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The goal of descendancy research is to find all the 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 an ancestral family to start with. 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 all the 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 an ancestral family to start with. To find that family, you may need to do some traditional family history research and then move to descendancy research.
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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.
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.
 
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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.
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.
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<div class="Section1">
<br>


=== <br />'''''' ===
=== '''''''''' ===


=== '''Before You Begin ''' ===
=== '''Before You Begin''' ===


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.'' ''
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.''''


=== <br />'''''' ===
<br>
 
</div>
 
== '''Doing Descendancy Research ''' ==


=== '''''''''' ===
</div>
== '''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:


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* Step 4: Compile What You Have Learned
* 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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• ''Begin with real curiosity.'' As you search for the descendants of your ancestors, remember to follow your heart. If you feel strongly that you need to learn about a particular family, listen to those feelings and search for that family.
• ''Begin with real curiosity.'' As you search for the descendants of your ancestors, remember to follow your heart. If you feel strongly that you need to learn about a particular family, listen to those feelings and search for that family.


=== <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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You can often find family histories in libraries in the area where your ancestors lived. The Library of Congress and the Family History Library also have extensive collections of published family histories.
You can often find family histories in libraries in the area where your ancestors lived. The Library of Congress and the Family History Library also have extensive collections of published family histories.


'''''Expert Tip:''''''' Many histories can be accessed on the Internet. You can also request them at your local library through an interlibrary loan system or they can be sent to a family history center. ''
'''''Expert Tip:''''''' Many histories can be accessed on the Internet. You can also request them at your local library through an interlibrary loan system or they can be sent to a family history center.


The following are great places to start your search for family histories:
The following are great places to start your search for family histories:
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A good place to start your search for family information that has been compiled by others is [http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org]. This site has several compiled databases that may help you find information, including the Ancestral File, the Pedigree Resource File, and the International Genealogical Index (IGI.)
A good place to start your search for family information that has been compiled by others is [http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org]. This site has several compiled databases that may help you find information, including the Ancestral File, the Pedigree Resource File, and the International Genealogical Index (IGI.)


'''''Expert Tip'''''''<nowiki>: Your search may result in several sources of information about an ancestor. Focus on records that provide information about other extended family members. These records may not be accurate or complete, but they will give you a starting point. </nowiki>''
'''''Expert Tip'''''''<nowiki>: Your search may result in several sources of information about an ancestor. Focus on records that provide information about other extended family members. These records may not be accurate or complete, but they will give you a starting point.</nowiki>


'''Internet search engines.''' Search engines, such as Google or Yahoo, help you learn if someone has posted information on the Internet about your ancestors or their descendants. Search engines may help you find pedigree charts, family Web sites, cemetery records, personal histories, family Bibles, and so forth.
'''Internet search engines.''' Search engines, such as Google or Yahoo, help you learn if someone has posted information on the Internet about your ancestors or their descendants. Search engines may help you find pedigree charts, family Web sites, cemetery records, personal histories, family Bibles, and so forth.


'''''Expert Tip'''''''<nowiki>: You may find many references to your ancestor in a search engine, especially if he or she has a common name. The following search strategies can help to narrow your search: </nowiki>''
'''''Expert Tip'''''''<nowiki>: You may find many references to your ancestor in a search engine, especially if he or she has a common name. The following search strategies can help to narrow your search:</nowiki>
 
''— To search for an exact phrase or name, put quotation marks around your search terms. For example, search on '''"John K. Doe"''' (typing the quotation marks into the search box). Also try putting the surname first and the given name second—'''“Doe, John K.”''' ''


''— You many also want to try the name without middle initials. ''
''— To search for an exact phrase or name, put quotation marks around your search terms. For example, search on '''"John K. Doe"''' (typing the quotation marks into the search box). Also try putting the surname first and the given name second—'''“Doe, John K.”'''''


''— Remember to try alternate spellings, abbreviations, nicknames, and so forth. ''
''— You many also want to try the name without middle initials.''


''— Try adding a place name or date to your search terms. For example, to find all of the Werths from Chicago, enter '''“Werth Chicago.”''' ''
''— Remember to try alternate spellings, abbreviations, nicknames, and so forth.''


''— For additional search tips, go to the help section of the search engine. ''
''— Try adding a place name or date to your search terms. For example, to find all of the Werths from Chicago, enter '''“Werth Chicago.”'''''


</div>
''— For additional search tips, go to the help section of the search engine.''
 
