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Michael Neill

@mjnrootdig.bsky.social
577 followers 51 following 627 posts

Genealogist (author of Genealogy Tip of the Day bit.ly/3AEMtte), Casefile Clues, among various other things. #genealogy #familyhistory

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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Our latest #genealogy post on Substack genealogytipoftheday.substack.com/p/intentiona...
genealogytipoftheday.substack.com
Intentionally No Index, DNA Warnings, Metes and Bounds with AI
A Copy of His Naturalization, Frivolity, Dogs, and Assumptions
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Loved using Claude to plat metes and bounds property #genealogy Gave this webinar genealogytipoftheday.com/index.php/ai...
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Took some doing, but got AI to plat these properties from an 1831 deed. #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
ProGenealogists (the research firm with Ancestry) asked if your relative had an affair with a Duke? Don't they realize that majority of ancestors of most of us lived pretty pedestrian lives? Especially the ones who walked everywhere 😉#genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Do you mix up your "family items from dead people" with other junk? It can be a good way for it all to be trashed when you past--or at least people not realize what it was. Photo and identify those items and let people know where the images/files of identification are #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Your relative may have given wrong information on a form at some point in their life. It happens…intentionally and otherwise. Many people do it. Even living genealogists occasionally give incorrect or out-of-date information. Look at the weight on your driver’s license. #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Our latest #genealogy update posted at genealogytipoftheday.substack.com/p/foster-par...
genealogytipoftheday.substack.com
Foster Parent Clues, Giving Grandpa a Hand, Genealogy Consultations with AI
A Foster Parent Clue in 1891
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
There's really nothing to stop someone from using AI to "enhance" that old family photo you posted online. Nothing. If it's going to really bother you, don't share it. #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Excited to announce our 2027 to the #genealogy destination: the FamilySearch library--details: bit.ly/3VpIU3Q
bit.ly
2027 Family History Library (FamilySearch)--Salt Lake City--Trip - Genealogy Tip of the Day
Join Michael at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah--the nation's largest genealogical library. Our trip dates are 12 May through 19 May 2027. Dates of our trip are: 12 May–arrive in Sa...
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Others may have different #genealogy goals from you. Focus on yours. How are you actively working to achieve them? Do you know what they are? It's fine if you don't really have goals...you fall into the category of people having different goals. But if you have them are you working on them?
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Thoughts on the "1895 family #genealogy." They shouldn't be totally ignored. genealogytipoftheday.com/index.php/20...
genealogytipoftheday.com
Thoughts on that 1895 Genealogy - Genealogy Tip of the Day
That old family tree or old undocumented genealogy may be the only source that makes a certain statement. A researcher just can’t assume it is incorrect simply because it’s “old” and “unsourced.” One ...
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Today's #genealogy tip of the day was a reminder about jumping to relationship conclusions.
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
The truck is not hauling this sign away. It's just the angle of the photo that makes it appear that way. Does your perspective impact how you view #genealogy information?
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
A 1940 newspaper from the US indicated a local girl had fallen for a boy from New Zealand and was headed to marry him in September. On 31 Oct 1940 same girl, same last name as originally arrived in Hawaii on a ship, alone, headed back home apparently. Not every intended marriage happens. #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
The redesign of the land patent search at the US Bureau of Land Management website (glorecords) is a fail. #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Our latest compilation of #genealogy posts genealogytipoftheday.substack.com/p/discoverie...
genealogytipoftheday.substack.com
Discoveries, Clues, and Genealogy Thoughts from the Research Filing Cabinet
Probate Proves a Death, Wrong Reminders, Marriage Record Locations, Late Filings, Every Detail, Pension Name Proof, Offerings
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
#Genealogy writing prompt? Was there a portion of a relative's home you never went in or weren't allowed in?
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
My latest compilation of #genealogy social media posts. genealogytipoftheday.substack.com/p/certificat...
genealogytipoftheday.substack.com
Certificate of Live Birth, Social Security Card, Uncrossed ts, AI is a Tool, Gotta Check Thrulines, Cutting Grandma Out, AI Perspective, and Most Credence
Our recent social media postings.
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
No matter how clearly you word something, some one will misunderstand.
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
If you "do" #genealogy research, do you let what you learn about your ancestors cause you to reflect and maybe alter your view of life a little bit or so you see all that you learn as confirming what you already know?
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Today's #genealogy tip of the day---think about what the records say versus what you want them to say. Actually that's a pretty political statement to be honest.
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
#Genealogy problems arise with regularity, just like Old Faithful---which I saw in real time yesterday for the first time.
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Due to popular demand we're closing registration for our Notebook for #genealogy class on 19 Aug at 11:59 pm central. Details at genealogytipoftheday.com/index.php/20...
genealogytipoftheday.com
Notebook for Genealogy Four Week Class - Genealogy Tip of the Day
Due to several requests, we've developed this class on using Notebook for Genealogy. Notebook for Genealogy–A Four Session Pick Your Own Problem Course With Michael John Neill Our focus is on being pr...
