Today, I researched me.
More specifically, I researched the people that came before me. Genealogically, I can't go all that far back--into the 1800s--as far as 4-5 generations, depending on the branch.
I'm the Fourth. I wanted to know the name of the First's father. Today, thanks to the 1910 Census, I know.
However, there's still a lot more left unknown.
The thing that made the difference: the library. Yes, I started my day (after leaving the day job early due to lack of work) with the Mormons, who were helpful, and knew things I didn't, though I admit I expected more resources there. Still, they pointed me in lots of right directions, and gave me tons of help, and sent me to the library to access ancestry.com, where it's available free. And that's where I found the name.
5 comments:
I know I shouldn't, but I envy anybody with a family tree. My maternal one goes back to the turn of the century (20th - not 21st ROFL). My paternal - well, I don't even know my dad's parents' names...
That's a start. Really.
Go to www.familysearch.org to start, and check out the Mormons near you--you don't have to be Mormon to go, and they should be able to get you started.
Most of mine I got from 'personal interviews', and I find that talking to people (like my mom) will bring up memories and give you more information.
I keep forgetting about the Mormons. Going to my family doesn't help - they don't have the info either.
Well, that's it then--you start with what you've got. Most people are going to know at least a little more than they think--the names of cousins (even if only the first name) and parents and sometimes grandparents, or maybe they remember when a grandparent died even if they don't remember a name.
Every little thing helps.
It can become a lifelong project, too. Fortunately, I don't think I'll get that in-depth.
My mom's family tree goes back to my great-great-great grandparents on her mother's side; I have back to my great-greats on her father's side. All I know about my dad is his name. It's aggravating. It really makes any tree I draw look a little pitiful. LOL
But thanks for all of your advice. I really do appreciate it.
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