy ! ! ! ! ! www.wcpafug.org
Southern Utah Family History and Genealogy Group
In This Issue
-p2 New Board Members
-p2 Board Message
-p2 News on the 1940 Census
-p2 Welcome New Board
-p3 Ancestry.com in 2012
-p3 FamilySearch News
-p4 Upcoming Conferences
-p5 FHC Open House
-p5 Classes Available
-p6 My Life Online
-p6 Board Information
January Meeting
Our first meeting of
2012 will be held
Saturday 21st at 10
am. at the East Stake
Center -- 449 South
300 East, St. George
The presenters will
be brothers Robert
and Joel Kroff who
will give their original
presentation of the
“Uncle Verl” story. They have presented Verls’ story
to many local interest groups, but the original
presentation always sparks a renewed interest in
leaving a legacy of our own. The second half of the
presentation will be a demonstration of the “Kroff
Family Publications”, which started with the story of
Uncle Verl and has opened up their self-publishing
efforts.
Dues are Due
Pat Foster announced that next year’s dues will be
$12.00 per household per year, and are due by
February 1, 2012. If your dues are not paid by then
will no longer receive copies of the newsletter, until
your membership is paid. See Pat Foster for an
Application/Renewal form.
Robert is a retired teacher/administrator and is
presently President of the Southern Utah Family
History & Genealogy Group. He has a special
interest in personal family histories.
Joel is a member of Toastmasters International,
recently earning the title of Distinguished
Toastmaster in St. George.
Robert & Joel enjoy bringing their sense of humor
and interest in family history with the hope that it
creates a motivation for each of us to “tell our own
story.”
2012
You will notice some slight changes to the newsletter this year. The newsletter now will vary between 4-8 pages,
expanding or contracting dependent on the amount of news. You should check our other ways of getting
information and contacting the membership by going to our webpage, facebook or blog.
News happens so quickly these days that often, by the time it gets into the
newsletter, it really isn’t ‘news’ anymore. When you subscribe to the Blog
you will receive a notice when new content has been added. As we use our
Blog and Facebook more, we will be able to be kept up-to-date on family
history happenings.
Handouts for our meetings will be found on our Webpage. If you miss a
meeting you should check there for copies of the handouts .

Saturday, January 21, 2012

2012-01-13T10:44:00.002-07:00

Southern Utah Family History & Genealogy Group Meeting - Saturday, January 21, 2012 10:00a.m. - Noon - St. George East Stake Center - 449 S. 300 E.
The presenters will be brothers Bob & Joel Kroff who will give their original presentation of the 'Uncle Verl' story. They have presented Verls' story to many local interest groups but the original presentation always sparks a renewed interest in leaving a legacy of our own. The second half of the presentation will be a demonstration of the 'Kroff Family Publications', which started with the story of Uncle Verl and has opened up their self-publishing efforts.
Bob is a retired teacher/administrator and is presently President of the Southern Utah Family History & Genealogy Group. He has a special interest in personal family histories.
Joel is a member of Toastmasters International, recently earning the title of Distinguished Toastmaster in St. George.
Bob & Joel enjoy bringing their sense of humor and interest in family history with the hope that it creates a motivation for each of us to 'tell our own story'.
All are invited to attend our meetings.

2011-11-14T17:23:00.002-07:00

Our next meeting will be held Saturday, November 19, 2011
Everyone is invited to attend!

Don and Diane Snow will present our November Meeting where
they will discuss ‘Using Newspapers in Genealogical Research.’
Don and Diane are both retired BYU Professors, but they
retired to serve.

Don and Diane served together in Minnesota, where he was the
President of Minnesota Stake Mission. They also served
Missions as Directors of the New York FHC in Manhattan,
and as FHC Missionaries in Illinois Nauvoo Mission and
Hyde Park London, as well as Missionaries at the St. George
Regional FHC.

They currently teach a ‘Family History Update Class’

Old newspapers are becoming more available and the
Snow’s will teach us how to locate them, and what types of
information we can find.

Our meeting starts at 10am at the East Stake Center --
449 South 300 East, St. George.

2011-10-03T21:06:00.002-06:00

OCTOBER IS FAMILY HISTORY MONTH

OCTOBER 15, 2011 MEETING.....

October is ‘Family History Month’ and for our October 15, 2011 meeting we invite those attending to bring their favorite ‘Ancestor Treasure’ to share with us all. We did this in 2010 and it was a fun meeting because we all enjoyed each other’s ‘Ancestor Treasures’.

Our October 2011 Meeting

2011-09-13T00:45:00.003-06:00

Our October meeting will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011.
October is Family History Month and again this year we will ask everyone to bring something that was owned, a picture or short story of one of their ancestors. We had a great meeting last year on this and expect the same this year.
Light refreshments will be provided.
We look forward to seeing you in October.

We need help!

2011-09-13T00:38:00.002-06:00

Starting with our October 15, 2011 meeting we will asking for those who could help our group continue by volunteering as officers and board members.
We REALLY DO need your help!
We have 5-8 officers who will not be continuing in 2012 and need to be replaced. Most have been on the board for 2 - 6 years and are just feeling like the group needs some new faces and ideas.
Please consider volunteering yourself and think of others that you can get involved.
You can contact Fran Lightner or June Morton for further information.

The summer has gone by.....mostly

2011-09-13T00:35:00.002-06:00

Her it is almost time for us to get back to our meeting schedule. For those that have already signed up, and been in contact with June Morton, we will be going on our visit to St. George Live - this coming Saturday.
If you haven't already checked your email please do. Where we will meet and the time is there for you.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

2011-05-28T09:09:00.002-06:00

Southern Utah Family History & Genealogy Group (Washington County PAF Users Group) will not have meetings in the summer months of June, July and August.
Plans are already made for our September 2011 meeting.
Members are invited to join us in the Historic St. George Live! tour on Saturday, September 17, 2011. The tour will be a gift from the SGFH&G Group Board for our members. Non-members can sign up and pay the cost of $3.00.
The year St. George is celebrating it's 150th anniversary of the settling of this area.
On this tour we have the opportunity to hear some of the history and meet those who were part of this settlers. Brigham Young, Erastus Snow, Orson Pratt, Jacob Hamblin and Judge John Menziers Macfarlane, in period costumes, will take us through this historic tour.
Mark your calendar to join us.
We will update where we will meet, and other information as the time gets closer.
For more information contact Fran at 688-1260 or June at 652-9463

2011-05-26T14:34:00.002-06:00

SOUTHERN UTAH FAMILY HISTORY AND GENEALOGY GROUP
Washington County PAF User Group

St. George East Stake Building
449 South 300 East, St. George, UT
Saturday, May 21, 2011

GREETERS .................... Sandra Bryant and Helen Lenz WELCOME: .................... Fran Lightner at 10:00 am

OPENINGPRAYER: .............. Gatha Wilson

Welcome was extended to all members and visitors.

TEACHING MOMENT: ............ Genealogy Related

President Fran Lightner introduced Alta Thorpe, Chapter Regent of Color Country Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution. An organization that has dedicated themselves to historic preservation, promotion of eduction and encouragement of patriotic endeavor.

Fran Lightner then presented information relative to RootsMagic and backup information for the database.

PRESENTERS : ................ Don Snow
Douglas D. Alder has lived a Utah life, spending one-quarter century in Salt Lake City and another quarter century on the northern border in Logan, Utah as a professor of history at Utah State University. He then spent nearly a quarter century on the southern border in St. George. Dr. Alder received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Utah, and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Oregon in 1966. He taught European History at Utah State University, and served as the 14th President of Dixie College. After his presidency, he remained teaching history full-time, and later serving as an adjunct professor. He and his wife, Elaine, have four grown children, 12 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

PRESENTATION: ................ Dr. Douglas D. Alder
The presentation was begun by asking all present where they were born ….. finding no St. George natives. Dr. Alder has been and is currently involved in researching, reviewing, and typing oral histories of Washington County residents and searching for their descendants.
When you think of Dixie you think of ARID. The early settlers brought with them the ability to create irrigation and implemented it in the early years, which included many different techniques.
As the Mormons came into the area they created “villages”, even though farming was the main industry. The people lived in the “village” creating communities and not on the farms. The families 'in town” lived on one acre lots, and on these lots the family planted gardens which provided all their food while the fathers worked on the farms raising cotton and then alfalfa.
Within the communities large fantastic building were built, which compared to buildings in the eastern states. The Tabernacle, the Courthouse, the Cotton Factory, the Temple and the Opera House.
Dr. Alder addressed and spoke of the water problem, the springs, the canals, and the damns.
He spoke of why the Temple was built here in St. George, noting that after the tabernacle was near finishing the skills and materials were already here, therefore, St. George Temple came to be before the Manti and Logan Temples.

What a great presentation we had today. Those who missed it, missed an outstanding history lesson about Washington County. Dr. Alder, with Karl Brooks, has written the book, “The History of Washington County: Isolation to Destination.”

CLOSING PRAYER: ........... Julie Hammons
RECORDING SECRETARY: ...... June Morton

Members Attending: 25 Visitors: 3 TOTAL ATTENDANCE: 28

PRIZES: Carla Tobler, Sandra Brant, Merrill Hymas

Many Thanks go out to the Board Members who came early and set-up the room for this presentation.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

2011-05-10T19:10:00.001-06:00

We welcome all to our next meeting -
Saturday, May 21, 2011 - Our monthly meeting will
feature Dr. Doug Alder
Dr Doug Alder will be the presenter at our May Meeting.
He is a historian and will talk about the history
of Washington County. ‘From Isolation To Destination:
Washington County and Dixie College’. He will also
be a great resource to tell us about the technology and
website programs he uses to help with research.
Dr. Alder received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from
the University of Utah, and earned his Ph.D. from the
University of Oregon in 1966. He taught European
History at Utah State University, and served as the
14th President of Dixie College. After his presidency,
he remained teaching history full-time, and later
serving as an adjunct professor.
He and his wife Elaine and have four grown children,
12 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
The meeting begins at 10 am on Saturday May 21, at
449 South 300 East, St. George Utah (East Stake
Center RS Room).

2011-05-10T19:01:00.002-06:00

SOUTHERN UTAH
￠FAMILY HISTORY AND GENEALOGY GROUP
Washington County PAF User Group
St. George East Stake Building
449 South 300 East, St. George, UT
Saturday, April 16, 2011

GREETERS: ….... Sandra Bryant, Wilma Staton and Marilyn Rohrer

WELCOME: ...... Helen Lenz .. 10:00 am

OPENING PRAYER: .....Pat Miller

✱Welcome was extended to all members and visitors.

TEACHING MOMENT: .....Genealogy Related

Helen Lenz, Vice-President, Introduced Wayne and Terri Shamo with the Washington County Library System. There are seven branches within the system: Enterprise, Hurricane, New Harmony. St. George, Santa Clara, Springdale, and Washington. Terri noted that they have many genealogical related items in the branches. Notably the Heritage Quest collection. For more information on the Washington County Libraries go to: http://library.washco.utah.gov

PRESENTERS : .....THE KROFF BROTHERS

Bob Kroff is a retired Teacher/Administrator from the Tooele School District. He taught and was principal at Hurricane Middle School in the early 70's and owned a Grocery Store in Springdale, adjacent to Zion National Park. While employed in the District Office in the Tooele School District, he was a Teacher Trainer and traveled Utah and Idaho presenting skills in teaching Bob and his wife Carol served a Mission at the St. George Family History Center, with a special interest in personal histories. Bob has served as Vice-President of our Group and is presently on our Board of Directors.

Joel was born in SLC Utah and raised in Tooele, Joel went to Southern California on an LDS mission and attended Brigham Young University following his mission. While going to B.Y.U Joel spent the summer in Springdale, Utah, working for his brother Robert, where Joel met and fell in love with his wife Marium. They have now been married 40 years. They are the parents of 5 wonderful boys. Joel and Marium currently reside in St. George, Utah. Joel is active in the local toastmasters club, a public speaking forum, where he has achieved their highest achievement, that of a Distinguished Toastmaster.

AND MCKAY MURDOCK from iPreserve.
Mckay was born in Kahuku Hawaii to George & Mimi Murdock, but grew up in Orem, Utah. His family moved to Hurricane, Utah in 2001 where he attended High School and started his business adventures. Mckay started, owned and sold several companies over the years. Through High School his Lawn Care and Rock Salt Delivery services kept him busy. Towards the end of High school he started an asphalt maintenance and striping company called Stripe It. He began by just painting parking lots and runways but soon expanded to asphalt crack repair, seal coating, asphalt patchwork, and paving. That was a fun adventure and taught him many wonderful lessons that he is now very grateful for! After selling Stripe It he turned into a bit of a traveler. He traveled all over Europe, Israel and the U.S. After having his share of life on the road he discovered the budding Media Conversion industry and met the founder of iPreserve. Mckay has been the owner of iPreserve for about 2 years now and loves his job! He is happy and grateful that he can be a part of a necessary and important service in preserving those priceless memories we all have, making sure they can be enjoyed for generations to come! His wife Emily and daughter Haylee love St. George as much as he does so he will be here for quite a few years taking care of all our precious memories!

PRESENTATION: .....Bob Kroff, Joel Kroff and Mckay Murdock
Bob and Joel began the presentation with a recap of how they got into digital format memory by reintroducing “UncleVerl” and displaying ‘his’ box of memories. Hopefully in October during our Family History Month we will be able to have the video of Uncle Verl again. The brothers discovered through Uncles Verl’s journal that he was a man of intelligence rather than, as children, the ‘unintelligent hermit’ they thought him to be.
Main thought was .... You do not have to wait for your WHOLE history to be completed to share your memories. Their goal was to demonstrate converting personal memories to digital format.
With the aid of a Kodak Sport Recorder of sound and picture, about $125 to purchase, memories could be saved to computer, CD and/or DVD for posterity. Many in the group experienced ‘remembrances’ of childhood days which were recorded by Joel, which we all viewed on the big screen. What a great day was had by all in the remembrances and in the new innovations that could bring childhood memories beyond the written word.
McKay, from iPreserve, was introduced. Mckay encouraged all to find the old home movies, 8mm film, audio tapes, the old slides, old negatives and/or pictures and convert them to digital format. He expressed the need to find the old media whether in the garage or attic or under the bed or hidden away in boxes some where ..... retrieve them before they are totally destroyed from heat or bugs or other harmful things to media objects. Yes, we could do it with our “home methods” but the quality and professional touch will not be there. .iPreserve has the ability to convert ANY media type ever created to digital! With iPreserve your precious memories stay local in our lab in St. George never going through the mail to be lost or stolen. Mckay will sit down with you in his store or in your home to answer any questions you might have about the Media Conversion Process.
.iPreserves is located on Sunset Blvd next to Play-It-Again Sports and the store hours are Monday - Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm or Saturday by appointment.
What a great presentation we had today. Those who missed it , missed walking down the ‘memory trail’ to your childhood and great memories.

CLOSING PRAYER: ….....Lena Jones
RECORDING SECRETARY: …..... June Morton

Members Attending:24 Visitors:16 TOTAL ATTENDANCE: 40

PRIZES: Lynn Johnston , Gordon Stewart, Marion Millet.
AND 100 photo upload to a DVD FREE from iPreserve and McKay Murdock, which was won by Ted Brewster

Many, Many Thanks to our Set-Up Crew this month!

Next meeting - Saturday, April 16, 2011

2011-03-26T12:25:00.003-06:00

UP-COMING PRESENTATIONS FOR APRIL & MAY 2011.....

APRIL 16, 2011 -BOB & JOEL KROFF ARE COMING BACK! For those who saw their first presentation on 'Uncle Verl' you know that they can sure put on a great presentation and provide us with good information for our own use.
Bob & Joel are returning with 'Beyond Uncle Verl - Family History & the 21st Century.
Ways of keeping up with what is available to us today in Family History. This will be a great presentation and we invite all to come and join us.

May 21, 2011 - This will be our last meeting before our summer break. Just to remind you we DO NOT hold meetings in June, July & August.

For our May meeting we have invited Doug Alder to be our presenter. Doug is currently involved with St. George Live - Former President & Professor of Dixie State College. For our May meeting Dougs presentation will be on 'Early Washington County History.' We invite all to come and join us in hearing about the areas early history.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

2011-03-21T21:50:00.002-06:00

SOUTHERN UTAH ·FAMILY HISTORY AND GENEALOGY GROUP
Washington County PAF User Group

St. George East Stake Building
449 South 300 East, St. George, UT
Saturday, March 19, 2011

GREETERS: ..... Marilyn Rohrer, Wilma Staton and Sandra Bryantd
WELCOME: ..... Fran Lightner – 10:00 am
OPENING PRAYER: .....Helen Lenz

✱Welcome was extended to all members and visitors.

