Germans from Russia Search Strategies: Difference between revisions

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== '''Step 1. Identify What You Know about Your Family''' ==
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For a more detailed description of the 5-step research process see [[Principles of Family History Research|Principles of Family History Research]].  
Begin your research with family and home sources. Look for names, dates, and places in certificates, family Bibles, obituaries, diaries, and similar sources. Ask your relatives for any additional information they may have. It's very likely that your second cousin, great-aunt, or other relative already has some family information. Organize the information you find and record it on pedigree charts and [Family group record: roadmap for researchers|family group record] forms.


== Step 1. Identify What You Know about Your Family  ==
== '''Step 2. Decide What You Want to Learn''' ==


Begin your research with family and home sources. Look for names, dates, and places in certificates, family Bibles, obituaries, diaries, and similar sources. Ask your relatives for any additional information they may have. It's very likely that your second cousin, great-aunt, or other relative already has some family information. Organize the information you find and record it on pedigree charts and [[Family group record: roadmap for researchers|family group record]] forms.  
Select a specific relative or ancestor, born in Russia ''for whom you know at least a name, the town or parish where he or she lived in Russia, and an approximate date when he or she lived there''. It's very helpful to also know his religion and the names of other family members born in Russia  or Germany.


== Step 2. Decide What You Want to Learn  ==
If you don't have enough information on your German-from-Russia ancestor, review the sources mentioned in step one which may give his birthplace or residence. For suggestions on how to find the name of his birthplace, see the “Emigration and Immigration” section of this outline. The [[Tracing Immigrant Origins|''Tracing Immigrant Origins Research Outline'']] (34111) may also help.


Select a specific relative or ancestor, born in Russia ''for whom you know at least a name, the town or parish where he or she lived in Russia, and an approximate date when he or she lived there''. It's very helpful to also know his religion and the names of other family members born in Russia or Germany.  
Next, decide what you want to learn about your ancestor, such as where and when he or she was married, or the names of his parents. You may want to ask an experienced researcher or a librarian to help you select a goal that you can successfully achieve.


If you don't have enough information on your German-from-Russia ancestor, review the sources mentioned in step one which may give his birthplace or residence. For suggestions on how to find the name of his birthplace, see the “[[Germans from Russia Emigration and Immigration|Emigration and Immigration]]” article in this set. The [[Tracing Immigrant Origins|Tracing Immigrant Origins]] Wiki article may also help.  
It is usually best to begin by verifying information about the ancestor for whom you know the most, and then continue searching from there. It is often hard to find an ancestor’s records when you know only a name and country of birth. With so little information, your research is limited to a few general indexes like the ''International Genealogical Index''® and ''Ancestral File''™.


Next, decide what you want to learn about your ancestor, such as where and when he or she was married, or the names of his parents. You may want to ask an experienced researcher or a librarian to help you select a goal that you can successfully achieve.
== '''Step 3. Select a Record to Search''' ==


It is usually best to begin by verifying information about the ancestor for whom you know the most, and then continue searching from there. It is often hard to find an ancestor’s records when you know only a name and country of birth. With so little information, your research is limited to a few general indexes like the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/5 <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-style: italic;">FamilySearch.org</span></span>], [[Ancestral File|''Ancestral File'']]™,, or the various searches listed at [[Major Databases for Beginning United States Research#Databases_Online|Databases Online]].  
Read this outline to learn about the types of records used for Germans from Russia research. To trace your family, you may need to use some of the records described in each section. Several factors can affect your choice of which records to search. This outline provides information to help you evaluate the contents, availability, ease of use, time period covered, and reliability of the records, as well as the likelihood that your ancestor will be listed. The table on page # can also help you decide which records to search.


== Step 3. Select a Record to Search  ==
Effective researchers begin by obtaining some background information. Then they survey previous research. Finally, they search original documents.


