Family History

ERVIN Line Back Up!

2008-12-25T07:56:00.000-08:00

After spending considerable time updating information, the ERVIN database is ready for searching again.

I will be posting some changes to the HANSEN line in a few days to include new information. I want to give thanks to kaj in Denmark for pointing out inconsistencies in my data as it related to his line. After working together, I believe the information is now accurate.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Ervin Update Coming Soon!

2008-11-03T19:40:00.001-08:00

After a week at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, and the purchase of several books, I am in the process of updating the ancestor files.

While verifying information previously entered, I noticed several errors to be corrected. In addition, significant additions to the Loucks line from early New York will be entered.

During the time this task is being completed, I thought it best to remove the Ervin line to avoid incorrect data from being passed around.

Watch for the updated file.

1790 Ervin Census - Pennsylvania & Virginia

2008-07-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

I have completed and posted to the Library, the file I created containing all the ERVIN names and variants from the 1790 Census of Pennsylvania and Virginia. I have included both the Narrative from the original document and my own explanation as to why this was created when a wealth of data is already available online and elsewhere. It is the source of the data that is a bit unique as well as the application of the data. Have a look and let me know if it is relevant to your research.

Ervin 1790 PA

2008-07-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

I have just about completed a list of all Ervins with variant spellings listed in the 1790 Census of Pennsylvania. The source is the document published in 1908 by the U. S. Government and available for download through Google Books.

The document will be in Adobe pdf format and include the number of persons as shown in the census. Why do I need this, you ask? Isaac Ervin was born in Virginia in 1781, but found in Pennsylvania in 1810. Considering the impact of the Whiskey Rebellion about 1790+- it is possible his parents were there in 1790 when it was fought over by PA and VA.

I will also make available the same information from the 1790 Virginia Census, even though it does not cover all of the land thought to be part of Virginia at the time. The actual census was lost, so it was reconstructed from other information. Stay tuned for the update.

No News Is Good News!

2008-07-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

After being off for a while for a successful back surgery, I am back at the computer doing what I do. I have responded to a few inquiries the last few days and exchanged some family information. I will be in the Family History Library in Salt Lake City soon to do some research on all family lines. As I have said before, the easy work is done, we are now in the difficult stage.

At some point in time, perhaps one must realize that needed documentation does not exist and it is necessary to move on. The Ervin line may be a classic case as information prior to 1780 often does not exist.

Minor Update

2008-06-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

Today I updated the files with some graphic changes that do not effect the overall content. There are no changes to the family history links, but we are working on an update. I had hoped to get to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City early this year, but those plans are on hold for now.

As usual, if there are any errors, I will appreciate an email so corrections can be made.

Where Have I Been?

2008-05-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

No post for a while. Back to the Isaac Ervin connection. This line has been a road block for me and my frustration shows when I realize that I may never prove any connection. Recent DNA has been of some help eliminating a few possible family connections.
Have been reading Pennsylvania and Virginia history prior to 1800 to understand the development of Western Pennsylvania from the Revolution forward. I am amazed at the wealth of books available from Google Book search. Old versions of books written in the late 1800's through the early 1900's. All full editions in Adobe pdf format. You can even search the book for names and places of interest to you. These have been a priceless addition to my research.
New Macintosh Computer still performing as advertised. Fast and stable. Now have a 750GB external drive for automatic backup using Apple Time Machine. Again, a flawless addition to my computer setup. I cannot praise Apple enough for the products they design and produce for the average user.

Back soon

Whats Been Happening?

2008-04-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

The new Macintosh computer continues to work as expected. Updates and programs install with no problems.

I have been concentrating on research related to the ERVIN line, as that is where the current problems remain. Constantly changing Pennsylvania and Virginia boundaries before and after 1790 has led to some confusion. For information on boundary changes, consult any reference to the Mason-Dixon line. Read about the Whiskey Rebellion which relates to our research area in Pennsylvania. Also many early census returns were lost which means we must rely on historical books, deeds, and court records.

The search goes on!

It Just Works!

2008-03-27T06:51:00.000-07:00

After a week of heavy use, I thought I would report on software performance. My main programs for genealogy work are Apple Safari, Leister Reunion, Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom and Microsoft Office. All have the latest updates to help insure a secure worksite.

So far all have worked flawlessly as expected. Yes, the software is expensive, but all have performed as advertised. Perhaps my MacPro is a bit excessive, but when the programs run as well as they do, the cost is justified for me. I suppose a MacBook Pro would work just as well. I will pass along a bit of advice learned over time. Add all the memory you can afford. I currently run 6GB and that is more than adequate. My last post shows where I purchase memory at the best price.

As you can deduct, I am a happy customer of Apple products. Last week I had the opportunity to use a Dell laptop with Vista installed. It was cumbersome, clunky and seemed like a lot of eye candy. Not for me, but perhaps I carry my bias on my shoulder.

MacPro Up & Humming

2008-03-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

The new MacPro arrived (65 lbs!) and I wasted no time installing my essential programs. I enhanced the factory 2GB of ram to 6GB using 4GB of memory sticks from OtherWorldComputing. Easy to install and they work flawlessly. I also installed a 500GB internal hard drive to match the one already in residence. Again another easy install and flawless operation. I am amazed at the quietness of this monster. One does not know it is even there.

Today I spent sorting through many hundred photos using Adobe Lightroom. As I sorted, I deleted some, cataloged others, and spent some time just remembering the places we have been and the people we have met along the way. Life is cool if you live it!
I now use TimeMachine to make hourly backups. I was leery at first, but it works as advertised. I have an external 750GB hard drive solely used to maintain backups.
Well, back to work for now. I will later lift a glass of fine Merlot from Trader Joe's to celebrate the successful installation.

Computer Upgrade

2008-03-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

After much musing, I decided to upgrade my G5 to one of the new MacPro Intel computers. Tuesday it will arrive, and then I have the task of installing the software I most often use. I have done this before, so not a daunting task. I will report on the progress next week.

Site Updated

2008-03-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

A link to this Blog has been added as well as a few cosmetic changes. To return to the site homepage go to http://www.norvall.com.

2008-02-29T07:30:00.001-08:00

Moving Forward!
Well, it is now the 29th of February 2008 and I am about ready to integrate this into my website as a test. My how time flies by (bzzzzz thats' a fly going by).

Starting Out

2007-03-01T11:56:00.000-08:00

This blog will be to augment our family history website. It will provide a forum where those interested in our family lines can post notes or comment for all to read. It may be a while before this will be integrated into the website, so be cool and sit back with a glass of Merlot while I work!