This presentation was prepared for the 2010 National Genealogical Society conference.

2. The International Society for British Genealogy and Family History Presents Emigrants from Wales Darris G. Williams, AG

3. Nature of Welsh Emigration 1617 First Welsh settlement at Cambriol, Newfoundland 1663 John Miles leads Welsh Baptists to Massachusetts 1683 Quakers seek refuge in Pennsylvania 1787 First convicts sent to Australia (4 from Wales) 1790-1850 Peak of Welsh Emigration to America 1849-1856 Dan Jones and the Welsh Mormon emigrants

4. Top 10 Welsh Population States in 1990

5. Highest concentration of Americans with Welsh Ancestry in 1990

6. 5 Steps to Learn About An Emigrant from Wales Step 1. Clarify what you know and what you want to learn. Step 2. “Kill off your ancestor”. Step 3. Search for and in appropriate sources. Step 4. Learn from the source. Step 5. Use and share what you learned.

7. Step 1: Clarify What You Know

8. Step 1: Clarify What you Know Clues for starting a search. Full name of the immigrant Approximate year of arrival Approximate age at arrival Names of the immigrant’s children Region, county, or parish of origin Where the ancestor lived in the new country Relatives’ names: parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins Religious affiliations Occupations (include all)

9. What you want to learn. Place of origin Parent’s names Why they emigrated What they did and how they lived in the home country

10. Decide What You Want to Learn What I know: What I plan to learn:

11. Take two minutes to think about: What you know. What you plan to learn. ? ?

12. Step 2: “Kill Off Your Ancestor”

13. Step 2: “Kill Off Your Ancestor” Death records contain details that may lead to more information about an immigrant. Obituaries, especially ones from Welsh language periodicals in the United States like often provide details about emigration and place of origin. CenhadwrAmericanaid (American Missionary) Y Cyfaill (The Friend)

14. Obituary in CenhadwrAmericanaid

15. Obituary Translation Extract Native of Aberhosan,Montgomeryshire, North Wales. He was confirmed as a member of the church on the Sunday prior to his emigration to America around 30 years ago by Rev. R Jones - later Jones of Rhuthin.

16. Step 3: Search The Best Sources “The biggest problem we have as genealogists is that we shut our eyes and limit ourselves.” Dr. Ronald A. Hill

17. Select sources to search based on: What you know about the emigrant. The time period and place of immigration. What you intend to learn.

18. Search Appropriate Sources Does the record relate to what you know? Does the record fit the date range you are searching? Is the record appropriate for what you plan to learn?

19. Step 4. Learn From the Source

20. Step 4: Learn from the Source Copy the information and note where it was located. Evaluate the evidence found in your search. Is it credible? Is it relevant to the search objective? Is there indirect evidence that may be helpful in this or future searches? Compare the new information with other information.

21. Step 5. Use & Share What You Learned

22. Step 5: Use & Share What You Learn Use what you learned to make your family history more complete. If the new evidence conflicts with what you knew before return to step 1. Share what you learned with others.

23. Case Studies Using FamilySearchWiki Record Selection Table

24. Record Selection What you know: Name What you want to learn: Place of origin Date range: Pre 1790 British 19th Century Surname Atlas Biographies County marriage indexes Farm or house name

34. Record Selection What you know: Name and both parent’s names What you want to learn: Place of origin Date range: 1790-1890 County marriage indexes (pre1837) Wales civil registration indexes: (after 1 July 1837) http://www.freebmd.org.uk/ Denominational periodicals (e.g. , Cenhadwr& Y Cyfaill) Farm or house name

39. http://stevemorse.org/ellis/passengers.php

46. 5 Steps to Learn About An Emigrant from Wales Step 1. Clarify what you know and what you want to learn. Step 2. “Kill off your ancestor”. Step 3. Search for and in appropriate sources. Step 4. Learn from the source. Step 5. Use and share what you learned.