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Let us know what you think! Episode Overview Hittin’ the Bricks with Kathleen is a podcast focused on genealogy, local history, and practical methods for turning scattered records into meaningful family narratives. In this episode, host Kathleen Brandt shifts the focus from collecting as many names as possible to building one strong ancestral branch by revisiting familiar records with sharper questions and better research tools. Using the guiding principle “one ancestor, one record, three questions,” this episode demonstrates how focused analysis can transform disconnected documents into a coherent and readable life story. In This Episode, You’ll Learn Why choosing a single ancestor can accelerate genealogical breakthroughsHow focusing on one record group reveals deeper patterns and inconsistenciesWhat three questions to ask of every document you findHow timelines, checklists, and re-reading notes expose overlooked cluesWays to turn raw data into stories your family can actually readTopics Covered Selecting one ancestor to study for an extended periodFocusing on a single record group (pensions, land, or census)Asking new analytical questions of familiar documentsBuilding timelines and using simple research checklistsRe-reading old notes to surface missed detailsApplying the FAN method to track friends, associates, and neighborsTranslating research data into narrative formCase study: James Nelson Strader and Civil War pension recordsSetting monthly research goals and sharing progressEpisode Discussion & Key Moments Kathleen explains how genealogists often stall by spreading their efforts too thin across many names. By intentionally narrowing the scope to one ancestor at a time, researchers can ask better questions and recognize patterns that are invisible in broad family trees. The episode walks through practical techniques such as building timelines, using checklists, and applying the FAN method to witnesses and neighbors. Kathleen also revisits the value of re-reading old research notes, demonstrating how previously overlooked clues can emerge when viewed through a new analytical lens. A detailed case study of James Nelson Strader illustrates how Civil War pension records can be mined repeatedly to reconstruct a fuller, more accurate life story. Key questions examined include: What changes when you focus on depth instead of breadth?How can a single record group support long-term research?What makes genealogical work understandable to non-researchers?Resources & Research Tools Mentioned Civil War pension filesCensus, land, and pension record groupsFAN (Friends, Associates, Neighbors) methodResearch timelines and checklistsWhy This Episode Matters This episode encourages a sustainable and disciplined approach to genealogy—one that prioritizes understanding over accumulation. By focusing deeply on one ancestor, researchers can create accurate, readable histories that preserve meaning for future generations, not just data. About the Podcast Hittin’ the Bricks with Kathleen helps listeners break through genealogy brick walls by c Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

Let us know what you think! Episode Overview Hittin’ the Bricks with Kathleen is a podcast centered on genealogy, local history, and understanding how large historical events leave long shadows in family records. In this episode, host Kathleen Brandt examines how the French and Indian War (1754–1763) created ripple effects that appear decades later as mystery migrations, unexpected pensions, and land grants that confuse modern researchers. This episode focuses on how early military service, shifting alliances, and uneven record-keeping before the American Revolution shaped family trees in ways that are often misattributed or overlooked. In This Episode, You’ll Learn Why the French and Indian War explains many unexplained family movementsHow service records before 1775 differ from Revolutionary War documentationThe distinctions between provincial troops, militias, and British regularsWhere to find overlooked military and civil records tied to early serviceHow land grants and pensions often trace back to this earlier conflictTopics Covered French and Indian War timeline and geographic scopeFragmented colonial record-keeping before 1775Provincial troops vs. militia vs. British regular forcesNative nations as military allies and the unequal rewards they receivedAfrican American service, injury, and paths to manumissionMuster rolls, pay lists, council minutes, and court recordsGeorge Washington’s papers as an early name indexBounty land in Virginia and North CarolinaInterpreting Revolutionary War pension filesPopulation movement before formal paperwork existsEpisode Discussion & Key Moments Kathleen traces how the French and Indian War laid the groundwork for later political revolution while quietly reshaping families across colonial America. She explains why records from this period often appear scattered, incomplete, or indirect—and why researchers must widen their search beyond standard military files. The episode breaks down practical strategies for locating provincial troop records, militia references, council decisions, and court mentions, as well as how to use George Washington’s papers as a gateway to otherwise hidden names. Kathleen also addresses how Native nations and African Americans participated in the conflict, often receiving delayed, unequal, or poorly documented compensation. Key questions examined include: Why do some ancestors appear to surface suddenly in Revolutionary records?How did earlier wars move families long before pensions or land grants were issued?What kinds of documents quietly preserve evidence of service?Resources & Research Starting Points Provincial troop muster rolls and pay listsColonial council and court minutesGeorge Washington’s papersVirginia and North Carolina bounty land recordsRevolutionary War pension files (read every page)Why This Episode Matters Many genealogical puzzles attributed to the American Revolution actually begin earlier. Understanding the French and Indian War helps researchers correctly interpret migration, land ownership, military service, and delayed benefits—allowing family histories to be Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

Let us know what you think! We share how to research suspected ties between family history and serial killers, balancing DNA with records and community context. Check out:  killer.cloud Do you have a genealogical question for Kathleen? Drop us a line at hitting the bricks at gmail.com and Let us know. Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

