OT: geneaology - Marriage Builders® Forums

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 $$$.
<blockquote>quote:<hr />other than my ability to focus and cut to the core....with a sharp tongue.<hr /></blockquote>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

[ February 07, 2005, 06:43 AM: Message edited by: pendragon ]

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!
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Interview all the living people that have clues<hr /></blockquote>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?

[ February 07, 2005, 10:02 AM: Message edited by: LINY ]

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

<blockquote>quote:<hr />I took a year to compile it <hr /></blockquote>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" />

[ February 07, 2005, 04:28 PM: Message edited by: LINY ]

Rosie...checked that out too (thank you!)...their records start at 1892...my ancestors arrived before then...besides individual passenger lists, any other idea?

<blockquote>quote:<hr /> their records start at 1892...my ancestors arrived before then...besides individual passenger lists, any other idea?
<hr /></blockquote>Here is a site that may be of help:

http://www.kinnexions.com/kinnexions/savage.htm

Also one of my ancestors wrote the book "Planters of the Commonwealth"...a list of emmigrants to New England from 1620 - 1640...

also at genealogy.com there is a surname list and forums for each surname for family searches;

http://genforum.genealogy.com/surnames/

hope this helps <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

<blockquote>quote:<hr /> That's it? One year?!?!?!? I'm very envious!!!!

<hr /></blockquote>I was lucky enough to discover that several of my ancestors were genealogy buffs too...and alot of my legwork was done for me..."one wrote, " The History of York, Maine" and all I had to do was find the connection down the line and fill in my info where my ancestors emigrated from York, Maine to Canada

I'm so excited to see some other genealogy buffs here! Ditto on the advice about Family Tree Maker. It works so well to keep everything organized.

I enjoyed ancestry.com but I had my sis use my membership to check it out instead of joining since it is so expensive. She's done much more research than I have (time in the libraries and state records going over census, land and military records) and was VERY disappointed with ancestry.com. She's found the Mormon site much more helpful.

Personally, I somehow found myself sidetracked a couple of years ago and haven't worked on things in a while. But it is so much fun. I consider it a never ending puzzle. My H's g-aunt had her DAR and I inherited a lot of her work, a great start on that side of the family. It made it so easy to find others online with all the names she had.

My children all had projects in 5th grade to do their family tree. Most kids used a sheet of paper. Since we have info into the 1500's, my children went and got the paper the teacher decorates the board with and tore off about 8 feet. Their teachers and classmates were stunned.

Another thing, my sis put together a booklet w the story of our family. Basic genealogy w a little of the story (Rev. War soldiers names,etc) of the overall history but she did a wonderful job w the story of our grandparents and their children. She spoke to all the aunts, uncles, and any old friends who are still around. Then she included a short story about our gm and gf, the story of how they met, a page for each of their children with their special memories and info, old family pics, a family tree showing all the living relatives, and birthdates and contact info on members of the family. She printed up copies for everyone. (Fortunately one of our aunts pitched in and covered the costs.) That booklet is a treasure and has been so great! We're at the age where our parents are getting on up there in age and somehow that booklet really helped pull us all together. Everyone became more interested in family reunions and get togethers, more interested because all of a sudden they were more interesting!

LINY, good luck on your research. It really can be worth the time and a lot of fun when you find new info. Thanks, also. You've gotten me interested in starting back on my own work!

MM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Another thing, my sis put together a booklet w the story of our family. Basic genealogy w a little of the story (Rev. War soldiers names,etc) of the overall history but she did a wonderful job w the story of our grandparents and their children. She spoke to all the aunts, uncles, and any old friends who are still around. Then she included a short story about our gm and gf, the story of how they met, a page for each of their children with their special memories and info, old family pics, a family tree showing all the living relatives, and birthdates and contact info on members of the family. She printed up copies for everyone. (Fortunately one of our aunts pitched in and covered the costs.) That booklet is a treasure and has been so great! We're at the age where our parents are getting on up there in age and somehow that booklet really helped pull us all together. Everyone became more interested in family reunions and get togethers, more interested because all of a sudden they were more interesting!
<hr /></blockquote>Hi Marsmom.. I did the same..when I compiled the book I added all the personal interesting info...for example my first ancestor died defending his family against an Indian raid..in that raid many townspeople were taken as hostages and were resold or died...it is fascinating to discover what struggles our ancestors endured to pave the way for us <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

RISE AGAIN

When the waves roll on over the waters
And the ocean cries
We look to our sons and daughters
To explain our lives
As if a child could tell us why

That as sure as the sunrise
As sure as the sea
As sure as the wind in the trees
We rise again in the faces of our children
We rise again in the voices of our song
We rise again in the waves out on the ocean
And then we rise again

[ February 08, 2005, 05:55 AM: Message edited by: New Outlook ]

LINY,

I did this a few years ago. I sucessfully traced several branches of my family tree online.

