Have you used AI (Artificial Intelligence) to help write a blog post or story about your ancestor? While AI technology is embedded in many of the tools and sites we use today, I haven’t tried to use it to write a blog post.
When I opened Bing, I was prompted to try their AI tool, Copilot. The prompt indicated it could help write email messages and even blog posts. So I tried it. Since I’m researching Jones A. Crawford of Rockcastle County Kentucky, I focused on him for my prompt. For my first attempt, I only provided a brief summary of his life.
Copilot
In the heart of Rockcastle County, where the hills whispered secrets and the rivers hummed forgotten melodies, there lived a man named Jones A. Crawford. His life was a tapestry woven with threads of contradiction—both dark and luminous.
Crawford, a sturdy figure with sun-kissed skin and eyes that held the weight of the world, owned a sprawling plantation. The land bore witness to both prosperity and suffering. Rows of tobacco stretched toward the horizon, their leaves rustling like whispered confessions. But hidden behind this façade of abundance lay a darker truth: Crawford was a slaveholder.
His plantation, Maplewood, thrived on the labor of enslaved men and women. Their sweat nourished the soil, their songs echoing through the cotton fields. Crawford justified this cruelty with the twisted logic of the times—the belief that some were born to rule and others to serve.
Yet, within the walls of his grand manor, Crawford grappled with guilt. His conscience, like a restless ghost, haunted him. He watched as families were torn apart, their bonds shattered by auction blocks and iron chains. The cries of mothers separated from their children echoed in his dreams.
One moonlit night, as the crickets sang their mournful chorus, Crawford made a decision. He would defy the conventions that bound him. He would become a beacon of hope, even if it meant risking everything.
And so, under the cover of darkness, Jones A. Crawford donned a different identity—a cloak of justice. He became Captain Justice, a horse-themed superhero who rode through the hills, his steed’s hooves leaving trails of stardust. His mission? To protect the oppressed, both human and equine.
Captain Justice patrolled the moonlit roads, his celestial armor glinting. His superpowers were born from the anguish of his past—the pain of seeing families torn apart. With a Cosmic Lasso, he freed enslaved souls, guiding them toward freedom. His Nova Kick sent overseers sprawling, their cruelty no match for his determination.
But Captain Justice had another secret: he was also a soldier. When the call came to defend the Union, he joined the 14th Kentucky Cavalry, Company G. His comrades knew him as Jones A. Crawford, a man of few words and unwavering loyalty. They rode together, their horses’ breaths forming clouds in the chilly air.
On the battlefield, Captain Justice fought with the same fervor. His stardust-infused blade cut through Confederate lines, and his heart bled for every fallen comrade. He wondered if redemption could be found amid the smoke and chaos.
One day, as the sun dipped low, Captain Justice faced a choice. A wounded Confederate soldier lay before him—a man who had once overseen the very plantation where Crawford had owned slaves. The man’s eyes held fear and regret.
Captain Justice extended a hand. “We’re all bound by our past,” he said. “But today, we choose our future.”
The Confederate soldier hesitated, then grasped the offered hand. In that moment, enemies became brothers, and the weight of history shifted.
When the war ended, Captain Justice returned to Maplewood. He freed his remaining slaves, granting them land and dignity. The plantation transformed into a refuge—a place where scars healed and hope blossomed.
And so, the hills of Rockcastle County whispered a new tale—one of redemption, sacrifice, and the power of transformation. Jones A. Crawford, once a slaveholder, now stood as a symbol of change—a hero who galloped toward justice, leaving stardust in his wake. 🌟🐎✨
Learn more1familysearch.org2en.wikipedia.org3familysearch.org4discovery.civilwargovernors.org
Created by Copilot 4 Feb 2024
Since this ‘biography’ was obviously fiction, I decided to try again. This time, I created a timeline report from RootsMagic and used that report to help create my AI prompt.
