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Updated 26 March 2013
Shirley Gage Hodges
Biography & Links to Global Gazette Articles
Shirley Gage Hodges has been actively doing genealogical research since 1967. She has taught genealogy classes in Community Education Programs at various high schools and has also been a guest lecturer for several Michigan State University, The Union Institute and Davenport College programs.
Shirley has presented lecturers, seminars and workshops locally and regionally both in the United States and Canada since 1994. Her lectures are accompanied by visual aids, handouts and examples.
Although Shirley specializes in tracing your female ancestors she covers a wide variety of topics for both the novice and advanced genealogist. Her interest in sharing her love of genealogical research and her sense of humor have delighted audiences.
In 2006 Shirley was elected to the office of President of the Genealogical Speakers Guild where she served until 2010.
Her memberships include The Association of Professional Genealogists, the National Genealogical Society and numerous state and local societies. Shirley was recently honored with the Eaton County (Michigan) Heritage Award and the Library of Michigan Genealogy Appreciation Award
Shirley became a columnist for The Global Gazette in June 2006.
Awards:
Specialties:
- Tracing Females
- Census Records
Lecture Titles:
- Immigration: The Journey to America
- Church Records: The Ties That Bind
- Ethnic Migration to Michigan
- Family Historian or Pack Rat?
- Family Skeleton or Esteemed Ancestor?
- Little Known Facts About the Census
- Newspapers: A Pot of Gold
- Maps, Gazetteers and Directories
- The Joys of Genealogy ( Luncheon or Dinner Talk )
- Whither Thou Goest: Tracing Your Female Ancestors
- Tracing Your Ancestor Through Military Records
- UsingLand Records in Genealogical Research
- Church Records: The Ties That Bind
- Ethnic Migration to Michigan
- Family Historian or Pack Rat
- Family Skeleton or Esteemed Ancestor
- Genealogy and Genetics
- Immigration
- The Journey to America
- Little Known Facts about the Census
- Making the Most of a Genealogical Research Trip
Maps, Gazetteers and Directories - Me and My Computer - What a Team
- Michigan-Ontario Migration
- Newspapers: A Valuable Research Tool
- Research Facilities in the Great Lakes Area
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- Research Facilities in the Mid-Michigan Area
- Researching Your Ohio Ancestors
- Researching Your Virginia Ancestors
- The Joys of Genealogy
- The Importance of Preserving Your Family Heirlooms
- The Importance of Women in the Civil War
- The Internet: Blessings and Curses
- The Orphan Trains
- The Role of Women in History
- There's Gold in Them Thar Hills: Did your Ancestor Go West?
- Tiptoeing Through the Tombstones - A lecture and slide show
- Using Vital Records to Their Full Advantage
- What's in a Name?
- Whither Thou Goest: Tracing Your Female Ancestors
Contact Information:
Shirley G. Hodges
14850 23 Mile Road
Albion, MI 49224-9508
Phome: (517) 629-2345
Contact between 9 am and 9 pm Eastern Time
email: genealogyshirl@hotmail.com
web: Hodges Family Association
Speaking Fees & Details:
- Pre-agreed honorarium
- Lodging and transportation
- All topics require audio visual equipment
- Will provide a master for handouts/syllabus
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Books by Shirley Gage Hodges
BOOK - Guide to United States Census, 1790-1930
By Shirley Gage Hodges
Guide to the United States Census, 1790-1930 explains what the United States census records are, what information they contain and how to use each census. Each individual year of the Federal Census between 1790 and 1930 (census were compiled every 10 years) is explained in detail. This guide is designed to help the census novice and intermediate researcher come to grips with this valuable genealogical research tool. However, experts will also find this guide useful.
