I have inherited, pun intended, the very difficult task of tracing my Dad's (RIP) side of the family. I have put all of my info down for about two years now, as I was running into dead end after dead end. Because of recent issues that have arisen in my family, I find the "need" again to find out as much info as possible.

I am doing this all on my own, therefore money is a factor. I know about the Mormon's--they have an office about 45 minutes from me--but it is difficult to get there, time-wise.

I would appreciate *ANY* input anybody would have in giving me tips, resources, etc. etc. (If it helps, I am in NY.) Some tips that would be really helpful is any free help available online--even if I have to do the legwork myself (which, I'd prefer it that way.)

I appreciate any help. Thanks in advance!

Hey Liny,

Wow what an undertaking. Not sure it this would help but a few years ago, a company sent my H a copy etched in glass....supposedly of his family's crest. Had no way of proving it authentic or now. Didn't really pursue it though.

I think if you search the web, that could help. I know there were several companies offering to do that type of research but not sure how legitimate or reputable they were/are.

On my side, the family line goes back a bit and I have an aunt tracing it. I know I have samurai blood on both sides. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> Used t/b a good thing and now, it means nothing.... other than my ability to focus and cut to the core....with a sharp tongue. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

L.

L.

LINY,
There are lots of places online where you can do research.

A really good site is: Ancestry.com (there is a fee for further research, but well worth it, I think) They have most of the actual census records online.

A couple of other sites are:

Rootsweb.com

The Mormon website

You can also google the names you are searching for, but include the parameter "genealogy", so you won't get a bunch of unrelated sites.

If I think of more sites, I'll post them. But, these are the ones I have used the most.

LC

L...thanks! I'm trying to do this on my own--especially now with no $$$.
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">other than my ability to focus and cut to the core....with a sharp tongue.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">What a wondeful trait inherited, though!!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

LC...thank you...I have those two sites as favorites...it's been so long since I've done any research though!

How is the Mormon site? Can you do the resaerch online?

{{{LINY}}}
I do genealogy research as a hobby. Well, passion, obsession, etc. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" /> I can send you my bookmarks. ALso the Mormon site is awesome! THe search is free. Also, I would recommend Family Tree Maker software. I know money. But is is well worth it. And, if you can get free webspace on thier site to post your info and get responses. Plus, there are sites by family name where you can post so that others can pass you information for free! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

I LOVE IT!

Hey f-again!!! Hugs right back at ya hon!

Would love the bookmarks--I just fell lost again, and after two years of putting it down, I'm sure the technology/info has improved. If you don't still have my email addy, please let me know and I'll post it.

Thanks!

You have mail

Right back at ya, f-again!

F-again--I broke down already--You have more mail!!!!

(Thanks!)

LINY,

I happened to see your post today. I have taught genealogy classes off and on for about 25 years and have been busily engaged in my own family history research as well.

I recommend using the FREE downloadable software from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons), and their sites to get started. They have the complete 1880 census online, as well as links into their own family history center and their IGI file (International Genealogical Index).

I don't recommend spending any money to hire anyone because almost everything they can get, so can you. Save your money for copies of military records, vital records or courthouse fees for copying records for you - and postage.

Happy hunting....genealogy research is wonderful because its a mystery unfolding about YOU.

-pendragon

Pendragon. AAWWWW. Why aren't you around me? I have looked everywhere well withing a hundred miles for someone like you!

I have done quite well. But, a few pointers would have been great. My family roots are so diverse that it is a fascinating challenge to try to dig up factual information! Especially in the "old country"

Sorry, not MB related just a passion. Keeps my mind off the state of my M (or non-M) for a while.

fightingaloneagain,

we must do something with your name. that's a bit of a downer, ya know? want some suggestions?

back to genealogy, if there is something I can help you guys with, I'd be glad to give you my 2 cents worth.

