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Tracing Immigrants Arrival Search Tactics (view source)
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[[Image: | [[Image:Immigrants Behold the Statue of Liberty.jpg|right|300x260px|Immigrants Behold the Statue of Liberty.jpg]]Immigrants were usually mentioned in several different records in their new country. However, it is hard to predict which, if any, of those records will name the immigrant's home town. | ||
The following search tactics can help you systematically search country-of-arrival records. Search these records thoroughly because it is hard to know which record has useful information. Keep careful notes of everything you learn; they may lead to more information. Whenever you learn new information, reconsider which tactic to apply next. | The following search tactics can help you systematically search country-of-arrival records. Search these records thoroughly because it is hard to know which record has useful information. Keep careful notes of everything you learn; they may lead to more information. Whenever you learn new information, reconsider which tactic to apply next. | ||
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Find out what language the immigrant spoke. Family surnames are often clues to national origin. For example, a surname ending with “ski” or “sky” indicates Polish or Russian origin. | Find out what language the immigrant spoke. Family surnames are often clues to national origin. For example, a surname ending with “ski” or “sky” indicates Polish or Russian origin. | ||
You can usually determine the country or region an immigrant is from by talking to descendants, using census records, or searching compiled records. For example, the[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/list#page=1®ion=EUROPE International Genealogical Index] could reveal where a particular name occurs most frequently. | You can usually determine the country or region an immigrant is from by talking to descendants, using census records, or searching compiled records. For example, the[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/list#page=1®ion=EUROPE International Genealogical Index] could reveal where a particular name occurs most frequently. | ||
= 8. Trace Relatives and Neighbors = | = 8. Trace Relatives and Neighbors = | ||
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First repeat the previous tactics '''''for other members of the immigrant's family'''''. If you can find the place of origin for a brother or uncle, local records will usually confirm that your ancestor also lived there. Second, use these tactics to '''''seek the immigrant's neighbors'''''. Immigrants often traveled as groups and settled together in the new country. Others joined friends or relatives already there. Finding a neighbor's place of origin may reveal your ancestor's as well. | First repeat the previous tactics '''''for other members of the immigrant's family'''''. If you can find the place of origin for a brother or uncle, local records will usually confirm that your ancestor also lived there. Second, use these tactics to '''''seek the immigrant's neighbors'''''. Immigrants often traveled as groups and settled together in the new country. Others joined friends or relatives already there. Finding a neighbor's place of origin may reveal your ancestor's as well. | ||
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[[Category:Tracing_Immigrant_Origins]] | [[Category:Tracing_Immigrant_Origins]] | ||