• For every generation you go back, that generation will double; two parents, four grandparents, eight greatgrandparents, and so on.  Let's say that one of your ancestor's sailed to the "New World" from Europe in the early 1600's, if you are under the age of 30, that would make you the 15th to 16th generation descended from that particular ancestor.  All in all, you would have descended from well over 16,000 people at this point. 

     Astonishing, isn't it.  Now that you have a little insight as to what awaits you, you may be pondering the question; where do I begin, and how?  AQG will start here for you.

STARTING POINT

     Starting with yourself, work yourself backwards.  First acquire all your vital statistics, such as your; Birth Certificate, baptismal certificate, military records, marriage licensee, etc.   Do the same for your siblings if you have any, and then your parents.  Ask questions of your family members to gain knowledge of where they originated from.  Also, listen to their stories.  Family tradition, as it is called, gives you a broader idea of what it was like for them growing up.  But one thing to be careful of is, that as time goes on, the tradition may, and usual does vary.   These traditions add to your genealogy, otherwise, all you would have is just dates.

     Now that you have a starting point, you will need to find a way to document and store those vital statistics and traditions.  

DOCUMENTING YOUR VITAL STATISTICS AND TRADITIONS

     Documentation of your families vital statistics is very important.  Every time you uncover a new piece information, document it.  Example; if you find your information from a book, write down the title, author, page number, etc.  By doing this, you can refer back to the source of that information.  Check out each clue, and double check it if at all possible.  If you do not do this, you may be traveling down the path of someone else's lineage.  The next step is to find the appropriate charts and programs to suit your needs.  There are many different charts and programs available. 

• A great tool is "The Ancestral Chart" or aka "The Pedigree Chart".  This chart uses you as its base, and works backwards, generation by generation.  On this chart you can  record your ancestors' vitals under their name.  This chart is a great tool to take along with you on your outings.  Click on the link below to view the chart.

Ancestral Chart

• Other charts that are available, as mentioned above are:  Descendant charts, family outlines, and ledger type books for your documentation.

• Computer software:  There is a vast variety of computer programs available to the genealogist.  Make sure that you go over ever aspect of a program before you decide to purchase it, as it will be the foundation of your operation.  Another good idea is to ask your friends or co-workers their opinions on what software they like to use.  To view some available programs, click on the link below to AQG's Genealogy Bookstore and more.

The Genealogy Book Store and More

     Now that we have our Starting Point and Documentation covered, we can move on to Sources of Materials for you. 

SOURCES OF MATERIALS

     There are many ways to obtain the data you are looking for to help aid you in your research for your ancestor's.  

• Cemeteries, Census Records, Church Records, Computer Software, Courthouse Records, Family Bible Records, Family History Centers, Genealogical Societies and Historical Libraries, The Internet, Maps, Military Records, National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Naturalization Records, The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Newspaper Clippings, Obituaries, Passenger Lists, Published Books, Quaker Records, Pension Records, Phone books, Photographs, Social Security Death Index (SSDI), and Wills.

     Let's go over these briefly, so that you may understand their importance.

Cemeteries:  Finding an ancestor in a cemetery can aid you greatly as far as dates go, especially if there are other family members buried along side. But there you must be cautious as well, for the dates given for the headstones may be from a relative that was not quite sure of the correct birth and death dates. Remember, it is always a traumatic time for the person left behind, and they may not have been thinking clearly at that time. But it is a good starting point for you. If at all possible, contact the cemetery sexton (caretaker) as he/she may have more information for you, as well as plot numbers.

Census Records:  The first Census Records for the US were taken in 1790. These Census Records listed the name of the Head of the Household (with no other family members named), then females over the age of ..., and males over the age of... On the upper portion of the Census is a page number, and then the people are listed below by numbers (One household per number). It wasn't until 1850 that the entire family, if alive at that time, were listed. You can find where your ancestor was born, as well as the rest of his or her family. Many places such as Genealogical Societies or Historical Libraries have logs that list people alphabetically, then the state and county, and then the number of the page, and household number. After you have that information you can view the Census on Microfilm, or in some cases there are books printed with the Census. Here you will have to watch for various spellings of your surnames. The taker may have spelled it the way it sounded, so be on guard.  Click on the link below to view the Census Online Site.

Census Online

Church Records:  Some churches will have Baptismal/Christening, Birth, Marriage, and Death Records. One thing to remember, a few generations back Churches were the record keepers.

Computer Software:  Computer Software Companies have made CD's or discs such as Immigrants to America, Family Tree software, and many others. Again, you may look at AQG: The Genealogy Book Store Links and More to view them.

