#RootsTech2018 4-Day Pass Give-a-way!

I'm a #RootsTech2018 Ambassador, which means not only do I get to promote & participate in this mega genealogy conference, but I get to give stuff away!

I'm giving away a 4-Day Pass ($279 value) to #RootsTech2018. The conference takes place February 28-March 3, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

#RootsTech2018 is one the largest genealogy conferences in the world, combining genealogy and technology. That's a heavenly pairing for me! There is something for every skill level. Click here to see why you should attend #RootsTech2018

#RootsTech2018 4-day pass includes

• Access to more than 300 classes, keynotes and general session.
• Admission to the Expo Hall with hundreds of vendors and mini-sessions.
• Networking with other genies, who love genealogy as much as you do.
• This giveaway does not include paid workshops, luncheon events, travel, hotel, printed syllabus or any add-on swag.

How to Enter

To be eligible for our giveaway and to be entered in the drawing

1. Follow me @JennyHawran on Twitter (Click here)
2. Tweet a favorite photo of one of your ancestors
3. Tag me @JennyHawran

That's it!

The contest runs October 23-November 1, 2017 (11:59pm, Eastern Time) I'll choose one winner during the week of November 6 and announce it via Twitter. 

One entry per person. 
No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. 

Am I eligible for the giveaway if I already bought a pass?

Yes! You will be reimbursed for the cost of your pass. 

DISCLAIMER: I am a RootsTech2018 ambassador. One of my responsibilities as an ambassador is to promote the RootsTech 2018 conference before, during and after. I'll be recounting my process in preparing to attend the conference. 

Where was Ed Chase?

Hattie Potter Chase about 1877

This is a continuing blog thread on my ancestor, David Edgar Chase and the on-going answers I find on the mystery of his death at age 47 in 1900 by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. To read my first entry on David, click here. 

Hattie Potter was just a month away from her 22 birthday when she married the handsome young David Edgar Chase, known as Ed. He was 25. Their wedding took place on a mild Wednesday in November of 1877 in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Both Hattie and Ed came from privilege. Hattie's father, Randall Potter, was a successful shoe manufacturer in Haverhill. Ed was the second son of David Chase, whose family were early settlers in nearby Newbury.

The Chase Family had long roots in Massachusetts. Ed's 6th great grandfather, Aquila Chase, was an early settler of Newbury. Many of the later Chase men were clergy, then lumber traders, shoe manufacturers, and in some census records, merely listed as Gentlemen.

Ed's father, David Chase, was a well respected, prosperous lumber merchant. His business included all three of his sons at various times.

In 1881, Ed and Hattie welcomed a little girl named Eva. When she was 6 in 1887,  Edgar left Haverhill and moved to Denver, Colorado. He and Hattie were married 10 years at this point.

Why he left isn't clear. It could have been to expand the D.D. Chase & Sons company. Hattie and Eva did not go with him and can be seen in U.S. Directories living in the Chase family house on Chestnut Street in Haverhill, along with patriarch David. Ed's brother, George, also lived there with his wife and family.

Ed would stay in Colorado for at least 3 years. 1887-1890 he is clearly seen in Denver, Colorado.  But then between 1891- 1896 he simply falls off the map. He is not listed in Denver, nor is he listed in Haverhill. Hattie is listed plainly in Haverhill during all those years living with Eva in the Chase home.

Where was Ed Chase during those years?

Learning how to be Irish

Being Irish

DNA results recently revealed to me a surprising revelation. I'm Irish. A lot Irish.

I've just begun to search this lineage. It's been interesting to say the least.

Do you know what I've discovered? Irish genealogy research is hard.

Missing census records from 1821 to 1891 due to fire and destruction require thinking outside the box.

So, I was happy when I received the schedule of sessions for RootsTech2018. Lots of Irish genealogy sessions! I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about alternative records for Irish genealogy.

Digital Irish Genealogy

I'm liking this session especially. The best part of genealogy is the ability for me to do it while I am in my jammies if I choose. This beginners session looks like it will break it all down for me as to what is available out there so that I can start putting together an Irish online research toolbox.


I've started going through the entire RootsTech2018 schedule...my secret geeky pleasure. I'll mark all the sessions that I'm interested in. I love the RootsTech mobile app, so when that is ready for 2018, I'll build my daily schedule.

Check out all the sessions that will be happening at RootsTech 2018 Schedule. What is your research interest?


DISCLAIMER: I am a RootsTech2018 ambassador. One of my responsibilities as an ambassador is to promote the RootsTech 2018 conference before, during and after. I'll be recounting my process in preparing to attend the conference.