A clue to ancestral associates can be buried in virtually any document in any time period. Sometimes genealogists with immigrant ancestors are so focused on “crossing the pond” that they miss significant clues in the United States records that could assist them with that very pond crossing.

An 1884 affidavit made out by Cornelia Albers in a homestead claim is a case in point. Four individuals testify that they “know from personal observation” that the claims made about her homestead application are true. Those claims centered around her age and her settlement on the property in question. Had I not known that these individuals all were associates of each other, this would have been a significant find. All five individuals were actually immigrants from the same Ostfriesien village–four of them were related to each other:

• L. U. Albers–father of Cornelia
• E. M. Albers–mother of Cornelia
• Tamme F. Tammen–uncle of F. J. Goldenstein
• F. J. Goldenstein–first cousin of L. U. Albers

Affidavits can contain a variety of clues. This one did not contain the specific nature of the relationships, but Goldenstein, Tammen, and the Alberses testifying that Cornelia’s claims were true indicated that the all knew her and were acquainted with her.

It is also indicated that all four of them were residents of Dawson County, Nebraska, at the time the affidavit was made out.  In this case, the reference was not necessary to establish a time frame during which these individuals were living in Nebraska. But there can be situations where establishment of a residence is crucial.

Cover of case packet from which the affidavit was taken. Obtained from the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC.