BEGINNING YOUR GENEALOGY RESEARCH
Compliments of Taconnett Genealogical Society 2008
With permission from The Hancock County Genealogical Society (2007)
Genealogy Basics
To begin any genealogy project, you need to focus on the family line you want to research. Start by writing down all the information you know (or think you know) about this line. If it starts with you, list your dates of birth, marriages, etc. Then do the same for your parents and grandparents. Next comes the fun part – prove the dates are correct by checking original records, including your own. Find birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death and burial records for each person you have listed.
Once you have done this you will have an idea of how to proceed with earlier generations. There are several types of commonly used forms for genealogy record keeping. Three basic ones with which to start are a pedigree chart, a family group chart and a research record. Many can be found on the Internet. One site for free down-loadable forms is (you’ll have lots of advertising here) is Family Tree Magazine. Others can be found by searching “genealogy form” on your browser. Experiment with the different forms until you find ones that meet your needs. The most important thing to remember is to make sure you record the location of the information you find on any given event in an individual’s life. This way, you do not repeat the same steps unnecessarily and future researchers will know where the information came from if there are ever any questions.
The next thing you need to do is develop a filing system to store your materials. Whether you choose to put your data into a computer program or fill in family group sheets you need to be organized. A simple cardboard file box with file folders for each family name you are working on is a good start. Later on you can expand to a file cabinet if you need to. Always try to file information you pick up as soon as you return home while it is still fresh in your mind.
There are basic sources of information we all use on a regular basis. Original birth, death and marriage records are found at the town office where the event occurred or in the state capital Office of Vital Records or State Archives for older records. Housed in the County Court House, deed records provide an insight into where the individuals lived, who lived around them (often family members) and with whom they did business. Probate records pertaining to guardianships, adoptions, name changes and estates are also housed in the County Court House. (See the section on Court House Records in this packet.) Cemeteries and cemetery records are another source of information. In addition to proving dates of birth or death you also often find family members in adjoining lots. Check with the local undertakers to find records of burial on individuals for whom you are searching. Also a valuable resource is the Family History Library operated by the Church of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons).
The last two basic sources are Federal Census records and local newspapers. The Federal Census was first taken in 1790 and continues to be done every 10 years. The 1890 Federal Census schedules were for the most part lost in a fire. There is a surviving schedule of Civil War Veterans and Widows for 1890 and a few other 1890 census schedules can be found for isolated areas with a little searching. Prior to 1850 the census lists only Head of household by name along with the numbers of persons living in the house by age groups. You will spend a lot of time trying to figure out who everyone is. Often you can confirm family members by checking original town records, deeds or probate records. After 1850 the census becomes a treasure trove of information, as you discover not only who is living in a house, but their age, relationship to the head of household and occupation. Forms to record the information you find in the census can be found and are very helpful in organizing your research. Newspapers often contain lists of marriages, deaths and births. Older newspapers rarely ran obituaries unless the family was well known or well to do and could afford to pay for the obituary. However, you should always check the “town news” columns for the town your family lived in. Oftentimes you will find a note of sympathy extended to the surviving spouse or children with their names listed. Or you might learn the cause of death of the person. It takes time and good eyesight, but check everything. The rewards are great. If you are really lucky you will find a newspaper with an index. …
Libraries are often a source of information when researching family history. Many of the larger libraries have separate genealogy and local history collections; others have materials tucked in with the rest of their collection. Learn to use the card catalog to see what is available. Very often you can find information about several generations of a family in a town history. What a treat it is to find a whole book about your family. It does happen, but remember to check the sources used by the author of the book. If you have any questions try contacting the author through the publisher or double check the information yourself with original sources.
In the computer age we have wonderful resources at our fingertips. The Internet allows us to find information on virtually any family name in the world with the touch of a few buttons. Once again, check the source of the information you find. Contact the person posting the genealogy. Ask where they found the information and then double check. Just because it is on the Internet or for that matter in a book it is not necessarily correct. It is up to us to make sure our information is as accurate as possible. Remember that anything you find, vital records, census reports, newspaper articles or gravestones were all written by a person and as such can be incorrect. Check and double-check any information you find.
Genealogy is a wonderful, time-consuming hobby. It puts us in touch with our ancestors and as we learn about them, we find out more about ourselves. We find our lives intimately connected with events that affected our nation’s growth and the world at large. It is not something that can be put together in a matter of hours or even days. It takes years but the rewards are well worth it. It is like solving a puzzle by digging up the clues one by one. Each clue leads to at least one more question. Each family line leads to more family lines. Along the way you will meet, either in person or through mail or Internet contact dozens of “cousins” and hopefully many new friends. Most of all enjoy your search.
By: Charlene Clemons
Guide to Court Records
Court records form a very important part in the process of putting your family’s history together. This source is especially important in the 19th Century and earlier; for this may be the only place where your missing relative may make an appearance. Often overlooked by those who are just beginning to discover their family heritage, the discovery of these records will add much to the structure of your family and provide some much needed documentation.
Registry of Probate – Records dealing with the Estates of the Deceased: You will find Records here pertaining to the Guardianship of minor children, and their inheritance, Administration of estates for those with property, but no will, wills, name changes, and some adoptions. It is important to know that not every individual filed a will or had his/her estate administered by the Court. Some families do not appear in the Legal Record. Search for other individuals with the same family last name, sometimes you might get lucky. Women and men were appointed administers of various estates. Inventories of Real Estate, property owned, and Personal Estate, clothing, furniture, machinery, etc., are important documents to study, as well as the Will, list of heirs, notifications which include the approximate date of death of the deceased, and personal correspondence.
Registry of Deeds – Records pertaining to the Purchase and Sale of Land: Deed descriptions can include a Mortgage, a Warranty, Quitclaim, Release, or Right-of-way. Important information, to be found in a deed, can include an occupation, the name of a spouse, the names of children, heirs, or siblings, and the history of a family homestead or business. The purchase or sale price is important, as well as the deed description, and the date on which property is sold. Sometimes the date of sale is separated from the date of registry by years or decades. Take careful note of all dates mentioned in a Deed. Deeds can often reveal the lifetime estate of an elderly family member. A widow’s dower is the legal right a woman had in the property of her husband. She could sign this right away or claim its value against the assets of an estate.
Important Reminders: Deeds and Probate Records are written in an older style and sometimes can be quite difficult to decipher. The visually impaired should bring a magnifying glass or an assistant. Many of these records are incredibly old and extremely brittle. Treat these records with respect and TLC. Take great care and caution in using them. Please respect these valuable resources and leave them as you have found them, ensuring their usage for future generations.
Mark E Honey
April, 2003
Earth Base Zero 