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How to Find Descendants in the United States: Difference between revisions

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How to Find Descendants in the United States (view source)

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The goal of descendancy research is to find descendants of an ancestral couple. While ancestral research starts with you and goes back in time, descendancy research starts with an ancestral couple you have identified and comes forward to the present time. Before you can do descendancy research, you must first identify a starting ancestral family. To find that family, you may need to do some traditional family history research and then move to descendancy research.
The goal of descendancy research is to find descendants of an ancestral couple. While ancestral research starts with you and goes back in time, descendancy research starts with an ancestral couple you have identified and comes forward to the present time. Before you can do descendancy research, you must first identify a starting ancestral family. To find that family, you may need to do some traditional family history research and then move to descendancy research.


One great advantage of descendancy research is the number of names you can find. For example, if you search from you to your grandparents and then to your great-grandparents (doing ancestral research), the number of direct-line ancestors you can find is 14 people. However, if you begin your research with your great-grandparents and locate all their descendants (doing descendancy research), the number of people you can find can be in the hundreds. The results of descendancy research can be amazing.
== '''Value of Descendancy Research''' ==


Descendancy research can lead you to important clues, contacts, or records you might not find if you researched only direct ancestors. These clues and contacts can often help you get past dead ends in your ancestral research.
One advantage of descendancy research is the number of names you can find. For example, if you search from you to your grandparents and then to your great-grandparents (doing ancestral research), the number of direct-line ancestors you can find is 14 people. However, if you begin your research with your great-grandparents and locate all their descendants (doing descendancy research), the number of people you can find can be in the hundreds. The results of descendancy research can be amazing.
 
Descendancy research can lead you to important clues, contacts, or records you might not find if you researched only direct ancestors. Collaborating with new contacts about the new clues you find can often help you get past dead ends in your ancestral research.
 
== '''Risks of Descendancy Research''' ==


<br>
<br>
<div class="Section1">
<div class="Section1">
=== '''Preparing''' ===
'''Preparing'''


Fill in a pedigree chart, or locate a pedigree chart for your family. This chart will provide some dates and places to help you get started.&nbsp;<br><br>
Fill in a pedigree chart, or locate a pedigree chart for your family. This chart will provide some dates and places to help you get started.&nbsp;<br><br>


== '''Doing Descendancy Research''' ==
'''Doing Descendancy Research'''
<div class="Section1">
<div class="Section1">
The process of searching for the descendants of your ancestors is the same as the process for finding direct-line ancestors:
The process of searching for the descendants of your ancestors is the same as the process for finding direct-line ancestors:


* Step 1: Choose a Family to Start With
*  
* Step 2: Collect Previous Research
Step 1: Choose a Family to Start With
* Step 3: Consult Additional Sources
 
* Step 4: Compile What You Have Learned
*  
Step 2: Collect Previous Research
 
*  
Step 3: Consult Additional Sources
 
*  
Step 4: Compile What You Have Learned
 


<br>
<br>
</div>  
</div>  
=== '''''Step 1: Choose a Family to Start With''''' ===
'''''Step 1: Choose a Family to Start With'''''
<div class="Section1">
<div class="Section1">
Do you have an ancestor about whom you are curious? Have you heard intriguing stories about a great-grandparent? Possibly you are looking for a genetic connection to a great uncle who may have had the same illness you have just had diagnosed. Many reasons may spark your interest in a particular individual or family. Regardless of how you decide, the first step is to choose an individual or family to use as the starting point.
Do you have an ancestor about whom you are curious? Have you heard intriguing stories about a great-grandparent? Possibly you are looking for a genetic connection to a great uncle who may have had the same illness you have just had diagnosed. Many reasons may spark your interest in a particular individual or family. Regardless of how you decide, the first step is to choose an individual or family to use as the starting point.
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<br>
<br>
</div>  
</div>  
=== '''''Step 2: Collect Previous Research''''' ===
'''''Step 2: Collect Previous Research'''''
<div class="Section1">
<div class="Section1">
Family history research is one of the most popular hobbies in the world today. Someone else could very well have already started gathering information about the very ancestral family you have selected. Your extended family members may have this information, or you may be able to find it in published family histories or on the Internet.
Family history research is one of the most popular hobbies in the world today. Someone else could very well have already started gathering information about the very ancestral family you have selected. Your extended family members may have this information, or you may be able to find it in published family histories or on the Internet.
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''— For additional search tips, go to the help section of the search engine.''
''— For additional search tips, go to the help section of the search engine.''
</div><div class="Section2"></div>  
</div>
=== '''Quick Reference Chart 1 – Where to Look for Previous Research''' ===
 