✱Fran Lightner the president explained to the group the concept of our September meeting. With their input and approval we will be doing a “St. George Live” Tour. The group will be paying for the cost of the tour for our members. A list has been circulated for all those interested to sign. Reservation are necessary for any attending the tour.

✱ Fran noted Don Snow’s classes being held at the Morningside Stake Center were going well and listed the last classes for this season. Those remaining are:
6 April 2011 – The Lay of the Land - Online Maps for Family History
20 April 2011 – A Case Study Using New Tools

TEACHING MOMENT: Family History Center Introductions

Helen Lenz, Vice-President, introduced the Directors of the Buena Vista FHC, Tom and Betty McKnight, told of their newly renovated center and the schedules.
They are open: Tuesday - 9am-5pm; Wednesday - 9am-9pm; Thursday - 1pm-9pm

PRESENTER, Jeanine Vanderbrugger, was Introduced by Fran Lightner

Jeanine Vanderbrugger is on the Board of Directors of the McQuarried Memorial Museum and the President of the Washington West Company of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers (DUP). Jeanine spent 30 years in a working career with a large corporation in Los Angeles, and upon retirement, and upon obtaining her teaching credential, she began teaching elementary school.
Jeanine relocated to St. George from Southern California in 2005, and was immediately introduced to the DUP. This brought about the realization that all of her ancestors were among the original settlers of Southern Utah. She enjoys drawing upon these experiences to the history of our early pioneers with those old and new to this area, with visitors from around the world, or with school children.

PRESENTATION: Jeanine Vanderbrugger

Jeanine opened the presentation with the History of the settlement of St. George which was accompanied by a Power Point Presentation.

Charles L. Walker, among one of the first workers on the St. George Tabernacle, described the area.
“Saint George was dry and forbidding. When he arrived, Charley observed, "St. George is a barren looking place .... Very windy, dusty, blowing nearly all the time. The water is not good and far from being palatable. And this is the country we have to live in and make it blossom as the Rose. Well its all right; we shall know how to appreciate a good country when we get to it, when the Lord has prepared the way for his People to return and build up the waste places of Zion."

Brigham Young called several hundred Saints to southern Utah—Dixie—to raise the crop most in demand since the War Between the States began. In October 1861 - 300+ families were “called” to settle southern Utah. The main settlement was called St. George and another group was sent to Santa Clara (Swiss colony), most of these individuals in this group spoke little to no English. Those selected were people living in the Salt Lake Valley area who were from different parts of the US and Europe. It was noted that those who were selected had proven they would not give up. Many who came were traders, farmers, blacksmiths, potters, carpenters, musicians, merchants, etc.

Arrival began with the fist two families on November 25, 1861, the Robert Thompson and William Fawcett families. The majority of the “called” families began arriving on December 4, 1861. The first organization, Camp Council was set up on December 5, 1861. The first camp was in the area of the present day Dixie State College.

William Carter was the first to plowed a furrow in the rocking sandy ground.

Rocks were so abundant that the black volcanic rock was used for foundations and red sandstone for the walls. Good timber was found in surrounding mountains where saw mills were constructed. The first saw mill was in Pine Valley.

Money was almost unknown so many items were traded. To attend a social function, tickets were purchased with produce, molasses, squash etc., and performers were paid with the item brought.

St Georg Tabernacle cornerstone was laid June 1, 1863 and the building was dedicated December 28, 1872. Immediately thereafter the St. George Temple was begun - 1872 and completed in 1877.

Some of the first families to St. George were: Robert Gardner, George Woodward, Daniel D. McArthur, William Carter, Angus M. Cannon, James G. Bleak, Benjamin F. Pendelton, Ute Perkins, William Lang, William Fawcett, Israel Ivins, Lysander Dayton, Aston Kelsey, Jacob Gates, Walter E. Dodge, Orson Pratt, Jr., and many others.

Included in the Power Point presentation were pictures of many of the antique Items in the museum. The museum also includes Photos of early”“DIXIE pioneers; Histories of early pioneers; “Under Dixie SUN” history of southern Utah; Listings of markers and monuments of Washington County; Map of Early St. George.

Jeanine Vanderbrugger has created an Index for the "Under Dixie Sun" book. This is a great cross-reference for those looking for pioneer ancestors who are mentioned in the book. This book is a wonderful resource for learning the history of the early settlements and pioneers of Washington County, Utah and is available at the museum.

CLOSING PRAYER: Fran Lightner

RECORDING SECRETARY: June Morton

Members Attending: 27
Visitors 3

TOTAL ATTENDANCE: 30

PRIZES: Dwight Seamons, Betty Versteeg, and Lena Jones

Our Saturday, February 18, 2011 Meeting

2011-03-04T17:55:00.002-07:00

Souther Utah Family History & Genealogy Group -
St. George East Stake Building
449 South 300 East, St. George, UT Saturday, February 19, 2011
GREETERS: Marilyn Rohrer & Wilma Staton
Welcome: Fran Lightner – 10:00 am
OPENING PRAYER: Gaye Bateman
ºWelcome was extended to all members and visitors.ºFran explained our need to use the smaller, Young Women’s Rooom, as there was a funeral being held in the Relief Society Room. Apologized for the inconvience to the members.
ºFran told the group we were having a booth at the St. George Family History Expo on the 25th and 26th, Friday and Saturday. Hoping their were members who would volunteer to man the booth.
ºOur group is in need of a Publicity Chairperson. If you are interested, please check with Fran after the meeting.
U Don Snow mentioned that the Church History Newspaper had an article about the Roots Tech Conference and encouraged all to read the article. RootsTech was not the ordinary type of conference. It was an interactive presentation between the presenter and attendees.
Don Noted his classes being held at the Morningside Stake Center were going well and handed out his list of forthcoming classes. Those remaining are:
02 March 2011 – Filling Out the Family: Censuses in Family History
16 March 2-11 – Great Grandpa was a Mormon: LDS and Utah Records
Family History Center Intro:
The Hurricane Family History was scheduled but unable to attend.
Helen Lenz, instead, gave a short presentation on what a microfiche was and stated that most FHC’s had them.
PRESENTERS: Robert and Elaine Booth
Bob and Elaine Booth are the Directors of the Family History Center. They have been members of our group for years and presenters on many occasions. And when we have projector and/or computer problems Bob is the first one to get a call and he responds quickly and fixes the problems. Elaine noted that she became interested in Family History at the age of 15 year, before joining the church. Bob became interest when he met Elaine, at the age of 16 year. As young married Elaine and Bob served in the Peace Corp in Brazil and other South American countries. During this time with Peace Corp. Is when they were introduced to the Gospel.
After returning to the US they became professional students for a time until Bob finally found a subject that he was interested in., it took a BS and two Masters to get there but he finally found his niche ... Computer Science. Bob worked for the Family History Department of the Church for 20 years before retiring 12 years ago. After moving to St. George they were still involved in Family History by helping others and creating their business, CSG, Computer Science, which is now been laid to rest because of their call to become Directors of the St. George Family History Center
PRESENTATION:
Bob Booth’s presentation focused on New.FamilySearch.org .... some changes and different methods of use. He began with outlining the information from New.FamilySearch.
New FamilySearch Website (new.familysearch.org): February 2011
New Features as of December 2010
The December 2010 release has many improvements. Among these are the ability to watch individuals, receive e-mail notifications when changes occur, and some temple-related changes.
Receive E-mail Notifications for Changes
You can now “watch” individuals in your family tree and receive an e-mail notification when information about them changes.
For now, the notification identifies the following types of changes:
* Someone changes the individual’s summary.
* Someone starts a new discussion or adds a comment to an existing discussion. * Someone combines an individual that you are watching with another record. * Someone separates a record from an individual that you are watching.
The notification e-mail will eventually list more types of changes.
Select the Individuals in a Family Whose Ordinances You Want to Do
When you reserve the ordinances for a family, you can now deselect any family member whose ordinances you do not want to do.
Reserve Ordinances for Someone Born in the Last 95 Years
If you try to reserve ordinances for someone who was born in the last 95 years, the system now asks whether you are the closest living relative or have permission from the closest living relative to do the ordinances.
Note: The closest living relatives are, in this order:
* An undivorced spouse. (The spouse to whom the individual was married when he or she died.) * An adult child. * A parent. * A brother or sister.
If you need to obtain permission to do ordinances, verbal approval is acceptable. Family members should work together to determine when the ordinances will be done and who will do them.
Please honor the wishes of the closest living relative. Doing ordinances against those wishes can cause hard feelings within families and towards the Church.
Increased Size Limit for Discussions
In the previous version of the system, discussions and comments could contain up to 1,000 characters (500 for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean). The size limit has increased to 4,000 characters (2,000 for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean).
Internet Explorer 6
Support for Internet Explorer 6 has been discontinued.
You can use the new FamilySearch website on several browsers and operating systems. For best results, use one of these combinations:BROWSER Operating Systems
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 and
newer * Windows XP (Home and Professional SP3 and newer)
* Windows Vista (32-bit)
* Windows 7
Firefox 3.0 and newer * Windows XP (Home and Professional SP3 and newer)
* Windows Vista (32-bit)
* Windows 7
Safari 3.12A Mac OS X (10.5.6 and newer)
Note: Support for Macintosh and Safari is limited. If Safari
does not work well, try using Firefox instead

You can use other browsers and operating systems, though some features may not work as well.
Corrections and Additions to the User’s Guide
This document summaries the changes made to the new FamilySearch website for the December 2010 release.
A User’s Guide to the New FamilySearch Website (December 2010) explains the changes in detail. These Changes are marked with blue arrows like the following:
The most significant changes occurred in the following chapters:
Chapter 1, “Introduction to the New FamilySearch Website” Chapter 4, “Correcting Information That Is Already in the System” Chapter 5, “Working with Others Users” Chapter 8, “Performing Temple Ordinances for Your Ancestors”
At the conclusion of this review, Bob outlines the following:
What you should do now
• Register on new FamilySearch
• Keep your best information at home
• Clean up your genealogy database
• Scan your documents
• Check Ordinances
Access new FamilySearch
• Directly in new FamilySearch ) OR
• From home genealogy software )
• Check ordinances
• Correct localities
• Upload new data
• Download new data
*Upload sources and scanned documents
At the conclusion of the presentation, Bob noted the description of classes being held at the St. George Family History Center located at 410 So. 200 East - St. George
Classes at the FHC
● New FamilySearch
● PAF and Family Insight
● Ancestral Quest
● Legacy Family Tree
● Root Magic
● Comparative Features of Home-Based Genealogy Software
● Records Organization
● Scanning
● Photo Editing
For a list of all the classes being held go to: http://www.familyhistorycenter.org/
CLOSING PRAYER:
RECORDING SECRETARY: June Morton
Members Attending: 33 Visitors 6
TOTAL ATTENDANCE: 39

Saturday, Marth 19, 2011

2011-03-04T00:26:00.002-07:00

St. George is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the settling of the area. There will be many activities involved during this time of celebration.
We have invited the Daughters of Utah Pioneers to share with our group some of the many artifacts, histories of early settlers and information that is part of the McQuarrie Memorial Museum (DUP Pioneer Museum).
Jeanine Vander Bruggen, President of the Washington West Company of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, and is currently serving on the Board of Directors of the McQuarrie Memorial Museum, will be our presenter.
Jeanine also volunteers in the Museum along with members of the other 15 camps in Washington County.
Jeanine relocated to St. George from Southern California in 2005 and was immediately introduced to the Daughters of Utah Pioneers bringing about the realization that all of her ancestors were among those who originally settled Southern Utah in 1861.
Jeanine spent 30 years in a working career with a large corporation in Los Angeles, and upon retirement, and after obtaining her teaching credential, began teaching elementary school. She enjoys drawing upon these experiences to share the history of our early pioneers with those old and new to this area, with visitors from around the world, or with school children.
We invite you to come and enjoy this presentation.

2011-02-16T11:09:00.003-07:00

SOUTHERN UTAH FAMILY HISTORY AND GENEALOGY GROUP

Formerly known as Washington County PAF User Group
We are so much MORE than a PAF User Group - We specialize
in Computer and Family History Technology

CHANGES....CHANGES....CHANGES
Seems to be going on these day within our group

We have a new Name - Southern Utah Family History and Genealogy Group

We have a new President - Fran Lightner

We have several new Board Members - Don Snow, Wilma Staton and Sandra Bryant

We have a new meeting place - St. George East Stake Center
449 So. 300 East - St. George

The Presenters for our February Meeting - Robert and Elaine Booth
Will enlighten us about 'The CHANGES in New.FamilySearch'

WHEN: Saturday, 19th February 10:00 am to 12:00 noon

WHERE:
St. George East Stake Meeting House - 449 So. 300 East - St. George

2011 has brought changes to our group

2011-02-03T18:47:00.002-07:00

JANUARY CONTINUES TO BRING CHANGES TO OUR GROUP

Washington County PAF Users Group is now doing business as - Southern Utah Family History & Genealogy Group

When I first joined the WC-PAF Users Group Board, 5 ½ years ago, one of the agenda items was what to do with the PAF part of our name. Not just us here in St. George, but all PAF Users Groups.

That was about the time that at least three new genealogy software programs were getting ready to be put on the market. RootsMagic, Ancestral Quest and Legacy.

Some discussion was held on what would happen to PAF – would it be around, or not. Most expected it to continue to be a part of genealogy software, but not sure if keeping PAF Users Group in a group name would be good.

Part of the discussion has always had two areas - First – many who have not been involved in family history/genealogy have no idea what a PAF is. We would lose their interest before they even knew exactly what our group was. Or, knew what PAF was, but are no longer using it and saw no reason to come to our meetings.
Second – keeping PAF in the name did not let others know that ‘we’re not just PAF anymore’. We’re research: using all of the current software: using our computers, and keeping them safe: using the internet: organizing our files: writing personal histories: and any other subjects that are needed by our members.

Discussion has been held on this right up to 2011.

Now, almost 6-years later we all know of the many changes that have been made. With multiple programs available it seems hard to know where to go with a name change. Other PAF Users Groups have had the same discussions.

After much discussion, and wondering what to do, our Board made a decision. That decision was to keep the original, Washington County PAF Users Group, but to have a ‘doing business as’ (dba).

The dba that was chosen is 'Southern Utah Family History & Genealogy Group’ We are in the process of making the many changes on our brochures, newsletter, web site and blogspot. Putting out that we are a family history and genealogy group.

Our intent to educate in all areas of doing family history remains the same.

Our meeting location and our dba name have changed, our classes and meetings will continue on as they have for so many years.

Thank You for your membership and support!

President Fran Lightner

January 2011 - Monthly Meeting

2011-02-03T18:34:00.002-07:00

St. George East Stake Building
449 South 300 East, St. George, UT
SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 2011
Greeters................ Marilyn Rohrer and Wilma Staton

WELCOME: Fran Lightner – 10:00 am

OPENING PRAYER: Sunny Konold

➔Welcome was extended to all members and visitors.

➔Fran noted and gave Thanks to the Directors of the St. George Family History Center, Robert and Elaine Booth, for procuring this meeting site for our group. A special thanks was extended to Director Booth for securing means to set-up the Internet. It appears the Internet is not Family History friendly and he, Elder Booth, will be meeting with the powers-that-be to see if various genealogical sites can not be available through this Internet.

➔Former President Connie Stewart was present and she was given a Thank You gift from the user group with much applause and many thanks. The gift was a gift card for Desert Book.

➔We have a new “Intro Minute” beginning today which will highlight the various Family History Centers in our areas. Marlene Williams from the Ivins Multi-Stake Family History Center gave a short history of their center which services 4 stakes. Many classes are given at this center.

PRESENTERS: ..... Don and Diane Snow

Donald and Diane Snow are both Californians with Utah roots; Don's ancestors are the Snows from Southern Utah and Diane's are the Manwaring's from Northern Utah. Both of the Snows are retired from BYU where Diane taught in the Humanities Department and Don in the Mathematics Department. Diane has a Masters Degree in Humanities from BYU and Don has a PhD in Mathematics from Stanford. They have lived and taught in Minnesota, Colorado, Ontario Canada, Peru, London England, and Provo. They have 6children and 30 grandchildren. Since retiring from BYU, they have been on four Family History missions for the LDS Church, including being Directors of the New York Family History Center, serving in the London Family History Center, and in Nauvoo where they worked on a database of LDS Church members which is now posted on http:// earlylds.com. They have been involved with family history for many years, and Don has been a Vice President of the Utah Valley PAF Users Group since the 1990's. Don is currently a Board Member of our User Group. They are frequent speakers at genealogy and family history conferences.