Best,
pendragon

<small>[ February 07, 2005, 06:43 AM: Message edited by: pendragon ]</small>

f-again, you have mail. All I've got to say is: <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="images/icons/mad.gif" /> / <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" /> / <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="images/icons/mad.gif" /> / <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" /> / <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="images/icons/mad.gif" /> / <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" /> !!!!

PD...thank you! You have mail as well!

{{{LINY, and Brown}}} Thank you! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Pendragon, I have your email now, too. Thanks.

As far as my sig, it says it all. It is a reminder to me that I am strong, and I will fight alone, against the entire world if necessary to do both what is right, and what is required.

It is my call to arms so to speak. It helps keep me strong when I would rather crawl in a hole somedays. <img border="0" alt="[Teary]" title="" src="graemlins/teary.gif" />

f-again & pd (& anybody else <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> ):

I think I want to start from the beginning and confirm eveything I think I know. What census' are online that I can access besides the 1880?

LINY, the 1880 US Census is online and free; the 1881 British Census is online and free. I'm not aware of any other FREE ones online, but ancestry.org has others, for a membership fee, etc.

and then there is the old way....you can take some time and wander through microfilm if you're fairly sure what you're looking for.

I always recommend that folks begin with a pedigree chart, beginning with themselves and working backward. Interview all the living people that have clues, then start to sort it out. Vital records always have clues as to who other blood relatives are, and census records will give snapshots of family members. Wills can reveal a lot of information, but first you need to, again, nail down some information before you go off wandering in the dark.

One of the easiest traps to fall into is trying to link yourself to a person with the same last name...or wander off researching a last name. I could wax on and on...but we'll take this off MB if we need to chat more.

my best to you all,

-pendragon

pd...thanks for the info!
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Interview all the living people that have clues</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">This is a HUGE roadblock for me, and just yet another reason why I think there was a lot of, um, "family secrets" that were in my family: my dad (RIP) and his brother and sisters know NOTHING of their grandfather and his family. He (my dad) said he even tried asking his cousins--again, no info.

Please let me know if you think this is a good idea: I have a fairly easy to follow list (homemade pedigree in like a bullet form) with all of the information I know of. I was thinking about sending it to all of the relatives I know of, along with my address, tele #, etc., in the hopes that some may want to fill in the blanks for me. Good idea?

<small>[ February 07, 2005, 10:02 AM: Message edited by: LINY ]</small>

And for all those who came to the U.S. this way, try http://www.ellisislandrecords.org/

Genealogy is a passion of mine...I researched my first ancestor back to 1600 and composed a 800 page book complete with wills, marriage records, death records, birth records, census records, pictures etc. etc... I took a year to compile it and had the opportunity to visit England and the church (still standing) where my first ancestor was married...I have no idea where you are located but I started at the achives...I am Canadian but I suspect you can find sites online in your state/province and search surnames as well...sometimes someone has already started parts of your family history and if you are lucky you can connect with a familiar name...there was a site called www.gendex.com that had alot of surnames researched...I don't know if it still exists or not... you may have already received all this info from other posters here..good luck in your search.. it a quite an enlightening journey into the past...here is a poem for all us genealogy buffs that I found and put in my book along with a picture of the monument of my great great grandfather:

Your monument stands among the rest;
Neglected and alone,
The names and dates are chiseled out,
On polished marble stone.

It reaches out to all who care,
It is too late to mourn.
You did not know that I exist,
You died and I was born.

Yet each of us are cells of you,
In flesh, in blood, in bone.
Our blood contracts and beats a pulse
Entirely not our own.

The place you filled,
over one hundred years ago,
spreads out among the ones you left,
Who would have loved you so.

I wonder if you lived and loved,
I wonder if you knew,
That someday I would find this spot,
And come to visit you.

Author unknown

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I took a year to compile it </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">That's it? One year?!?!?!? I'm very envious!!!!

Thanks for the input...I'll let you know if it works...I think I used it a few years back too.

Hehehe...it's now a dental site! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

<small>[ February 07, 2005, 04:28 PM: Message edited by: LINY ]</small>