 
'''Quick Reference Chart 1 – Where to Look for Previous Research'''


{| class="vertical listing FCK__ShowTableBorders"
{| class="vertical listing FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
|-
| '''Internet Resource'''
|  
| '''Contents'''
'''Internet Resource'''
| '''URL Address'''
 
| '''Instructions'''
|  
'''Contents'''
 
|  
'''URL Address'''
 
|  
'''Instructions'''
 
|-
|-
| Published Family Histories
|  
| The Family History Library Catalog has an index of published family histories.
Published Family Histories
| Go to: '''[http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org] &gt;''' '''Family History Library Catalog''' &gt; '''Surname Search'''
 
| Enter the family name in the search box; then check the search results. If the book has been microfilmed, you can order a copy of it through your local family history center. For common surnames, choose '''Keyword Search''' in the Family History Library Catalog and add an additional surname or the name of the location where the family lived to narrow the search.
|  
The Family History Library Catalog has an index of published family histories.
 
|  
Go to: '''[http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org] &gt;''' '''Family History Library Catalog''' &gt; '''Surname Search'''
 
|  
Enter the family name in the search box; then check the search results. If the book has been microfilmed, you can order a copy of it through your local family history center. For common surnames, choose '''Keyword Search''' in the Family History Library Catalog and add an additional surname or the name of the location where the family lived to narrow the search.
 
|-
|-
| Compiled Family Genealogies
|  
| Use the Pedigree Resource File (PRF) to see if someone has already identified some or all of the children in the family you are researching.
Compiled Family Genealogies
| Go to: '''[http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org] &gt;''' '''Search''' &gt; '''Pedigree Resource File'''
 
| Enter the family name and fill in other boxes you might have information for; then click '''Search'''. There may be multiple results. Look for records that include spouse and children. Remember that records in the Pedigree Resource File may not always be accurate or complete. Use them as a starting point.
|  
Use the Pedigree Resource File (PRF) to see if someone has already identified some or all of the children in the family you are researching.
 
|  
Go to: '''[http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org] &gt;''' '''Search''' &gt; '''Pedigree Resource File'''
 
|  
Enter the family name and fill in other boxes you might have information for; then click '''Search'''. There may be multiple results. Look for records that include spouse and children. Remember that records in the Pedigree Resource File may not always be accurate or complete. Use them as a starting point.
 
|-
|-
| Internet Search Engines&nbsp;
|  
| A search engine may help you find documents anywhere on the Internet that mention the search name you entered. This search often leads to descendant data.
Internet Search Engines&nbsp;
 
|  
A search engine may help you find documents anywhere on the Internet that mention the search name you entered. This search often leads to descendant data.
 
|  
|  
Go to: '''[http://www.google.com www.google.com]''' or '''[http://www.yahoo.com www.yahoo.com]'''<br>
Go to: '''[http://www.google.com www.google.com]''' or '''[http://www.yahoo.com www.yahoo.com]'''<br>


| Type in the information in the search box; then click '''Search'''. Click on the links that seem to contain relevant information. Narrow the search by placing quotation marks around the first and last name—“John K. Doe.” Try putting the surname first—“Doe, John K.” If you do not get any relevant results, try searching without the middle initial or middle name. If you get too many results, try adding a place name or a date.
|  
Type in the information in the search box; then click '''Search'''. Click on the links that seem to contain relevant information. Narrow the search by placing quotation marks around the first and last name—“John K. Doe.” Try putting the surname first—“Doe, John K.” If you do not get any relevant results, try searching without the middle initial or middle name. If you get too many results, try adding a place name or a date.
 