Write a biography of Jones A. Crawford with the following information
Age Date Event
0 7 Feb 1834 Birth: Rockcastle, Kentucky, United States1–2
18 Abt 1852 Marriage: Mary A Fish-24318; Kentucky, United States
22 1856 Tax: as a male over 21 with 2 slaves, one being a male over 16,; Rockcastle, Kentucky, United States3
26 1860 Residence: Lincoln, Kentucky, United States4
28 16 Aug 1862 Military: the 2nd Battalion of the 14th Regiment Kentucky Cavalry; Rockcastle, Kentucky, United States5–6
28 14 Jan 1863 Military: was promoted to 1st Lieutenant; Kentucky, United States5
29 13 Feb 1863 Military: Estill, Kentucky, United States5
31 3 Aug 1865 Marriage: Amanda Wilson-24322; Montgomery, Kentucky, United States7
36 1870 Residence: Lebanon, Laclede, Missouri, United States8
46 1880 Residence: Sugarloaf Township, Marion, Arkansas, United States9BaSED ON THE FOLLOWING SOURCES
- “Family Tree”, database, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2016), Alexander Crawford / Margaret McElwee Family; undocumented and unnamed family tree submitted by wendyhar; Crawford Tree.
- John Lair’s Notes, John Crawford, John Crawford / Elizabeth Adams family; supplied by lytch2, , 2024. from Wendy Harden.
- Kentucky, Rockcastle County. Tax Books, 1811-1875. Film #8215 DGS 7834504. Jones A. Crawford, 1856; image 1020; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 1 February 2024.
- 1860 U.S. Census, Lincoln County, Kentucky, population schedule, Lincoln County, Kentucky, page 81, Image 66 of 163, family 531, Johnes Crawford; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 21 December 2023)
- United States, Civil War Service Records (CMSR) – Union – Kentucky, 1861-1865, Jonas A. Crawford, 1862–1865; digitized images, Fold3 (fold3.com : viewed online 26 December 2023). Original Source: US Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Kentucky, 1861-1865.
- “U.S., American Civil War Regiments, 1861-1866,” Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : Kentucky, viewed online (28 December 2023), Jonas Crawford.
- Kentucky, County Marriages, 1783-1965, Jones A Crawford, 3 August 1865; database with images, Ancestry.com http://www.ancestry.com : viewed online 21 December 2023).
- 1870 U.S. Census, Laclede County, Missouri, population schedule, Lebanon, Laclede county, Missouri, page 18, Image 78 of 87, family 129, Jones Crawford; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 21 December 2023)
- 1880 U.S. Census, Marion County Arkansas, population schedule, Sugar Loaf Township, Marion County, Arkansas, ED 107, page 35, Image 5 of 9, family 307, Jones A Crawford; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 8 January 2024)
Copilot did a better job of creating a report — but there is still some ‘fictional’ aspects to it.
Jones A. Crawford: A Life Woven in Time
Born on February 7, 1834, in the rugged hills of Rockcastle, Kentucky, Jones A. Crawford emerged into a world where contradictions danced like shadows on the land. His life, marked by both honor and struggle, unfolded against the backdrop of war, love, and transformation.
Early Years and Marriage
At the tender age of 18, Jones wed Mary A. Fish, their union a fragile thread connecting two lives. Their love blossomed amidst the rolling hills, where tobacco leaves rustled like whispered secrets. But beneath the surface, Crawford held another truth—a secret that would shape his destiny.
The Plantation and Its Shadows
In 1856, the tax records revealed a darker side of Jones A. Crawford. As a male over 21, he owned Maplewood, a plantation that thrived on the labor of enslaved men and women. The same hands that tended the tobacco fields bore the weight of iron chains. The whispers of suffering echoed through the hills.
The Call to Arms
When the Civil War engulfed the nation, Jones answered the call. In 1862, he rode with the 2nd Battalion of the 14th Regiment Kentucky Cavalry. His steed’s hooves left trails of stardust as they galloped through the moonlit nights. Crawford rose to 1st Lieutenant, his celestial armor glinting in battle.
