World Archives Project

I have worked on my family history/family tree since I was young(er).  I’ve been able to trace it back pretty far, even to the 1700s.  I’m kinda at a stuck point at the moment so in my time that I would normally be looking for more info, I’m transcribing records in hopes of coming across my family, and at the same time helping others find theirs.  I know how awful it is when you hit a roadblock and can’t find more information.  I’ve been running into this the most with my husband’s family who are from Cuba and Spain.  There just isn’t the resources out there.  So in the meantime, I help others.  You can too, go to the World Archives Project.  It is through Ancestry.com and while some may not like them because of how expensive they are, they really do have great resources and you can use them free usually at librarys or Family History centers, or at the Archives.  Here’s some of the highlights:

As part of the Ancestry.com World Archives Project:

• All indexes will remain free to the public on Ancestry.com.
• Ancestry.com will donate copies of record indexes and images from the project to partnering government archives and genealogy societies.
• Images and indexes from the project will be available for free to patrons at thousands of subscribing libraries across the U.S.
• Ancestry.com will provide free advertising to partnering genealogy societies.

And coming soon:

• Active contributors will be able to vote on which records the project indexes next.
  Currently, active contributors are participants who help index 900+ records per quarter.
• Active contributors will receive free access to original images in the project’s databases. Those who already subscribe to Ancestry.com will be eligible for a discount on renewal.)

I like free stuff, and if you’re transcribing you get to see the original records, for free   Plus I like to think I may help someone find that long lost relative.

Names I would really like to find more information on

These are some of  the Cuban and Spanish people I’m hitting roadblocks with.

Manuel Obaya Martinez (or Oballa, Ovalla, Ovaya not sure on the spelling) born 1880

Eloisa Rojo Martinez born 1888

Felipa Martinez born 1887

Esteban Rojo born 1855

Maria Reana born 1865

Rosendo Martinez born 1905

I do have more information on them, I’m just hoping to get their names out there in hopes someone else knows of them.

Spain and Cuba genealogy research

Why is it so hard to get information and records for family that originated in these places?  I’ve searched high and low and have had so many roadblocks come up.  Ancestry.com doesn’t even list Spain or Cuba in their countries you can search from.  I’ve asked them about and it and was told they can only offer records that the government allows them.  What harm could genealogy records cause that they aren’t available?  Does anyone know where I can find help on researching our roots from these countries?

Elizabeth, who art thou

My new enigma is the second wife of Rosendo Martinez. All I have is photos and the name Elizabeth. I know she spoke Spanish (or at least could write letters in Spanish). I know she was married to Rosendo Martinez sometime between 1931-1948. They lived in Atlanta, Georgia and he was stationed at Fort McPherson during WWII. Anyone recognize her?

Using Polar Rose for genealogy research

I’m currently trying out the Polar Rose plugin and adding names to everyone I can find. It’s a very cool concept. Basically it will take pictures from the web and compare the faces and then be able to identify which pictures are of the same people. That’s how I understand it at least! I’m going to use it for my genealogy research to try and find photos of my family. I’ve already added lots of photos from this site. If you download the plugin you will be able to see the names I’ve added. My only gripe is, it doesn’t seem to work as well with the older photos (it is still in beta though). I’ve submitted feedback, hopefully they can fix this. Besides that it’s great!

Woody Family

(l-r) Thomas Jefferson Woody, son & daughter, Edna Irene Chambers Woody

 

Elizabeth Leticia Radford and John Benson Woody

 

George Davis Woody and Thomas Jefferson Woody

 

John Benson Woody and Elizabeth Leticia Radford Woody

 

John Benson Woody and Elizabeth Leticia Radford Woody

 

John Benson Woody

 

William Avery Cope and Dolly Woody Cope

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Chambers Family

(l-r) Joel Deck Chambers, Cynthia Almeda Hoyle Chambers, the others are their children, the only one I’m sure on is their daughter Edna Irene Chambers Woody

 

Mary Birdell Hyde Chambers

 

Richard Chambers

 

Joel Deck Chambers, Cynthia Almeda Hoyle Chambers & Grandchildren

 

Joel Deck Chambers and Cynthia Almeda Hoyle Chambers

 

Joel Deck Chambers and Cynthia Almeda Hoyle Chambers

 

Joel Deck Chambers and Cynthia Almeda Hoyle Chambers

 

Cynthia Almeda Hoyle Chambers

 

(l-r) Mary Birdell Hyde Chambers, Richard Chambers, Thomas Clinton Chambers

 

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Searching for Manuel Ovalla Martinez from Gijon, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain

I am searching for more information on my husband’s g-grandfather. His name was Manuel Ovalla Martinez born October 11, 1880 in Gijon died July 7, 1961 in Tampa, Fl, USA. He immigrated from Cuba on March 5, 1904 on the Olivette. He was traveling with a sister, (the name is slightly illegible) I think her name was Lilia Martinez. I have tried obtaining a birth certificate from Spain, they said it was not found. On his death certificate his father’s name is listed as Rosendo Martinez, and his mother’s name simply as Ovalla. Anyone have any information on this family? Or can anyone tell me where I might be able to find more information? I already have copies of his naturalization papers, death certificate, ship records, census records (from the U.S.). I have also been unable to find records of how he got from Spain to Cuba. The ship records are from Cuba to the U.S. Does anyone know where those records would be or what route would have been taken at that time?

5 Mar 1904 Olivette Passenger list

Click to view larger image

This is the passenger list from the S.S. Olivette from 5 Mar 1904. Manuel Ovalla Martinez and his sister are listed as passengers. Her name is hard to make out because of the scan, but Ancestry.com has it listed as Lilia Martinez. There is also another name mentioned. In the space “Whether going to join a relative or friend…” Manuel and Lilia list “His cousin J. Corrales 14 Ave 1415″. In searching the census records of the time there is a Jose Corrales listed that is from Spain. I’m not sure if this is the same cousin but the address is close. If anyone has any information I would be most appreciative!

Eloisa Rojo, Manuel Ovalla Martinez and two unknown ladies

Eloisa Rojo is the lady holding the purse, Manuel Ovalla Martinez is the man in the picture, but I don’t know who the other two ladies are. I think the photo was taken in either Tampa, Florida or in Cuba possibly.  Anyone know?