Don told the group of the classes that are being held at the Morningside Stake Center by he and Diane. A list was presented to those attending. Family History Update Series - 1st and 3rd Wednesdays – 1:00 to 2:30 pm
16 February 2011 – The Best Things in Life are Free: Freeware for Family History
02 March 2011 – Filling Out the Family: Censuses in Family History
16 March 2011 – Great Grandpa was a Mormon: LDS and Utah Records

PRESENTATION: ..... Don and Diane Snow

This class discussed and demonstrated some programs that were freeware or inexpensive shareware for genealogy, which are defined as:
• "Freeware" means completely free with no "nag" screens; can use freely and give copies to anyone else
• "Shareware" means that if you plan to use it regularly, you should send a specified donation (usually small) to the author at the address given in the program.
• "Open Source" means freeware including the source code, so you can edit it if you know programming
• "Apps" means applications, i.e. software.
The lesson was summarized as follows:
“THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE”
#23 – FASTSTONE CAPTURE 5.3
• Freeware screen capture tool allows you to capture images online
• Capture Options – Active Windows, Window/Object, rectangle, Free Hand, Scrolling Window Full Screen.
• Capture in jpg, pdf, tif, and other formats.
#51 – EVERYTHING
• Freeware to find files quickly anywhere on your computer
• File Maintenance
• Use in tandem with Explorer or Q-DIR to move files to where they belong
• Drag and drop
• Find and delete duplications
#52 – FILESEEK
• Freeware to search in files for specified texts
• Can have it search entire hard drive or only specific folders
• gives a list of which files contain those words or phrases
#44 – ESSENTIAL PIM
• Freeware Personal Information Manager
• Daily calendar and record
• Easy to search for any word, event, name, location
• Good for historical record and shows activities in context
#15 – OURTIMELINES.COM
• Free website to show a life in its historical context
• Helpful in writing history
• Gives ideas of what records to research, e.g. wars going on during his/her life
#42-JOCR
• Freeware optical character recognition (OCR) programming
• Requires that you have MS Word 2003 or later on your computer, but doesn't use it
• Saves text to clipboard so you can paste it anywhere, e.g. into PAF sources
• Good accuracy; does better when text is larger size
#43-TRANSCRIPT
• Freeware program to help in transcribing handwritten documents (DOESN'T read handwriting)
• Format is two panels, one to show image of document and one where you type the transcription
• Has many features such as moving the image down when you press ENTER at end of line, can convert image to negative an zoom in or out
#53-Q-DIR
• Freeware program that acts like having two or more copies of Windows Explorer open at once
• Panels in Q-DIR (windows) can show contents of different folders so you can rename files or drag and drop between them to copy or move files from one to the other
• Has many other features as well, including printing a directory of a folder

The complete handout contained the following:
GENEALOGY DATABASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
1. PAF 5.2 -- http://www.familysearch.org/ -- Free and still a good program to use until you need something more; can get help for it at any FHC
2. PAF Companion 5.2 -- http://www.familysearch.org/ -- Additional reports not in PAF 5.2, including fan charts; free trial version only does 3 generations; full version is on CD bundled with PAF 5.2 CD from the LDS Church Dist Centers (about $8) or can be ordered online
3. Ancestral Quest -- http://www.ancquest.com/ -- Has a free version (Ancestral Quest Basics), as well as a 60-day free trial of full version; can be used to link to and download from new FamilySearch; full version is free to use in FHC's
4. RootsMagic -- http://www.rootsmagic.com/ -- Has a free version (RootsMagic Essentials); can be used to download from new FamilySearch; full version is free to use in FHC's
5. Get My Ancestors -- http://www.ohanasoftware.com/ -- Freeware to download data from new FamilySearch -- Family Insight is also from Ohana Software - commercial program, but free to use in FHC's; links your PAF database to new FamilySearch
6. Legacy -- http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/ -- Free version (Standard version); full version is free to use in FHC's
7. Family Tree Builder -- http://www.myheritage.com/family-tree-builder -- Free genealogy program
8. Smart Genealogy -- http://freewareapp.com/smartgenealogy_download/ -- Free genealogy program; can import/export Excel and GEDCOM files which is sometimes very helpful
9. PhpGedView -- http://www.phpgedview.net/ -- Freeware to generate web pages from your GEDCOM for on- and offline use; requires PHP (also free)

OTHER GENEALOGY PROGRAMS AND DATABASES
10. PAF Pal -- http://www.ohanasoftware.com/ -- free helpful utility for PAF 5 databases to expand and contract US state names and add "USA" after every state; can then change "USA" to "United States" globally, as nFS wants now
11. GENViewer Lite -- http://mudcreeksoftware.com/genviewer.htm -- free and commercial versions; very fast and helpful to read and analyze GEDCOM's and databases from several genealogy programs
12. Addnote -- http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~gumby/ged.html -- free utility to add a note to every record in a GEDCOM
13. Addsour -- http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~gumby/ged.html -- free utility to add a source to every record in a GEDCOM
14. GEDCOM Viewer -- http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=90339 -- Open source program to view GEDCOM files
15. OurTimelines -- http://ourtimelines.com/ -- Free website that makes timelines of world events during your ancestor's life; can be personalized with up to 10 events of your own ancestor's life; can then save as pdf or html file and link it into your PAF program like a photo
16. OnePageGenealogy -- http://roots.cs.byu.edu/pedigree/ -- Makes pdf's of large pedigree and/or descendant charts from GEDCOM's
17. Pedigree Viewer -- http://labs.familysearch.org/ -- Trial release of new FamilySearch program by LDS Church to view large pedigree and descendant charts
18. Parish Locater -- http://www.parloc.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ -- Program and database of 15,000 parishes in the United Kingdom; draws maps with nearby parishes
19. Parish Locater for Windows -- http://web.onetel.net.uk/~gdlawson/parfind.htm -- Program and database of 25,000 parishes in the United Kingdom
20. PRF Magnet -- on http://www.ohanasoftware.com -- Downloads data from Pedigree Resource File index (index only, no notes nor sources) on FamilySearch
21. FamilySearcher -- http://myweb.cableone.net/kevinowen3/FamilySearcher.htm -- Searches IIGI and several other web sites for names in a GEDCOM

GRAPHICS PROGRAMS
22. Adobe Reader X -- http://www.adobe.com/products/reader/ -- Free reader for pdf files
23. FastStone Capture (version 5.3 is last freeware version, later versions are shareware) -- http://www.aplusfreeware.com/categories/mmedia/FastStoneCapture.html -- Excellent screen capture utility that also captures entire scrolling screens
24. FastStone Image Viewer -- http://www.faststone.org/download.htm -- Good image viewer that also has screen capture features, but doesn't capture scrolling screens
25. Namexif -- http://www.digicamsoft.com/ -- Renamer for digital photos that copies date and time from metadata and puts them at start of file name, so sorting arranges photos in chronological order; can add other descriptive terms after the date/time for further ease of searching
26. Irfanview -- http://www.irfanview.com/ -- Photo editor, converter, and slideshower; many features, including batch conversions
27. Picasa 3 -- http://picasa.google.com/#utm_source=en-us-more&utm_campaign=en-pic&utm_medium=et -- Google's free photo editor and organizer
28. GIMP -- http://gimp-win.sourceforge.net/stable.html -- Freeware open source photo editor -- GIMPShop is an interface that makes GIMP menus look and act like PhotoShop
29. Oscar's File Renamer -- http://www.portablefreeware.com/?id=69 -- Good batch file renamer that allows you to see what the file name changes will look like before you actually change them

SOUND PROGRAMS
30. Audacity -- http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ -- Excellent sound recorder and editor, but parts are hard to learn
31. WavePad -- http://wavepad.en.softonic.com/ -- Sound recorder and editor
32. VLC -- http://www.videolan.org/ -- Good media player, has adjustments to synchronize sound and video when they don't match
33. Skype -- http://www.skype.com/download/ -- Free program to talk through your computer and the Internet - free to talk to other Skype users worldwide, small charge to talk to any land or cell phone worldwide; requires a broadband connection

TEXT AND OFFICE PROGRAMS
34. Jarte -- http://www.jarte.com/ -- Small, very fast, free text editor that handles txt and rtf
35. IBM Lotus Symphony office suite -- http://symphony.lotus.com/software/lotus/symphony/home.nsf/home -- Free and compatible with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; seems to work faster than OpenOffice 3
36. OpenOffice 3 -- http://www.openoffice.org/ -- Powerful open source office programs compatible with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and others
37. Gnumeric spreadsheet -- http://projects.gnome.org/gnumeric/ -- Open source spreadsheet compatible with Excel and many others
38. NotePad++ -- http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/uk/site.htm -- Excellent open source text editor - very useful for many formats
39. PDF995 -- http://www.pdf995.com/ -- Installs as a printer so you can "print" anything to pdf, e.g. PAF genealogy reports
40. PDFX-Change Viewer -- http://www.tracker-software.com/product/pdf-xchange-viewer -- PDF utility, allows you to write on pdf files, e.g. to fill out a pdf form and save the results to print, email, etc.
41. PDF Split and Merge -- http://sourceforge.net/projects/pdfsam/ -- Open source program to split or combine pdf files
42. JOCR -- http://download.cnet.com/JOCR/3000-2192_4-10768898.html -- Freeware optical character recognition program for images of text on screen - small, fast, and works well, but requires that MS Word 2003 or later be installed (doesn't work with OpenOffice)
43. Transcript -- http://www.jacobboerema.nl/en/Freeware.htm -- Helps you in transcribing from images of handwritten documents, keeps image and your typed text in sync as you move down the page
44. Essential PIM -- http://www.essentialpim.com/?r=download -- Personal information manager (PIM); good for appointments, calendars, To Do lists, etc.
45. TreePad Lite -- http://www.treepad.com/treepadfreeware/ -- Personal information manager (PIM), uses tree-format
46. Tinyspell -- http://tinyspell.m6.net/ -- Spell checker that works even in PAF notes
47. Thunderbird Email -- http://www.mozillamessaging.com/en-US/thunderbird/ -- Free email reader with many helpful features
48. Eudora Email -- https://wiki.mozilla.org/Eudora_OSE -- Freeware email reader with many features; open source version is in progress

COMPUTER UTILITIES
49. BelArc Advisor -- http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html -- Utility to analyze and list your computer's hardware and software
50. Dropbox -- http://www.getdropbox.com/ -- Automatically synchronizes (copies via the Internet) whatever you put in the Dropbox folder on one computer to any other computer(s) you specify
51. Everything - desktop search engine -- http://www.voidtools.com/ -- Very fast desktop search engine for files on your computer; very helpful to search, launch, and organize files on your computer
52. FileSeek -- http://www.fileseek.ca/Download/ -- Free and fast search engine for text inside files on your computer
53. Q-Dir -- http://www.softwareok.com/ -- Helpful two or more panel Windows Explorer-type program for file maintenance such as checking, copying, moving, and deleting files
54. DupKiller -- http://www.snapfiles.com/get/dupkiller.html -- Fast program to find all the duplicate files on your computer
55. Piriform Defragler -- http://www.piriform.com/defraggler -- Good defragger for your hard drives
56. Glary Utilities -- http://www.glaryutilities.com/ -- Helpful computer utilities to keep your computer running smoothly; free for home use
57. Advanced SystemCare Free -- http://www.iobit.com/advancedwindowscareper.html?Str=download -- Helpful computer utilities
58. JustZipIt -- http://free-backup.info/justzipit.html -- Simple zip/unzip file compression program
59. WinHTTrack -- http://www.httrack.com/ -- Will download all or part of an entire website for offline browsing and backing up
60. PageNest Free -- http://dailyfreeware.net/2009/08/20/pagenest-free-edition-321/ -- Website copier for offline reading and backing up
61. Clipboard Magic -- http://www.cybermatrix.com/clipboard_magic.html -- Allows saving multiple items to clipboard
62. Karen's Replicator -- http://www.karenware.com/powertools/ptreplicator.asp -- Freeware to backup your data from one location to another
63. ImgBurn -- http://ask-leo.com/imgburn_free_cddvd_burning_tool.html -- Freeware CD/DVD image burner with instructions
64. LogMeIn Free -- http://www.logmein.com (listed under Products) -- Allows you to control one computer through another over the Internet

CONCLUSION
• Many freeware programs are better than the corresponding commercial programs.
• http://alternativeto.net/ -- Lists freeware that works like commercial programs
• http://www.osalt.com/ -- Finds open source alternatives to commercial programs
• Free Apps -- http://www.freenew.net/ -- you select the freeware programs you want from a list and it installs all of them for you
• Portable Apps -- http://portableapps.com/ -- contains several good freeware apps and allows them to run from your flash drive so you can take them with you
• Many additional freeware and shareware programs
• http://www.softpedia.com/ -- Categories of freeware
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source -- Article and list of open source freeware
• http://www.pricelesswarehome.org/index.html -- List of freeware
• http://www.fsf.org/ -- The Free Software Foundation
• http://sourceforge.net/ -- The largest open source software (freeware) development site
• http://www.oldversion.com/ -- Old Versions of software
• http://www.oldapps.com/ -- Old Apps - older versions of freeware and some commercial apps
• To find many more such websites do a Google search for terms like "genealogy freeware" or "free software for family history" (without the quotes)

CLOSING PRAYER

RECORDING SECRETARY: June Morton

Members Attending: 43
Visitors: 10

TOTAL ATTENDANCE: 53

Genealogy Now - January 29, 2011

2011-01-13T21:08:00.002-07:00

GENEALOGY NOW - a FREE Family History Conference
Keynote Speaker - Former Governor Olene Walker
Free Admission - Free Classes, Displays, Exhibits, Door Prizes
Janury 29, 2011, 10am - 5pm
LDS Meetinghouse - 550 E. 700 S., St. George
Sponsered by: St. George Family History Center
Classes: Getting Started: NewFamilySearch: Indexing: Ancestry.com: File Organization: Photo Editing: Google Earth: Free Websites: Cemetery Search: Ancestral Quest: Family Insight: Legacy Family Tree: RootsMagic:
FH Consultants.
More Information: 673-4591
www.FamilyHistoryCenter.org

January 2011 - President Messsage

2011-01-08T09:43:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year!

Welcome to our 3 new board members: Don Snow, Wilma Staton and Sandra Bryant.

New meeting place:
As the Board looked forward to 2011, planning all the needs of our group, trying to look ahead.
Most importantly in our on-going discussion every year are bringing information to our members that will help with our on-going research: our keeping up with the daily, or hourly, changes in so much of what we use: keeping our computers clean and avoiding ‘bugs’: and encouraging us all to continue our family history.

The history of the Washington County PAF Users Group is now about 19-years of meetings. Mostly these meetings were held in the Morningside Stake Center. The Relief Society and Primary Rooms have been our ‘home’. We have appreciated the on-going use provided for our meetings.

Our ‘Thank You’ to those who provided our meeting place for all these years.

The Board was notified in mid-December that the Morningside Stake would no longer make the rooms available to our group as of January 2011.

It was quite a surprise, but we got right on finding another meeting location. We looked into the Senior Center, the Pioneer Center (behind the Senior Center), the Library and other possible locations around the area. Each one had guidelines that would keep us from using that location.

The St. George Family History Center offered us the option to meet there, but none of the rooms offered enough space for us.

We were coming up with ‘almost’, but nothing that would meet all our needs.

It was then that we were given the opportunity to meet in the East Stake Center building. This offers all that we had in the Morningside Stake Center, and allowed us just one large change to be made, instead of many little ones - moving to a new location.

After discussion and opening up any suggestions for another option, it was decided this would be the best option available.

January 2011 brings a new ‘home’ for our meetings - the St. George East Stake Center

The St. George East Stake Center is located across from the Temple, and the old hospital, now the Women’s Hospital. 449 S. 300 E.

Our meeting day and time will remain the same. The 3rd Saturday of each month, except June, July and August, 10:00 a.m. to noon.

This will be the first year of taking 3 months off during the summer months. It is not the easiest time to get presenters for classes, and our attendance is low during these 3 months. This subject has been discussed by our Board to come to this discussion. The newsletter will continue during this time.

We hope everyone will enjoy the summer break and come back in September.

In October, Family History Month, we had a wonderful meeting where many brought an artifact, or story of their ancestors. It was so nice to share. We will keep this activity in our October meeting in 2011. Sharing our ancestors, and their stories is just a very special experience.

2011 will being some changes in the Washington County PAF Users Group. Some planned and others not even in our agenda. Changes aren’t always easy, but we have done our best to make this as easy a change as possible. The Board hopes that in our new location will allow us to continue on with meetings and classes that help us all to do our research in Family History.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

2011-01-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

FAMILY HISTORY PRESENTATION BY DON AND DIANE SNOW
Don and Diane Snow will be the main presenters at the January meeting of the Family History and Genealogy User Group: Washington County PAF Users Group on SATURDAY MORNING 15 JAN 2011 from 10am-noon. The Group's meeting location has been changed to the Relief Society Room of the ST. GEORGE EAST STAKE CENTER across the street east of the Temple. The title of the Snows' presentation is FREEWARE FOR FAMILY HISTORY and will discuss free software that you can use to help in various ways in family history. There is no charge to attend. Printed notes will be given out and will be posted online at http://uvpafug.org/classes/dons . The WCPAFUG has a webpage at http://wcpafug.org which will list more of the details, but has not been updated for the new meeting location yet. For any comments or questions please get in touch with the Snows at 435-673-1932 or snowd@math.byu.edu.

We're moving our meeting location

2011-01-08T09:25:00.003-07:00

After so many years at the Morningside Stake Center the Washington County PAF Users Group is moving.
This was not a planned move, and not one we wanted to make.
We searched various locations in the area, but were unable to fine a meeting room that meet our needs, or that we fit the criteria.
Elaine Booth, at the St. George Family History Center (across from the temple) was able to help us out. We appreciate Elaine's help, and because of her help we will not miss any meetings.
Starting with our January 2011 our new location is: St. George East Stake Center - 449 South 300 East - St. George, Utah. (Across from the old hospital and the temple.)
It will take some getting use to. Being at the same location for so long our cars could go there on their own. Now we'll have to take our cars off of automatic pilot, or change the GPS directions.
The monthly board meetings will now be held at the St. George Family History Center at 5:15 p.m. the Wednesday before our regular Saturday monthly meeting.
If you have any questions or comments please call Fran Lightner 688-1260, Helen Lenz 668-2099 or June Morton 652-9463.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

2011-01-08T09:06:00.002-07:00

Our annual December business meeting and social was held today. No class is held during our December meeting.
Out-going President Connie Stewart presided over the annual business meeting. An overview of activities and classes presented in 2010 was given. Then nomination and election of officers and board members for 2011 was held.
After the business meeting was ended drawings were held for several gifts donated by various business' in the area. We thank all those who made those donations!
With the various finger foods brought by those in attendence we had plenty to try.
Thanks to all for another good year at the WC PAF UG in 2010 and we look forward to 2011!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

2010-11-16T18:32:00.001-07:00

FAMILY HISTORY AND GENEALOGY USER GROUP
WC-PAFUG

Meeting Notice

Saturday - 20th November - 10:00 am
Morningside Stake Center
900 South and River Road - St. George

PRESENTER

November Meeting to Feature
Family Insight with Don Burton

Read about Don in the Newsletter
... And JOIN us on Saturday ...

Saturday,October 16, 2020

2010-10-25T18:35:00.003-06:00

WASHINGTON COUNTY PAF USER GROUP
Morningside Stake Center on 9th South and River Road
Member Meeting
16 October 2010
GREETERS: .....Helen Lenz
WELCOME: ..... Connie Stewart
Connie welcomed all in attendance, with a special welcome to the visitors.
OPENING PRAYER: .....Margaret Miller
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Remember the great genealogical programs which are available on TV.
· “Who Do You Think You Are” on NBC TV. All previous programs can be viewed at:
http://www.nbc.com/who-do-you-think-you-are/
· “Generations Project which can be viewed on BYUTV. Check on line for when available with yourcable network ...http://www.byutv.org/thegenerationsproject/
· The St. George Family History Center is holding an Open House on Saturday, 30th of October 10:00am to 4:00 pm. Everyone is invited to visit, see the renovations and enjoy a treat.
• The User Group Blog and WebSite addresses to all in attendance with the suggestion to log on and view the sites.
• Sterling Davis is 91 years young today and we all sang Happy Birthday to him. He has been attending our user group since it's inception about 20 years ago.
PRESENTER INTRODUCTION: .....Connie Stewart
Julie Bliss Hammons our presenter today is a Millard County native who moved to St. George a little over a year ago. She has been a Stake Family History Director, and has traveled and taught genealogy research classes at conferences and for Genealogy Societies. She also wrote a genealogy newspaper column before moving to St. George about a year and a half ago. She currently teaches classes at the St. George
FHC, the Ivin’s Stake, and other places when she is asked.
Julie is on the PAF UG Board and is currently serving as a Family History Service Missionary at the St. George FHC, and serves as a Stake Family History Consultant to the Young Singles Adult 1st Stake.
She put up her 1st website ‘Relative Bliss’ a number of years ago and success that came from it has kept her focused on technology and how it can help you in your research.
She will show you how to use the new technologies, and tools that are available to you to accomplish your genealogy goals. She will also show you the new features that are now in FamilySearch, and available to everyone, to help you find success with your genealogy.
PRESENTATION: .....Julie Hammons
Julie followed her handout as listed below and reveiewed the social network sites, with her stories of successes. She them took us through all the new and interesting items on FamilySearch and it's wiki.
Social Networking 2010 – Podcasts, Wikis, Blogs, Facebook, FamilySearch
Terminology Define Where to find one
Message Board A place to post a message www.rootsweb.com [free]
Mailing List A group of people who have an interest is a
particular surname/locality. Each email or question
is shared with all members of the mailing list
www.rootsweb.com [free]
Blog An online news column generally about a specific
subject. One person manages the blog, however,
often those who read it may offer comments.
www.blogspot.com [to start your own free blog]
www.blogfinder.genealogue.com [to locate a free genealogy blog]
Podcast An audio file [think of a radio program] that you
can subscribe to, download onto your computer
using a free service such as Itunes. You can put
these on an mp3 player such as an Ipod. You can
listen to these whenever you have time.
www.blogfinder.com/podcast.asp [to find a
free genealogy related podcast]
www.apple.com/itunes [to download itunes free]
RSS Feeds Really Simple Syndication [Subscription] Installs a
link between the file you want to subscribe to and you.
Wiki What I Know Is - A website that allows creation
and editing by members of the site. Allows people
to pool their knowledge to the benefit of all.
Social Networking Benefits
You can connect with people you would never be able to under normal circumstances.
You can find people interested in your family history, or they can find you.
You can subscribe to online magazines and newsletters, and even blogs
You can keep up on events that are of interest to you, without having to search for them.
Some Sites with Social Networking Capabilities
 Find a Grave http://findagrave.com
 Footnote http://footnote.com
 Facebook http://facebook.com
 Twitter http://twitter.com
 Genealogy Wise http://genealogywise.com
 Google Docs [need to have a free google account
 Genealogy Wise http://genealogywise.com A site for genealogists
Facebook - Many online sites now allow you to link to facebook and post messages
 Free - go to www.facebook.com
 Register for a free account - you will be asked for some information - you can decide which information
you want others to see.
 Write down what your password.
 Basics are on the top right there are three tabs.
 Account Tab – This is where you set your privacy settings. Set options for what you want others
to see – Everyone - Friends of Friends - or Friends only.
 Profile Tab gives the information you want others to see, and the messages that have been sent
to only you.
 It also shows in the left column your list of friends. You can post a message to them, by clicking on
their photo and either writing on their ‘wall’ which all their friends can see, or you may send them a
private message.
 Home Tab shows the home page is divided into three columns
- Left column shows request, messages and notifications, and allows you to be visible online
where you can chat with friends.
- Middle column is the news feed where you see messages that have been posted by your friends.
You can comment on these or post your own message.
- If you see a message you don’t like to can hide it, or hide the person who
sent it.
- Right column shows events, advertising, suggestions for friends, requests etc.
 Help Center
The presentation on the Beta FamilySearch site was MORE than informative ….. Who Knew there
was so much information available to us. It is, for one thing, a learning center .. a place to locate
and research your area of interest.
CLOSING PRAYER: .....Lena Jones
Prize Winners:
Curt Rohrer, Roseann Zempter, Gaylie Morehead, and Gatha Wilson
October is Family History Month and it was celebrated in our group today. Many of the members brought family memorabilia and personal treasures and shared with all a little of their history. AND then we all enjoyed a treat!
A Great Way to Celebrate Family History Month!
Total Attendance: 37
Filed by: June Morton – Recording Secretary

October Is Family History Month!

2010-10-13T21:04:00.001-06:00

FAMILY HISTORY AND GENELOGY USER GROUP
WC-PAFUG

We are having a Special Meeting on Saturday, 16th Oct.
and a Party!

Bring a Family History memorabilia item
to the meeting for display

BRING A FRIEND

Come and enjoy the Presentation and
Enjoy a TREAT!

Monthly Meeting -October 16, 2010

2010-10-10T19:48:00.003-06:00

Family History and Genealogy User Group WC-PAFUG

Presenter - Julie Hammons

Your Ancestors Online
Focusing on the Internet technology available
and how it can help in your research and genealogy goals.
Plus some of the new features in newFamilySearch
available to everyone.

Join With Us in Celebrating Family History Month

Up-coming events for October 2010

2010-09-30T12:24:00.002-06:00

Friday - October 15th: Kathy Blake, who was our presenter for our September class, will be at the St. George East Stake Center at 9:30 a.m. Over the years Kathy has put together 'Christmas Family History' gifts and will be showing those gifts to all of us. A great group of gift ideas for our up-coming holiday season. Everyone is welcome.

Saturday, October 16th: Our regular monthly Saturday meeting. 10:00 a.m. to Noon. 9th and River Road at the Morningside Stake Center. Park in the back parking lot and enter at the back door. Julie Hammons will be our presenter. More info to follow on this meeting.

Saturday, October 23rd: The St. George Large Multi-Stake Family History Center (across from the Temple) will be participating in a gathering at Worthen Park. This annual event will have community groups from around the area and their service. The event is free and all are welcome. Come and see what services are available in our community.

Saturday, October 30th: The St. George Large Mulit-Stake Family History Center (across from the Temple) is holding an Open House. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come and take a look at the recently remodeled center along, information on the over 50 classes that are held, the research room, archive room and training room(s). Please stop by for a visit.

Next meeting - Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010

2010-09-09T10:35:00.002-06:00

FAMILY HISTORY & GENEALOGY USERS GROUP
WASHINGTON COUNTY PAF USERS GROUP

We are much more than a PAF Users Group!

Meeting Notice Saturday, September 18, 2010
10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Morningside LDS Church – Relief Society Room
9th South and River Road, St. George

PRESENTER: KATHY BLAKE
Kathy's presentation is entitled …
Family History on the Magical Road
Join Us and see the MAGIC
that awaits you in unseen corners of the globe.
Find the MAGIC in visiting your family history locations.
Come and learn of the possibilities that await you
on this great adventure, called Family History.
Learn some of the secrets of this MAGICAL trip,
where to go and what to do.

Handout - Saturday, July 17, 2010

2010-07-30T21:54:00.002-06:00

DEAR ANCESTOR

Your tombstone stands among the rest;
Neglected and alone.
The name and date are chiseled out
On polished, marbled stone.
It reaches out to all who care
It is too late to mourn.
You did not know that I exist
You died and I was born.
Yet each of us are cells of you
In flesh, in blood, in bone.
Our blood contracts and beats a pulse
Entirely not our own.
Dear Ancestor, the place you filled
One hundred years ago
Spreads out among the ones you left
Who would have loved you so.
I wonder if you lived and loved,
I wonder if you knew
That someday I would find this spot,
And come to visit you.

Author Unknown
Source: " Genealogy Poetry and Prose

Hung Up on the Tree
Unknown

They think that I should cook and clean, and be a model wife.
I tell them it's more interesting to study Grandpa's life.

They simply do not understand why I hate to go to bed.
I'd rather do two hundred years of research work instead.

Why waste the time we have on earth just snoring and asleep?
When we can learn of ancestors that sailed upon the deep?

We have Priests, Rabbis, lawmen, soldiers, more than just a few.
And yes, there's many scoundrels, and a bootlegger or two.

How can a person find this life an awful drudge or bore?
When we can live the lives of all those folks who came before?

A hundred years from now of course, no one will ever know
Whether I did laundry, but they'll see our Tree and glow.

Cause their dear old granny left for them, for all posterity,
Not clean hankies and the like, but a finished family tree.

My home may be untidy, cause I've better things to do.
I'm checking all the records to provide us with a clue.

Old great granny's pulling roots and branches out with glee.
Her clothes ain't hanging out to dry, She's hung up on the Tree.

Helpful Hints
Online Research Classes -
The following classes are provided online by the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah and other sponsors. Learn the basic methods and key resources to start your family history.
England Beginning Research
Ireland Research
Italy Research
Principios básicos para la investigación genealógica en Hispanoamérica (México)
Reading Handwritten Records Series - New!
Research Principles and Tools - New!
Russia Research
U.S. Research - New!
Before you visit a library, visit it online. This can help you save time in three ways:
Check the basic information about the facility, including its location and hours. You don't want to plan a trip for the wrong time.
If the Web site contains an overview of the collection, it may help you determine if the library is one you actually wish to visit.
You may be able to access the library's card catalog through their Web site.
Searching the catalog from home before your trip may save significant amounts of on-site research time, allowing you to spend more time with the materials you came to see.
Source: "Time- Saving Tips for Genealogists", by Michael John Neill, Genealogy.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Print one bibliographic page for each book or source you plan to use.
Documenting your research is extremely important. However, it frequently slows down on-site research. To allow you to spend more time with the materials when you go to a library or archive, create one sheet for each book or record you plan to search. If you've used the online card catalog, copy and paste the bibliographic information into a word processor, using one sheet for each book. Make research notes on the sheet for use at the library or archives. Then when at the facility, you can make additional notes regarding the success (or failure) of your search. If you make copies from the source, attach them to the sheet for ease in tracking sources and entering data when you return home.
Source: "Time-Saving Tips for Genealogists", by Michael John Neill, Genealogy.com
To Google or Not to Google
We are all familiar with the many large genealogical databases that we can join to search their resources, but what if we want to find resources on our own without joining a website?

Many of the resources we can get through genealogy databases can be found for free if we know how and where to search. A search engine such as Google will help your search be a productive one. I personally like to use a search engine that has an "advanced search" screen. The advanced option makes filtering your search results easier. You are given fields such as "All these words", "Exact phrases", "Any of these words", or "None of these words". Sometimes this is not important but if you are searching for Jeffery Mason Massachusetts, you may get every stone mason in Massachusetts named Jeffery and these are added results that can make finding the correct information more tedious. I searched for Jeffery Mason Massachusetts with a regular search box with no extra tools and found 280,000 search results. I could see that most of these did not have anything to do with Jeffery Mason. I added "Genealogy" to that search box and trimmed the results down to 35900. Still too many to find what I need. I then went to the advanced search option in Google. And moved "Jeffery Mason" to the field that said "this exact wording or phrase" and searched. This returned 174 results. Much better. I then added "stone brick mortar" to the field "But don't show pages that have any of these unwanted words:" Now the results were 10. You can change the combination any way that you like.