Love Rekindled
After the war, Jones found solace in the arms of Amanda Wilson. On August 3, 1865, they married in Montgomery, Kentucky. Their love, like the constellations above, defied the scars of conflict.
A Journey Across States
Jones A. Crawford wandered, seeking redemption. In 1870, he resided in Lebanon, Laclede, Missouri, a place where memories mingled with the Missouri River’s currents. By 1880, he settled in Sugarloaf Township, Marion, Arkansas, perhaps hoping that new soil could heal old wounds.
Stardust and Shadows
Jones A. Crawford, like the celestial bodies above, bore both light and darkness. His legacy, etched into the hills and tax records, whispered of transformation. Perhaps, in the quiet moments, he wondered if the stardust that clung to his boots could cleanse the shadows of the past.
And so, the tale of Jones A. Crawford weaves through time—a man who rode into battle, loved fiercely, and sought redemption beneath the moon’s watchful gaze. 🌟🐎✨
1: “Family Tree,” database, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2016), Alexander Crawford / Margaret McElwee Family; undocumented and unnamed family tree submitted by wendyhar; Crawford Tree. 2: John Lair’s Notes, John Crawford, John Crawford / Elizabeth Adams family; supplied by lytch2, 2024, from Wendy Harden. 3: Kentucky, Rockcastle County. Tax Books, 1811-1875. Film #8215 DGS 7834504. Jones A. Crawford, 1856; image 1020; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 1 February 2024. : 1860 U.S. Census, Lincoln County, Kentucky, population schedule, Lincoln County, Kentucky, page 81, Image 66 of 163, family 531, Johnes Crawford; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 21 December 2023). : United States, Civil War Service Records (CMSR) – Union – Kentucky, 1861-1865, Jonas A. Crawford, 1862–1865; digitized images, Fold3 (fold3.com : viewed online 26 December 2023). Original Source: US Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Kentucky, 1861-1865. : “U.S., American Civil War R
Created by Copilot of 4 Feb 2024
Since I had not heard of a plantation name in relation to my research of Jones Crawford or his parents, I did a quick Google search and found the the Maplewood plantation is on the list of National Historic Landmarks and is actually located in BOONE county and not Rockcastle. [Wikipedia – List of Plantations in Kentucky].
Curious as to how other AI tools handle the same information, I tried Google’s BARD using the same prompt based on my RootsMagic timeline. The story produced by BARD sticks a lot closer to the facts. It even refers to some of the documentation but does not provide the endnotes.
Jones A. Crawford: A Life in Glimpses
Born on February 7th, 1834, in Rockcastle, Kentucky, Jones A. Crawford’s life unfolded across several states and amidst the backdrop of significant historical events. While details remain elusive, the available records offer scattered glimpses into his journey.
Early Life and Marriage:
By 1852, Jones had married Mary A. Fish in Kentucky. Records from 1856 show him as a taxpayer in Rockcastle County, owning two slaves, suggesting a degree of economic stability. In 1860, the census finds him residing in Lincoln County, Kentucky.
Military Service:
The outbreak of the Civil War saw Jones answer the call to duty. In August 1862, he enlisted in the 2nd Battalion of the 14th Regiment Kentucky Cavalry. His dedication and bravery were recognized, leading to a promotion to 1st Lieutenant in January 1863. Records indicate his service continued until at least February 1863.
New Beginnings and Family:
Following the war, Jones embarked on a new chapter. In 1865, he married Amanda Wilson in Montgomery, Kentucky. By 1870, the couple had moved to Lebanon, Missouri, where they were recorded in the census.
Westward Expansion:
The adventurous spirit that may have drawn Jones to military service continued to guide his path. By 1880, the census captures him in Sugarloaf Township, Arkansas, suggesting a westward migration seeking new opportunities.