</div> <div class="Section2">
<div class="Section2">
=== '''Quick Reference Chart 1 – Where to Look for Previous Research''' ===
 
=== '''Quick Reference Chart 1 – Where to Look for Previous Research ''' ===


{| class="vertical listing"
{| class="vertical listing"
| '''Internet Resource '''
|-
| '''Contents '''
| '''Internet Resource'''
| '''URL Address '''
| '''Contents'''
| '''Instructions '''
| '''URL Address'''
| '''Instructions'''
|-
|-
| Published Family Histories
| Published Family Histories
| The Family History Library Catalog has an index of published family histories.
| 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'''
| 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.
| 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.
|-
|-
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| 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.
| 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 ''' '''
| Internet Search Engines ''''''
| 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.
| 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 '''''']'''[http://www.yahoo.com www.yahoo.com] '''
Go to: '''[http://www.google.com www.google.com]''' or [http://www.yahoo.com ''''''']''''''''[http://www.yahoo.com www.yahoo.com]'''
 
| 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.
|}
|}
</div> <div class="Section3">
'''Broadening your search. '''A quick review of published family histories, compiled genealogies, and resources on the Internet will tell you how much research may still be needed. For information on how to do basic research, go to [[How to Begin a Search for Your Ancestor]]''''''


</div>
==== <br> ====
 
</div>  
=== '''''Step 3: Consult Additional Sources''''' ===
<div class="Section3">
<div class="Section3">
'''Broadening your search. '''A quick review of published family histories, compiled genealogies, and resources on the Internet will tell you how much research may still be needed. For information on how to do basic research, go to [[How to Begin a Search for Your Ancestor]]''''''
==== <br /> ====
</div>
=== '''''Step 3: Consult Additional Sources ''''' ===
<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>: 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>: 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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2. Click '''Family History Library Catalog'''.
2. Click '''Family History Library Catalog'''.


3. Click '''Place'''''' Search'''.
3. Click '''Place''''''Search'''.


4. In the Place field, type the name of the county where your ancestor resided.
4. In the Place field, type the name of the county where your ancestor resided.
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6. Look for probate records listed among the record types. Microfilms of the listed records are available in the Family History Library and can be ordered from a local family history center.
6. Look for probate records listed among the record types. Microfilms of the listed records are available in the Family History Library and can be ordered from a local family history center.


'''County histories. '''County histories also often identify families and their descendants. Thousands of these histories were compiled and published as part of the U.S. centennial celebration in 1876. Others were published to mark various county centennial anniversaries. Most histories include biographical sketches of county residents, often containing information about the subject’s children, grandchildren, siblings, and ancestors. Since a fee was often required for inclusion in a county history, not all residents participated, but many did.
'''County histories.'''County histories also often identify families and their descendants. Thousands of these histories were compiled and published as part of the U.S. centennial celebration in 1876. Others were published to mark various county centennial anniversaries. Most histories include biographical sketches of county residents, often containing information about the subject’s children, grandchildren, siblings, and ancestors. Since a fee was often required for inclusion in a county history, not all residents participated, but many did.


To see what county histories are available in the family history library, visit '''www.familysearch.org''' and follow these steps:
To see what county histories are available in the family history library, visit '''www.familysearch.org''' and follow these steps:
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1. From the home page, click the '''Library''' tab at the top of the screen.
1. From the home page, click the '''Library''' tab at the top of the screen.


2. Click''' Family History Library Catalog'''.
2. Click'''Family History Library Catalog'''.


3. Click '''Place'''''' Search'''.
3. Click '''Place''''''Search'''.


4. In the Place field, type the name of the county where your ancestor resided.
4. In the Place field, type the name of the county where your ancestor resided.
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You can also call county offices directly. Many directories are available on the Internet to help you find the telephone number of a county office in the locality you are searching.
You can also call county offices directly. Many directories are available on the Internet to help you find the telephone number of a county office in the locality you are searching.


'''''Expert Tip'''''''<nowiki>: You can search for town histories as well as county histories. </nowiki>''
'''''Expert Tip'''''''<nowiki>: You can search for town histories as well as county histories.</nowiki>


'''Church records. '''Many churches kept excellent baptismal records, which usually included the names of the child’s parents. Sometimes all the children of a particular couple were identified in one set of church records. If you know what church your ancestor belonged to, obtain the microfilmed church records by using the same method described for finding town and county records.
'''Church records.'''Many churches kept excellent baptismal records, which usually included the names of the child’s parents. Sometimes all the children of a particular couple were identified in one set of church records. If you know what church your ancestor belonged to, obtain the microfilmed church records by using the same method described for finding town and county records.