Courthouse Records:  Courthouse Records are one of the best sources for you. There in the Hall of Records or Clerk of Courts Office, you will find books upon books called Libers.  These libers contain Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce, Deed, Quitclaims, Plat Books, Probates, Naturalization Records and Wills. You will be astounded at all of the information. You can obtain a copy of these records from them for a fee. In these records you will find names of parents, siblings, places of birth and death, burial locations, causes of deaths, property, etc. Adoption records however will be sealed (not for public viewing). Tip: I was told by a dear friend of mine that while at the courthouse to ask for Probate Records instead of Wills. Using this method, you will receive a packet of those who did not leave wills, and if there was a will left, it would be in the packet or referred to in the packet. One thing to remember, many, but not all Courthouses will let you view their libers. But don't let this discourage you.

Family Bible Records: Family Bibles are another good source for your information. In those records will be names of your ancestors, their births, deaths, marriages, military records, and siblings. If you know of a relative having one any Bible records, please get in contact with them to see if you can obtain a copy of them.

Family History Centers:  Family History Centers hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are absolutely great. I cannot praise them enough for all their great work. There you can view Family Histories, Birth, Christening, Death, Marriage, Military, Phone Records, Books, just to name a few. You do not have to be a member of the church. You only pay for copies you make of something or if you special order a microfilm. If you ever get a chance, please stop by and visit one. You will be happy you did.

Genealogical Societies and Historical Libraries:  These institutions have Census Records on microfilm, or printed versions, books on  states and countries if available, Vital Statistic Records, and Family History on members of their societies.

The Internet:  The Internet is another great tool for you to use. There are sites upon sites chalked full of information for you to unearth. Sites like this one, sites with query postings, state and county sites, overseas sites, mailing lists, and much more.

Maps:  Maps, Gazetteers, and the Atlas will give you a feel of the physical surroundings of the area your ancestors lived in, such as: hills, plains, mountains, rivers, etc.

Military Records:  Military Records may be obtained by contacting your Veterans Affairs Offices, or by getting forms from your Genealogical Society. You need to know the war and company your ancestor fought in. It will save a lot of time both for you and them.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and (NAIL):  The NARA consists of record keeping's of 3 branches of our government: executive, legislative, and judicial. Some records you can find there are: Census Records, Military Service Records, Immigrant and Passenger Arrivals, Genealogical and Biographical Research, Federal Court Records, American Indians, Black Studies, Microfilm Resources for Research: A Comprehensive Catalog. Also the NARA has the NARA Archival Information Locator (NAIL). This site has still photos of Native Americans and African Americans, alien registration during WWI, and more. You can view the NARA Homepage by clicking here: National Archives and Records Administration Home Page

Naturalization Records:  Naturalization Records will give you dates of when your ancestor arrived here, where they were from, and the date they became a citizen. In many larger Genealogical Societies or Latter-day Saints Family History Centers they have or can order Naturalization Records for you to view on microfilm.

The New England Historical and Genealogical Register:  If you had an ancestor  in the New England area, then these Periodicals are a must to view. The New England Historical and Genealogical Register has be recording Genealogies and Genealogical information, four times a year since 1845.

Newspaper Clippings:  Newspaper Clippings are another source of good information for you. You will be able to find a few stories if you are lucky on your ancestor, find birth, marriage, and death records, other family members, and many other things. The library in the city your ancestor lived in may have back issues copied or they may be on microfilm.

Obituaries:  In obituaries you will find when your ancestor passed away, where he/she was buried, what they died from, and their personal history. Check Libraries or Genealogical Societies for these. Again, be cautious with these, as they were submitted by a family member.

Passenger Lists:  Passenger Lists, if you are lucky enough to find your ancestor, are good tools.  These lists will tell you what ship they boarded, where the left port, and where they arrived, and the dates of all of the above.

Quaker Records:  Pension Records will tell you a little history on your ancestor, where they lived, what battles they were in, sometimes where they were born and where they passed on. Some name their spouse and children. Others are of widows who received their husband's pensions.

Pension Records: Pension Records will tell you a little history on your ancestor, where they lived, what battles they were in, sometimes where they were born and where they passed on. Some name their spouse and children. Others are of widows who received their husband's pensions.

Phone Books:  Old Phone Books will give you an idea of where your ancestor had lived. Sometimes you can find these at libraries in the city where your ancestor lived, or at Genealogical Societies and Family History Centers.

Photographs: Old Photographs will let you see your ancestors face to face, sort of speaking. On the back of old photographs, if you are lucky, someone may have written who was in the photo, and sometimes there may be a stamp of where the photo was taken. This will give you an idea of where to look for them.

Social Security Death Index (SSDI):   The Social Security Death Index will give you your ancestors social security number, what state they received their card, and where their benefits were last sent. Social Security started in 1935, so if your ancestor passed away before that, this will not be able to help you out.

Wills:  Wills will give you much needed information such as property your ancestor owned, who he/she left their property too, naming spouses and children, along with debts to be paid.

CLOSING COMMENTS

     In closing there are a few points I would like to remind you of. One is, remember to always document, and two, take everything with a grain of salt, that is check and recheck, do not assume. Well, I hope that this has been of some help to you. Genealogy is not an exact science, but you will have hours and hours of fun researching. Good Luck.