Beyond the Records:
The documented events paint a fragmented picture of Jones A. Crawford’s life. His motivations, experiences, and relationships remain largely unknown. Yet, the glimpses offered by historical records spark the imagination, inviting us to contemplate the joys, struggles, and triumphs that shaped his journey.
Perhaps further research or the discovery of personal letters or diaries could illuminate more about Jones A. Crawford, the man behind the historical notes. Until then, his life serves as a reminder of the countless stories waiting to be uncovered, each whispering of lives lived, choices made, and legacies left behind.
Created by Bard on 4 Feb 2024
I then turned to ChatGPT to see what it could produce using the same prompt.
Jones A. Crawford Biography:
Jones A. Crawford was born on February 7, 1834, in Rockcastle, Kentucky, United States, to parents Alexander Crawford and Margaret McElwee, as documented in the family tree submitted by Wendy Harden on Ancestry.com. His early life and upbringing in Kentucky would later shape his experiences and choices.
Around 1852, Jones entered a new chapter in his life by marrying Mary A. Fish in Kentucky, marking the beginning of his own family. This event is recorded in the family tree database on Ancestry.com, sourced from John Lair’s Notes provided by lytch2 in 2024, referencing information from Wendy Harden.
In 1856, Jones A. Crawford appeared in the Rockcastle County Tax Books as a male over 21 with two slaves, one of whom was a male over 16. This detail, found in the Kentucky, Rockcastle County Tax Books from 1811-1875, sheds light on the socio-economic aspects of his life during that period.
The 1860 U.S. Census, conducted in Lincoln County, Kentucky, listed Jones A. Crawford as a resident of the area. The census data, retrieved from Ancestry.com, provides insights into his household, with reference to family number 531.
As the nation was plunged into the turmoil of the Civil War, Jones A. Crawford played an active role in the military. On August 16, 1862, he joined the 2nd Battalion of the 14th Regiment Kentucky Cavalry, a significant moment captured in the United States Civil War Service Records. His dedication and service were further acknowledged when he was promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant on January 14, 1863. Notably, he served in Estill, Kentucky, reflecting his commitment to the Union cause during this turbulent time.
Post-war, on August 3, 1865, Jones embarked on a new chapter in his personal life, marrying Amanda Wilson in Montgomery, Kentucky. This event is documented in the Kentucky County Marriages records, accessible on Ancestry.com.
The years following the war saw Jones A. Crawford settling in different locations. In 1870, he was recorded as a resident of Lebanon, Laclede, Missouri, according to the U.S. Census for that year. By 1880, he had moved to Sugarloaf Township, Marion, Arkansas, as evidenced by the corresponding census records.
Jones A. Crawford’s life journey, as documented through various sources including family trees, census records, military service documents, and marriage records, provides a glimpse into the challenges and changes he experienced during a transformative period in American history. His story reflects not only personal milestones but also the broader tapestry of a nation grappling with war, social issues, and reconstruction.
Created by ChatGPT on 4 Feb 2024
Comparing the three tools, Bard and ChatGPT seemed to stick closer to the provided information. Both added a little ‘flair’ in the writing. While both allude to the sources, they do not provide the list of sources used.
When I use RootsMagic to create a ‘Narrative Report’, I get a very dry report with the sources documented. Below is a rough draft of a report for Jones A Crawford from my RootsMagic file. I consider it a rouht draft because I haven’t rechecked the sentences or the formatting of the sources.
Jones A. Crawford [1] was born on 7 Feb 1834 in Rockcastle, Kentucky, United States. [1–2]
He was listed on the tax rolls as a male over 21 with 2 slaves, one being a male over 16, in 1856 in Rockcastle, Kentucky, United States.3
He lived in Lincoln County, Kentucky in 1860.4
Jones was the father of Alex Crawford who was born about 1861 in Kentucky.5
He enlisted in the 2nd Battalion of the 14th Regiment Kentucky Cavalry on 16 Aug 1862 in Rockcastle, Kentucky, United States.6–7
He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant on 14 Jan 1863 in Kentucky, United States.6
Jones served in the military on 13 Feb 1863 in Estill, Kentucky, United States.6
He lived in Lebanon, Laclede, Missouri, United States in 1870.8
He was the father of Charlie Henry Crawford who was born on 2 Jul 1872 in Lebanon, Laclede, Missouri, United States.9–13
Jones lived in Sugarloaf Township, Marion, Arkansas, United States in 1880.14Jones A. Crawford and Mary A Fish were married about 1852 in Kentucky.
