Using Google's NotebookLM to Brainstorm & Critique Your Research

I've been experimenting with Google's NotebookLM this week.  If you haven't tried it you should. I've uploaded documents which include proof arguments and notes on my Cook family.  I've been having it generate audio overviews on a number of research opportunities(proving Wm C Cook's father, the children and their families etc.)  One of the settings will allow you to have it do a critique which I found really useful for making me think about approaches to research problems.  In addition to Critique, the other settings are the Deep Dive, Brief, and Debate. Keep in mind that you need to really know your subject and pay attention to what is being stated so you are aware if (or when) a wrong assumption has been made.  Still a very valuable tool.  

Using Google's NotebookLM to Generate Videos About My Family Research

 I spent some time yesterday gathering together some of my blog articles, research notes and source lists to use at Google's NotebookLM.  Google's NotebookLM is an AI-powered research and writing assistant(it uses Gemini AL) that helps users to understand and organize information from sources they upload such as PDFs, Google Docs, website etc.  I wanted to use it to generate a video version of some of my research topics.  It will also do audio overviews, mind maps, reports, flashcards and quizzes.  Randy Seaver at Genea-Musings had written about his experience with it back in October of last year. I've wanted to try it for awhile but am just now making the time. 

So far I've had it generate two videos which I have uploaded to my YouTube Channel:  MarieB's Genealogy.  As with anything AI, you need to review and check to make sure the information it is generating from your input is correct and logical.  I feel like the audio and video summaries it generates would be helpful to get people interested who wouldn't normally take the time to read a blog post.  Also the flashcards and quiz tools might be useful when planning games for a family reunion.

Wm Harrison Land Grant 2127--640 acres

The Land Grant referenced in the previous blog post( E C Harrison to Wm Weaver) 

Source: Bedford Co Tennessee Deeds Book v. 1851-1852 p 55, E C Harrison to Wm Weaver; FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKX-M84Z : accessed 21 October 2025), IGN 8150805, Image 532 of 848.[There is an index at the start of 1851-1852 though the vol is not named(image 486 of 848)]

at the above listed source appears to be in Rutherford Co TN at the time it was granted. Note that Rutherford Co TN was established 25 Oct 1803. Bedford Co TN was established 3 Dec 1807 from southern parts of Rutherford. This grant mentions Lock's tract as does the deed from E C Harrison to Wm Weaver. The creek would later be called Alexander Creek after another land owner.


William Harrison 11 Apr 1810 Rutherford Grant 2127

In consideration of military service performed by Isaac Water to the State of North Carolina.

Warrant 4184 dated 8 Dec 1796(?)and entered on the 1st of Sept 1807 by No 144

William Harrison Assignee of the said Isaac Waters
640 acres lying in Rutherford Co in the 2nd Dist 4th Range and 7th section on the west fork of Stones River Beginning at 2 walnuts in the East Boundary line of Thomas P Sumners 640 acre tract 120 poles North from his south East corner, running thence East 100 poles to a cedar in an open glad thence south 407 poles to two cedars and a mulberry in the north boundary line of Mathew Locks' 5000 acre tract thence with his line West passing his north west corner in all 234 poles to a cedar and elm thence north 387 poles to two dogwoods in the south boundary lines of T E Sumners tract aforesaid thence with his line East 134 poles to two hickories his south east corner thence to the beginning surveyed 21st Sept 1809 by Henry Harrison D S.

11th April 1810 Willis Blount

Tennessee General Land Grants
Roll 33: Book I p 377 Image 190 of 332
https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2882/records/198795?
Granted 11th April 1810
Recorded 23rd August 1815

Land Grant to Wm Harrison Mentioned in Bedford Co TN Deed

 I found a deed(E C Harrison to Wm Weaver) that was registered in Bedford Co TN Deed books(1851-1852) in 19 July 1850 though the indenture date was 13 Dec 1825.

The description mentions land Granted to William Harrison(640 acres on Alexander Creek)

"A Certain tract or parcel of land lying and being in the County of Bedford and State of Tennessee, in the Second District, Eleventh Section and said fourth Range. On the waters of Alexander's Creek. And being a part of a six hundred and forty Acre tract of land, Granted to William Harrison"

It wouldn't be the same as the Bounty Land listed in the pension papers for Wm & widow Elvira.  I would think that was federal and the 640 acres would be granted by the state of TN. 

I've contacted the TN State Archives and I'm awaiting their response which hopefully will point me in the right direction for finding out more about this grant.

Source:  Bedford Co Tennessee Deeds Book v. 1851-1852   p 55, E C Harrison to Wm Weaver; FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKX-M84Z : accessed 21 October 2025), IGN 8150805, Image 532 of 848.[There is an index at the start of 1851-1852 though the vol is not named(image 486 of 848)]

Probate Records Revisited: New Discoveries on the Second Pass

Almost two years ago I blogged about some finds I made while reading thru the images for Franklin Co NC Will Book C at FamilySearch. I now have a copy of Franklin Co NC Will Books A, B & C 1785-1812 which contains abstracts by Dr. Stephen E Bradley, Jr. The book was originally published by ColonialRoots  publishing but is now a part of the selection of books available at Heritage Books Inc Looking thru the index of the published book I located two items of interest that I had missed on my readthrough.

1.  In the inventory and sale listing of Drewry Jones, Pope Cook is listed as having purchased 1 looking glass.

Source:
Franklin Co. North Carolina, Wills, Inventories, 1804-1812, Vol C, p 57, Inventory & sales of Drewry Jones estate; images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-JZDS-F : accessed 16 Oct 2025), IGN 4755060, image 135 of 630.

2.  The inventory of Harbert Hight's estate records the division of the Negroes he enslaved. In that record it states that Goodman Smith on behalf of his wife Molly drew lot which contained Louis valued at $400. This is of interest to me because I found a record of Wm P Cook selling an enslaved man named Louis in 1821 Maury Co TN.  There is a great deal of interactions between the Smiths, Harrisons ,and Hights and while this could be a coincidence, it's  something I want to keep in mind especially since there are many of them among my family's DNA matches from our paternal side.

Source
Franklin Co. North Carolina Wills, Inventories, 1804-1812, Vol C, p 180, Division of Negroes Harbert Hight estate;  images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-JZND-9 : accessed 16 Oct 2025), IGN 4755060, image 383-4 of 630.

My 23&me Ancestry Composition Update

 Today I checked out my updated Ancestry Composition at 23&me.  No real surprises.  I have loads of Colonial American ancestry on both sides of my family.  Still, it's entertaining to see what locations my ancestors may have lived.