You might reverse the name phrase to "Mason, Jeffery" and this would bring different results. If the person lived in various towns, you might enter "Boston, Worcester, Salem" in the field "one or more of these words:". This would give your search a variety of words to include. As you can see, using a search engine to search is only limited by your imagination for entering search combinations...
Source: Paula Vilburn, Ogden Regional Family History Center Newsletter, April 2010
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Question: Are there some good mailing lists to help family history consultants with questions?
Answer: You may try the following. Click the link, which will open your email program. Simple add the word "subscribe" (without the quotes) in the subject and message boxes, then click Send.
LDS WARD CONSULTANTS LDS FHC CONSULTANTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Looking for Married Names - Know a woman's maiden name but not her married name? Try these strategies:
. Search legal documents, wills and probate records for her parents-a daughter may be named in them.
Seek out obituaries for siblings. Most will list brothers and sisters among those "survived by."
Check census records for her twilight years, when she may have been living with a sibling.
Ask, ask and ask. Even your near and dear family members remember things differently.
Source: Family Tree Magazine Newsletter, July 2010.
Family History websites for Beginners, - Many websites can help beginners with family history research. This article lists several and how to use them.
https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Websites_for_Family_History_Beginners
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Write it down, neatly - Time spent writing something on paper and filing it is time well spent. Do not trust your memory, or you will find yourself back at the library again. Do not write sloppily or you will misinterpret what you have written. Do not use scraps of paper that are easily lost. Do not use a crayon or lipstick that will be impossible to read next year.
Source: "Time-Saving Tips for Genealogists", by Michael John Neill, Genealogy.com
http://www.genealogy.com/66_neill.html

Research Questions - Ask personal questions about your ancestors other than birth, death and marriage. Make a chart for your ancestor with their name, birth, death, marriage, spouse, etc. You might have a list of questions for example, Immigration, Occupation, Religion, Adoption, Military Service, Spoke Foreign Language, Family Stories about this Person. These questions could also add some color into your gathering of materials on your family as time goes by. After all genealogy is not just about birth, death and marriage. We want to know about the history of our family. You might just find some interesting facts on your family lines.
Source: "Tips on Gathering your Family Information, 'Research Guidelines'". Genealogical Journeys in Time http://springviewreliefsociety.blogspot.com/2010/04/geneology-tip.html

Q and A

Question: I understand "state", "county", and "city", but what is a "ward" in the U.S. census?
Answer: In the United States census, a ward is an optional division of a city or town, especially an electoral district, for administrative and representative purposes. The Library of Congress has detailed ward maps of major cities. These show the census districts and political divisions of large cities. Valuable finding aids for City Ward maps is on microfilm found at the Family History Library.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Question: My son needs to interview one of his grandparents for a scout activity. What are some good questions to get the interview moving quickly and put both interviewee and interviewer at ease?
Answer: The internet is overflowing with great ideas. Following are just a few:
"Tips for Kids on Interviewing Grandparents"
"50 Family History Interview Questions"
"50 Questions for Family History Interviews"
"20 Questions for Interviewing Relatives"
"Oral History Interviewing"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Question: My Dad recently died. Will his death certificate be posted on the website where the Utah death certificates are listed? If so, when can we expect it to happen?
Answer: Utah death certificates are available online at
http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#p=collectionDetails&c=fs%3A1747615
and contain certificates from 1904-1956.
http://www.archives.state.ut.us/research/indexes/20842.htm
Utah State Archives contains certificates from 1904-1958. Access restrictions on the Archive site says "The Inspection of Vital Records Act (HB 84), which passed in May 1998, made historic death records available to the public fifty years after the date of death." Both sites indicate they were updated March 2010.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Question: If you suspect you have Swiss ancestors, one of the first places you should check is the Familiennameenbuch, or Swiss Surname Book. This book lists the family names of all Swiss citizens in Switzerland in 1962 and indicates the place of origin, the year in which citizenship was originally granted for that surname in that place of origin, and the ancestry (previous place or country of citizenship). The book does not list individuals, only family names. It is extremely useful for tracing a family name to a region (place of origin). Is there a local copy available?
Answer: We have the "Familiennamenbuch" or "Swiss Surname Book" on microfiche #6053507 at our Center, but not in book format. The book is available at the Salt Lake Family History Library, Call No. 949.4 D4f.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Question: In NewFamilySearch, if a child appears in a family and he doesn't belong to that family, is there anyway to remove him from the family?
Answer: If you were the one who put the child in the wrong family by mistake, you can remove him. If not, you should contact the submitter, explain why you think it is a mistake and ask them to remove him. If there is no contact information for the submitter, you'll need to wait for the submitter to register for nFS or for nFS to provide a new solution.
To determine who entered him in the family, click "View relationship details", (spouses and children view) then "edit" .
To remove him from the family, select the options icon (arrow left of name in spouses and children view). Select delete/dispute relationship from Mother and/or Father.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Question: Nowadays there seems to be much discussion about which genealogical program one should use, but there seems to be no concensus or standard of comparison. Is there a chart or would it be possible to have a chart (or sheet) comparing the virtues, benefits, costs, etc. of the various genealogical programs such as PAF, Legacy, Roots Magic, All my Ancestors, etc.?
Answer: I'm not familiar with "All my Ancestors", but there are comparison charts available for PAF, Legacy, RootsMagic and Ancestral Quest. Try one of the following:
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~utcfhc/Software_Comparison_Chart.pdf
http://www.inclinesoftware.net/files/CompareFS/MostComprehensiveSyncComparison.pdf
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Question: I have had a few people ask me how to combine info from PAF that are on floppy discs with NFS. They have spent days, months, putting info onto floppy discs but it was not submitted and they do not want to have to redo it all on NFS. Any ideas on how to combine?
Answer: You can upload a GEDCOM to NFS from PAF if the individuals are NOT in NFS. If it is new or updated information for existing individuals, they would need to use an additional program such as Family Insight or Ancestral Quest to sync their PAF data with NFS.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Question: In NewFamilySearch, I entered a child in the wrong family. Is there anyway to remove him from the family? I see the arrow to the left of his name which gives the option of deleting or disputing. Would "delete" just remove him from the family or remove him forever?
Answer: "Delete the individual" removes him permanently from the database. Instead, choose the "Delete Relationship to father/mother" options to remove him from the family so you can then connect him to the correct family.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Question: Why can I no longer sign in to "old family Search" where I could view all the choices for temple ordinances for an individual as opposed to NewFamilySearch which allows me to see only one choice for each ordinance?
Answer: You can still sign in to "old FamilySearch" and search the IGI for temple ordinances. The message simply warns you that it is not being updated. For new ordinances, you would need to search thenew.familysearch.org. To search the IGI specifically, go to FamilySearch.org, click the Search Records tab, select Advanced Search, then select IGI from the list on the left.

FAVORITE WEBSITES

Failte Romhat - The personal Web site of John Hayes might not be the first place you'd expect to visit, but his site actually offers a surprising number of online Irish databases and transcribed documents, including Land Owners in Ireland 1876, Irish Flax Growers List 1796, Pigot & Co's Provincial Directory of Ireland 1824, cemetery transcriptions and photographs, and much more. Best of all, it is all free! http://www.failteromhat.com/
Fianna Guide to Irish Genealogy - In addition to excellent tutorials and guides for researching ancestry in Ireland, Fianna also offers transcriptions from a variety of primary documents and records. Free. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~fianna/

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War - National Graves Registration (Union & Confederate). A searchable database of Union and Confederate soldiers who served in the Civil War. Information includes enlistment data and burial locations.
http://www.suvcwdb.org/home/
Submitted by Barbara DeHart

Mormon Migration - This website, designed and hosted by the Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, provides a place for historical and genealogical research into the world-wide migration records and history about the 19th and 20th century movement of thousands of immigrants from many nations who are part of the membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. lib.byu.edu/mormonmigration

Wyoming Newspapers - I just discovered a new website for Wyoming research. It is called the "Wyoming Newspaper Project." http://www.wyonewspapers.org/ These are digitized newspapers covering 1849-1922 (over 900,000 pgs.).
Submitted by Ruth Castleton

Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's - Over 7100 families and 250 ships. Find ships by name as well as complete passenger lists.
http://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm

Immigrant Servants Database - The Immigrant Servants Database is a project designed to help Americans trace the European origins of their colonial ancestors. http://immigrantservants.com/

Ancestry.com Wiki - The free beta version of Ancestry.com Wiki includes online versions of "The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy" and "Red Book: American State, County and Town Sources" as well as other resources. They are every word searchable.

German Roots - Anyone with immigrant ancestors should check out the "Emigration & Immigration Records" section. You'll find lists of ports and their records with links to online sources and instructions on how to access offline sources. Other sections of the website have information specific to German research.

Ellis Island Passenger Arrival Lists - If you have ancestors arriving in the U.S. between 1892 and 1924, check this site for passenger arrival lists. http://www.ellisisland.org
Castle Garden Passenger Arrival Lists - Before Ellis Island, immigrants came to Castle Garden. This site includes transcribed lists from 1830 to 1892, although Castle Garden didn't actually open until 1855. http://www.castlegarden.org
Census of Ireland 1901/1911 - All 32 counties for 1901 and 1911, searchable by all information categories, are now available at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/
New Irish Church Records Online - FREE! Irish Genealogy, hosted by the Ireland Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, has added a large number of new church records of baptism, marriage and death to their free Web site, bringing the total to over 2 million church records from Dublin City and counties Kerry and Carlow, plus a subset from Roman Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Cork & Ross. Check it out

Pioneers and Prominent Men - The book Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah is now available online. http://www.archive.org/stream/pioneersprominen00esshrich#page/n5/mode/2up

Australian Gold Rush Immigrants - Was your Australian ancestor a digger? If he/she arrived in Australia during the 1850s or in Western Australia during the 1890s, it is certainly a possibility! You might try searching search arrival manifests in Australia.
Unassisted Immigrants to NSW, 1842-1855 - an index of unassisted (or free) passengers who came to Australia at their own expense, including ships' crew.
Unassisted Passenger and Crew Arrivals, 1854-1900 - The Mariners and Ships in Australian Waters Web site offers transcribed passenger lists and links to digital scans of the original lists for "Shipping Inward" lists from the Shipping Master's Office.
Victoria Passenger Lists - Immigration records for Victoria 1852-1899 are online from the Public Record Office Victoria, including the Index to Unassisted Inward Passenger Lists to Victoria 1852-1923 and the Index to Assisted British Immigration 1839-1871.
National Archives Wiki - The National Archives has started a wiki "for researchers, educators, genealogists, and Archives staff to share information and knowledge about the records of the National Archives and about their research." Their wiki is located at: http://www.ourarchives.wikispaces.net

London Lives - This free website has posted 240,000 manuscripts and 3.35 million names of "non-elite" 18th-century Londoners. Sources include criminal and court records, parish registers, workhouse records and more. Registration isn't necessary to search, but you can register to create a personal workspace and link documents together into biographies. http://www.londonlives.org

Saturday - July 17th, 2010

2010-07-25T12:50:00.002-06:00

PAF Users Group Monthly Meeting - President Connie Stewart was out of town, and Fran Lightner began the meeting by welcoming those in attendance.

A special welcome to new members Roger & Carene Jordan, and visitor Lawrence Turtschi.

(Just a reminder - all meetings of the WC-PAF-Users Group are open to the public whether members of the group of not.)

Fran explained that Julie Hammons, today's scheduled presenter, was unable to attend due to an injury to her wrist. Julie's class will be reschedule so what for that date. We hope for Julie's speedy recovery!

Members were notified of the cancellation via email on Wednesday evening, July 14th.

Opening prayer was given by Betty Lewis Knaak.

June Morton prepared and presented a Question and Answer presentation. THANK YOU June for preparing such a great presentation on short notice!

At the very beginning we had a question regarding Shanna Jones' recent article in the Senior Sampler regarding BRANCHES...thought to be a Google program.

A new Windows genealogy program called BRANCHES is like having Google Earth for your genealogy. You can see all the people and all the data in your database on one screen and then zoom down to see the detail, even a signature on a birth certificate. And you can also see all relationships.

Within just a few minutes, you can be doing everything in BRANCHES that you can do with other genealogy programs without reading lengthy manuals. You can add people and events, photos, videos and documents and manage all your dates.

BRANCHES also has a Google-like search capability that allows you to search your entire data base for names, places and even text in notes and then highlight the individuals in the main pedigree.

The program cost $39.95 one time fee. There is also a 30-day free trial of the full version for those who would like to try it out before they buy. For more information go to the website: www.branchesgenealogy.com

The discussion began with the following article: Find the Answers You Seek in Your Ancestors' Stories:

Prophets and Apostles have reiterated the importance of learning about our ancestors - not just the few vital statistics needed for temple ordinances, but their stories - how they lived - what they did and the lessons they left for us.

Sometimes we see this as 'busy work,' something to do some day, when we have lots of time
(and resources) - nothing that applies to us now. After all, our ancestors lived in a time much different than ours. They didn't have microwaves, the Internet, cell phones, Costco, t-ball, soccer, and all the other things that complicate our lives. We don't have anything common with them, do we! They can't teach us anything that applies to our lives - right? WRONG!

Our ancestors dealt with the same major challenges we face today. Although the tools were different, our ancestors dealt with the same basic problems we face:

Making a living and providing for the family.
Relationships - getting along, especially with different generations.
Serious health challenges.
What will bring me the most happiness?
Do I break away, follow my dreams, or do what is expected of me, even if my heart isn't in it?
Unbearable sadness and sorrow, such as the loss of dear family members.
Feeling overwhelmed by great challenges or adversity.
Feeling misunderstood or undervalued by those closest to us.
Finding time to do all the things expected of us when we are so busy (and so tired).

We have the same genes (and maybe some of the same tendencies) as our ancestors. Although they didn't have our technology, their biggest problems were probably very similar to ours. Their stories give us a chance to learn from them - without going through all the pain ourselves. Their lives are case studies of the results of the choices they made. There are undoubtedly things they would do differently if they could start over. They can't - but you can!

THANKS to June and those who participated with questions, answers and comments.

The group was small which led to a more intimate atmosphere wherein there was more member participation.

The meeting ended and everyone enjoyed a cookie and a drink where there was visiting with more Q & A.

A SPECIAL THANKS goes out to Fran Lightner for conducting the meeting and bringing cookies. To June Morton for presenting the class and also bringing cookies and drinks. To Marilyn Rohrer as our Greeter, and to Curt Rohrer for helping out with the set-up today.

Closing Prayer was given by Fran Lightner.

Filed by: June Morton - Recording Secretary

Class Schedule for July 17 - Sept. 18 - Oct 16 -Nov. 20, 2010

2010-06-29T15:11:00.003-06:00

Up-coming class schedule for July - August - September - October
& November - December 2010

July 17th - Julie Hammons - "Social Networking"
August - No meeting is held in the month of August
September 18th - Kathy Blake has two classes she is deciding between -
Planning A Research Trip or Planning A Trip to the Family History Library
October 16th - Darlene Odenwalder on Newspapers
November 20th - Don Burton - "Family Insight"
December 18th - The annual Business Meeting with election of 2011 Board. After the business meeting we have time to enjoy visiting and sharing treats.

We invite anyone interested in these classes. Come and be a part of our group!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

2010-06-25T15:01:00.009-06:00

WASHINGTON COUNTY PAF USER GROUP

Morningside Stake Center on 9th South and River Road Member Meeting 19 June 2010

The meeting started with Helen Lenz greeting everyone at the door, and then June Morton welcoming all in attendance.

June reminded all that the Genealogy Project can be viewed on BYU TV on Sunday mornings at 10 am, a great program.

And, the St. George Large Multi-Stake Family History Center will reopen after major renovation on Tuesday, 6th of July.

Opening prayer was offered by Ann Gailey.

Our newsletter editor, Julie Hammons was unable to attend but it was noted that we are all enjoying our great newsletter.

June welcomed today's presenter - our own Max Turpin.

Max was born and raised in Illinois where most of his family still live. He has returned home at least 40 of the 42 years since he left central Illinois. He served LDS mission to Texas, and has lived in Texas, California, where he met his wife Karen, and Utah.

Max and Karen moved from Richfield to St. George in 1992. He is retired from the US Post Office.

Max has been involved in Family History/Genealogy for last 30 years and has nearly 18,000 family names collected in his PAF program. While collecting those name he also served served as Bishop in Washington 2nd Ward, and in the bishopric of the Dixie College 8th Ward. Max and Karen served a proselyting mission to Spokane Washington Mission in 2006-2007 in the Coulee Dam area and after their return he was called as the St. George Transient Bishop.

Max and his lovely wife Karen have put in papers to serve 18 month mission at the St. George Large Multi-Stake Family History Center this fall, and writes the column on Find-A-Grave that appears in this newsletter. He also serves on the Board for the WC-PAF Users Group.
His hobbies are, of course, related to genealogy and he is our resident expert on Find-A-Grave. He has visited cemeteries in 12 states, taking photos of gravestones on these visits and posting
them on line. He will share his knowledge, of how to deal with photos on our computers, using Picasa.

Max explained Picasa is a software download from Google that helps you organize, edit, and
share your photos. It's free, and easy to use. Picasa helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures
(even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you will recognize. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organized.

It was a great presentation and all present was anxious to hurry home and try out the new software. Thanks Max it was a great presentation.

A SPECIAL THANKS goes out to Curt Rohrer for helping out with the set-up today.

The closing prayer was given by Karla Cannon.

Prize Winners: Ann Gailey, Irvin Wright, Maggie Hansen, Gaylie Morehouse

Next Saturday meeting - Saturday, July 17, 2010

Monthly Meeting - June 19, 2010

2010-06-06T22:32:00.003-06:00

Our June meeting is coming up so I'd like to tell you about our Presenter for this meeting.

Meet Max Turpin.....
June Meeting: Max Turpin to Teach Picasa Max Turpin was born and raised in Illinois where
most of his family still live. He has returned home at least 40 of the 42 years since he left central Illinois.
He served LDS mission to Texas, and has lived in Texas, California, where he met his wife
Karen, and Utah.
Max and Karen moved from Richfield to St. George in 1992. He is retired from the US Post Office. Max has been involved in Family History/Genealogy for last 30 years and has nearly 18,000 family names collected in his PAF program.
While collecting those name he also served served as bishop in Washington 2nd Ward, and in the bishopric of the Dixie College 8th Ward. Max and Karen served a proselyting mission to Spokane Washington Mission in 2006-2007 in the Coulee Dam area and after their return he was called as the St. George Transient Bishop. He has put in papers to serve 18 month mission at St. George Regional FHC this fall, and writes the column on Findagrave that appears in this
newsletter. He also serves on the Board for the WCPAF Users Group.
His hobbies are, of course, related to genealogy and he is our resident expert on Findagrave. He has visited cemeteries in 12 states, taking photos of gravestones on these visits and posting them on line.
He will share his knowledge, of how to deal with photos on our computers, using Picasa. Picasa is a free tool, available from Google, that helps with digitized photos. It has tools that allow us to edit pictures as well as, to organize and to share the pictures we have collected.
The meeting is Saturday June 19th at 10 am in the Morningside Stake Center at 881 River Road.

All visitors are welcome to our meetings.

Washington County PAF Users Group is more than using PAF. We use the various genealogy programs available and have monthly presentations on various software and research information.

Check us out at www.wcpafug.org/

Saturday, May 15, 2010

2010-05-19T19:04:00.003-06:00

Vice-President Bob Kroff welcomed all in attendance to the meeting and to our Presenter - Darlene Odenwalder, and made the following announcements:
1. Footnotes.com is offering free access to all historical newspapers at it's website.
2. The FamilySearch Community has many resources we should be aware of: FS Research Wiki - helps find resource information about a specific geographical area; where to best look for records in a specific time periods; information about records or archives that can be of help in your research, etc. http://wiki.familysearch.org/ FS Forums - help you find answers to any questions that you may have. http://forums.familysearch.org/ FS Beta and Pilot programs allow you to browse through the historical Record Collections compiled through the FamilySearch indexing program. http://pilot.familysearch.org/ and or http://fsbeta.familysearrch.org/
3. Bob again spoke about the tv program: "Who Do You Think You Are?"

Bob then introduced Darlene Odenwalder - Coordinator of DNA/Genetics for Ancestry.com:
Darlene has researched and studied genealogy for over 20 years, and has been teaching in-person genealogy classes in her local community. After two decades of corporate work, Darlene built a new career around what she loves -genealogy. She retired to St. George and now works from home for Ancestry.com. Prior to working for Ancestry.com DNA, Darlene was a Genetic Genealogist at Realative Genetics. As a counselor, she worked with individual customers to select the right DNA test for their unique genealogy goals.
Darlene currently travels and lectures on Genetic Genealogy. Her maternal ancient ancestral group is The Colonists, haplogroup H and her paternal ancient ancestral group is The Artisans, haplogroup R1b.
Darlene explained, that each person carries within them a DNA genetic marker. These markers can help tell if you are related to other people. We can discover our genetic genealogy and ancient ancestry with a DNA cheek-swab test through Ancestry.com
Darlene began her presentation by explaining to us Mitochondrial DNA (mtDna)
Your greatest of grandmothers finally share ancient family secrets. The DNA handed down from mother to child reveals the story of your maternal origins from 20,000 to 100,000 year ago.
Your father's father's father's father is just waiting to give you a hand with your family history. The DNA handed down from father to son through generations has gone unchanged over time.
Your MRCA (most recent common ancestor) is viewed through a mathematical equation to establish relationship.
DNA is simply: Another tool, like a census record: it doesn't lie: it does not replace paper records: however, non-paternal events happen...and this could help explain them.

Darlene's presentation was very interesting and gives us insight into just what DNA can be for each of us. Thank You!

We all appreciated the information given by Darlene. It was very informative and timely, and for some of us the way we should go to help breakdown our brick walls. Thank You Darlene!

Darlene has agreed to come back as a presenter in October and tell us of one of her favorite subjects, Searching Newspapers

Up-coming Saturday class schedule

2010-05-17T17:31:00.003-06:00

Class Schedule
Saturday, June 19, 2010 - Board Member Max Turpin - How To Use Picassa - Picassa is a free photo program. Come and learn how to use this program and bring any questions you have along.

Saturday, July 17, 2010 - we are working on scheduling this class presentation.
August 2010 - no meeting is held in the month of August.
Saturday, September 18, 2010 - we are working on scheduling this class presentation.
Saturday, October 16, 2010 - Darlene Odenwalder of Ancestry.com will be presenting a class on newspapers. We all know what information is available to us on newsletters - come see learn what you may not know.
Saturday, November 20, 2010 - we are working on scheduling this class presentation

If you have a particular class presentation subject that you would like to see at one of our Saturday meetings, please give your suggestion to one of our Board Members at a Saturday meeting.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

2010-04-29T14:41:00.002-06:00

Vice-President Bob Kroff welcomed members and visitors to this meeting.
Newsletter Editor Julie Hammons wanted all to know that the newsletter was not her's, but it belonged to the membership. She noted that she would welcome any ideas or articles for the newsletter.
FYI - the WCPAFUG Family History/Genealogy Newsletter is sent to all members each month. Aritcles are on helpful subjects and keeping us updated on doing our research.
You can view the front page of the newsletter, or for more information on our group, on our web site: www.wpcafug.org You can receive the full newsletter by joining our group. Annual dues are $12.00 per family.

Bob then introduced this months Presenters - Dave and Manja Midgley and their class on scanning. Dave & Manja are currently serving a mission at the St. George Family History Center and have served missions to Germany (Dave only), Korea and Illinois (together).
The presentation began with .... How Do I Scan Something, with major points to remember: Scanning is more 'art' than 'science' so you need to experiment: Always have a notepad next to scanner: Keep a Journal and log what works and what doesn't: Build YOUR personal checklist of each type of item scanned.
He with talked about Desired Features - Top Brands: Epson - Cannon and HP Microtex.
A flat bed is more desirable than an All-In-One. Getting started: Understanding DPI & Resolutions: File Formats: Enlarging and cropping and other tips.
Thank You Dave and Manja for your presentation. Many oh's and ah's were heard because of the great presentation, and the massive amount of information to help us each in our scanning journey.

Our next meeting will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2010 Morningside Stake Center - 9th and River Rd. - St. George. You can find more information or our web site: www.wcpafug.org

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

2010-04-29T14:22:00.002-06:00

Our meeting opened with President Connie Stewart welcoming members and visitors to our meeting.
Announcements - Connie suggested that we all check out the classes that are being held at the St. George Large Multi-Stake Family History Center. You can contact the Center at: 435-
673-4591 for further information. Classes are at low cost or no cost.
Presenter Deric Wortham on County Court House Records: Deric delighted us with a short history of how he became employed by the LDS Church and how he became involved in microfilming the records in the state of Kansas, the National Archives in Kansas and the RLDS records in Missouri.
Deric started with a copy of a Family Group Record...He then began researching this family using county court house records. This presentation keep our attention and so much information on researching available records. He then showed the Scholastic Census Records of the school which were found in the land office, the probate records of the father along with the estate inventory. Deric had many more records which time did not permit us to view.
His final notation was that we need more than simply genealogy - names, dates, places, we need to source all our information and learn more about our families - family history, through these various records which are available.
The presentation was very informative and enjoyed by all. We all now want to run, not just walk to those local county court houses of our ancestors...And if that is not possible we need to check out the microfilm available for our respective research counties.

Our next meeting will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2010 - Morningside Stake Center on 9th South and River Road - St. George, Utah.

Presenters will be on scanning and taught by Dave and Manga Midgley .

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

2010-03-10T17:44:00.002-07:00

All are invited to attend......

March Meeting - Deric Worthan and Courthouse Research
Deric Wortham was born in Boise, Idaho and at the age of 12 he moved with his family to Topeka, Kansas.
He graduated from high school there and attended one year at Brigham Young University.
Deric formerly worked for Department in the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City, in the Micrographics Department and the Microfilm Development.
His field work included Kansas and the Midwest. For 18-years he specialized in county courthouse records.
Two of those years he spent in the RLDS Archives and the National Archives in Kansas, Missouri.
He also worked as an Assistant Archivist for the Jackson County Missouri Historical Museum.
Deric has a Bachelors Degree in History and a Minor In Business Administration.

Our next monthly meeting - Saturday, Feb 20, 2010

2010-02-06T20:09:00.002-07:00

For our February 20, 2010 meeting our Presenter will be Shaun McCausland.
You may know Shaun from his weekly articles in the St. George Senior Sampler on computers, repair, software, buying a computer, keeping your computer safe - all that is important to know for those of us with a computer.
Come and join this meeting and come prepared with questions as Shaun will be available to answer those questions.

Montly Meeting - Saturday, January 16, 2010

2010-02-06T19:48:00.002-07:00

President Connie Stewart Welcomed all those attending today's meeting and introduced our meeting Presenter - Robert Kroff and is presentation: An Overview of Four Genealogical Programs which interface with newFamilySearch. PAF and FamilyInsight, RootsMagic, Ancestral Quest and Legacy.
Robert Kroff - is a retired Teacher/Administrator from the Tooele School District. While employed in the District Office in the Tooele School District, he was Teacher Trainer and traveled Utah and Idaho presenting skills in teaching. He taught and was principal at Hurricane Middle School in the early 70's and owned a Grocery Store in Springdale, adjacent to Zion National Park. Bob and his wife, Carol, are currently serving a Mission at the St. George Large Multi-Stake Family History Center. He has a special interest in personal histories....Remembering Uncle Verl, was an eye opener for all of us...Personal Journals are important! And, of course, we all know that Bob is currently serving as Vice-President of our Washington County PAF Users Group.
Bob's presentation included: A comparison of the main screens of the four programs.
Websites for each of the four programs that interface with new.FamilySearch: FamilyInsight - ohanasoftware.com: RootsMagic - rootsmagic.com: Ancestral Quest - ancquest.com: Legacy - legacyfamilytree.com.
All four of these genealogical software's have free trials and there are tutorials available.
All four of these software's can be viewed and used at the St. George Large Multi-Stake Family History Center at 410 South 200 East, St. George. Classes on each of these products are offered to help learn how to more effectively use the program.
Bob added that PAF is 'Not Dead' and is not going away, however it will not be updated to include all the bells and whistles some of the other programs have. You can us FamilyInsight with PAF and it will interface very well with PAF and new.FamilySearch.org.
Thanks Bob for this very good and helpful presentation as we move forward in our genealogy/family history.
A drawing was held for prizes and the meeting was adjourned.

WCPAF Users Group - January meeting...

2009-12-24T13:04:00.002-07:00

Our next meeting will be held on Saturday, January 16th, 2010....10:00 a.m. at the Morningside State Center - 9th and River Road, St. George, Utah.

Our vice-president, Bob Kroff will present a class on genealogy/family history software.
Bob will bring PAF, RootsMagic and Legacy to us by teaching us what each of these programs will bring to us. He will review each program and help us get to know the program and help us understand how they work. The bells, whistles, ins and outs.

There have been many new and exciting, which brings many things we need to learn more about. This presentation will start us off and during this new year we will have classes to help us with our research.

Washington County PAF Users Group - Jan meeting

2009-12-24T12:51:00.002-07:00

Our December business meeting and get-together was held on Saturday, December 19th.
The election of officers was held with the following elected to the board: Connie Stewart - President: Bob Kroff - Vice-President: June Morton - Secretary/ Membership: Pat Foster - Treasurer: Max Turpin: Marilyn Rohrer: Curt Rohrer: Helen Lenz: Russ Bateman: Fran Lightner: and a welcome to our newest board member - Julie Hammons.
A video was played which reviewed the year 2009 with the WCPAF Users Group in pictures and music.
Goodies brought were shared by all. All were really good.
We appreciate those who presented our classes in 2009. We had classes on many subjects by those who share their knowledge in these subjects. Thanks to all presenters!
We welcome you to come to our monthly meetings, except for August when no meeting is held, and join with our group. Visitors are welcome!
As you go forward with your family history we wish you the best of findings in this new year 2010!

6th Annual St. George Family History Expo 2010

2009-12-01T12:46:00.002-07:00

It's time to make your plans to attend the Annual St. George History Expo 2010 coming up Feburary 26 - 27, 2010.
This is a fantastic Expo every year with speakers and presenters who provide great information.
Take a look at the web site for speakers, presenters and class schedule, and register at:
www.fhexpos.com

Pre-registration, ends Feb. 1, 2010 - $65.00 for the 2 days.
At the door cost will be $75.00, $40.00 for 1-day, or $12.00 per class.

December 19, 2009 Annual Meeting

2009-12-01T12:16:00.002-07:00

Our December meeting will be held on Saturday, December 19th. This is our annual meeting to handle all necessary business, and nominating and election of officers and board members.

All are invited to attend and guests are welcome. It's time to visit and enjoy each others company.

Don't forget to bring your favorite finger food.

We will show a video presentation on the Users Group in the year 2009.

Great year thanks to Connie, Bob, Ron, June, Max, Pat, Marilyn, Helen, Russ, Curt and Fran, the officers and board members.

We've had another year of wonderful classes with great presenters. A BIG THANK YOU to all the board members who got this all organized by inviting our presenters to share their individual knowledge on computer security - research - various software information - cleaning up our files both on our computers and in our drawers and boxes, or even on the floor! We revisited 'Uncle Verl', information on the newFamilySearch, a Crash Course in Genealogy, and learning how to 'Break down brick walls'

Our web site is up and running. It is still a 'work in progress', but we are making that progress.
Take a look at: wcpafug.org - or google Washington County PAF Users Group.

Our big THANK YOU to Russ Bateman for the many hours he has spent working on this site.

The Washington County Cemetery Project is on-going. Gathering obituaries and putting those on the web site on the grave site information; Gathering pictures and histories to also be added to the grave site information.

We are continuing our work on the Cemetery Project and would appreciate volunteers coming on-board to help get this work done. The data entry is done in your home, on your computer and you can put in whatever amount of time you have available.

Going out to the cemeteries takes more effort - taking pictures of grave stones. Again, going when you have the time available.

Max Turpin is also been working on getting local information on 'Find-A-Grave' and co-ordination to the area cemeteries.

If you can volunteer to help us on this please contact: Fran Lightner 688-1260. Or, email at: jflightner@skyviewmail.com.

Clean Up Your PAF File

2009-10-27T19:02:00.002-06:00

Our class for 'Clean Up Your PAF File' and the presenter will be Tom Hitchcock from the St. George Regional Family History Center.
For those doing Family History it seems that we are the generation of 'clean-up'. Now for most of our files it's about time to clean them up and so this seems like a very timely presentation.
We invite all to attend on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 - Morningside Stake Center, on River Road at 700 South and enter at the back door.
Meeting starts at 10:00 a.m. until Noon.
See you there!

Class Schedule

2009-10-19T19:34:00.002-06:00

We had a great class on Oct. 17, 2009 when Julie Hammons presented a class on 'Brick Walls'. Julie's class got us all thinking we could break through those walls and ready to get back to it.

Don't miss our up-coming classes to help you with your software and research.

Our Nov. class will be held on November 21st - 'Clean Up Your PAF File'. Now if you are using PAF, RootsMagic, Legacy or any other software we all need to clean up our files.

Tom Hitchcock from the St. George Regional Family History Center will be our presenter.

Come and join us on the 21st of Nov. - 10:00 a.m. until Noon -

'The Threads That Bind' Family History Fair

2009-10-04T20:28:00.003-06:00

November 13th & 14th, 20009 'The Threads That Bind' Family History Fair will be held at the Ivins Stake Center - 290 East 1060 South - Ivins, UT.
Friday - Nov. 13th 6p.m. - 10p.m. and Saturday - Nov. 14th 10a.m. - 2:30p.m.
Friday evening at 6p.m. the Keynote Speaker will be Ronald T. Halverson.
Classes begin at 7:00p.m. ending at 10:00p.m. On Saturday classes will begin at 10:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Vendors representing RootsMagic and FamilyInsight will be available.
Classes will be held on - Training on the Internet - FamilySearch.org - US Census Searches - Family Search Wiki - Getting started with Family History - Descendancy (Collateral) Research - Organizing Family History Records - New Family Search How to get started and New Family Search How to Use it - Personal Computer Security - Making Time for Family History.
Display tables will present cultural and heritages.
All are welcome to come to enjoy the display tables and attend to any classes that interest them.

