Date: January 13, 2025
Title: Finding the Hidden Clues in Census Records
Speaker: Suzanne Young Brayer
Biography: Suzanne Young Brayer is an educator, historical researcher and avid genealogist. She graduated BA and MA in history and education from Arizona State University.
Her involvement in researching her family history began when she and her father worked together gathering the pieces of their ancestry puzzle. From Mayflower ancestors to Quakers to Revolutionary War patriots to 19th century German immigrants and a few criminals along the way, she, like most of us, represents the “melting pot” of American culture.
She has held numerous positions in the Family History Society of Arizona (FHSA), including Past President, and represents FHSA on the Arizona Genealogical Advisory Board (AzGAB). She is a ProGen graduate and a member of NGS and DAR as well as numerous local and national societies. She has taught genealogy classes and spoken to numerous groups throughout Arizona and the West. She is a lecturer, teacher and genealogist with over 30 years’ experience.
Description: Census records are the most used records. Most often these records are the first the researcher examines. However, many clues in the records are overlooked. What can the instructions to the census takers tell us? What are supplemental schedules and how can they help us solve identity questions? Are there duplicate copies? How can we find them and what can they tell us? What can we learn about the community and hence about our ancestors? How can we make sense of the tick marks? Why should we look for community leaders if they are not our person of interest? This class will provide strategies to get the most from a census record.
Handout: Please bring this handout to the meeting.
In-person meetings are held at the First Presbyterian Church located at 12225 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ. (click here for map) – will open in new tab in your web browser)
Please arrive after 12:30 pm to sign up for classes, SIGs, or the 2025 Seminar, ask questions of a Board Member or Committee Chairperson, etc. Note: We will not be offering coffee at this time.
The short business meeting will start at 1:00 pm sharp followed by our featured speaker.
Our raffle for January is a lovely picnic basket for hikers
Our raffle for January is a lovely picnic basket, with a lid, containing several items of interest to anyone who is a hiker or is looking for a gift for a hiker! The basket includes a hiking backpack, 1 pair of hiking socks, an emergency rain poncho, a wool head warmer, an Arctic cooling cloth, and a safari hat. Try your luck!
Piggy Bank Fund Raiser for New Computer Lab Chairs
The Fundraising Committee, with the support of the Long-Range Planning Committee, is undertaking a specific fundraising activity to purchase office chairs for the computer labs and the library’s offices. Fifteen chairs in all are needed at an estimated cost of $2,700.00. To raise these funds, we are on an adventure. We will use the large, brightly colored piggy banks we used several years ago to raise funds for another cause. The piggy banks will be placed on every table in our monthly meeting room and around the library. The committee will accept loose change, dollars, or checks in the piggy banks! Given the generosity of our members, we don’t think it will take long to raise these funds. We will give you updates at our monthly meetings.
Another great opportunity from your WVGS Duplicate Book Sales Team!
Join us at the Membership Meeting. We have a selection of genealogy research and related titles.
Take some home for $5.00 each – Cash only please!
Jill Mitchell, Elaine Wright, and Della Jones
WVGS Duplicate Book Sales team
Please bring Aluminum Cans & Plastic Bottles to the
Membership Meeting
We appreciate your efforts to collect these items and dropping them off at our Membership Meetings. We especially thank you for collecting from your neighbors and friends. Please be sure to let these helpers know the best way to help us collect and recycle.
Remember, bring them to the church, NOT the Library!
| Not These | Only Clear Plastic |
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| These are NOT accepted and need to be hand picked out of the collection or the whole bag will be rejected. Please, only CLEAR plastic bottles. |
ALUMINUM CANS & CLEAR PLASTIC BOTTLES ONLY Drop-off |
Guidelines for dropping off Aluminum Cans/Clear Plastic Bottles:
- Place aluminum cans and clear plastic-water/soda bottles in separate bags.
- Cans do not have to be crushed, but should be rinsed and empty.
- Water bottles can take up less room if they are smashed before putting the cap back onto the bottle.
Please, NO glass, prescription bottles, milk bottles, or food cans as these items need to be hand picked out. Also, NO bags with holes, as any item not rinsed may leak.
$$$ for WVGS