GENEALOGY – Start to research

Now that you have put all the genealogy information you know on your Pedigree chart we will focus on the blank spots. Do not attempt to fill everything in at one time. Focus on someone from the most recent generation where there is missing information.

The first thing you will want to prove for this individual is that he is indeed dead. As an accurate researcher you will always want to verify your information, and keep a record of your source. This will be beneficial to not only you, but to others with whom you may share your information. Since you may have to rely on other individuals to share what they know with you, remember you what to be the same gracious type of researcher. Accurate sources will be appreciated, which allows the recipient to verify your information.

There are several ways you can verify an individual’s death.

1- The Social Security Department has provided the records of deceased individuals to the public. Social Security records are sketchy for years prior to 1962. After 1962 the record will appear only if a SS benefit was paid for the individual.

http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/

http://familysearch.org/

http://rootsweb.com/

2- State death indexes. All states have different laws pertaining to the availability of death records. You will find several states on Ancestry.com, which charges a membership fee. Some of these same records are available for free from other sources.

LDS Family Search has a test site for some records. These are not complete but they may provide the information you are seeking.

http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#p=allCollections;r=0

A Google search may lead you to other free sites but you will need to remember that many of these will lead you back to the top fee based genealogical site on the internet.

Genealogy Pedigree Charts

Ok, now that we have gathered some information on our family, let’s put it down on paper and see what we already know.

You will need to complete a pedigree chart. A pedigree chart is like a road map. It organizes all the names in an order that allows you to quickly see where you are going and who you came from.

You will find many different styles of pedigree charts, but I would recommend that you keep it simple. Free pedigree charts are available from several sources. I am adding links to a few of those free sources. You will want a chart that will allow you to include birth place, and date; marriage place, and date; and death date and place. There are rules for how to write those statistics. It is important that you remember and abide by these rules:

Dates: Always must be written in this manner. 28 May 2009. You may abbreviate the month in 3 letters. The year must be complete. Before you know it you will be into the 1900’s and you do not want to confuse others by saying ’09 and others will not know if you intended 1809, 1909, or 2009. Do not use 05/28/09. Some individuals reverse the month and day and it is not always clear which is the month. Make the correct date order a habit quickly, and you will be glad you did.

Places: Each life event must include a City, County, State, & Country (if other than the US). If you are not sure of the county I have included a link for ways to determine the county. If your ancestor was born in a town that no longer exists, you may have a harder time determining the county. We will address tips on finding ghost towns later.

Rootsweb Town/County Database: http://resources.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/townco.cgi

Let’s begin filling in the spaces on our chart. You are Number 1. Then your father is number 2, your mother is number 3. Extend the chart as far back as you can from what you know. Remember, the male line follows the upper track, while the female line follows the bottom track. Another way to remember it is, after the #1, the male is always an odd number and the female is an even number.

Free Pedigree Charts:

Non LDS chart –
http://www.byub.org/ancestors/charts/pdf/pedigree.pdf

LDS chart –
http://261.byu.edu/pdf/pedigreechart.pdf

From Ancestry.com
http://c.ancestry.com/pdf/trees/charts/anchart.pdf


You are on your way! The fun will soon begin as we learn how to research for sources and fill in the missing spaces.

Gathering Genealogy information

While you are gathering your information consider organizing a family reunion. It may be as simple as a potluck picnic. Make it easy and convenient for the elderly in order to encourage their attendance. Have a tape recorder ready and direct the conversation to stories about memories family members have of the past. Once the ball begins to roll you will be amazed at the discussions that will come forward. Precious names, dates and places will be revealed which will be the clues you will need later in your research. Preserve the tape on CD. I would also recommend making a transcribed copy for easy reference when you are attempting to remember what information was shared.

Not only will your family be assisting you in your Genealogical research, but you will gain a greater respect and love for those in your family that are no longer here.

Now begin to search through all documents you already have in your possession. Examples might be: birth & marriage certificates, land records, and family bible records. Do not forget any copies of old letters that may be in your possession. These will yield names, dates and addresses. Ask your parents or grandparents if they have any papers they would allow you to view and or copy.

You are already gathering very important information. Stay tuned and we will start arranging what we now have.

The Secret to Beginning Genealogy

The secret to the beginning of your Family History search is starting with those family members that are still living. Talk to your Grandparents. Write down the answers to your questions. You can find examples of questions to ask at the following link. http://genealogy.about.com/cs/oralhistory/a/interview.htm. Take along a tape recorder and preserve your Grandparents voice and responses. I am fortunate to have a copy of such a recording done of my Grandfather 50 years ago. It has been copied on CD and now can be enjoyed by many more generations. What a priceless item to add to your family records.

Start Your Genealogy

So your question is. How do I get started doing genealogy? Well the answer lies here. Let’s take the journey together step by step. I will make posts each day with everything you need to know along the way. As we progress, I will give lots of tips and easy to follow instruction. Feel free to ask questions and I will post the answer.