ChatGPT Reference for the Elgin OGS Website – Elgin County Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society

Work in Progress beginning 11 April 2023

Updated 12 April 2023

References and Guide to using ChatGPT prompts for Elgin OGS website data.

Useful Genealogy and ChatGPS links

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PROMPT: Summarize the content on the Elgin OGS website

RESPONSE: The Elgin OGS (Ontario Genealogical Society) website provides information and resources for genealogists interested in researching their family history in the Elgin County area of Ontario, Canada. The website features details on the society’s mission, membership benefits, and upcoming events. It also provides access to various genealogical resources, including databases, research guides, and publications. The website offers information on local genealogical societies and repositories in Elgin County, as well as links to other relevant websites and online resources. The Elgin OGS website serves as a hub for genealogists interested in tracing their roots in Elgin County, Ontario, and provides valuable tools and information for conducting genealogical research in the region.

PROMPT: List all the sources for the surname BERRY on the Elgin OGS websit.

RESPONSE: As an AI language model, I do not have the capability to access external websites or provide real-time information. My training data only goes up until September 2021, and I am not able to browse the internet or access current websites. However, I can provide you with a general idea of the types of sources that you may find related to the surname BERRY on the Elgin OGS website, based on typical content found on genealogical society websites.

Databases: The Elgin OGS website may have databases that contain records related to the surname BERRY, such as transcribed birth, marriage, and death records, census records, land records, or other genealogical data specific to Elgin County.
Research Guides: The website may provide research guides or tips for conducting genealogical research on the BERRY surname, including suggestions on where to look for records, how to analyze and interpret the data, and other helpful resources.
Publications: The Elgin OGS may have published materials, such as books, journals, or newsletters, that contain information related to the BERRY surname or genealogical research in Elgin County.
Local Society Information: The website may list local genealogical societies or groups in Elgin County that focus on the BERRY surname or have resources relevant to BERRY family history research.
Links to External Resources: The website may provide links to external websites, databases, or resources that contain information related to the BERRY surname, such as online archives, libraries, or other genealogical websites that may have relevant records or data.

It’s important to note that the availability and specific content of sources related to the BERRY surname on the Elgin OGS website may vary and may be subject to change over time. It’s recommended to visit the Elgin OGS website directly or contact them for the most up-to-date and accurate information related to your specific research on the BERRY surname in Elgin County, Ontario, Canada.

PROMPT: Summarize the history of Elgin County Ontario, Canada

RESPONSE: Elgin County is located in the southwestern region of the province of Ontario, Canada. The history of Elgin County can be traced back to its indigenous peoples, including the Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee peoples, who were the original inhabitants of the area.

European settlement in the area began in the late 18th century with the arrival of British Loyalists following the American Revolutionary War. In the early 19th century, the area that is now Elgin County was part of the Western District of Upper Canada. The region saw a significant influx of settlers in the mid-19th century, including immigrants from Scotland, Ireland, and other parts of Europe, who were attracted by the fertile land for farming and the opportunities for economic growth.

The county was officially established in 1851 and named after Thomas Bruce, the 7th Earl of Elgin, who served as Governor General of Canada from 1847 to 1854. The county seat is St. Thomas, which was founded in the 1820s and became a key transportation hub with the arrival of railways in the mid-19th century.

Throughout its history, Elgin County has been known for its agricultural heritage, with farming being a significant economic activity. The region has also been home to various industries, such as manufacturing, lumbering, and railway transportation, which have contributed to its economic growth and development.

Elgin County has a rich cultural history, with numerous communities, towns, and villages that have developed unique identities and contributed to the county’s social fabric. Over the years, Elgin County has also been the site of important historical events, such as the construction of the first Canadian railway tunnel in St. Thomas in the 1850s and the development of a strong military tradition with the establishment of Canadian military training camps during World War I and World War II.

Today, Elgin County is a thriving community with a diverse population, a strong agricultural sector, and a rich cultural heritage that is preserved and celebrated by local historical societies, museums, and other organizations.