Mary A Fish, daughter of John Thomas Fish and Mary Hiatt, was born on 19 Sep 1833 in Crab Orchard, Lincoln, Kentucky, United States.15
She lived in Lincoln County, Kentucky in 1850.16
She lived in Lincoln County, Kentucky in 1860.4
Mary was the mother of Alex Crawford who was born about 1861 in Kentucky.5
She died in 1862 at the age of 29.
She died on 25 Jan 1862 at the age of 28 in Lincoln County, Kentucky.15
Mary was buried in 1862 at Fish Family Cemetery in Crab Orchard, Lincoln, Kentucky, United States of America.Jones A. Crawford and Amanda Wilson were married on 3 Aug 1865 in Montgomery, Kentucky, United States.17
Amanda Wilson was born about 1848 in Kentucky.8
She lived in Lebanon, Laclede, Missouri, United States in 1870.8
She was the mother of Charlie Henry Crawford who was born on 2 Jul 1872 in Lebanon, Laclede, Missouri, United States.9–13Jones A. Crawford and Adeline were married in btween 1870 and 1880.
Adeline was born about 1845 in Missouri, United States.14
She lived in Marion, Arkansas, United States in 1880.14
She sold land in Nov 1901 in Marion, Arkansas, United States.181. “Family Tree”, database, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2016), Alexander Crawford / Margaret McElwee Family; undocumented and unnamed family tree submitted by wendyhar; Crawford Tree.
2. John Lair’s Notes, John Crawford, John Crawford / Elizabeth Adams family; supplied by lytch2, , 2024. from Wendy Harden.
3. Kentucky, Rockcastle County. Tax Books, 1811-1875. Film #8215 DGS 7834504. Jones A. Crawford, 1856; image 1020; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 1 February 2024.
4. 1860 U.S. Census, Lincoln County, Kentucky, population schedule, Lincoln County, Kentucky, page 81, Image 66 of 163, family 531, Johnes Crawford; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 21 December 2023)
5. Lincoln County, Kentucky, , Book 6 page 320-322, Mary Fish partition, 1 February 1869; Lincoln County Courthouse, Stanford, Kentucky.
6. United States, Civil War Service Records (CMSR) – Union – Kentucky, 1861-1865, Jonas A. Crawford, 1862–1865; digitized images, Fold3 (fold3.com : viewed online 26 December 2023). Original Source: US Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Kentucky, 1861-1865.
7. “U.S., American Civil War Regiments, 1861-1866,” Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : Kentucky, viewed online (28 December 2023), Jonas Crawford.
8. 1870 U.S. Census, Laclede County, Missouri, population schedule, Lebanon, Laclede county, Missouri, page 18, Image 78 of 87, family 129, Jones Crawford; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 21 December 2023)
9. Social Security Administration, “Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007,” database on-line, Ancestry, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60901/ : viewed online 21 December 2023), Charlie Henry Crawford.
10. Texas, Death Certificates, 1903-1982, C H Crawford, 1 May 1948; database on-line, Ancestry.com http://www.ancestry.com : viewed online 28 December 203).
11. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online 28 December 2023), memorial for Charley Henry Crawford (1872-1948), Find a Grave Memorial no. 65410500, created by Tonie Wheeler, citing Pollard Cemetery, Haworth, McCurtain County, Oklahoma; accompanying photograph by Brandon O’Rear, Charley Henry Crawford.
12. “Golden, Okla., Farmer Dies Here Saturday,” The Paris News (Paris, Texas), 3 May 1948, page 4; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 8 January 2024).
