Southwest USA Genealogy & History

May 2007 Ancestry.com released a new database! Now you can search for your Mexican Genealogy Ancestors online!

The release of the first and only online collection of border crossing records for individuals who crossed the U.S. - Mexico border between 1903 and 1957 was unveiled for Cinco de Mayo. This new collection, includes more than 3.5 million names.

These border crossing records document early 20th-century Mexican immigration to the United States. During the first 30 years of the 1900s, more than 1 million Mexicans immigrated to the United States as a result of the Mexican Revolution in 1910, job opportunities during WWI and U.S. agricultural advances.

This collection represents a significant opportunity for Mexican-Americans to discover their family's footsteps to the United States Those of French, Russian and Chinese heritage may be surprised to find their ancestors in this collection.

These records contain insightful clues into a family's past, such as names and birthdates of travelers, names of friends or family in Mexico or the United States, as well as some signatures. Many of these border crossing records also include passport-type photos that were attached to the original documents.

Ancestry.com transcribed the names in the collection from more than 3 million documents. The records are from 24 land ports of entry from California to Texas. Among the busiest ports of entry were Laredo, Brownsville and El Paso, Texas; Nogales, Arizona; and San Ysidro, California.

All the documents are scans of original documents. Facinating just to look at.

In researching this data base here are a few names I found:

Apalatagus, Francisco - Crossed in 1908 from Uras, Sonora Mexico and it includes a photo at age 45.

Barberzina, Pomposa - born Tulausing, Hildago, Mexico - Crossed in Naco, Arizona , Final Destination - Jan 31, 1909… Bisbee, Arizona 

Salis, Pablo -  born Alamos, Mexico - crossed in Naco, Arizona November 1909 - Occupation - Miner

So many records … so little time.  All the records are listed by name or searched by date or crossing etc.

Mexican Genealogy Border Crossing Database at Ancestry.com

Are You a Baby Boomer? Have you written and saved your life history in a Family Memory Book for your kids and grandchildren?  Do you keep a journal? 

What are you waiting for?  If you are like me… it will be someday when I have time. 

What if you could have a little piece of software on your computer that prompted you to write your memories?  Just a bit of typing everyday answering questions that are laid out in a logical format is all that is needed.

This is the coolest software for those of us that are just never going to have time.  And…. they give you 45 days to try the software for FREE! 

MemoryGrabber is also a virtual self-interview kit designed for you to tell your story when you just don't feel like writing or typing. For some, it is easier to tell the story, instead of writing it. So it's up to you how you use this versatile package.

 See… It is just fill in the blank writing.  You don't ever have to think what to write.  It's all laid out in a nice neat little package.

And… when you are done with a few pages or a chapter, you can print it out and bind it to give as a gift to your family.

Check out the MemoryGrabber Demo.  This Life History Writing Software is automatically installed with The Journal. On the Category menu, choose "Packages", then add "TJMemoryGrabber Demo".

Your get a ton of memory grabbing questions, topics, activities, games, resources, lists-to-create and more!  All designed to poke and prod through your brain matter and get all those little gems of memories out and on paper.  

Wouldn't this be a great gift for your Mom or Grandmother? Or if they aren't computer literate, it will promt you with questions you can ask them.  I have even seen the questions printed out and given to the family historian to fill out.  

The questions are fun… What cars have you owned? When was your first date with your hubby and what did you do on that date?  These are all memories that are such fun for everyone to share… and all to often lost before they are written into a permanent journal.

Sharing great Family Stories is a lost art… and beautiful memories are shared in times of grief, family reunions and just about any daily life experience.  Share your memories so they won't be lost forever.  They are your personal treasures to share with your family and a true gift of love.

The Journal and Memory Grabber Website

Free Download and 45 Day Trial 

Buy Memory Maker and The Journal Here 

My Ancestors Are Hiding in a Witness Protection Program

Click on Shirt to See Ordering Information Witness Protection (Black) Women's Pink T-Shirt Sometimes all genealogists feel like their ancestors are in the Witness Protection Program due to the lack of information being found on them. Maybe you feel this way too?