More information
Global Gazette Articles by Shirley Gage Hodges
The Importance of Journals
By Shirley Gage Hodges
Several people have asked about the types of things that you can find in journals. I have been able to find a lot of things that I could incorporate into our family's histories by reading journals that have been written by family members..... Read on >>
Things To Do Before Your Research Trip
By Shirley Gage Hodges
As a response to emails that I received after my recent article on Planning a Research Trip I decided that I would do an article about some of the items we should review before going..... Read on >>
Write Your Life Story
By Shirley Gage Hodges
Write your life story. It truly is the most precious gift that you could ever give your family. I think that the most important mistake that we make as genealogists is.... Read on >>
Planning Your Research Trip
By Shirley Gage Hodges
It is time to start planning your summer research trip. I know that it seems early to start thinking about that but it takes time to really prepare properly. Before leaving on your research trip you need to .... Read on >>
Followup to: Was Your Ancestor a Gold Star Mother?
By Shirley Gage Hodges
One of the best rewards of being a columnist for the Global Gazette is the feedback that I get from readers. After the article about Gold Star Mothers was published I heard from Nancy Donald of Ontario. She was the recipient of a Gold Star in honor of.... Read on >>
Was Your Ancestor a Gold Star Mother?
By: Shirley Gage Hodges
Mothers throughout the ages have worried about their children who were away from their homes defending their country. Beginning in World War I, American families often expressed their.... Read on >>
Remembering Our Military Ancestors During This Holiday Season
By: Shirley Gage Hodges
As we are approaching the holiday season we are thinking about our families that were alive during the time of the American Civil War and how they were affected by their loved ones involvement in the war.... Read on >>
Are You Searching For Michigan Ancestors?
By: Shirley Gage Hodges
If you have Michigan ancestors there are many sources that will help you find information about them. One of my favorites is.... Read on >>
Was Your Grandmother a Lowell Mill Girl?
By: Shirley Gage Hodges
Was Your Grandmother a Lowell Mill Girl? Many individuals in the United States, who are tracing their roots, will discover a Lowell Mill girl in their background. These young ladies, aged 15 to 25, worked in the Lowell, Massachusetts textile mills in the 19th century.... Read on >>
Was Your Ancestor an Orphan Train Rider?
By Shirley Gage Hodges
If you have an ancestor born in the 1854 to 1929 time frame who just "appeared" in the United States in the Midwest, you might want to check into the possibility that he or she was an Orphan Train rider. Many of the children placed out were not true orphans. Most had at least one parent who was still living...
Vital records are the backbone of your research
By: Shirley Gage Hodges
Learning to use vital records to their full advantage is very important. In my opinion, information that can not be verified through vital records or some other recognized source has to remain in the category of a clue until you can verify it. Article includes a long list of free genealogy and census blank forms.
- Did a loved one go off to a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp?
Many women across America sent their sons to these camps. The Corp was established during the Depression as a means of providing employment to young men who could not find work during that period. By the time that the CCC program ended in 1942 over three million men in the U. S. were enrolled in the camps.
- Was your Grandmother a camp follower?
Many of us may descend from women who might have been called "camp followers". We some times think of these women as free-spirited women. There were thousands of women who followed their men from one combat area to another during our nation's conflicts.
- Was your Grandmother a Casket Girl?
Many people from Louisiana, and that area of the United States, descend from the "Casket Girls". Before the arrival of the "Casket Girls" in the region most of the women living there were in the category of "fallen women". As you might imagine, people are very happy when they can trace their heritage back to the "Casket Girls" instead of some of the earlier arrivals.
- Was Your Grandmother a Hurdy-Gurdy Girl?
Many individuals in the United States, who are tracing their roots, will discover a Hurdy-Gurdy girl in their background. A high percentage of those women came to America from Germany where they made contributions to the settling of our country.
- Was your Grandmother a Mercer Girl?
Asa Shinn Mercer had a brilliant idea. He decided that he would travel east and try to convince women to travel to Washington state to become teachers or work in other respectable occupations.
- Was your Grandmother a Harvey Girl?
