In this guide we’re going to learn how to harness one of the most underused genealogical resources of the late 18th and early 19th centuries: the U.S. Censuses of 1790 to 1830. These gems can be a bit daunting with their tick marks and handwritten surnames, but they can contain some very helpful information when used correctly.
When all we wish to do is locate our ancestors, and fill in the gaps in our family tree, taking the time to document our sources can seem like an extra, tedious task. But, if we want to create a tree that has true value, citing sources is not optional. It’s also not as complicated as you might think.
Researching ancestors who came from the United Kingdom can be complex and confusing. Here are five important things to know when starting out on your journey.
If you are lucky enough to be from Scotland, or are of Scottish descent, then you will love the plethora of records just waiting to be researched here (tha thu fortanach, gu dearbh). Scotland, with its majestic green mountains veiled by waves of mist, is such a wondrous place to behold!
Hoping to figure out who is in an old family photo, what year it was taken or what the reason for the shot was? There is no doubt that discovering the who, when, where and why of family pictures is one of the most rewarding forms of genealogical sleuthing there is, but the job can seem nearly impossible. The good news is, there are some strategies that can help. If you’ve been lucky enough to get your hands on some old images, following the steps below can help you finally decipher them.
Probate records, legal documents created after someone dies, are invaluable genealogy tools. Whether or not your ancestor left a will, these records establish genealogical relationships, provide key details and illuminate the world your ancestor lived in. Here’s how to put them to use.
Upon first glance, the U.S. Census appears to be a powerful source for genealogists. With its wide array of information, from ages and family relationships to countries of origin, it seems to be overflowing with facts that can help us follow the lives of our ancestors across time. But, I say, “Researchers, beware!”
The United Kingdom is truly an amazing place to discover your ancestors. Rich with history, each country’s heritage is unique to the land and its people. Whether your family is from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales you are sure to find heaps of records they left behind with the following resources to guide your way.
Hindsight is always 20/20, don’t you think? It’s pretty easy to take a long look back and see the error of our ways. If we had that extraordinary vision, we might save ourselves countless hours of aimless research. Having worked on my own family tree or maybe “tangle of roots,” for over thirty years now, I have come to realize that my missteps may indeed be beneficial to others. In other words, “do as I say, not as I do.”
Irish genealogy research can be incredibly rewarding, especially if you know which online collections are most likely to help you find your ancestors. Genealogy records from Ireland are more abundant than you can imagine and many repositories offer free access.