Have you followed an ancestor back through the records until you’ve hit the proverbial brick wall? You probably know the only way to make more progress is through studying the FAN Club (Friends, Associates, Neighbors). What does that look like in practice? This case revolves around a woman whose married name was disputed and whose maiden name was hopelessly obscure. Using records left by her and her FAN Club as she settled in three states, we track her movements and uncover pieces of her life. Indirect evidence is gleaned from will, land and tax records. Learn techniques which should encourage participants to think more creatively about breaching that brick wall.

Sharon MacInnes has been a genealogist since 1976 and specializes in Pennsylvania research, methodology and federal land records.