Many women from the mid-west and eastern states in the U. S. went west to become Harvey Girls. If your female ancestor seemed to have disappeared during the period of 1880 to about 1950 they may have gone west to find employment.
- Hookers in Census Records?
Yes, there were hookers listed in the census. I have had questions asking me if they ever really listed the professions of some of the women employed in the oldest profession of all. I do realize, of course, that none of our readers would have ancestors that fit into this category but I thought that I should pass the information along in case you were trying to help your friends.
- Occupations Listed in Census Records Sometimes Surprising
Census records are quite fascinating. Many times they will make your dear departed ancestor sound like the pillar of the community that you hope that they were. There are other times when we find things that we would not have expected to find.
- Census Records Can Teach Us About Our Ancestors' Naming Patterns, Continued...
Let's explore more ways that we can learn more about our ancestor's naming patterns. You sometimes have to wonder what people were thinking when they named their children!
- Census Records Can Teach Us About Our Ancestors' Naming Patterns
Let's explore some of the ways that we can learn more about our ancestor's naming patterns. One example is that in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries some people had given-names that were easy to confuse with titles: Major, Admiral, Squire, Pharaoh, Doctor, Lieutenant and Empress... this can cause confusion. Read on for some tips about "unusual" names and naming patterns.
- Census Enumerators' Remarks Can be Revealing
I find that often times I learn as much from the comments made by the enumerators as I do from the actual record. We get an idea of the real living conditions from some of the comments that they included when completing the record.
- Naming Patterns & Trends Found in Census Records
Census records can be very helpful when you are looking for naming patterns and trends. You may be truly amazed with the variety of names when you start searching the census records for your families.
- Census Records Have Always Been A Great Tool For Genealogists
United States census records are released after 72 years so we eagerly await the release of each census. Our descendants will not have some of the advantages that we have enjoyed. The 2010 United States census is about to be taken -- there will only be 10 questions asked. Our descendants will not be able to learn a lot of information about us from this census.
- The Value of Putting Queries on Online Message Boards
It is important that we do not overlook the value of putting queries on message boards. I like to think of them as a putting a message in a bottle and throwing it into the ocean. It might come to rest in exactly the right place and find the right person.
- Records other Than Vital Records
Often times we are looking for records about our ancestors long before Vital Records were kept. We have to think about other types of records that might exist in the geographical areas where our ancestors lived. There are a great many other records that contain a wealth of information about our ancestors.
- Looking for a California 49er
One of the things that I have enjoyed most about being a columnist for the Global Gazette are the contacts that I have had from individuals. I have heard from people from all over the Globe from places as far away as Berlin and London. This article has evolved as a result of one of those contacts.
- It is so important to talk to the relatives now!
My grandfather Jasper Gage has given me some genealogical challenges over the years. A document that includes information that you didn't anticipate or doesn't match other documentary research that you have done can destroyed your calm for months. Oftentimes a living witness can shed light on a mystery that is innocent enough, but not explained in a written record. With the Holiday Season coming up fast, it is a good time to remind readers how important it is to talk to your surviving relatives now.
- I Thought that Henry Ford was My Grandpa
As you may have gathered from my last article I have sometimes had problems identifying my grandfathers. Nicknames can really pose a serious problem particularly when you have never heard a person called any other name than a nickname.
- The Man I Thought Was Grandpa
Many of us have wonderful old pictures of people that we have inherited. Often these photos come to us with absolutely no identification. As you are doing your research I would encourage you to check each and every fact. Make sure that the information that you are passing along to your descendants is correct and verifiable. Here's a story that illustrates my point.
- Update: Michigan Library Crisis
This article is an update to previous articles that outline the Governor of Michigan's plan to close Michigan's state library, and the grass-roots effort to reverse the decision before it is too late. Your support is needed to help save the historical collection of the Library of Michigan. If Michigan is able to shut down its state library without public reaction, other state and provincial libraries will be next.
