Rebecca Wilson Jones
ProGen Member Overview
Although no family connection has yet been proven, Rebecca’s paternal side reflects a possible admiration for Cole Younger of the “Jesse James – Cole Younger Gang" fame. Born in southwest Missouri a few years before the Civil War began, her paternal great-grandfather would have known of the stories surrounding the Younger Gang. His third child, born in 1883, was given the name Cole Younger, as was Cole's firstborn son in 1912. It is stories such as these that bring excitement and challenge to the genealogist. Interest in family history started at an early age but became a passion as she realized family members were passing on and taking their stories with them. So much has been discovered since passionately beginning the journey of researching ancestral history.
Diligence in the details and other skills picked up in Rebecca’s earlier career as a corporate meeting/event planner and exhibition project manager for a global energy company have proven to be essential as a genealogist.
Education
>Institute of Genealogy & Historical Research (IGHR) -
.....Intermediate Genealogy & Historical Studies
.....Research in the South: Trans-Mississippi South
.....Military Records II: Intermediate Research-Beyond the Basics
.....Military Records III: Advanced Research and Methodology
>Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) -
.....Show Me Missouri
.....In-Depth African American Genealogy
.....Writing and Documenting for Peer Review
.....The Path to Accreditation and Certification
.....Advanced Research Tools: Land Records
.....Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum
.....The Art of Writing Client Reports
.....Becoming an Accredited Genealogist Professional: The Why, The What, The How
>Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) -
.....Following Your Ancestors in Time and Place
.....Research in Military Records
.....Reading, Transcribing, Abstracting Old Documents
.....Guide to Treasures Found in Federal Records
>Texas Institute of Genealogical Research (TIGR) -
.....From Spanish Rule to Republic: Research in the Lone Star State
.....A Walk through Texas Courthouses
>Genealogical Institute on Federal Records (GenFed)
>Study group completions include -
.....ProGen 63
.....Mastering Genealogical Proof
.....Mastering Genealogical Documentation
.....Writing for Discovery
Experience
Rebecca’s research experience includes ancestral records from the 17th century forward found in federal repositories and local jurisdictions of the Mid-Atlantic region, Southeast, and South Central locations within the United States. In addition to the ever-growing online database collections, her research experience extends to on-site sessions at National Archives’ facilities, county and civil courthouses, cemeteries, State Archives, FamilySearch Centers, both local and in Salt Lake City, Houston’s Clayton Library for Genealogical Research, and more.
Rebecca is an active member of the Houston Gulf Coast area Texas Bay Area Genealogical Society and served as Vice President of Programs, 2021-2022. She was reelected to the Board position for the 2024-2025 term. Memberships also include the Texas State Genealogical Society, Georgia Genealogical Society, Utah Genealogical Association, and Association of Genealogical Professionals.