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Curious about NotebookLM for #genealogy? We now have an daytime and evening section of this course. Registrations ending soon. genealogytipoftheday.com/index.php/20...
genealogytipoftheday.com
Notebook for Genealogy Four Week Class - Genealogy Tip of the Day
Due to several requests, we've developed this class on using Notebook for Genealogy. Notebook for Genealogy–A Four Session Pick Your Own Problem Course With Michael John Neill Our focus is on being pr...
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Excited about our four-week class on using Notebook AI for #genealogy genealogytipoftheday.com/index.php/20...
genealogytipoftheday.com
Notebook for Genealogy Four Week Class - Genealogy Tip of the Day
Announcing! Due to several requests, we've developed this class on using Notebook for Genealogy. Notebook for Genealogy–A Four Session Pick Your Own Problem Course With Michael John Neill Our focus is...
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Had a good experience at the #FamilySearch Library. #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
It's our last full-day at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City--so caffeine is needed. All drinks must have a screw top lid and, right after this picture was taken, I put it back in a little pouch in my backpack which keeps it from tipping over...just in case. #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Verify what AI tells you and use your (@#*&$ brain for @(#*$& sake.
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
When an ancestor runs away with a neighbor to start a new life, that's an interesting story...maybe even romantic. Not so fun when your spouse does it. #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
Putting together a presentation on using AI for metes and bounds deeds #genealogy genealogytipoftheday.com/index.php/20...
genealogytipoftheday.com
Using AI for Metes and Bounds Deed Analysis - Genealogy Tip of the Day
Using AI for Metes and Bounds Deed Analysis Do deeds with metes and bounds descriptions give you headaches? You are not alone. We will see how to use AI to help with drawing properties, analyzing deed...
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
One has to track the people you've disproved as parents or whatever the case may be. This was to remind while working at the #familysearch Library today that Stephen was not James' father--reasoning is on reverse. #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Long day at the #familysearch library yesterday. Ready for another day today! #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
I like Notebook from Google. But it still gets things wrong. You HAVE to read and know the material you are having it use. It got some details wrong in this infographic regarding a Civil War soldier's confused places of death in his pension. #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Getting ready for day two at the FamilySearch library in Salt Lake City. #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
I'm almost to the point where if I see an illustration that looks AI generated, I just skip past the post accompanying it--almost.
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Ever just want to dump your #genealogy research and start over?
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
What's in your locker? Our dragon was spotted at the FamilySearch library in Salt Lake City. #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
It's important in #genealogy research to think about what records don't say, but...one needs to be reasonable and not make up details or scenarios that are not necessarily true. Try and find other records to back up what you think one record is leaving out. Avoid creating your own ancestral fiction
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Why is this even showing up in my Thrulines? On the left it suggests Mettje's father is an Ubbe G. Bruns. In the text on the right it says someone else. Do I get to pick which one? Shouldn't they at least match? #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Do you have a photograph of yourself that you almost just got rid of without digitizing? This suit.... #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Just because someone's tree on ancestry claims to have a picture of a person, you cannot assume the photo has been correctly identified. #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Excited about our group trip to the Library of Virginia next year...join us for four days of #genealogy in Richmond. genealogytipoftheday.com/index.php/20...
genealogytipoftheday.com
2027 Library of Virginia Research Trip-Richmond, Virginia - Genealogy Tip of the Day
Join Michael at the Library of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia, to spend four days researching your Virginia ancestors. Our trip dates are 23 March through 27 March 2027. Registration does not include ...
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Those pre-1880 US census records don't give relationship to head of household. There could be many different realistic scenarios...not just the ones shown here. #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
#Genealogy searches for Jenny.
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
When you have done #genealogy too long
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Our most recent compilation of #genealogy content open.substack.com/pub/genealog...
open.substack.com
Death Impact, Revolutionary Ancestors, Fictional Cow Story, First Time Name Giving, Pond Conenctions
and a 40% off webinar sale
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Went through all my parents' wedding cards from 1967. The number of people who did not sign their last name is significant. Fortunately I know who most of them are. #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
My ancestors were not stationery people. That's why they never wrote letters. Well I thought it was funny... #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Love it when they "inscribe" the name in the item. #genealogy
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Michael Neill @mjnrootdig.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Our most recent compilation of #genealogy social media posts open.substack.com/pub/genealog...
open.substack.com
A Cousin's Request, Stone Errors, Wet Basement, Divorce Report, Situation Wanted, Udder Book, Hoeing Taters, Day of Your Birth Stories
Bits of this and that from my section of genealogyland
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