Next PAF Users Group Monthly Meeting

2009-07-27T14:50:00.002-06:00

Our next class will be September 19, 2009, no class is held in August as that is our summer recess.
10:00 a.m. to noon. Morningside Stake Center on River Rd. - St. George, Utah

Robert Booth, Director of the St. George Regional Family History Training Center will enlighten us on the New FamilySearch.org.

Saturday, July 16, 2009 Member Meeting

2009-07-27T14:19:00.002-06:00

The meeting started with President Connie Stewart welcoming those in attendance. No announcements were reported.
The meeting was turned over to presenter Bob Kroff.
Bob Kroff is a retired Teacher/Administrator from the Tooele School District. He taught and was principal at Hurricane Middle School in the early 70's, and has owned a grocery store in Springdale, adjacent to Zion National Park.
While employed in the District Office in the Tooele School District he was a Teacher Trainer and traveled Utah and Idaho presenting skills in teaching.
Bob is currently serving a Mission at the St. George regional Family History Training Center, with a special interest in personal histories, as well as currently serving as Vice-President of our Washington County PAF Users Group.
Bob has given several presentations on the importance of personal family history and personal journal keeping to local family history groups and will present at the up-coming Family History and Genealogy Jamboree in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, September 12, 2009. (We'll get more information out on that Jamboree in August.)
Bob and his brother Joel first presented their Uncle Verl to our group several months ago. Since then they have added more to their presentation.
Due to a prior commitment Joel will not be with Bob today with this presentation.
'Revisiting Uncle Verl' - Bob began his presentation with the song 'Remember Me' written by his son Rob Kroff. http://kroffproductions/com/Remember%20Me.pdf

Remember Me

Words and music by Rob Kroff

When the golden wheat fields bend and speak of summer

When the autumn colors glide upon the wind

In the winter cold or when spring gives birth to flowers

Remember me

But not for trophies I have won for they do not matter

Fortunes I may have gained mean nothing in the end

But if I was a friend to you or lent to you my shoulder

Remember me

And if you'd grant me one last wish,

I wish that you could see

The wonder that I saw

In every tree and flowing river

All the beauty there.

I hope you learn from all the things I've done

Mistakes that I have made

My humble legacy

Is to leave with you my story

Then you will remember me

As you turn the pages, chapters of a lifetime

As you open memories sketched upon the soul.

Smile when you come across the colors of my journey

Remember me

Let the joy around you, ease the aching spirit

I have only passed beyond the realms of what you see

I am not so far, I am just a thought away

When you remember me

(Chorus)

I am just a thought away

When you remember me

What is personal history? To LDS members it is sometimes just looking for ancestors name and ordinance data. The rest of the world perhaps it's wanting to know who their ancestors were and a bit about their history. Our personal history is just as valuable as that of our ancestors.

And so we were introduced to the personal history of 'Uncle Verl' through his small note books and the video of 'Uncle Verl' put together by Bob and Joel Kroff - the music by Rob Kroff and the video narrated by Bob's niece.

Some excerpts from just the fishing note books of Uncle Verl. There are other note books about deer hunting, goose hunting, etc.

A quiet man who walked, rather than driving when possible, who lived in Tooele, Utah, left for those of us privileged enough to hear his story, a great legacy.....

Every personal history is important. Learn from Uncle Verl and keep those every day thoughts and begin, or continue with your personal history for those generations to come.

Thanks to Bob and his family who put this great lesson on how important and exciting personal histories are.

July 2009 Monthly Meeting

2009-07-11T19:24:00.002-06:00

Saturday, July 18, 2009 - 10:00 a.m. to Noon at the Morningside Stake Center - St. George, Utah
Bob and Joel Kroff will return with 'Uncle Verle Revisited'.
When they first introduced us to Uncle Verle they had a great presentation. The family had gone through Uncle Verle's belongings, after his death, and found Verle's life story in many interesting ways. Misc. items for living and working, items for hunting and fishing. And pocket size notebooks, diaries containing his thoughts and daily activities.
Using all that they found, they put together a video which was enjoyed by all.
Since that first presentation a song has been written to go along with an updated video.
We think you will enjoy this presentation and we invite you to join us.

Third Edition of Crash Course in Family History now available.

2009-07-11T18:52:00.003-06:00

Unforeseen delays from the printer delayed the arrival of this book, but the book is now available at your local bookstore. The cost is $34.95.
I just received my copy of Paul Larsen's Third Edition of 'Crash Course in Family History' and sat down to look through the pages. WOW, so much information and so many pages got my attention, and I finally took out a pad of Post-it-notes and started sticking them on pages.
I took an afternoon to go through the entire book and each time I'd come across an area I wanted to check out better I had to tell myself to mark it and move on. Well, 15 sticky notes later I now need to decide where to start.
"Using a computer and the Internet has taken research to such a level in searching information, but with so many sites and ways to go it can just become overwhelming. 'Crash Course in Family History, Third Edition, gives us pages and pages to help us".
Shanna Jones reviewed this book in the Senior Sampler, July 10, 2009 issue, and said, "......If you are serious about learning how to do family history, this is the book for you. The book is a great resource directory for everyone interested in genealogy and family history work, expert and novice alike. It contains up-to-date information for connecting to your ancestors using today's technology."
EasyFamilyHistory,com said, "The companion website EasyFamilyHistory.com is also available to help stay current with all of the new web sites launched regularly, and the new tools and technologies that are taking place in family history everyday".
We recommend you take a look!

Crash Curse in Family History now available

2009-07-11T18:35:00.000-06:00

June 20, 2009 Monthly Meeting

2009-06-27T13:44:00.002-06:00

The class presenter was Paul Larsen, who presented the 3rd Edition of 'Crash Course in Family History'.
This book is packed with step-by-step tutorials and lessons helping us with the easiest ways to connect to our ancestors. It took Paul a full year of research to write this book. He also created a web site that goes along with the book. He will try to keep this book current by republishing with the new things that have happened since this latest version.
In the presentation were discussions on - Top 10 Web Sites - New & Improved Web Sites -
Family Trees - Web Directories and Portals - Latest Software - Finding Billions of Database Records and Invaluable Resources - Social Networking Sites - Tools to Make It Easier, including - Death Indexes.com - Immigrants.byu.edu - Books.Google.com - Newspapter_Archive.com - GenealogyBank.com - newspaper collections - One-Step Search Tools - SteveMorse.org - Tutorials for how-to search - WeRelated-org.
Family History Made Easy - Paul's website even has his book on it in a searchable form.
Those beginners, as well as the seasoned researcher can benefit from Paul's information.
Thanks Paul!
You can check with your local bookstore for Paul's book(s).

July 18, 2009 - Our next meeting will be held on July 28, 2009 Our Presenters will be Bob and Joel Kroff. It's been about 2-years since Bob and Joel first introduced their 'Uncle Verle' to our Users Group. We all fell in Love with this man and to Bob and Joel for their sharing his story with our group. And for showing us that we too could put together our family stories.
They also showed us how careful we need to be as we go thru any belongings our family members had Don't just throw items away that look like they are 'of no use'. They found that many 'special items' were then lost.
Come and see what they have been able to do since we last saw them.

No meeting is held in the month of August.

Check back to see the class schedule for September, October, November and December.

Saturday, June 20, 2009 Saturday Meeting

2009-05-31T17:20:00.002-06:00

Our next monthly meeting will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2009. Paul Larsen will be presenting his new book, "Crash Course in Genealogy" Paul's books are great help and we expect this new book will have helpful information for this day in Family History and Genealogy.
Come, join us and see what you can learn!

Saturday, May 21, 2009 Meeting

2009-05-31T17:04:00.002-06:00

General Announcements: Pat Foster is the new Treasurer. Pat will be available at our monthly Saturday meetings to take your membership dues. Thanks Pat!

Our THANKS to Ron Coleman, who asked to be reassigned. Ron has served for the Treasurer for 3-years and we have appreciated all the work her has done keeping the Users Group finances in order. Ron has now taken the responsibility of Education Chairperson. Ron has a great deal of experience with Family History/Genealogy and will be great in helping the Users Group organize our monthly meeting presentations.

Cemetery Project - we are seeking volunteers to help transcribe information and take pictures of the MANY cemeteries he have in Washington County. Please call Max Turpin - 674-9204 or Fran Lightner - 688-1260 We can also use help in clipping obituaries out of the newspaper and putting them on the Cemetery website. This can be done in your home. Contact Fran if you can help with this.

Website - We are still working on the website. It is a slow process, but take a look where you can read monthly class minutes and up-coming class schedules. If you have any suggestions for the site give Fran a call - 688-1260.

RootsMagic4, our presentation in April, is the first software affiliate product that is certified to reserve and submit ancestral names to temples to print LDS temple name cards using new FamilySearch Web services. Congrats and Good Work RootsMagic4!

For more info on RootsMagic4 go to: http://www.rootsmagic.com/fs

Allen Forsyth gave our presentation on - Personal Computer Safety. Allen started us off by saying "Always Be On Guard - and, Just Don't Click". Allen's class certainly gave us some moments of feeling like we can't possibly keep all of these 'BUGS' off of our computers. But continued on by giving11 steps to protect our computers. Lots of information was given to help us each do what we can to keep our information safe. Thanks Allen!
SIMPLY USE COMMON SENSE AND JUST DON'T CLICK!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

2009-05-31T16:55:00.002-06:00

Bruce Buzbee presents RootsMagic4 - Bruce Buzbee, founder and president of RootsMagic opened his presentation with the introduction to the RootsMagic4 Tutorial. You can look at this tutorial at - http://www.rootsmagic.com/fs/
Bruce said that RootsMagic is in the process of adding video tutorials showing RootsMagic 4's integration with New FamilySearch. Here are some screenshots of RootsMagic 4's New FamilySearch features. Links to the following items: Importing your information from PAF: Matching your date with New FamilySearch: Exchanging information (syncking) with New FamilySearch: FamilySearch Central: One-click Temple Status: Ordinance Reservation: Creating a Temple Trip.
You can also check out - http://blog.rootsmagiv.com/?p=97
You can preview RootsMagic4 at - http://rootsmagic.com/preview/
RootsMagic4 is currently ready to work with the New FamilySearch.
A great presentation and information was given. We appreciate Bruce coming to give updated infromation on RootsMagic4!

Our Web site!

2009-04-09T18:51:00.002-06:00

April 9, 2009 - Washington County PAF Users Group web site........
After to much time we have a Webmaster and are working to get a web site up and available.
This process is very time comsuming and takes a talented Webmaster.
We are excited to have found that talented Webmaster and get the site up and make information available to you.
This is a work in progress! We hope to have this ready for you to take a look in the new future.

Up-Coming Classes April - May - June - July 2009

2009-04-09T18:24:00.004-06:00

April 18, 2009 - Roots Magic 4 - Bruce Buzbee will present the latest version of Roots Magic 4 and its updates. This software is one that will work with the NewFamilySearch - Family Tree.
We will have the opportunity to learn about the program and Bruce will be available to answer questions. We feel this will be an excellent opportunity to see the options available with Roots Magic 4.

May 16th - Allen Forsyth will help us with 'Internet Security'. Allen will share with us help to to keep our computers safe. If you were at the first presentation Allen gave us you know how important it is to be up to date on computer security.

June 20 - Crash Course in Family History, Part 2 - Paul Larsen. If you've read Paul's book, Crash Course in Family History you'll want to see Part 2. Come and see what Paul has added that will help you with your research.

July 18th - 'Uncle Verle Revisited' - Bob Kroff. Some time back Bob and Joel Kroff introduced us to Uncle Verle. It was such an interesting presentation. Since then more has been put together and Bob is going to share that with us. Not only will we enjoy more on Uncle Verle, but Bob will show us the many options to putting together a relative or families story.

August - No meeting is help in the month of August.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

2009-03-07T20:39:00.002-07:00

Update worth marking your calendars for: The St. George Regional Family History Training Center and WCPAFUG are sponsoring the following presentations.....
ANCESTRAL QUEST, FAMILY INSIGHT AND ROOTS MAGIC 4. These three programs have worked closely with FamilySearch to become a Certified Affliate of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints newFamilySearch program.
As part of preparaton for Utah using the New FamilySearch we all need to understand the changes that come with that in our software. Currently these three companies are certified to work with FamilySearch.
FamilySearch Certified Affiliates are thrid-party companies and organizatons that provide products and services with features that are compatible with FamilySearch programs. Certification indicates the affiliates declaration of compliance with FamilySearch requirements. Note that these producst and services are independently devoloped and supported by their respective organizations, not by FamilySearch.

If it highly recommended that you attend all three of these presentations before making your choice for the product which will best suit your needs in syncing with the newFamilySearch-Family Tree.

PAF users have gone thru, will PAF stay or will PAF go? What other programs will work using our currant PAF files? Will they be user friendly? What other options will these programs give us? We may like PAF and are not eager to go into another program.

Attending these 3 presentations will give you an insight to making a move over and still having your current PAF files.

FAMILY INSIGHT (previously PAFInsight) - John Vilburn of FamilyInsight will present how new FamilyInsight program will work and what options it has. This will be held on Saturday, March 14th, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the LDS Church - 85 South 400 East.

ANCESTRAL QUEST - Gaylon Findley will present the newest version of his software. This will be held on Saturday, March 21st at the monthly meeting of the Washington County PAF Users Group. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon at the Morningside Stake Center - 900 South and River Rd.
This presentation will also be given at 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the LDS East Stake Center - 449 South 300 East.

ROOTS MAGIC 4 - Bruce Buzbee will present information on the latest version of his software at the April monthly meeting of the Washington County PAF Users Group - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon on Saturday, April 18th at the Morningside Stake Center - 900 South and River Rd. And again later that evening at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the LDS East Stake Center - 449 South 300 East.

Ancestral Quest Demonstration

2009-02-23T09:25:00.002-07:00

Gaylon Findlay, President of Incline Software will give two presentations on Saturday, March 21, 2009. Co-sponsored by Washington County PAF Users Group - 652-9463 and St. George Regional Family History Training Center - 673-4591. These presentations are free to the public.
Presentation 1 - 10:00 a.m. to Noon at the Morningside Stake Center - Relief Society Room.
(Corner of 900 South and River Road, St. George. Enter at the back of the building.)
Presentation 2 - 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., at the St. George East Center - Relief Society Room.
(449 South 300 East, St. George, just east of the temple.)
Ancestral Quest is one of the several products that work directly with New FamilySearch (Family Tree) to synchronize your personal genealogy with the Church's files. It has the advantage of both reading and writing PAF-5 databases directly without loss of data. Therefore, you can use both PAF and Ancestral Quest interchangeably and have the advantage of additional features that PAF does not provide, including direct access to New FamilySearch.

2009 Membership Dues

2009-02-02T23:20:00.002-07:00

Just a reminder that it's time to pay your 2009 Membership dues. Dues are still $12.00 per year. For a hard copy printed and mailed the cost is $17.00.
Ron Coleman will be available at our February meeting if you would like to pay then. Or, you can send your payment to WC-PAFUG - 473 South River Rd. - #1-196 - St. George, Ut. 84790
Pay your dues by February 28th to avoid interruption in your membership.

