Thanks for Traveling Frederick! - U.S. Consular Registration Application ~ 1917

This is part of a series of posts in which I share the documents relating to the travels of Watson (Frederick) Emory Webster and his family.

My Great-grandfather, Frederick Emory Webster, traveled a great deal during his life.  He didn't stay in one place long enough to be listed in all of the U.S. Censuses.  In fact, I've only found him listed in three census records.

But, there can be benefits to having an ancestor who liked to travel.  Especially if they traveled in and out of the country, like Frederick did.

One of the benefits of ancestors who traveled is the possibility that they left a paper trail behind them.  I recently discovered this document on Ancestry.com.  It's a United States Consular Registration Application.¹  This application is for my "Traveling Dentist" Great-Grandpa, Frederick Emory Webster.  Because Frederick traveled so much in his life, I've been able to find other documents related to his many travels such as a passport application and passenger lists.  I plan on sharing these other documents in future posts.

After thoroughly looking at the details and information in this document, I was able to glean the following interesting and important genealogical information.

• Frederick's full name
• Frederick's date and place of birth
• Frederick's father's name and place of birth
• Date Frederick left United States – October 20, 1911 (new information)
• Arrived at Curitiba, Brazil around 1915 and he and his family were residing there at time this document was filled out (new information)
• The purpose for living in Curitiba was to practice dentistry (new information)
• Legal domicile was Ironton, Missouri and permanent residence was the same at time this document was filled out (new information)
• Frederick applied for registration at the Consulate in Santos, Brazil about 1915 (need to check for that document too) (new information)
• Wife's name, birthdate and birthplace are listed
• Timeline additions for Frederick's whereabouts from 1907 to 1917 (new information)
• Names, birthplaces, birthdates and present residence of his children
• Middle name and birthdate of oldest daughter, Carlota (new information)
• Middle name and birthdate of Eugene Rollin (new information)
• Physical description of Frederick
• Added bonus – Frederick's Signature

So, if you have an ancestor who traveled a lot (or even a little), make sure you search for any and all documents related to their travels.  Even if you don't know if one of your ancestors traveled, it's worth checking for travel-related documents, just in case.  You may be surprised at what you find.

I had no idea Frederick had registered at the US Consulate in Brazil.  What a find!  Thanks for traveling Great-Grandpa Frederick!  I love the paper trail you've left behind.

Thanks for reading!

Jana

© 2013 Copyright by Jana Last

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1 "U.S., Consular Registration Applications, 1916-1925," database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 26 December 2012), Frederick Emory Webster, 29 August 1917, no. 10239; citing Department of State, Division of Passport Control Consular Registration Applications, roll #32734_620305173_0258.