A few things I learned were...

If you have an unusual last name (as I do) this will be a piece of cake.

If you have a common last name like "Smith" or "Jones" GOOD LUCK <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

How I started gathering info was to type my unsual family name (and all of it`s varitations/spellings) into a search engine. And I contacted everyone who shared my name. And these were NOT people who necessarily had their names on the web for genealogy purposes. Anyone who shared my name got an e-mail telling them I was interested in our family genealogy. I got alot of responses. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

I also searched the Latter Day Saints sites, the Rootsweb, and the US Genweb among many others.

The problem with the Latter Day Saints site (and the others) is that it is only as good/accurate as the people who submitted info. You will find in your searching that there will be MUCH inaccurate information floating around. Take everything you find with a grain of salt unless there are official documents such as ship lists, church records, birth certificates, death certificates, census records, wills, family bibles and letters ect to back it up. Ask for copies.

You need to look at this whole project like putting a puzzle together. You hold certain pieces of the puzzle. You need to hook up with others who hold different pieces. You can`t do all of this by yourself. You need to form a network.

And one more important thing to remember, in the old days many people could not read or write. So the "officials" spelled the names phonetically. You will sometimes see a last name spelled three different ways on the SAME document. That is why there are "sounds like" options on the genealogy online websites.

Go back to your place of birth ansd start there. Start with the facts you already have and work your way backwards. And hook up with others who are researching your family tree. That will cut your task by two thirds <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

LINY one more thing...be mentally prepared for whatever you might find....

Out of curiosity one day I was going through very old online state prison records ....didn`t think I`d find anything there I was just curious....

Lo and behold there was one of my ancestors listed there (not a direct one Thank God) who was tried and convicted for STEALING A SLAVE!!!!! I already knew this branch were slave holders...(which made my skin crawl when I uncovered this) but to STEAL A SLAVE????

You can`t get much lower than that!!!!!

This just goes to prove the old saying "if you go back far enough you will find a king and a horse thief"

And I did find a King too...a Scottish one. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Daisy, NO, mm, pd...thanks for all of the input...I guess as I was picking my "folder" up again, I was hoping for a magic switch that would turn on or something. Now, more than ever, I "need" to know my roots. Like I posted, I've done alot of it already (I'm pretty sure I got back to NYC as my ggggrandfather immigrated) but I'm just not so sure of "other" links in the chain, where they may be weak, and other "branches" which just don't make any sense. I don't even know if I'm making any sense!
<blockquote>quote:<hr />If you have a common last name like "Smith" or "Jones" GOOD LUCK <hr /></blockquote>Thanks for the vore of "confidence", from Mr. Fitzgerald. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" />

If anybody is interested, you can certainly email me at fitzirishcream@optonline.net. for any specific discussions/info that you feel uncomfortable sharing on MB.

Thanks and blessings,
LINY

LINY when you hit a brick wall try speaking with researchers of the female lines.

Many people concentrate on the men but sometimes you can get good information from the researchers of the women`s families. Sometimes they have info on the the men`s families into whom the women married.

Don`t be daunted by this task...I had great time doing this. I turned detective. And I hooked up with distant family members and even people who turned out NOT to be family members and we have remained friends to this day.

And there is something kind of neat about contacting some stranger halfway around the world out of the clear blue sky and realising they are close kin to you....and have the same family stories as you do.

I`ll think you`ll enjoy it once you really get into it.

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Many people concentrate on the men but sometimes you can get good information from the researchers of the women`s families. Sometimes they have info on the the men`s families into whom the women married.<hr /></blockquote>Great advice daisy! It's really odd with my grandparents--all my relatives know *everything* about my grandmother's side (some really intersting facts too!), but when it comes to my surname--nothing.

I'm picking it up after more than 3 years (think I said 2 yesterday, but went onto rootsweb and found my old posts from Jan 2001! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> ). F-again already may have found a flaw--I was looking for the wrong maiden name of my ggggrandmother.

It is all intersting. I love research! Just don't have the money, so most if not all will have to be on line. (I do have a LDS library close by, but time is also a factor.)

Anyway, thanks for the input!!!