Saturday - January 17, 2009

2009-02-02T22:29:00.002-07:00

President Connie Stewart welcomed all members, noting we had several new members in attendance. Opening prayer was given by Helen Lenz.
Ron Coleman, Treasurer was set up at the back of the room and accepting membership dues.
Everyone was reminded to be sure to give Ron and new address', phone numbers and/or new email changes.
It was noted that the monthly newsletter was ready to go, but will be sent out upon the return of Curt and Denece Larsen from Salt Lake City.
A change in today's presentation has been made. Becky Carroll is ill, but will be presenting our February class on February 21, 2009 on Blogs. (You too can create a Blog just like this one!)
A reminder that the Alaskan Cruise will be sailing on June 19 - 26, 2009. Contact Mary or Lauren at Morris Travel - 435-628-3633 or 800-777-1785.
Don Snow noted that FamilySearch Wiki has started a new project called 'Barn-Raising' wherein individuals input information on the State of Maryland'.
St. George Expo will be held on February 27th and 28th. You can get details and register by going to MyAncestorsFound.com.
A 'Thank You' to John Callister for his donation to the Washington County PAF Users Group.
TECHNO TIME - was presented by June Morton - WCPAFUG Secretary and member of a PAF Users Group since 1992 in Pocatello, Idaho. June is currently serving a Mission at the Regional Family History Training Center. June arrived in St. George six years ago to live in Temple Apartments and to enjoy Temple Service, during that time she was also involved with the local Record Extraction Group.
After about a year she felt the need to return to research and family history work, and applied for a Service Mission at the Regional Center....she is currently in her fifth year at the center and is blessed daily for her service.
June is the mother of two daughters, eight grandchildren and currently 13 great grandchildren...who she loves dearly and of course, they are the best, the brightest and cutest around. Her only regret is that the family lives to far away in Pocatello and Salt Lake so visits are few and far between.
FAMILY HISTORY AND THE INTERNET SEARCH ENGINE.....form the new book..."Google Your Family Tree'. A short Power Point presentation accompanied June's presentation on the Commands and Syntax instruction which can help one's search on Google and other internet search engines.
Handouts of various Commands and Syntax which help in searches were available. If you would like a handout please contact Fran Lightner.
TEN TOP GENEALOGICAL SITES- was presented by Max Turpin.
Max is a Board Member and has been a member of the WC-PAFUG for six-seven years now. He is a retired US Postal Service worker and has lived in Washington City for 16 years. He has a strong liking for the computer world.
In Max's handout he has noted the Ten Top Genealogical Sites as listed by Dan Lynch form the new book 'Google Your Family Tree'. The book shows a picture of the opening page with a description of each site.
Max also noted information regarding PAFInsight. He also like the special features and time saving that the program PAF PAL offered.
FIND-A- GRAVE - While serving a mission in Washington State on the Cooley Dam on an Indian Reservation he helped a woman of Indian descent find her ancestor's cemetery plot and a picture on Find-A-Grave which had been entered by others. So the indepth entry and cemetery visits began.
Find-A-Grave was created by Jim Tipton of Salt Lake City, Utah. It has grown to include cemeteries in most states in the United States and some countries throughout the world with almost 30,000,000 entries, adding a million entries every 45 days or so.
Max moved through the program from place to place, family member to family member demonstrating how to use the program.
He instructed us on how to create links from one page to another, link family members.
Max is also entering names from St. George Cemetery Burial Records on to Find-A-Grave as part of the current project.
ST. GEORGE CEMETERY PROJECT - was presented by Fran Lightner. Fran is the past-present of our group and now serving as a board member. She was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Indio, California. She is the mother of three children and grandmother of nine. She and her husband John will be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary in February.
Fran has lived in California, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. She started genealogy about 35 years ago when John received a request from a cousin to send her a family group sheet for their family and his parents and siblings. Life's never been the same since catching the bug from that cousin's request.
As a groups we are trying to add to the utahcemeteries.org project..... by adding pictures of the tombstones and including them on the Find-A-Grave site.
Fran is seeking volunteers for this project. The comments that struck us all was the 'we need to give back to our community and help with this project'.... we have so much and our family and friends interred need to be indexed so they can be found by those searching for them.
The Meeting was a great success with much information proceeding forth to help us in our research effort.
Closing prayer was given by Thayle Smith.
Recording Secretary - June Morton

Change in January 17th, 2009 Class Presentations

2009-01-16T22:13:00.002-07:00

January 17th Class - Becky Carroll's presentation on the 'Blog' has been canceled due to illness..
She will reschedule, so check back on updates on class schedules.

For Saturday, the 17th - June Morton will present the Techno Time presenting information on Google Research Helps.

Also, Max Turpin and Fran Lightner will present information on the St. George Cemetery Project and how you can help, and how it will help those doing family research. They will go on-line to the Find-A-Grave and utahcemeteries.com sites.

With work being done on the St. George Cemetery this will add some information and pictures of grave sites. For those who have family members buried here in the St. George Cemetery but live a distance and can not come to here to visit the cemetery themselves, they will be able to go on-line and even see a picture of those sites.

If you've gone to any of the sites available searching your family members in other areas of the country, maybe even the world, you can understand how someone took their time to get that information made available. We need to do that here too!

As with all of our class presentation, if you've done research at a cemetery we would appreciate your in-put in this class.

See you Saturday!

January 2009 Class Presentation

2009-01-09T10:23:00.002-07:00

January 2009 Meeting will be held on January 17th.......

In October 2008 Becky Carroll started us off on setting up a Blog. Her presentation, and spending some time with me soon after, got this Blog going. It is a 'work in progress'.

Blogs seem to be the way to keep information up to date for our Group. Many families use a blog to share family news and pictures. Becky shared her family Blog showing how it can be used. Family and friends located through out the world can get to your Blog 24/7.

I know, it's a new techno project and looks hard to set up. It's one of those - 'take a look - try it - you might just like it'. Becky will be back for our January 2009 class to follow up on her October presentation. For anyone who would like to have help setting up a Blog, or help with one that may already be started, Becky asks that you bring your Google email address and some ideas on what you would like set up. She will help as many as time allows. Some other members and board members who have started a Blog that can help too.

February 2009 meeting will be held on the 21st.

Bob Kroff will return with 'The Best of Uncle Verle'. This story has also been a work in progress that started with Bob and those working together to get this project to where it is now. Putting together a video presentation, with music and voice takes effort and the willingness of trying new things. Well, come see that that work has created!

Saturday - December 20, 2008

2008-12-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON COUNTY PAF USER GROUP December 2008 Membership Meeting
WELCOME: ........................................................... Fran Lightner - President Welcome extended to all present, particularly Barbara Sherratt, who just turned 100 yrs. Young, and Seletta Pritcher, who is 94 yrs and holding.
PRESENTATIONS: ...............................................................Fran Lightner
! Barbara Sherratt and Seletta Pritcher were presented with a LifeTime Membership Award and Corsage. The ladies were asked to tell of some of their genealogical experiences: Barbara was a charter member of the User Group, a member for 17 years. She told of her experience at the FHL
and questioned why the FGR could not be printed in Portrait as well as Landscape It wasn’t long before it was ..... We will hereafter call her the ‘Portrait/Landscape’ Lady. Seletta is also a long time member of approximately 16 years. She enjoys futhering family histories and is encouraging her family members to do likewise.
! Curt and Denece Larsen were honored with a Gift Certificate for all there work and service to the group. They are greatly appreciated for all they do and have done throughout the years for the group. Curt, also a charter member has served many capacities over the years: President, Vice-President, Membership Chair, Board Member. Denece is currently the Editor of the Newsletter and has been involved in so doing for about 15 years.
! Bob and Elaine Booth were also honored with a Gift Certificate for all their support and service to our group. They have served in many capacities including being presenters many time throughout their years of membership. Bob is the computer specialist and has been a great help to all of us when problems arise in the software as well as the hardware of our computers.. Bob and Elaine are currently the Directors of the Regional Family History Training Center.
! Connie Stewart, the Vice President of our group, presented a Gift Certificate to Fran Lightner, our President, for all the support and service she has given as President these past three years. We will miss her! Fran commented on her years as President and told of meeting Bob and Elaine at an Olympic Meeting for volunteers and it was the beginning of their friendship and her interest in the PAF User Group began.
BUSINESS:
. REPORTS: ............................................................... Fran Lightner " The Board Members were each introduced: Vice President: Connie Stewart Treasurer: Ron Coleman Secretary: June Morton Membership Curt Larsen Publicity Marilyn Rohrer Set-Up Curt Rohrer Education Gail Deck
Board Members at Large Mike Jensen Bob Kroff Dwight Seamons Becky Carol Max Turpin Deb Warren
Fran Thanked the board for their help in bringing to the membership interesting presentations and items to help us learn more about the use of our computers and helps to further our genealogical research. She noted that at times we did not always understand the presenters message but as time passed and we needed that information for a project ..... it was a “Oh Yes”, I remember!
. All members are welcome to attend the Board Meetings which are held the Wednesday before the Saturday Membership Meeting. The meeting is held in the Morningside Stake Center, 9th South and River Rd., YM/YW Room at 5:15 p.m. . Fran listed all the classes that were held in 2008, a copy of which is attached to the archival minutes. . It was noted that a Techno Minute was begun in 2008 but due to the fact is was never a “minute” the name was changed to Techno Time. . The name of our used group was discussed and thoughts of changing the name have been tabled. Instead we will head the name of the WC-PAFUG with the words .... FAMILY HISTORY AND GENEALOGY. . A new projector screen was purchased this year which has been an added benefit to the presentations. . Audit of 2008 financial records will be performed at the end of business, 31 December 2008 and presented to the Board at the January 2009 meeting. . Max Turpin and Fran Lighnter are participating in entering information onto the Internet regarding cemetery records in Washington County. Volunteers are need to help with this project. Pictures of local tombstones need to be taken as well. . The organization needed a physical address for mail received, we therefore have rented a P.O. Box at the UPS Office on River Rd. which also gives us a street address for needed state information. . A few of the members enjoyed a Cruise to the Mexican Rivera in February. There were 12 hours of classes held given by Bob and Elaine Booth, Fran Lightner, and Gail Deck. There were some problems with the ship, nevertheless fun was had by all. . Cruise is planned for June of 2009 to Alaska. Hope all will be able to join us. . It was noted that dues for the year 2009 are now due and payable. Ron is here today to accept all monies. Annual family membership will remain at $12.00 per year. If you desire a copy of the newsletter to be mailed to you via USPS, annual membership has been increased to $17.00 to cover cost of postage. NOMINATIONS: Marilyn Rohrer of the Nominating Committee ..... Debbie Warren was unable to attend today but helped in contacting most of the membership via phone. The membership was asked a series of questions regarding performance of the user group for this year with favorable comments.
Those chosen by the Nominating committee for the year 2009 are as follows:
President: Connis Stewat Vice President: Bob Kroff Treasurer: Ron Coleman Secretary: June Morton Publicity Marilyn Rohrer Set Up Curt Rohrer
Board Members-at-Large Max Turpin Dwight Seamons Fran Lightner Pat Foster
Membership was asked for additional nominations from the floor. No response. Vote was called for from the membershp The above Board was Accepted by unanimous vote of the membership present.
CLOSING PRAY AND BLESSING ON THE FOOD: ................................... Max Turpin
PRESENTATIONS: !Bob Booth .... Director of the Regional Family History Training Center. Presentation consisted of what ‘nickname’ goes with the resident or native of our 50 states .... Was fun to hear all the comments. Bob then went through a list of Recommended Steps for Finding Completed Ordinances and then submitting the names for Temple Work ...... list is attached to the archival minutes. He also went through a list of Recommended Classes for Beginners at the St. George RFHTC. This list is also attached to the archival minutes. Bob introduced an Electronic Research Log which can be placed on your desktop, with examples of information found and then copies into the folder created on the desktop. We were shown the updated Internet Site for the RFHTC: www.familyhistorycenter.org We scrolling through any of the tabs available. It was also noted that the following software programs are now available for use at the Center: Ancestral Quest, Roots Magic and Legacy ... plus many other new programs such as AniMap, Family Atlas, Personal Historial and soon to come FamilyInsight.
.Photo Story from Microsoft Imaging and Movie Maker in Windows XP was used to view the pictures of taken during our 2008 meetings ..... Thanks to Fran! CLASS SCHEDULE: !January 2009 – Becky Carroll will again do a presentation on how to create a Blog !February 2009 - Bob Kroff will be presenting “The Best of Uncle Verle.” !March 2008 – To Be Scheduled.
FOOD TIME: Bon’ Apetite
Food was wonderful and all enjoyed the socializing. Thank you all for bringing your favorites.
GIFTS and PRIZES .....
Many WONDERFUL GIFTS were distributed to those present ..... A complete listing attached to the archival minutes .... Many Thanks to Marilyn and Curt Rohrer for their Christmas Spirit and Choices.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
June Morton .... Secretary

Saturday - December 20, 2008 Meeting

2008-12-29T10:16:00.001-07:00

2008 Board Members

2008-12-07T21:55:00.002-07:00

Washington County

PAF Users Group

Board - 2008

Genealogical Codicil to My Last Will and Testament

2008-12-07T21:42:00.002-07:00

Genealogical Codicil to My Last Will and Testament

To my spouse, children, guardian, administrator and/or executor.

Upon my demise it is requested that you DO NOT dispose of any or all of my genealogical records, both those prepared personally by me and those records prepared by others which may be in my posceeson, incluing but not limited to books, files, notebooks or computer programs for a period of two years.

During this time period, please attempt to identify one or more persons who would be willing to take custody of the said materials and the responsibility of maintaining and continuing the family histories. (If you know whom within the family or friends are likely candidates to accept these matierals, please add the following at this point: "I suggest that the persons contacted regarding the assumption of the custody of these items include but not limited to" ...and then list the names of those individuals at this point, with their addresses and telephone numbers if known).

In the event you do not find anyone to accept these materiasl please contact the various genealogical organizations that I have been a member of and determine if they will accept some parts or all of my genealogical materials. (List organizations, addresses and phone numbers at bottom, include local chapters, with their addresses, phone numbers and contact persons if available as well as state/national contact information and addresses).

Please remember that my genealogival endevers consumed a great deal of time, travel and money. Therefore, it is my desire that the products of these endeavors be allowed to continue in a manner that will make them available to others in the future.

Signature _______________________________________ Date ______________
Witness _______________________________________ Date ______________
Witness _______________________________________ Date ______________

December 2008 Informtion

2008-12-07T21:25:00.002-07:00

Our next meeting will be held on Saturday - December 20, 2008.
This is our annual business meeting and election of officers.
Bob and Elaine Booth are newly called as Directors at the Regional Family History Center. Bob will be our presenter and will enlighten us as to the what's happening at the Regional Family Center.
This is also the meeting to bring your favorite finger food and goodies to share. Prizes will be given out.

January 17, 2009 will start our year off with Becky Carroll doing a follow-up class on 'Blog's.' Becky would like to help everyone who would like a Blog to be able to set one up. If you want to have your own Blog, or are need help on a blob you already have, come and get Becky's help.

February 21, 2009 our presentor will be Bob Kroff, bringing Uncle Verle back. Uncle Verle's 'Life in a Box' video has shown what we can do to preserve and present our family information. Come, enjoy and learn from Bob's presentation

November 15, 2008 Meeting

2008-12-07T20:59:00.004-07:00

Lida Larkin presentation included many explanations and stories that were a delight. If you missed this meeting do sign up for her newsletter and ask for a handout from Lida at: momuv712@gmail.com
Our presenters have done a tremendous job in bringing so much information to us. In 2008 we have had - organization - computer & internet security - research sites - Crash Course in Family History - computer questions and answers - breaking thru stonewall problems - how to set up your own Blog - catching up on what's going on at the Regional Family History Center - using flash drives. Wow..... we did learn alot!
Please remember our Saturday meetings, mark your calendar and plan to attend.

Saturday - November 15, 2008 Meeting

2008-11-11T13:25:00.005-07:00

Our next regular monthly meeting will be Saturday, November 15th, 2008 - starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Morningside Stake Center - 9th South and River Road. Visitors are welcome.

Lida Larkin will give our presentation - 'Overview of Las Vegas Sandstone Stake Family History Seminar Classes'. This seminar was held in September 2008.

Since the age of 13 Lida has been involved in family history and genealogy research. She has written three family histories and is working on a forth at the present time. She is a Family History Consultant and enjoys helping ofthers with their genealogy research. She had been involved for the last six years in helping to put on the annual Las Vegas Sandstone Stake Family History Seminar. Lida is trying to keep current on what's new in family history research and uses the tools she has learned about to help others. She loves the Family Search site and other genealogy helps on line and has a free Family History Tips newsletter sent bi-monthly that you can receive by signing up on her website at: www.tipsforfamilyhistory.com. Lida also does lots with family reunions. Families stay at the top of her priority list. She is the mother of seven children and now enjoys her grandchildren.

Welcome to the Washington County Users Group Blog

2008-11-10T18:24:00.000-07:00

The Washington County PAF (Personal Ancestral File) Users Group is a non-profit, non-denominational group dedicated to assist, instruct, and empower its members to be more effective in the exciting and important activity of building personal, family and ancestral histories. We emphasize the use of computers to find, organize, and share ancestral information.

We encourage, teach, and personally assist members in the use of Personal Ancestral File and other software programs and resources as genealogical organizational tools. We teach and provide instructionial materials on a variety of electronic genealogical research aids.

Monthly meetings are held every month, except for August, on the 3rd Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to noon and are held at the Latter-day Saint Morningside Stake Center on 9th South and River Road in St. George, Utah.

WC-PAF Users Group funding comes from dues and receives no financial support from the LDS Church other than being allowed to meet in their building.