- There's More Than One Way to Destroy Books
As a species we should learn from our history. Considering the events of the last couple of months regarding the Governor's effort to shut-down the Library of Michigan, I sometimes wonder if we do. I would like to take you back to March 8, 1989, the day when the Michigan Library and Historical building was dedicated, and share with you just a few of the quotes and feelings of that day. There is a startling contrast between dignitaries' comments on that day, and recent actions of the current Michigan Governor.
- Help Stop Michigan Governor from Abolishing the Dept. of History, Arts, & Libraries
Senator Cameron Brown has introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 18, which if passed by a 2/3 majority in the State Senate and 2/3 majority in the State House would reject Governor Granholm's Executive Order 2009-36 abolishing the Department of History, Arts, and Libraries. The Michigan Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee is meeting this Wednesday morning, 26 August, at 8:30 a.m. in Lansing, Michigan. It is essential that your voices are heard before they go into that meeting. Email addresses of Senators are included in this article.
- Library of Michigan Crisis Update (20 August 2009)
This article is an update to previous articles that outline the Governor of Michigan's plan to close Michigan's state library, and the grass-roots effort to reverse the decision before it is too late. Your support is needed to help save the historical collection of the Library of Michigan. If Michigan is able to shut down its state library without public reaction, other state and provincial libraries will be next.
- Library of Michigan Crisis Update (14 August 2009)
This article is an update to previous articles that outline the Governor of Michigan's plan to close Michigan's state library, and the grass-roots effort to reverse the decision before it is too late. Your support is needed to help save the historical collection of the Library of Michigan. If Michigan is able to shut down its state library without public reaction, other state and provincial libraries will be next.
- Citizen's Rally to Block Governor's Closing of Michigan's State Library
It was a wonderful example of how people will join together to help a cause that is important. It was refreshing to see genealogists, historians, military groups and concerned citizens gathering to protest a proposal by Gov. Jennifer Granholm to break up the genealogical collections at the Michigan Historical Center.
- UPDATE: Crisis Facing the Library of Michigan
If you live in Michigan or are within driving range please consider joining us at the Hands Around the Library Rally to be held on 5 August 2009 at 9:45 a.m to protest the proposed closing of the Library of Michigan. The details.
- Crisis Facing the Library of Michigan
A crisis is facing the Library of Michigan and the genealogical community. When Michigan's Governor Granholm released her executive order on July 13th the family history research community was in shock! It has taken years and many donation dollars to build the Library of Michigan collection into one of the ten largest collections in the United States. She wants it shut down!.
- Get More Value From Your Genealogy Software
I hope that you have found a genealogy software program that you enjoy using. I do not intend to advise you about which one to use because it's all a matter of taste, and tastes do differ. At any rate, most of us are convinced that the one we are using is the best program available. Here are a couple of easy ways to get more out of the program that you are using.
- Coming to our Census
Remember to turn to the Census when you have a problem finding your ancestors. Some times you have a problem that seems to defy all of your attempts at solving it. Census records have helped me to climbing over or batter through some of my brick walls.
- Using Maps For Family History Research To really understand our ancestors we need to learn about the geographical locations that they lived in. The place that they lived in isn't just a speck on a map. We have to understand how the geographic area they lived in may have influenced where they went to church and where they went to record their births and marriages. A natural feature such as a river or mountain may have greatly influenced their decisions.
- There's A Wealth of Information in Cemeteries - Part 1
If you are like me you probably have been spending some of your free time this summer wandering through cemeteries looking for your ancestors. There is a wealth of information to be gleaned from cemetery research.
- There's A Wealth of Information in Cemeteries - Part 2
If you are like me you probably spent some of your free time this summer wandering through cemeteries looking for your ancestors. There is a wealth of information to be gleaned from cemetery research.
- There's A Wealth of Information in Cemeteries - Part 3
When we are doing cemetery research we need to apply the same standards that we do for other research. Ever once in a while I get a refresher course in how I should do things. One of the things that I stress to people in my classes is the importance of always looking at a tombstone from every direction.
- Researching USA Census Records 1790-1930
By: Shirley Gage Hodges. Census records are among the most common and important records used by the genealogical researcher. Learning to use them to full advantage is the key to being a successful researcher.
- Have you meet Gordie the Global Genealogy Mascot?
By: Shirley Gage Hodges. If you are like me, one of the first things you do when you get to the Global Genealogy Shop is look for Gordie. No matter what chaos has gone on during the day, Gordie always meets you with the same friendly, enthusiasm.
- Research Facilities in the Great Lakes States. With summer approaching I would like to encourage our Canadian friends to come to the Great Lakes states to research some of their ancestors from the United States. We are truly blessed in the Great Lakes States with some wonderful research facilities. However, before you make your trip to one of these there are some things that we need to do first.
- The number one hobby in recent times. Things have changed a lot since I first started doing my family research. At that time most people thought that it was all rather boring. In fact, if you talked about your esteemed relative who came over on the Mayflower or some other impressive fact they thought you were bragging and were a little full of yourself. It is so nice to find so many people who have been afflicted with the same desire and who are tracing their family lines back into the past.
- Be a Valuable Friend to Public Libraries & Research Facilities. Each of us can be a valuable friend to our public libraries and research facilities. Many times we think that there is nothing that we can do as individuals to help our libraries. I would like to share some ideas with you. There are many ways that we can be of help in addition to making financial contributions.
- USA Social Security Death Index The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) can be a great tool for those who are researching ancestors from the United States. This on-line database provides information on people who had social security numbers and have died.
- Preparing for a Genealogy Research Trip It is the time of year when we start to plan our research trips for the year. I would like to touch briefly on how one goes about getting the most out of their research trips. I also want to talk a little about those things that you can do to get ready for your trip.
- Preserving Family Heirlooms According to Webster an heirloom is "A piece of property that descends to the heir as an inseparable part of an inheritance or Something of special value handed on from one generation to another." People love to research the past but sometimes they do little to protect the pieces of family life they find for the future.
- Family Associations Are a Great Resource! If you have not checked into family associations while doing your genealogical research on your family you might be overlooking a great source. Many times family associations can provide valuable information about your ancestors.
- Preserving Veterans' Stories for Future Generations Preserving the stories of our veterans is something each of us should think about. If these stories are to be preserved for future generations we may be the ones who need to do something about it. The story of D-Day makes clear that we are all capable of sacrificing for others. Please help preserve the memories of our veterans.
- The Importance of Women in the Civil War. I have always been fascinated by the stories of women who lived through the Civil War. We need to always remember for every man who endured the rigors of the civil war, someplace there was perhaps a mother, sister, wife or sweetheart who worried and grieved for him. Many women played an operational role in the war effort too.
- Finding American Civil War Ancestors. Most of our ancestors were the farmers who help turn America into a nation. Some of them had ancestors that had served in the Revolutionary War. Most of them had never shot at anything unless it was for food or their own protection.
- Was Your Ancestor a Gold Miner?. Many of us have ancestors who just seemed to disappear in the 1850's or 1860's. Have you ever considered the fact that they may have gone west to find their fortune?
- Family Skeleton or Esteemed Ancestor?. Family Skeletons can truly be one of your most interesting finds in your quest for knowledge about your ancestors. Many family trees would be pretty dull without them.
- Using Land Records in Genealogical Research. Many of our ancestors owned land, and finding these records will help us trace them even further back in time. Land Recordscan provide information that is unavailable anywhere else.
- City Directories as a Research Resource. City directories are research tools that are especially helpful for family historians. They are superb genealogical research tools. If you have ever consulted city directories, you know how wonderful they are as resources for tracing a family's history. If you haven't used them, you are about to discover a gold mine.