13. “World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918,” database, Ancestry (Ancestry.com : viewed online 8 January 2024), Charles Henry Crawford.
14. 1880 U.S. Census, Marion County Arkansas, population schedule, Sugar Loaf Township, Marion County, Arkansas, ED 107, page 35, Image 5 of 9, family 307, Jones A Crawford; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 8 January 2024)
15. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online 21 December 2023), memorial for Mary A Fish Crawford (1833-1862), Find a Grave Memorial no. 88792559, created by Charlotte Raley McConaha, citing Fish Family Cemetery, Crab Orchard, Lincoln County, Kentucky;, Mary A Fish Crawford.
16. 1850 U.S.Census, Lincoln County, Kentucky, population schedule, Lincoln County, Kentucky, page 24, Image 24 of 91, family 169, Jno Fish; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 26 December 2023)
17. Kentucky, County Marriages, 1783-1965, Jones A Crawford, 3 August 1865; database with images, Ancestry.com http://www.ancestry.com : viewed online 21 December 2023).
18. “Real Estate Transfers,” The Mountaineer Echo (Yellville, Arkansas), 22 November 1901, page 2; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 9 January 2024).
Produced with RootsMagic 9
Curious as to how Bard would handle one of these narrative reports included in the prompt, I asked Bard to write a biography based on the information in the narrative report.
Jones A. Crawford: A Life Shaped by Family and Service
Born on February 7, 1834, in Rockcastle, Kentucky, Jones A. Crawford lived a life marked by family, service, and movement across the American frontier. While details about his early life remain hazy, available records paint a picture of a man who navigated personal loss, built new families, and contributed to his community.
From Kentucky Farms to Civil War Service:
Crawford’s early years were spent in Kentucky. Records from 1856 show him owning property and slaves in Rockcastle County. He married Mary A. Fish in 1852, and together they had a son, Alex, born around 1861. Tragedy struck in 1862 when Mary passed away at the young age of 28.
Undeterred, Crawford answered the call to duty during the Civil War. He enlisted in the Union Army’s 2nd Battalion of the 14th Regiment Kentucky Cavalry in August 1862 and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant the following year. His military service took him through Kentucky, including Estill County in February 1863.
New Beginnings and Growing Families:
Following the war, Crawford sought new beginnings. He married Amanda Wilson in 1865, and their family grew with the birth of son Charlie Henry in 1872, in Lebanon, Missouri. By 1880, the family had moved to Sugarloaf Township, Arkansas.
Around this time, Crawford married Adeline, likely between 1870 and 1880. They remained in Arkansas, with Adeline selling land in Marion County in 1901.
Beyond the Records:
The available records end there, leaving much of Crawford’s later life and eventual passing shrouded in mystery. However, the glimpses we have offer a portrait of a resilient man who adapted to changing circumstances, built families, and served his country.
Further Exploration:
If you’re interested in learning more about Jones A. Crawford, consider exploring these avenues:
- Genealogy websites: Ancestry.com and FamilySearch may hold additional records and family trees that could provide further details.
- Military archives: Digging deeper into Kentucky’s Civil War records might reveal more about Crawford’s military service and experiences.
- Local historical societies: Reaching out to historical societies in the areas where Crawford lived, such as Rockcastle County, Kentucky, or Marion County, Arkansas, could yield local insights.
By delving deeper, you might uncover more about the man who was Jones A. Crawford, the roles he played in his communities, and the legacy he left behind.
Produced by Bard on 4 Feb 2024 with a RootsMagic Narrative report and Endnotes included in the prompt.
With this prompt, Bard seems to stock to the facts. Unfortunately, the links to the Endnotes are lost. However, the ‘Further Exploration’ section is a nice addition.
So, will I use any of these tools to create blog posts based on biographies of those I’m researching? At this time, I won’t use Copilot. However, I might use Bard or ChatGPT.
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