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How to Find Descendants in the United States (view source)
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• ''Begin with what you know.'' If you already know the names of your great-grandparents and approximately when and where they were married, it will be much easier to search for their descendants. | • ''Begin with what you know.'' If you already know the names of your great-grandparents and approximately when and where they were married, it will be much easier to search for their descendants. | ||
• ''Begin with individuals or families alive around 1850.'' People who lived in the period from the mid-1800s to the present are usually | • ''Begin with individuals or families alive around 1850.'' People who lived in the period from the mid-1800s to the present are usually easier to find. In many countries, records began to be created by the mid-1800s; that will make your search much easier. Birth and death records became more complete at that time and are more easily accessed. Some countries began to keep census records, including the names and ages of each family member. In addition, more individuals were literate by that time and kept family Bibles and journals. | ||
• ''Record what you find on family group records.'' On a pedigree chart, you can only trace the ancestry of one child, leaving out the rest of the children. A family group record will enable you to record information for all the children in a family, as well as for the parents and grandparents. As you search for the descendants of your ancestors, family group records will help you organize your work and compile what you find. | • ''Record what you find on family group records.'' On a pedigree chart, you can only trace the ancestry of one child, leaving out the rest of the children. A family group record will enable you to record information for all the children in a family, as well as for the parents and grandparents. As you search for the descendants of your ancestors, family group records will help you organize your work and compile what you find. | ||
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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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— The Library of Congress online catalog (Go to http://catalog.loc.gov.) | — The Library of Congress online catalog (Go to http://catalog.loc.gov.) | ||
— HeritageQuest Online (Go to | — HeritageQuest Online (Go to http://heritagequestonline.com.) | ||
'''Finding Internet information compiled by others.''' Internet genealogical databases are an excellent additional source. Someone may have already compiled and posted information on the ancestral family you are seeking. A quick search of a few Web sites may yield complete and well-documented research that only requires verification. You may even discover family members with whom you can collaborate. | '''Finding Internet information compiled by others.''' Internet genealogical databases are an excellent additional source. Someone may have already compiled and posted information on the ancestral family you are seeking. A quick search of a few Web sites may yield complete and well-documented research that only requires verification. You may even discover family members with whom you can collaborate. | ||
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.”''''' | ''— 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.”''''' | ||
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''— Remember to try alternate spellings, abbreviations, nicknames, and so forth.'' | ''— Remember to try alternate spellings, abbreviations, nicknames, and so forth.'' | ||
''— Try adding a place name or date to your search terms. For example, to find all | ''— Try adding a place name or date to your search terms. For example, to find all the Werths from Chicago, enter '''“Werth Chicago.”''''' | ||
''— 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 class="Section2"> | ||
=== '''Quick Reference Chart 1 – Where to Look for Previous Research''' === | === '''Quick Reference Chart 1 – Where to Look for Previous Research''' === | ||
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| 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 ''''' | 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. | ||
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<br> | <br> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
=== '''''Step 3: Consult Additional Sources''''' === | === '''''Step 3: Consult Additional Sources''''' === | ||
<div class="Section3"> | <div class="Section3"> | ||
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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 | '''''Expert Tip<nowiki>:</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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• Women occasionally gave one or more of their male children their maiden name. You can sometimes locate children and grandchildren by using the surname of the mother as the first name when you search census records. | • Women occasionally gave one or more of their male children their maiden name. You can sometimes locate children and grandchildren by using the surname of the mother as the first name when you search census records. | ||
'''Wills and probate records.''' Some counties and states began recording wills or estate probate procedures as early as the 1600s. This practice of settling the estates of property owners became almost universal in the United States by 1900. Family wills can help you identify descendants | '''Wills and probate records.''' Some counties and states began recording wills or estate probate procedures as early as the 1600s. This practice of settling the estates of property owners became almost universal in the United States by 1900. Family wills can help you identify descendants because children were commonly listed by name. Even if your ancestor did not leave a will, a probate record containing vital information about heirs may still exist. | ||
Wills and probate records are generally kept on a county level, so you will need to have some idea of where your ancestors died to see if they left a will. The Family History Library has a large collection of wills and probate records available on microfilm. | Wills and probate records are generally kept on a county level, so you will need to have some idea of where your ancestors died to see if they left a will. The Family History Library has a large collection of wills and probate records available on microfilm. | ||
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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. | ||
5. In the Part of field, type the name of the state in which the county is located. | 5. In the '''Part of''' field, type the name of the state in which the county is located. | ||
6. Look for | 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. | '''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. Because 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 | To see what county histories are available in the Family History Library, visit '''www.familysearch.org''' and follow these steps: | ||
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. | ||
5. In the Part of field, type the name of the state in which the county is located | 5. In the '''Part of''' field, type the name of the state in which the county is located | ||
6. Look for History among the record types. | 6. Look for "History" among the record types. | ||
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> | '''''Expert Tip<nowiki>:</nowiki>'''''''''''<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> | '''''Expert Tip<nowiki>:</nowiki>'''''''''''<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 | 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. | ||
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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 town where your ancestor resided. | 4. In the '''Place''' field, type the name of the town where your ancestor resided. | ||
5. In the Part of field, type the name of the state in which the county is located. | 5. In the '''Part of''' field, type the name of the state in which the county is located. | ||
6. Look for Church | 6. Look for "Church Records" among the record types. | ||
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 to see 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 | 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 who had a social security number in the United States. | ||
</div> <div class="Section4"> | </div> <div class="Section4"> | ||
=== '''Quick Reference Chart 2 – Records to Consult''' === | === '''Quick Reference Chart 2 – Records to Consult''' === | ||
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| 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] >''' '''Guides''' > '''Step-by-step Guides''' > Click the state or country link dealing with census records. | | Go to: '''[http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org] >''' '''Guides''' > '''Step-by-step Guides''' > 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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|- | |- | ||
| County Histories | | 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. | | 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. | | 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''' > '''Family History Library Catalog''' > '''Place Search'''. | | From: '''[http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org]''' '''Library''' > '''Family History Library Catalog''' > '''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.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Repeat the process, using the name of the town of residence. | ||
| Go to: [Address] | | 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''' > '''Family History Library Catalog''' > '''Place Search'''. | | From: '''[http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org]''' '''Library''' > '''Family History Library Catalog''' > '''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] | | 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:''' '''[[www.switchboard.com|'''www.switchboard.com''']]'' <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">to f</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">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]''''''for a lesson on using obituaries.''''' | | Go to: [Address]''''''for a lesson on using obituaries.''''' | ||
|} | |} | ||
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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). | ||
To download the latest version of this program, visit '''www.familysearch.org''' and follow these steps: | To download the latest version of this program, visit '''[[www.familysearch.org]]''' and follow these steps: | ||
1. From the home page, click the '''Download PAF''' link located at the bottom of the screen. | 1. From the home page, click the '''Download PAF''' link located at the bottom of the screen. | ||
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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 '''[ | 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''' === | === '''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> | |||
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. | |||