Read this set of articles to learn about the types of records (topics) used for Germans from Russia research. To trace your family, you may need to use some of the records described in each article. Several factors can affect your choice of which records to search. This set of articles provides information to help you evaluate the contents, availability, ease of use, time period covered, and reliability of the records, as well as the likelihood that your ancestor will be listed. The [[Germans from Russia Record Finder|Record Finder]] can also help you decide which records to search.  
Background Information Sources. You may need some geographical and historical information. This can save you time and effort by helping you focus your research in the correct place and time period.


Effective researchers begin by obtaining some background information. Then they survey previous research. Finally, they search original documents.  
• Locate the town or place of residence. Examine maps, gazetteers, and other place-finding aids to learn as much as you can about each of the places where your ancestors lived. Identify the major migration routes, nearby cities, county boundaries, other geographical features, and government or ecclesiastical jurisdictions. Place-finding aids are described in the “Maps,” “Gazetteers,” “Historical Geography,” and “History” sections of this outline.


'''''Background Information Sources.''''' You may need some geographical and historical information. This can save you time and effort by helping you focus your research in the correct place and time period.  
• Review local history. You will need to understand Russia's and Germany’s history because they have greatly affected the development of records of genealogical value. If possible, study a history of the areas where your ancestors lived. Look for clues about the people, places, religions, and events that may have affected their lives and the records about them. Records with information about migration and settlement patterns, government jurisdictions, and historical events are described in the «???be sure they really are described in these sections, or don't list the section here» [“Church History,”] [“Gazetteers,”] [“History,”] [“Minorities,”] and [“Periodicals,”] sections of this outline.


*''Locate the town or place of residence''. Examine maps, gazetteers, and other place-finding aids to learn as much as you can about each of the places where your ancestors lived. Identify the major migration routes, nearby cities, county boundaries, other geographical features, and government or ecclesiastical jurisdictions. Place-finding aids are described in the “[[Germans from Russia Maps|Maps]],” “[[Germans from Russia Gazetteers|Gazetteers]],” “[[Germans from Russia Historical Geography|Historical Geography]],” and “[[Germans from Russia History|History]]” article in this set.
Learn about jurisdictions. You will need to know about how the nations where your ancestor lived are divided into political subdivisions. The United States are divided into states, counties, towns, and townships. Canada is divided into provinces, counties, towns and townships. The Russian Empire is divided into ???true? provinces and counties. See the “Historical Geography” section of this outline, the Germany Research Outline (34061), and the research outline of the nation where your ancestor settled.
*''Review local history''. You will need to understand Russia's and Germany’s history because they have greatly affected the development of records of genealogical value. If possible, study a history of the areas where your ancestors lived. Look for clues about the people, places, religions, and events that may have affected their lives and the records about them. Records with information about migration and settlement patterns, government jurisdictions, and historical events are described in the "[[Germans from Russia Archives and Libraries|Archives and Libraries]]," "[[Germans from Russia Emigration and Immigration|Emigration and Immigration]]," “[[Germans from Russia Gazetteers|Gazetteers]],” "[[Germans from Russia Historical Geography|Historical Geography]]," “[[Germans from Russia History|History]],” "[[Germans from Russia Maps|Maps]]," “[[Germans from Russia Periodicals|Periodicals]],” and "[[Germans from Russia Societies|Societies]]" articles in this set.
*''Learn about jurisdictions''. You will need to know about how the nations where your ancestor lived are divided into political subdivisions. The United States are divided into states, counties, towns, and townships. Canada is divided into provinces, counties, towns and townships. Russia and the Ukraine are divided into guberniias, and provinces (oblasts). See the “[[Germans from Russia Historical Geography|Historical Geography]]” article from this set, the [[Germany|Germany Wiki article], and the Wiki article of the nation where your ancestor settled.
*''Use language helps''. The records and histories of Germans from Russia are often written in German. You do not need to speak or read German to search the records, but you will need to learn some key words and phrases. You may also need to use Russian gazetteers to locate some German settlements. A few records were kept in Russian about German settlers. Some helpful sources are described in the “[[Germans from Russia Language and Languages|Language and Languages]]” article in this set.
*''Understand naming patterns''. Many families that moved from German-speaking areas to Russia followed distinct naming patterns. Understanding these customs can help you locate missing ancestors. See the “[[Germany Naming Customs|Naming Customs]]” article of the Germany Wiki page for more information.


