Follow along as I tackle a tough client case, tracing the elusive Philip Jacob Meyer and Mary Ann Hoffman. From uncovering vital marriage and census records to facing confusing birthplace discrepancies, this genealogy journey is full of unexpected twists.

Discover what it's like to research at the National Archives in Chicago. This post details my recent on-site work on a client's Native American "brick wall" case, highlighting the strict rules, the delicate, transparent papers, and the captivating, yet distracting, historical narratives.

On a recent trip to the National Archives in Chicago, I delved into a client's challenging Native American "brick wall" ancestry. Navigating fragile records and even disintegrating books, I encountered a truly surprising find: an exceptionally long list of names that cascaded off the table! Get a glimpse into this meticulous research process and see sample files from the visit.