- The Joys of Genealogy. By Shirley G. Hodges. If I could only accomplish one thing, it would be to help others discover the joys of genealogy. There are many wonderful people who can teach people how to do their genealogy and there are many experts in the different areas of genealogy. Sometimes we get caught up in the how-to and the techniques, and we forget the joy.
- Ontario - Michigan Migration
. There were many reasons why people migrated between Michigan and Ontario in both directions, including factors such as employment and business opportunities, new transportation routes and cheap land. We need to take a look at some of these reasons and decide if our people might have been involved in this migration.
- Family Reunions For Fun and New Information. Next time you get an invitation to a reunion, plan to attend and see if you can help make the event just a little more meaningful. Don't just preserve your family heritage, share it. Read all about it!
- Tracing Our Ancestors in Military Records. Military service records are a tremendously valuable and reliable source for those researching family histories; Military records document a person's military service as well as their life outside of the military.
- Genealogy Societies, A Very Beneficial Resource. Many people feel that with the use of the Internet that they don't have to leave their homes but I would ask them to reconsider. You can't beat a good genealogical society for help, suggestions, research materials and fellowship
- GENDIS, the Genealogical Death Index System ( Michigan ). If you have ancestors who lived in Michigan and who might have died during the period of 1867-1885 you should check this out....
- Using Newspapers in Family History Research. Newspapers are of tremendous value to the historian and genealogist. Unfortunately, this valuable source is all too often overlooked by genealogists in search of their ancestry. Here is what to look for...
- Genealogical Speakers Guild. If your society is looking for a speaker, planning a conference or all-day seminar, I would encourage you to check out Genealogical Speakers Guild.
- Church Records in Family History Research. Church records rank among the very best genealogical records available and were generally kept in a much earlier time period than were civil vital records. There are more records available than you think...
- Women of the American Revolution. Shirley discusses the importance of learning about the roles and history of women on both sides of armed conflicts.
O R D E R D E S K
1-800-361-5168( 9-5 Monday to Friday )
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Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, Father of the Canadian Crown Exiled from the court of his father, and accompanied by his long-time mistress Julie de St. Laurent, the 24-year-old Prince and future father of Queen Victoria arrived in Quebec City in 1791....
Read on...
Edwardsburgh Family Histories
[Grenville County, Ontario] Includes family histories of more than 70 families in Edwardsburgh Township and...
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Abbey pH Testing Pen A fast, easy, inexpensive and dependable way to determine the acidity of paper, documents, storage boxes, packing tissue and....
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Prisons, Asylums, and the Public:
Institutional Visiting in the Nineteenth Century sheds new light on popular nineteenth-century attitudes towards the insane and the criminal......
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Household Counts:
Canadian Households and Families in 1901 This collection not only makes an important contribution to family history, but also to the widening intellectual exploration of historical censuses......
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The Trail of the Black Walnut Starting soon after the outbreak of the American Revolution numerous Pennsylvania-German families and so-called "Plain Folk" (i.e. Mennonnites, Dunkards, Moravians, Amish, Hutterites, etc) migrated north to Canada in successive waves. Together, in cultural and religious and kinship groups they settled.....
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Catherine Tekakwitha: Her Life
"Lily of the Mohawks" The story is told by an eye-witness -- her spiritual director -- of the events in her life from the time she arrived at the Jesuit mission just outside of Montreal, known at that time as.......
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How Our Ancestors Died,
A Guide For Family & Local Historians
[United Kingdom & elswhere] In addition to describing causes of death and setting them in the context of the times, his book shows readers how to find and interpret patient records, death certificates and other documents in order to gain an accurate impression of how their ancestors died......
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Dictionary of Glengarry Biography
[Glengarry County, Ontario] BACK IN PRINT: A comprehensive history of Glengarry county told through the lives of pioneers, fur traders, soldiers, farmers, railway barons, politicians, criminals, anybody and everyone who helped make Glengarry one of Canada's most storied and celebrated counties. This thick book includes 1600 biographical sketches, with more than...
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