|}
|}


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<br>
<br>
</div>  
</div>  
=== '''''Step 3: Consult Additional Sources''''' ===
'''''Step 3: Consult Additional Sources'''''
<div class="Section3">
<div class="Section3">
Certain records are particularly rich in descendant information. Five record types—census records, wills and probate records, county histories, church records, obituaries—generally include information about parents and children and vital information for each person listed. These records will help you identify the descendants for whom you are searching. In this section you will learn:
Certain records are particularly rich in descendant information. Five record types—census records, wills and probate records, county histories, church records, obituaries—generally include information about parents and children and vital information for each person listed. These records will help you identify the descendants for whom you are searching. In this section you will learn:
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'''Census records.''' Many governments have taken regular censuses of their citizens. In the United States, these censuses have taken place every decade since 1790. Many census records are available in a digital, searchable format. If you have census records available, you should search them for a record of your family. This record will guide the rest of your research by placing your family in a particular place at a specific time. Census records can be searched free of charge at any Church family history center with an Internet connection.
'''Census records.''' Many governments have taken regular censuses of their citizens. In the United States, these censuses have taken place every decade since 1790. Many census records are available in a digital, searchable format. If you have census records available, you should search them for a record of your family. This record will guide the rest of your research by placing your family in a particular place at a specific time. Census records can be searched free of charge at any Church family history center with an Internet connection.


'''''Expert Tip<nowiki>:&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp;</nowiki>'''''<nowiki>Starting in 1850, U.S. census records listed the names of each person living in the household. This census and those that followed are an effective resource for finding the names of an entire household.</nowiki>
'''''Expert Tip<nowiki>:&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp;</nowiki>'''''<nowiki>Starting in 1850, U.S. census records listed the names of each person living in the household. This census and those that followed are an effective resource for finding the names of an entire household.</nowiki>


Here are some hints for searching through census records:
Here are some hints for searching through census records:
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If you do not know when or where your ancestor died, you may be able to find this information in the Social Security Death Index at '''[http://www.socialsecuritydeathindex.gov www.socialsecuritydeathindex.gov]''' for ancestors who lived and worked in the United States. The index lists names of deceased individuals from the mid-1960s to the present. It provides the date an ancestor was born, when the person died, and where the person resided at the time of death. This index only includes individuals who had a social security number in the United States.
If you do not know when or where your ancestor died, you may be able to find this information in the Social Security Death Index at '''[http://www.socialsecuritydeathindex.gov www.socialsecuritydeathindex.gov]''' for ancestors who lived and worked in the United States. The index lists names of deceased individuals from the mid-1960s to the present. It provides the date an ancestor was born, when the person died, and where the person resided at the time of death. This index only includes individuals who had a social security number in the United States.
</div><div class="Section4"></div>  
</div>
=== '''Quick Reference Chart 2 – Records to Consult''' ===
 
 
'''Quick Reference Chart 2 – Records to Consult'''


{| class="vertical listing FCK__ShowTableBorders"
{| class="vertical listing FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
|-
| '''Record Type'''
|  
| '''Contents'''
'''Record Type'''
| '''How to Use'''
 
| '''URL Address'''
|  
| '''For More Help'''
'''Contents'''
 
|  
'''How to Use'''
 
|  
'''URL Address'''
 
|  
'''For More Help'''
 
|-
|-
| Census Records
|  
| Family Search includes an index to some censuses online. Some censuses list the names of individuals living in the household, with ages and occupations.
Census Records
| Use censuses to learn information about family units. Gender, ages, and other useful information are often provided. Neighboring relatives can sometimes be identified. Fees are charged by some online census databases. However, Church family history centers can provide free access to some of these online databases.
 
| Go to:&nbsp;'''[http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org] &gt;''' '''Guides''' &gt; '''Step-by-step Guides''' &gt; Click the state or country link dealing with census records.
|  
| Go to: [Address] for a lesson on using census records.
Family Search includes an index to some censuses online. Some censuses list the names of individuals living in the household, with ages and occupations.
 
|  
Use censuses to learn information about family units. Gender, ages, and other useful information are often provided. Neighboring relatives can sometimes be identified. Fees are charged by some online census databases. However, Church family history centers can provide free access to some of these online databases.
 
|  
Go to:&nbsp;'''[http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org] &gt;''' '''Guides''' &gt; '''Step-by-step Guides''' &gt; Click the state or country link dealing with census records.
 
|  
Go to: [Address] for a lesson on using census records.
 
|-
|-
| Wills and Probate Records
|  
| The Family History Library has a large collection of wills and probate records on microfilm. Some have online indexes. Probate records include information on family members, property, and so forth.
Wills and Probate Records
| Locate the films you want to review. Order a copy of the film from a Church family history center.
 
| From: '''[http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org] &gt;''' '''Library''' &gt; '''Family History Library Catalog''' &gt; '''Place Search'''.
|  
| Go to: [Address] for a lesson on using wills and probate records.
The Family History Library has a large collection of wills and probate records on microfilm. Some have online indexes. Probate records include information on family members, property, and so forth.
 
|  
Locate the films you want to review. Order a copy of the film from a Church family history center.
 
|  
From: '''[http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org] &gt;''' '''Library''' &gt; '''Family History Library Catalog''' &gt; '''Place Search'''.
 
|  
Go to: [Address] for a lesson on using wills and probate records.
 
|-
|-
| County Histories
|  
| Thousands were published by counties for the U.S. Centennial in 1876. Most include biographies of residents and contain information about children, grandchildren, siblings, and ancestors. Because fees were often charged for inclusion in the county history, not all residents were included.
County Histories
| Find the county of residence; then search by surname among the county or town history records.
 
| From: '''[http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org]''' '''Library''' &gt; '''Family History Library Catalog''' &gt; '''Place Search'''. Type the name of the county in the '''Place''' field. Type the name of the state in the '''Part of''' field. Click on the '''History'''&nbsp;link.<span style="" class="Apple-style-span">&nbsp;</span>Repeat the process, using the name of the town of residence.
|  
| Go to: [Address]&nbsp;for a lesson on using county historical records.
Thousands were published by counties for the U.S. Centennial in 1876. Most include biographies of residents and contain information about children, grandchildren, siblings, and ancestors. Because fees were often charged for inclusion in the county history, not all residents were included.
 
|  
Find the county of residence; then search by surname among the county or town history records.
 
|  
From: '''[http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org]''' '''Library''' &gt; '''Family History Library Catalog''' &gt; '''Place Search'''. Type the name of the county in the '''Place''' field. Type the name of the state in the '''Part of''' field. Click on the '''History'''&nbsp;link.<span style="" class="Apple-style-span">&nbsp;</span>Repeat the process, using the name of the town of residence.
 
|  
Go to: [Address]&nbsp;for a lesson on using county historical records.
 
|-
|-
| Church Records
|  
| Many churches kept excellent baptismal records, including the names of parents. Sometimes all the children of a couple were identified in one set of church records.
Church Records
| Contact the churches in the ancestor’s town of residence. A pastor or priest may be able to help you search the records. There may be a small fee.
 
| From: '''[http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org]''' '''Library''' &gt; '''Family History Library Catalog''' &gt; '''Place Search'''. Type the town or county in the '''Place''' field. Type the state in the '''Part of''' field. • Click on the '''Church Records''' link.
|  
| Go to: [Address]&nbsp;for a lesson on finding family members in church records.
Many churches kept excellent baptismal records, including the names of parents. Sometimes all the children of a couple were identified in one set of church records.
 
