For the first week of 2024, Ontario Ancestors and three of its branches will host virtual presentations. All are open to the public. The branch presentations are free. As of this year, however, Ontario Ancestors’ monthly webinars are only free to members. Non-members may attend the live webinar for a $10 fee.
The following times are in Eastern time.
Tuesday, January 2, 7:30 p.m. — Durham Region Branch
Really and Truly the Father by Linda Corupe
Linda Corupe really has the knack for finding unique record series at the Archives of Ontario. “Bastardy oaths,” also known as oaths of affiliation, are usually dated between 1837 and 1921, reflecting the legislation in force at those times. Most of the oaths of affiliation for the province have not survived, but documentation does remain for eight districts and/or counties, including the old Newcastle District. Linda has transcribed Newcastle district for 1837 – 1849 and the United Counties of Northumberland and Durham for 1850-1861. Registration is required.
Wednesday, January 3, 7:30 p.m. — Huron County Branch
Indigenous People of the Huron Tract by Jordon George
Looking into the historical record concerning First Nations histories in the southwestern Ontario region. This presentation will look to paint a picture of the socio-cultural structures and influences that documented the genealogical connections of the colonial and early post-colonial eras. Following research into pre-contact and treaty-time records and accounts of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, Jordan George will talk about his First Nations genealogical history and the complexity of the cultural dialogue and dialectic between First Nation and European life ways and socio-cultural-political perception. Registration is required.
Thursday, January 4, 7:00 p.m. — Ontario Ancestors
Setting Goals to Focus Your Genealogy by Cynthia Patton
Everyone has ideas for their genealogy projects: write a family history; join a lineage society; or scan boxes of family photos. How do you decide which to do? How do know how much time each project takes? Goal setting, time estimation, and backwards planning can help you regain control of your time and help you complete your genealogy projects. SMART goal setting, nesting your goals, time estimation techniques, prioritizing without emotion, backwards planning, re-evaluation and re-focusing, visualization, and capturing results.
Free to members, but $10 for non-members. Registration is required.
Saturday, January 6, 10:00 a.m. — London & Middlesex Branch
Issues in Writing Historical Biography: the case of P. W. Philpott by Dr. David R. Elliott
With deep genealogical roots in southwestern Ontario, Peter W. Philpott, being a grandson of Peter McGregor, London’s first white resident, he made his mark on religious life in Ontario and across the United States. Author David R. Elliott’s new book, From Anvil to Pulpit: the Spiritual Journey of P.W. Philpott, explores Philpott’s history, his ideas, and the ethical conflicts he encountered, starting when he joined the newly formed Salvation Army when he was 18 and was working as an apprentice blacksmith in Dresden. The Salvation Army had its first public meeting in Canada in Victoria Park in London in 1873 and on two different periods of time Philpott was in charge of its London operations.
After Philpott broke with the Salvation Army in 1892 he ministered in Toronto and Hamilton before moving on to Chicago and Los Angeles. Besides dealing with his life in Christian ministry, the book explores the dynamics of his married and family life. Philpott’s twelve surviving children became prominent in journalism, social service, and business. One son became a Member of Parliament and another was the Dean of Medicine at McGill and president of the American College of Surgeons.
This is a hybrid meeting. Registration is required for those attending virtually. The in-person meeting will take place at the London FamilySearch Library, 1139 Riverside Drive.