'''''Previous Research Sources.''''' Most genealogists do a survey of research previously done by others. This can save time and give you valuable information. You may want to look for:<br>
• Use language helps. The records and histories of German from Russia are often written in German. You do not need to speak or read German to search the records, but you will need to learn some key words and phrases. You may also need to use Russian gazetteers to locate some German settlements. A few records were kept in Russian about German settlers. Some helpful sources are described in the “Language and Languages” section of this outline.


*[[Major Databases for Beginning United States Research|Major online databases]].  
• Understand naming patterns. Many families that moved from German-speaking areas to Russia followed distinct naming patterns. Understanding these customs can help you locate missing ancestors. See the “Names, Personal” section of this outline for more information.
*[https://familysearch.org/ FamilySearch]™.
**The International Genealogical Index®.
**Ancestral File™.
**Pedigree Resource File.
*Printed family histories, genealogies, and biographies.
**'''''FamilySearch.org [https://www.familysearch.org/ Surname Search].''''' Search using just the family’s surname. This searches the world’s largest genealogical library for works with this family name as a main subject.
**[http://worldcat.org/advancedsearch '''''WorldCatalog Advanced Search''''']. In the '''''Subject''''' field enter the surname and “family” like this, '''Barth family'''. This searches the catalogs and displays the results from thousands of North American libraries at once.
*Query Russian and Ukrainian [[Germans from Russia Archives and Libraries#Village_Coordinators|Village Coordinators]].
*Local histories.
**'''''FamilySearch.org  [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/5 Place Search].''''' Search with the county, town, or village in the first field. Put the nation or state in the second field. In the "Place search results" click the appropriate place. If any of the entries for that place are for the topic '''History''', click it to see the details.
**[http://worldcat.org/advancedsearch '''''WorldCatalog Advanced Search''''']. In the '''''Subject''''' field enter the county or town name and “history” like this, '''Cook Illinois history''', or '''Sudbury Ontario history'''.
*Articles in genealogical periodicals. Use the '''''Periodical Source Index (PERSI)''''' [https://www.genealogycenter.info/persi/ Surname Search] online at ACPL for a family name in over a million article titles in genealogical periodicals. Put the family name in the '''Surname''' field and click the ''Search'' button. If the Article Results List is too long, redo the search but in the '''Keyword''' field add the two-letter postal abbreviation for the state where they lived.


Records containing previous research are described in the “[[Germans from Russia Biography|Biography]],” “[[Germans from Russia Genealogy|Genealogy]],” “[[Germans from Russia History|History]],” “[[Germans from Russia Periodicals|Periodicals]],” and “[[Germans from Russia Societies|Societies]]” articles in this set. Remember that the information in these sources may contain some inaccuracies. Therefore, you will want to verify the information you find in such records with other records.
Previous Research Sources. Most genealogists do a survey of research previously done by others. This can save time and give you valuable information. You may want to look for:


'''''Original Research Sources.''''' After surveying previous research, you will be ready to begin original research. Original research is the process of searching through original documents, often copied on microfilm, which are usually handwritten in the native language. These documents can provide primary information about your family because they were generally recorded at or near the time of an event by a reliable witness. To do thorough research, you should search records of:
• Articles in genealogical periodicals.


*Each place where your ancestor lived.
• Printed family histories and genealogies.
*Each parish of your ancestor's religion in each place of residence.
*The time period when he or she lived there.
*All jurisdictions that may have kept records about him (town, parish, province, and nation).


Many types of original documents are described in this set of articles. Most Germans from Russia family information is found in the records described under:
• Biographies.


