Can’t Find Your Ancestor? 6 Tips for More Effective Genealogy Searches

There are few things more frustrating or discouraging than spending days, weeks or even years looking for a specific detail about an ancestor and coming up with nothing. And while it is certainly possible that what you are looking for simply does not exist, it’s also possible that a few changes to the way you search may turn up surprising results.

Whether you’re using a huge family history resource like FamilySearch or Ancestry, or digging around on smaller research sites, here are 6 tips that have helped us locate records.

1. Search Databases Individually

While it is certainly convenient that the large sites allow you to search all of their records at one time, it may not be the best way to find what you’re looking for. Searching every database on a site at one time means that a massive amount of records must be sorted through and presented to you to choose from. That means that relevant results can easily get lost in the mix.

On most large research sites, such as FamilySearch or Ancestry, the easiest way to search specific collections is to type in your search and then use the left sidebar to filter the results by type, location, or date. This will drastically narrow your results and help you turn up the details you need. Some sites make it easy to find individual databases and search those specifically as well. Take full advantage of these options because you might be surprised what details get lost in the mix when searching too broadly.

2. Focus on One Piece of Information at a Time

This advice may seem obvious, but it can easily be forgotten in the excitement of the hunt–and in the hopes that casting a wide net will reveal unknown facts and hidden details. Certainly, searching for every possible detail about your ancestor to see what comes up can be fun and beneficial–but when you’re stuck and feeling like your search is fruitless, zeroing in one single chunk of data can clear the way.

To find results more effectively, decide on one piece of information that you want to know–such as a birth date or the cemetery of burial. Now, write down all of the details that may help you locate that data–what do you already know? Who might have what you need? Lay these details out clearly in a notepad. Once you have the facts you need to help you written out clearly, start your search for the one fact you have chosen to look for.

Do not get sidetracked. Save any other interesting information that you may turn up for later, and keep working on the one piece of information only. If the records you are looking through turn up nothing, tweak your search again and again until you are satisfied that you have explored every angle.

Remember to think creatively, especially concerning the spelling of names or dates of events. If you still have not found what you are looking for, try another database, there are many free ones–but stay focused on the goal and don’t give up.

It helps to keep a clear list of specific facts you are in need of and rotate through them to avoid burn out–but when you pick one on your list to search for, stick to it for as long as you can to increase the chances of finding what you need. Focus = Reward

I cannot tell you how many times using tips one and two together have helped me uncover information I had almost given up on finding.

3. Use Boolean Searches

This sounds complicated, but it is not, and it is very effective. It is a simple method for increasing the relevancy of results in just about any database by using words or symbols to refine your request (ie AND, OR or NOT). The Colorado State University has a wonderful, fast tutorial on how you can use boolean searches to help you become a better researcher. I have especially found that the NOT and OR operators can be useful in genealogy research.

Example: Mary Sweft OR Swaft born 1847 NOT Swift

Here is our guide for making the most of Google searches using their special operators.

4. Try Wildcards

I won’t even try to explain this here since Bob Vornlocker as already done such a great job of it on Family History Daily in his article How Wildcard Searches Can Uncover Ancestors. I suggest reading it for some wonderful suggestions.

5. Search Many Databases

As mentioned above, there are many, many wonderful free genealogy resources available online now. And the list grows every day. Many have records only found on their site. We just compiled a collection of 50 free genealogy sites that we really love, and that is only the beginning of what you can find online. It can be easy to limit yourself to your favorite resources–but leaving your comfort zone and exploring new sites may open doors you never even new existed.

6. Go Offline

If you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to search offline for the records you need. This may mean visiting your local library’s genealogy or history reading room, a nearby historical society or a Family Search Center where you will have access to billions of records you simply cannot get ahold of online. Most of these establishments have smart and helpful volunteers that are eager to help you uncover you family’s story.

In some cases, uncovering data may be as simple as ordering a print copy of a record that has not yet been digitized. Most states and counties make this a pretty painless process by placing their indexes available online–often with a convenient ordering system. The prices for some records are very reasonable. A recent search on the Minnesota Historical Society turned up a record with details I had been hunting for for years–$9 and a week later and I had the record in my hands.

This article is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to ideas for breaking down bricks walls and uncovering “missing” family history data. Use what you can and don’t be afraid to mix up your research routine or ask for help from an expert when you need it. You may not always find exactly what you are looking for, but there is a good likelihood you will uncover something you can use. You might also enjoy taking a genealogy research course to learn even more advanced strategies and fun ways to find your ancestors online.

We’d love to hear your tips for better genealogy searches.

By Melanie Mayo – Editor, Family History Daily

Originally published Feb 2015

Featured Image: “African American woman, half-length portrait, facing right” 1899 or 1900, Library of Congress