|  
Contact the churches in the ancestor’s town of residence. A pastor or priest may be able to help you search the records. There may be a small fee.
 
|  
From: '''[http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org]''' '''Library''' &gt; '''Family History Library Catalog''' &gt; '''Place Search'''. Type the town or county in the '''Place''' field. Type the state in the '''Part of''' field. • Click on the '''Church Records''' link.
 
|  
Go to: [Address]&nbsp;for a lesson on finding family members in church records.
 
|-
|-
| Obituaries
|  
| Local newspapers often publish obituaries, including information about siblings and children. Some began reporting deaths in the 1800s; others started even earlier. Many local libraries and newspaper publishers maintain archives of past newspaper editions on microfilm or on the Internet.
Obituaries
| Find the library or newspaper office. Search the files, or pay the fee to have the librarian or archivist find editions close to the death date.
 
| Go to:&nbsp;'''[http://www.switchboard.com www.switchboard.com]'''''&nbsp;<span style="" class="Apple-style-span">to f</span><span style="" class="Apple-style-span">ind the telephone number of a newspaper or library in your ancestor’s town. Ask the archivist or librarian what you need to do to obtain information or to arrange an interlibrary loan.</span><br>''
|  
| Go to: [Address]&nbsp;for a lesson on using obituaries.
Local newspapers often publish obituaries, including information about siblings and children. Some began reporting deaths in the 1800s; others started even earlier. Many local libraries and newspaper publishers maintain archives of past newspaper editions on microfilm or on the Internet.
 
|  
Find the library or newspaper office. Search the files, or pay the fee to have the librarian or archivist find editions close to the death date.
 
|  
Go to:&nbsp;'''[http://www.switchboard.com www.switchboard.com]'''''&nbsp;<span style="" class="Apple-style-span">to f</span><span style="" class="Apple-style-span">ind the telephone number of a newspaper or library in your ancestor’s town. Ask the archivist or librarian what you need to do to obtain information or to arrange an interlibrary loan.</span><br>''
 
|  
Go to: [Address]&nbsp;for a lesson on using obituaries.
 
|}
|}


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<br>
<br>


=== '''''Step 4: Compile What You Have Learned''''' ===
'''''Step 4: Compile What You Have Learned'''''


Once you have learned about the descendants of your ancestors, record the information, and share it with others.
Once you have learned about the descendants of your ancestors, record the information, and share it with others.
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Although PAF requires some computer experience, the program is not hard to learn. PAF includes numerous tutorials. For additional help, visit '''www.familysearch.org/eng/paf'''
Although PAF requires some computer experience, the program is not hard to learn. PAF includes numerous tutorials. For additional help, visit '''www.familysearch.org/eng/paf'''


=== '''Conclusion''' ===
'''<br>Conclusion'''
Finding the descendants of your ancestors can be rewarding. This approach to family history research will help you find hundreds of relatives you would have missed had you focused your research only on your ancestors. It might also provide the clues and information you need to get past dead ends in your search for ancestors. Descendancy research will help you locate living relatives you didn’t know about. You can collaborate with living relatives and share the workload with others. Learning about the children, grandchildren, and even the great-grandchildren of your ancestors gives you a more complete picture of your family.</div>
</div>
Finding the descendants of your ancestors can be rewarding. This approach to family history research will help you find hundreds of relatives you would have missed had you focused your research only on your ancestors. It might also provide the clues and information you need to get past dead ends in your search for ancestors. Descendancy research will help you locate living relatives you didn’t know about. You can collaborate with living relatives and share the workload with others. Learning about the children, grandchildren, and even the great-grandchildren of your ancestors gives you a more complete picture of your family.
 
[[Category:United_States]]
[[Category:United_States]]
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