'''''Expert Tip'''''''<nowiki>: When you look at church and other records, remember that families sometimes gave two or more children the same first name. Occasionally they gave all their male or female children the same first name, and then provided each with a unique middle name. A more common occurrence was that when a child died, the parents gave the second child the same name as the deceased child. </nowiki>''' '''''
'''''Expert Tip'''''''<nowiki>: When you look at church and other records, remember that families sometimes gave two or more children the same first name. Occasionally they gave all their male or female children the same first name, and then provided each with a unique middle name. A more common occurrence was that when a child died, the parents gave the second child the same name as the deceased child.</nowiki>''''''


To see what church records are available in the family history library, visit [http://www.familysearch.org '''www.familysearch.org'''] and follow these steps:''' '''
To see what church records are available in the family history library, visit [http://www.familysearch.org '''www.familysearch.org'''] and follow these steps:''''''


1. Click the '''Library''' tab at the top of the screen.
1. Click the '''Library''' tab at the top of the screen.


2. Click''' Family History Library Catalog'''.
2. Click'''Family History Library Catalog'''.


3. Click '''Place'''''' Search'''.
3. Click '''Place''''''Search'''.


4. In the Place field, type the name of the town where your ancestor resided.
4. In the Place field, type the name of the town where your ancestor resided.
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You can also call a church directly. Many directories are available on the Internet to help you find the telephone number of a church in the locality you are searching.
You can also call a church directly. Many directories are available on the Internet to help you find the telephone number of a church in the locality you are searching.


'''Obituaries. '''By 1900, local newspapers often published obituaries containing information about the deceased’s siblings and children. Some began much earlier. Many newspapers today have archives carrying obituaries from past editions. You can quickly search if your ancestor had an obituary by contacting the local library newspaper archives. A telephone number for the library in your ancestor’s town may be available on the Internet. Ask the librarian how you can obtain the information or arrange an interlibrary loan. Some newspaper archives are also available on the Internet.
'''Obituaries.'''By 1900, local newspapers often published obituaries containing information about the deceased’s siblings and children. Some began much earlier. Many newspapers today have archives carrying obituaries from past editions. You can quickly search if your ancestor had an obituary by contacting the local library newspaper archives. A telephone number for the library in your ancestor’s town may be available on the Internet. Ask the librarian how you can obtain the information or arrange an interlibrary loan. Some newspaper archives are also available on the Internet.


Many obituaries contain information about extended family members related to the person who has died. You can use print and Internet telephone directories to locate people mentioned in an obituary.
Many obituaries contain information about extended family members related to the person who has died. You can use print and Internet telephone directories to locate people mentioned in an obituary.


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 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 that 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 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 that had a social security number in the United States.
 
</div> <div class="Section4">
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=== '''Quick Reference Chart 2 – Records to Consult''' ===
 
<div class="Section4">
 
=== '''Quick Reference Chart 2 – Records to Consult ''' ===


{| class="vertical listing"
{| class="vertical listing"
| '''Record Type '''
|-
| '''Contents '''
| '''Record Type'''
| '''How to Use '''
| '''Contents'''
| '''URL Address '''
| '''How to Use'''
| '''For More Help '''
| '''URL Address'''
| '''For More Help'''
|-
|-
| Census Records
| 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.
| 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.
| 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:''' [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:'''[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.
| Go to: [Address] for a lesson on using census records.
|-
|-
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| 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.
| 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.
| 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'''.
| 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.
| Go to: [Address] for a lesson on using wills and probate records.
|-
|-
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| 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. Since fees were often charged for inclusion in the county history, not all residents were included.
| 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. Since 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.
| 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''''' ''link. • Repeat the process, using the name of the town of residence.
| 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'''''''link. • Repeat the process, using the name of the town of residence.
| Go to: [Address]''' '''for a lesson on using county historical records.
| Go to: [Address]''''''for a lesson on using county historical records.
|-
|-
| Church 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.
| 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.
| 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.
| 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]''' '''for a lesson on finding family members in church records.
| Go to: [Address]''''''for a lesson on finding family members in church records.
|-
|-
| Obituaries
| 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.
| 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.
| 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:''' '''http://www.switchboard.com '''to''' '''find 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.
| '''Go to:''' '''http://www.switchboard.com'''to''''''find 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.
| Go to: [Address]''' '''for a lesson on using obituaries.
| Go to: [Address]''''''for a lesson on using obituaries.
|}
|}


=====  =====
=====  =====
 
</div>  
</div>
=== '''''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.


'''Record what you find. '''As you identify the members of your ancestral families, you should record the information you find. The family group record is the most universal means for recording information about parents and their descendants.
'''Record what you find.'''As you identify the members of your ancestral families, you should record the information you find. The family group record is the most universal means for recording information about parents and their descendants.


If you own a computer, you may prefer to record the information you find in an electronic database. There are many computer programs that allow you to do just that. One that is free of charge is Personal Ancestral File (PAF).
If you own a computer, you may prefer to record the information you find in an electronic database. There are many computer programs that allow you to do just that. One that is free of charge is Personal Ancestral File (PAF).
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3. Follow the download instructions found on the screen.
3. Follow the download instructions found on the screen.


Although PAF requires some computer experience, the program is not hard to learn. PAF includes numerous tutorials. For additional help, visit '''[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/paf 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 '''[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/paf www.familysearch.org/eng/paf]'''


=== '''Conclusion ''' ===
=== '''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.
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.
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