Welcome to The Hendee Blog

The Hendee Blog serves as a rich resource for the Hendee family, providing insights into our shared history and roots. Above in the page banner is a green box.  Click on that box to view the Family Tree. You will need the password to view.  Contact Us for the Password.

A Basic Genealogical Glossary

  • Ancestor
    A family member from the past, such as a grandparent or great-grandparent.
    Example: Your great-grandfather is one of your ancestors.

  • Birth Record
    A document that records when and where someone was born.
    Example: A birth certificate showing a child born in New York in 1902.

  • Brick Wall
    A point where family research becomes difficult because records cannot be found.
    Example: You cannot find who your great-great-grandparents were.

  • Census
    A government count of people that often lists family members living together.
    Example: A census listing parents and children living in the same household.

  • Family Tree
    A diagram showing family relationships across generations.
    Example: A chart showing parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

  • Genealogy
    The study of family history.
    Example: Researching your family’s names, dates, and places is genealogy.

  • Immigration
    When a person moves from one country to another.
    Example: An ancestor leaving England and settling in America.

  • Maiden Name
    A woman’s last name before marriage.
    Example: A woman named Mary Smith becomes Mary Jones after marriage; Smith is her maiden name.

  • Marriage Record
    A document showing when and where two people were married.
    Example: A church record showing a wedding in 1875.

  • Oral History
    Family stories passed down by word of mouth.
    Example: A grandparent telling stories about their childhood.

  • Primary Source
    An original record created at the time an event happened.
    Example: A birth certificate created shortly after a child’s birth.

  • Secondary Source
    Information created later, often based on memory or research.
    Example: A family history book written many years later.

  • Surname
    A family’s last name.
    Example: Hendee is a surname.

  • Vital Records
    Official records of births, marriages, and deaths.
    Example: Birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates.