Genealogy Insights: Researching The Albany Argus

My genealogical research, both for clients and my own family history, has led me to discover some helpful online resources. My intention is to create a series of posts to share these resources with you, in the hopes that they will assist in your own research efforts. This post focuses on an Albany newspaper called The Argus, which I have found to be a valuable resource. The paper was published in the city of Albany from 1865 to 1921 and served as a crucial source of information for residents, offering local news and events from the surrounding region.

Access to The Albany Argus

Issues of The Argus can be found through the Old Fulton New York Post Cards website. While the name suggests a focus on postcards, the site includes a freely accessible, vast collection of digitized New York State newspapers and is an excellent research tool. The website can be a little intimidating for first-time users, so here is a link to a helpful tutorial.

Researching The Albany Argus

Newspapers serve as invaluable resources for genealogists, providing unique insights into the lives of our ancestors. Unlike traditional records like birth, marriage, and death certificates, newspapers often contain a wealth of information and familial connections, enriching our understanding of family history.

My client’s initial understanding of their family history was quite limited. The newspaper research I conducted significantly expanded their knowledge, providing a detailed family timeline and filling in crucial gaps that had previously remained unknown:

• Establishing a Date of Death: A death notice provided the crucial date of death for one of my client’s ancestors. This information facilitated a successful search of the online New York State death record index, leading to the acquisition of the official death certificate from the Albany County Clerk’s office.
• Uncovering a Hidden Marriage: The analysis of a second death notice unexpectedly revealed an unknown first marriage of one of the client’s ancestors, expanding the scope of family history.
• Utilizing Court Records: A Surrogate’s Court notice, mentioning members of the family, provided a crucial clue. This led to the review of online probate records for Albany County and resulted in locating a relevant probate case file.
• A Treasure Trove of Information: A marriage announcement that was found contained a great deal of genealogical information, revealing the groom’s occupation and residence, an inferred marriage date, religious affiliation, wedding reception details, the name of a bride’s sibling, honeymoon destination, and future marital residence.

Additional Information on New York State Newspaper Research

The website NYS Historic Newspapers aims to digitize and provide free public access to extensive collections of historical newspapers from every county within New York State.

Need Assistance With Your Newspaper Research?

If you need help, I offer personalized services to help you achieve your research goals.

• Genealogy Coaching: If you’re eager to conduct your own research, I provide 1-hour coaching sessions to guide you through the process. I can help you identify relevant newspaper collections, develop effective search strategies, and navigate online resources.
• Research Services: For those who prefer to outsource their research, I offer professional genealogical research services. I can conduct in-depth research, including the use of newspaper collections, as well as other relevant sources to uncover valuable information about your ancestors.