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Canadian Census Resources
1851 Census (no index)
1871 Census (head index only)
1881 Census
Dundas Area 1851-1901
Automated Genealogy Project
Overview
1901 Census
1906 Census
1911 Census
Other Canadian Online Resources
Soldiers of WWI
US Census Resources
1790-1930 Census (access fees)
The "New" Schwerdtfegers — German Immigration after 1840
DNA & Genealogy
Trace Your Roots with DNA Megan Smolenyak & Ann Turner
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What's in a name? ~ Or ~ Can you spell that again, please!
One of the ongoing challenges of the genealogist is dealing with family surname variants. In the case the Canadian Swerdfeger Family Tree project, we recognise "SCHWERDTFEGER" as the spelling the Rev Samuel used in his lifetime. But very early on, the "t" was dropped — although some branches of the family continue to use it. The "ch" was the next to go; many SWERDFEGERs trace back to this tree.
But there other common variations that the first, second and third generations shifted in and out of including, but not limited to: SWERDFAGER, SWERDFIGER, SWERTFAGER, SWARTFAGER, SWARDFIGURE, SWARTFIGUER, SWORTFIGUER, etc.
For SWERDFEGER.CA this "anomaly" poses the question repeatedly: which spelling for this entry? and that?
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To complicate matters, the official record often displays a different spelling for birth, marriage, death and gravestone — to say nothing of countless transcription errors from original document to electronic editions. However, for some, that's part of the "fun" of solving a family tree riddle.z
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Another frustration in determining the twists and turns of family genealogy is verifying if an individual (or whole families lines) belong here, or there. The paper trail, personal memories, family truths often lead to blind alleys.
DNA testing is now sufficiently advanced that real breakthroughs for genealogists are now possible. It is intended to make SWERDFEGER.CA a focal point for a Swerdfeger DNA project to verify, and enahnce the knowledge of, the seven great branches via living descendants.
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Are YOU in this lineage? Do you know someone who is? Would you like to discover more about your own roots?
Participation will be easy. Folks will be asked to provide some evidence they are likely in the tree. The test is done by return mail and analyzes up to 59 "markers". Privacy is integral to the process: labs do not get access to the your identity. While the data itself becomes public, you can choose to remain anonymous.
Costs and process are being determined by most facilities charge for $150 up for a complete test.
You'll find more about all this at FTDNA, World Families, Genetic Genealogy, DNA Heritage and several other sites. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more and/or participating in our project.z
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