PROMPT: Suggest the best layout for a genealogical Family Group Sheet

RESPONSE: A genealogical Family Group Sheet is a standard form used to record genealogical information about a particular family unit, typically consisting of a couple and their children. Here is a suggested layout for a Family Group Sheet:

Heading: Begin with a heading that includes the family surname in bold or uppercase letters, followed by the word “Family Group Sheet” or a similar title.
Family Information: Provide spaces for recording essential information about the family, such as the husband’s name, date and place of birth, marriage date and place, and date and place of death. Similarly, record the wife’s name, date and place of birth, marriage date and place, and date and place of death.
Children: Include spaces for recording information about the children of the couple, typically in a list format. Include their names, dates and places of birth, marriage dates and places (if applicable), and dates and places of death (if applicable).
Sources: Provide space for citing sources of information, such as birth, marriage, and death records, census records, and other primary and secondary sources used to verify the information recorded on the Family Group Sheet.
Additional Notes: Include space for recording any additional notes or comments about the family unit or any specific research findings or observations.
Signature and Date: Include a signature line and space for the date to indicate when the Family Group Sheet was completed or updated.
Additional Sections: Depending on the specific needs and preferences of the genealogist, additional sections can be added to the Family Group Sheet, such as spaces for recording DNA test results, photographs, or other relevant information.

It’s important to use a consistent and standardized format for the Family Group Sheet to ensure clarity and accuracy in recording genealogical information. There are many templates available online that can be used as a guide, or genealogical software programs often have built-in Family Group Sheet templates that can be customized to suit individual needs.

PROMPT: How many sheets of paper would you need to print out the Elgin OGS website?

RESPONSE: As an AI language model, I do not have the capability to access or analyze the Elgin OGS website, as I do not have internet browsing capabilities. Furthermore, the size and content of the Elgin OGS website may vary, and I do not have access to the specific information about the website’s content or layout.

To determine how many sheets of paper would be needed to print out the Elgin OGS website, you would need to visit the website and review its pages to get an estimate of the amount of content and the number of pages you would like to print. The number of sheets of paper needed would depend on factors such as the number of pages, the amount of text and images on each page, and the printing settings used (e.g., single or double-sided printing, page margins, font size, etc.).

Once you have a clear idea of the content you want to print, you can use the print preview feature on your web browser to estimate the number of pages that would be required for printing, or you can manually count the pages if you are reviewing the website in a printed format. Keep in mind that websites can have multiple pages, and the amount of content may change over time with updates, so the number of pages needed to print the entire website may vary.

PROMPT: How popular is the hobby of Genealogy?

RESPONSE: Genealogy, the study of family history and ancestry, has been a popular hobby for many people around the world for decades. With the increasing availability of online resources, DNA testing, and genealogical software, genealogy has become even more accessible and widespread in recent years. However, it’s difficult to provide a precise measure of the exact popularity of genealogy as a hobby, as it can vary depending on factors such as geography, cultural interests, and individual preferences.

That being said, genealogy is widely recognized as one of the most popular hobbies globally. Many people are interested in discovering their family roots, understanding their family history, and connecting with their ancestors. Genealogy can be a deeply personal and meaningful pursuit, providing individuals with a sense of identity, belonging, and connection to their heritage.

Genealogical societies, organizations, and online communities dedicated to genealogy and family history research continue to thrive, with millions of individuals actively engaging in genealogical research, attending genealogy conferences and workshops, and participating in online forums and discussions related to genealogy. Additionally, genealogy-related TV shows, books, and documentaries continue to capture the attention and interest of a wide audience, further indicating the popularity of genealogy as a hobby.

Furthermore, the increasing availability and affordability of DNA testing services, such as AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage DNA, have attracted a significant number of people to explore their genetic heritage and connect with relatives they may not have known about. DNA testing has become a popular component of genealogy research, providing individuals with additional tools to uncover their family history and heritage.

Overall, while it is challenging to provide an exact measure of the popularity of genealogy as a hobby, it is widely recognized as a widespread and growing interest for many individuals around the world.

PROMPT: Suggest useful prompts for studying family history in Elgin County, Ontario, Canada

RESPONSE: Certainly! Here are some useful prompts that can help guide your study of family history in Elgin County, Ontario, Canada:

Researching Vital Records: Explore vital records such as birth, marriage, and death records for Elgin County, Ontario, Canada. Look for online databases, archives, or local repositories that hold these records and investigate how to access and interpret them.
Census Records: Examine census records for Elgin County, Ontario, Canada, which can provide valuable information about your ancestors’ names, ages, occupations, and places of residence during different time periods. Look for available census records from different years, such as the Canadian Census or the Ontario Census.
Cemetery Research: Investigate cemeteries in Elgin County, Ontario, Canada, where your ancestors may be buried. Explore cemetery records, gravestones, and burial registers to gather information about your ancestors’ names, dates of birth and death, and other relevant details.
Local Histories: Study local histories of Elgin County, Ontario, Canada, which can provide insights into the communities, institutions, and events that shaped the region and the lives of your ancestors. Look for published books, articles, and websites that focus on the history of Elgin County and its inhabitants.
Land Records: Examine land records and property documents for Elgin County, Ontario, Canada, which can shed light on your ancestors’ land ownership, transactions, and locations. Look for land registry offices, land grants, and other land-related records that may be available online or in local repositories.
Newspaper Research: Explore newspapers and obituaries from Elgin County, Ontario, Canada, which can provide valuable information about your ancestors’ lives, events, and social connections. Look for digitized newspaper collections or microfilm records in local libraries or archives.
Local Genealogical Societies: Connect with local genealogical societies or historical societies in Elgin County, Ontario, Canada. These organizations often have resources, expertise, and networks that can assist you in your family history research, such as publications, workshops, and research assistance.
DNA Testing: Consider DNA testing, such as autosomal, Y-DNA, or mitochondrial DNA testing, which can provide insights into your genetic heritage and help you connect with relatives who share common ancestors in Elgin County, Ontario, Canada. Explore reputable DNA testing companies and their databases to see if you can find matches or join relevant genetic genealogy projects.
Oral History Interviews: Conduct oral history interviews with older family members or other individuals who may have knowledge about your ancestors and their lives in Elgin County, Ontario, Canada. Record their memories, stories, and anecdotes to gather valuable family history information that may not be available in written records.
Online Genealogical Resources: Utilize online genealogical resources, such as genealogy websites, databases, forums, and social media groups, to connect with other researchers, share information, and access digital records related to Elgin County, Ontario, Canada. Examples of such resources include Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, FindMyPast.com, and RootsWeb.com.

Remember to critically evaluate and cross-reference information from various sources to ensure accuracy and reliability in your family history research. Keep organized notes and citations for all sources used, and be prepared to persistently search for information, as genealogy research can sometimes require patience and perseverance. Good luck with your family history study in Elgin County, Ontario, Canada!

PROMPT: Summarize marriage sources in Upper Canada from 1791 to 1842

RESPONSE: Marriage sources in Upper Canada (now Ontario, Canada) from 1791 to 1842 typically include church records, civil registrations, and legal documents. Church records were a common source of marriage information during this period, with various denominations maintaining registers of marriages performed by their ministers. Civil registrations of marriages, which began in 1801, were another source, although compliance was not always consistent. Legal documents such as marriage bonds, licenses, and contracts were also used to record marriages. Additionally, newspapers and published marriage announcements may provide information about marriages during this time period. It’s important to note that record-keeping practices and availability of sources may have varied depending on the location and time period, and that researching primary sources from this era may require careful examination of original records, transcriptions, and indexes to obtain accurate and reliable information.

PROMPT: What were the most common migration routes from New York City to Upper Canada in the early 1800s?