Let us know what you think! Your December gift helps us preserve truth, honor ancestors, and teach the next generation.  www.tracingancestors.org Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

Let us know what you think! We close the loop on the life of Civil War Veteran Joseph Chedester, whose ashes were left unburied for a century and whose honors finally reached his second great-granddaughters. The Final Salute The Eternal Valor Network, a Tracing Ancestors Project (501c3) Original Final Salute, Des Moines Oct 2024; Kathleen Receiving Veteran Chedester's burial flag for unknown family Full Video 14 Nov 2025,  KCCI 9 News, Iowa, Ben Kaplan Honoring Iowa Veterans Descendants Found and Burial Flag Passed to Family Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

Let us know what you think! We celebrate American Archives Month with ways to get more treats than tricks when using using national, state, and local archives on your brick wall.  This episode is a celebration of the archivists, collections and forgotten files that keep our family histories alive. Do you have genealogical questions for Kathleen? Drop us a line at hitting the bricks at gmail.com and let us know Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

Let us know what you think! We unpack how end of life records like probate, wills and testaments can be the undoing of even the most stubborn brickwall. Stacey Janssen and Jeremy Keel of Janssen Estate Probate & Elder Law demystify the legal jargon of wills, probate and guardian records. Do you have a genealogical question for Kathleen? Drop us a line at hitting the bricks at gmail.com and let us know. Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

Let us know what you think! School records dating back to the 1700s can break through genealogical brick walls by providing detailed information about individuals and families that may not exist in other historical documents. Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

Let us know what you think! Emily Wildhaber from Midwest Genealogy Center joins us to discuss their "Tell Me a Story" program that preserves family stories through oral history.  For more information visit: Tell Me a Story from Mid-West Genealogy Center Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

Let us know what you think! Hittin' the Bricks welcomes Lauri Jean Swett and Ashley Arnett to discuss the upcoming Genealogy KC conference on August 23, 2025. Listen in as Lauri Jean and Ashley share topics and more about this free hybrid event.  Registration: genealogykc.org  Lauri Jean Swett Genealogy by Lauri Jean Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

Let us know what you think! Michelle Spencer, the family business researcher, shares details about the upcoming Missouri State Genealogical Association (MOSGA) conference on August 8-9. MoSGA Conference: Register at mosga.org for the conference on August 8-9 at the Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City. Registration is just $55 for non-members, $50 for members. https://www.mosga.org/ Check out Michelle's business: Combines genealogical expertise with historical context, particularly focused on family business research. RomaMaryGrace :  https://romamarygrace.com/ Youtube: @romamarygrace1909 Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

Let us know what you think! Medical mysteries lurking in your family tree might hold the key to understanding sudden disappearances, unexplained relocations, or clusters of deaths among your ancestors. When traditional genealogy methods hit a wall, epidemic research could breakthrough those brick walls. Ready to uncover the medical history hiding in your family tree? Email [email protected] to request one of our DNA test kit giveaways (Free pickup in Kansas City or $10 shipping elsewhere in the USA) and start building a more complete picture of your ancestors' lives and challenges. Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

Let us know what you think! Ever wondered what secrets your German ancestors might be hiding? You're not alone. 44 million Americans claim German heritage, making Germans the largest immigrant group in United States history. Join us with expert Sue Schlichting, founder of Pursuing Your Past, for tips and resources to uncover your German ancestors.  Pursuing Your Past FamilySearch Research Wiki #germangenealogy #midwest #Lindsborg #Volhynian #Germans #kansas Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

Let us know what you think! Listen in as we speak with Angela Hagenbach and Vincent Bell about keeping Weston MO, history alive. FREE EVENT The 5th Annual Juneteenth Heritage Jubilee will be held on June 14th at Weston Red Barn Farm The BAAC sponsors projects including a Black Heritage mural, monuments, and the annual Juneteenth Heritage Jubilee Founded by Angela Haggenbach, the Black Ancestors Awareness Campaign uncovers the rich and obscured African American history of Weston, Missouri. Jazz KC Portraits by Dan White sponsored by the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, May 22 - December 30, 2025 To learn more or get involved with the Black Ancestors Awareness Campaign, visit baacweston.org or email Vincent Bell at: [email protected]. Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

Let us know what you think! Unlock the secrets of forensic genealogy in this episode of Hittin’ the Bricks with Kathleen!  Genealogist Julie Whittaker specializes in military repatriation, mineral rights, and the legal complexities that shape this growing field. Whether you're curious about how forensic genealogy solves cold cases, supports legal claims, or connects families to long-lost ancestors, Julie shares real-world insights from her work with attorneys, specialized projects, and beyond. Thinking about becoming a forensic genealogist or just want to understand what it really takes?  This episode offers expert tips, powerful stories, and a look behind the scenes of one of genealogy’s most fascinating careers. Here are some helpful links. Website for Julie: https://genealogysafari.com/The Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) https://www.forensicgenealogists.org/Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency: https://www.dpaa.mil/If you have genealogical questions for Kathleen, drop us a line at [email protected]  Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.