RESPONSE: During the early 1800s, several migration routes were commonly used by settlers traveling from New York City to Upper Canada (now Ontario, Canada). Some of the most common migration routes were:

The St. Lawrence River route: Settlers would often travel by boat or ship along the St. Lawrence River, which served as a major waterway connecting New York City with Upper Canada. They would sail through Lake Ontario and reach destinations such as Kingston, York (now Toronto), and other towns along the northern shore of Lake Ontario.
The Great Lakes route: Settlers could also travel by ship or boat on the Great Lakes, such as Lake Erie or Lake Huron, which provided a direct route from New York City to Upper Canada. They would sail across the lakes and reach ports such as Fort Erie, Port Stanley, or Goderich, which were common destinations in Upper Canada.
Overland routes: Overland routes involved traveling by foot, wagon, or stagecoach along established roads and trails. One common overland route was the “New York to Niagara” route, which followed established roads and trails through New York State and crossed the Niagara River into Upper Canada at the Niagara Falls region. Another overland route was the “King’s Highway,” a major road that connected New York City to Upper Canada through Albany, Schenectady, and Utica in New York State, and then across the Niagara River.
The Champlain Valley route: Some settlers would travel north through the Champlain Valley in New York, following the Champlain Canal and Lake Champlain, and then cross into Canada at the northern border of New York State. From there, they would continue their journey to Upper Canada.

These are some of the common migration routes that were used by settlers traveling from New York City to Upper Canada in the early 1800s. It’s important to note that migration patterns could vary depending on the specific time period, individual circumstances, and the availability of transportation infrastructure at the time. Researching historical maps, primary sources, and consulting credible historical references can provide more detailed and accurate information about migration routes during this era.

Prompt:

Below is the text of an obituary. State the relationship between the people in the article. Do not speculate. Format the information as a four-column table, with the headings “Person 1”, “Person 2”, “Relationship”, and “Quote”. In the table, list the relationships between each pair of people detailed in the article. In the fourth column, include the quote that describes the relationship of that pair.

Aylmer Express, 13 Jun 1929; Front page headlines ( Picture -cap. “The Late Humphrey Johnson” ) Humphrey Johnson, of Springfield Died Suddenly in his Ninety-Second Year Prominent Private Banker Expired at the Supper Table. The sudden death of Humphrey Johnson, well known banker of Springfield, occurred at his home there on Thursday evening while seated at the supper table with his wife. Although he had not been feeling well for several months, he had spent the day at his office as usual, and the end was most unexpected. Mr. Johnson was a son of the late Wellington Johnson and Margaret Johnston, and was born on the ninth concession of Malahide, ninety -one years ago in November of last year. His early life was spent on the farm, and he was a most successful agriculturist. After giving up agriculture he moved to Springfield and established a private banking business, in which he was also very successful and which he had conducted for a great many years. Deceased was a staunch Conservative and served a term in the village council. He was an enthusiastic member of St. Johns’ United Church and was never too busy to give of his time to any work of that organization. For twenty-seven years he was the efficient treasurer of the former Methodist church and since church union, of the United Church. The late Mr. Johnson was a man of sterling qualities. His word was as good as his hand and as a business man he will be greatly missed in Springfield and throughout East Elgin.” Mr. Johnson was married three times, first to Miss Sarah Evans, of Dorchester; then to Miss Isabella Connor of Malahide, and last to Mrs. Jennie Nevills, who survives him. Three sons and one daughter, children of his second wife, also survive: Harry of Vancouver; Lorne, of Regina, Sask; Wilfred of Hamilton, and Mrs. W. Scrigmeour (sic) of Regina. Also by two sisters, Mrs. Harriet McDonald, and Mrs. Maggie Clark, both of Aylmer. The funeral was held Monday afternoon when a large assemblage of old neighbors and friends paid their last tribute of respect. After a short private service at the home, the remains were taken to St. John’s United Church, where public service in charge of the pastor, Rev. A. M. Grant, B.A., B.D., assisted by two former pastors, Rev. W. W. Williams, M.A., B.D., of Aylmer, and Rev. C. W. DeWitt Cosens, M.A., B.D., of Stratford, was held. All expressed in feeling terms of the splendid loyalty of the deceased to his church. The pastor, Rev. A.M. Grant, based his remarks on “Be not slothful in business, serving the Lord.” In both of these Mr. Johnson showed great enthusiasm and exerted much energy. During the service, Mr. Geo. Craik sang “O Love that will not let me go,” very effectively. Many beautiful floral tributes covered the casket and filled the side of the room. A very beautiful wreath was sent by the Trust Co. with which the son, Lorne, is associated, in Regina, and the R.A.M. Chapter of Regina, of which Chapter, Lorne is a valued member sent a beautiful offering. The flower bearers were four managers of banks, G.A. Love, Royal Bank, Springfield; J. E. Hanley, Royal Bank, Aylmer; F. Hunt, Provincial Bank, Aylmer; and J.A. McKellar, of the Bank of Montreal, Aylmer. The pallbearers were; D. W. Henry, J. A. Charlton, Geo. Shaw, R. Willis, J. R. Walker, and Geo. Stewart, all old friends. Members of the family who were present included Lorne and Mrs. Nellie Seringeour, (sic) of Regina; Wilfred Johnson, wife and sons, Connor, and Philip of Hamilton: Mrs. Harry Connor, of Vancouver; two sisters, Mrs. Jno. McDonald, and Mrs. Clarke and daughters of Aylmer. As the procession moved away from the church, the bell tolled forth its solemn requiem for one, who for so many years, has been a leading spirit in both the business and church affairs of the community. Interment was made in the family plot in the Aylmer cemetery. Following were the floral tributes; Wreath, Family; wreath, Official Board of St. John’s United Church, Springfield; Floral donation from the Lion’s Club, Hamilton, of which Wilfrid Johnson is an active member; spray, Messrs. Alex Connor and D.H. Connor; spray, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Treadwell, of Detroit and Mrs. Clark, Aylmer; spray, Dr., Freeman; spray, Wawa Temple (Shrine), Regina, of which Lorne Johnson is an officer; double wreath, Sterling Trust Co., of Toronto; wreath, Ladies’ Aid of United Church, Springfield; spray, Womens Institute, Regina; wreath, Wascana Chapter of which Lorne is First Principal; wreath, staff of the Sterling Trust Co., Regina, of which Lorne is manager. (Transcribed by Bruce C. Johnson Jr., Port Bruce, Ontario, June 1988)

ChatGPT Response:

Person 1	Person 2	Relationship	Quote
Humphrey Johnson	Margaret Johnston	Parent	“Mr. Johnson was a son of the late Wellington Johnson and Margaret Johnston, and was born on the ninth concession of Malahide, ninety-one years ago in November of last year.”
Humphrey Johnson	Sarah Evans	Spouse	“Mr. Johnson was married three times, first to Miss Sarah Evans, of Dorchester”
Humphrey Johnson	Isabella Connor	Spouse	“then to Miss Isabella Connor of Malahide”
Humphrey Johnson	Jennie Nevills	Spouse	“last to Mrs. Jennie Nevills, who survives him.”
Humphrey Johnson	Harry	Child	“Three sons and one daughter, children of his second wife, also survive: Harry of Vancouver”
Humphrey Johnson	Lorne	Child	“Three sons and one daughter, children of his second wife, also survive: Lorne, of Regina, Sask;”
Humphrey Johnson	Wilfred	Child	“Three sons and one daughter, children of his second wife, also survive: Wilfred of Hamilton”
Humphrey Johnson	Mrs. W. Scrigmeour	Child	“Three sons and one daughter, children of his second wife, also survive: Mrs. W. Scrigmeour (sic) of Regina.”
Humphrey Johnson	Mrs. Harriet McDonald	Sibling	“Also by two sisters, Mrs. Harriet McDonald, and Mrs. Maggie Clark, both of Aylmer.”
Humphrey Johnson	Mrs. Maggie Clark	Sibling	“Also by two sisters, Mrs. Harriet McDonald, and Mrs. Maggie Clark, both of Aylmer.”

In summary, Humphrey Johnson was survived by his wife, Jennie Nevills, and children from his second wife, Sarah Evans ( SIC – This is an error in the response – should be Isabella CONNOR): Harry of Vancouver, Lorne of Regina, Wilfred of Hamilton, and Mrs. W. Scrigmeour of Regina. He was also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Harriet McDonald and Mrs. Maggie Clark. Wellington Johnson and Margaret Johnston were his parents. Additionally, he was married three times: first to Sarah Evans of Dorchester, then to Isabella Connor of Malahide, and lastly to Jennie Nevills.

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