*[[Germans from Russia Church Records|Church Records]].
• Local histories.
*[[Germans from Russia Civil Registration|Civil Registration]].
*[[Germans from Russia Land and Property|Land and Property]].
*[[Germans from Russia Naturalization and Citizenship|Naturalization and Citizenship]].


For each record type, ''the article title is the same as the heading used in the FamilySearch Catalog''.  
• The International Genealogical Index®.


== Step 4. Obtain and Search the Record  ==
• Ancestral File™.


=== Suggestions for Obtaining Records. ===
• The Family Group Records Collections.


You may be able to obtain the records you need in the following ways:
Records containing previous research are described in the “Biography,” “Genealogy,” “History,” “Periodicals,” and “Societies” sections of this outline. Remember that the information in these sources may contain some inaccuracies. Therefore, you will want to verify the information you find in such records with other records.


*''Correspondence''. When requesting services from libraries or professional researchers through correspondence, you are more likely to be successful if your letter is brief and very specific. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) when writing within your own country. You will usually need to send a check or money order in advance to pay for photocopy or search services.
Original Research Sources. After surveying previous research, you will be ready to begin original research. Original research is the process of searching through original documents, often copied on microfilm, which are usually handwritten in the native language. These documents can provide primary information about your family because they were generally recorded at or near the time of an event by a reliable witness. To do thorough research, you should search records of:


*''FamilySearch Library''. You are welcome to visit and use the records at the [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library.] The library is open to the public. There are no fees for using the records. If you would like more information about its services, contact the library at the following address:
• Each place where your ancestor lived.


    [[FamilySearch Library| FamilySearch Library]]<br>    35 North West Temple<br>    Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3400<br>    USA<br>    Telephone: 801-240-3433 Fax: 801-240-1925
• Each parish of your ancestor's religion in each place of residence.


Copies of many books not protected by copyright are available on microfilm or microfiche and may be available at some [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ FamilySearch centers].  
• The time period when he or she lived there.


*''Archives and local churches''. Some of the original documents you will need are at state, church, and local archives or in local parish offices in Russia, the Ukraine, Moldavia, etc. While the FamilySearch Library has many records on microfilm, additional records are available only at these archives. You can request searches in their records through correspondence. (See the “[[Germans from Russia Archives and Libraries|Archives and Libraries]]” article in this set for more information.) Complete instructions on writing to Germany and on how to prepare a genealogical letter in German are in the [https://familysearch.org/search/search/index/catalog-search#searchType=catalog&filtered=true&fed=false&collectionId=&catSearchType=title&searchCriteria=research+guide+german&placeName=&author_givenName=&author_surname= German Letter-Writing Guide] (34066).
• All jurisdictions that may have kept records about him (town, parish, province, and nation).


*''Libraries and interlibrary loan''. Public, academic, and other research libraries may have some published sources for Germans from Russia research. Many libraries also provide interlibrary loan services that allow you to borrow records from other libraries.
Many types of original documents are described in this outline. Most Germans from Russia family information is found in the records described under:


*[[Copying Sources|''Photocopies'']]. The FamilySearch Library and a few other libraries offer limited photoduplication services for a small fee. You must specify the exact pages you need. Books protected by copyright cannot be copied in their entirety. However, a few pages can usually be copied for personal research. Photocopying facilities are rare in Russia.
• Church Records.


=== Hiring a Professional Researcher. ===
• Civil Registration.


You can employ a private researcher to search the records for you. A few researchers specialize in Germans from Russia records. You may want to check with [http://www.icapgen.org/icapgen/aglist Accredited Genealogist researchers] who work with records of countries such as Germany, Switzerland, or Austria about their services for German-speaking people from Russia.  
• Land and Property. ???


Be very cautious when hiring professional researchers in the former Russian Empire and “let the buyer beware!” The two most reputable research organizations are:
• Naturalization and Citizenship. ???


    PROBAN Genealogy Bureau<br>    ???Address
For each record type, the section heading used in this outline is the same as the heading used in the Family History Library Catalog.


Research in archives in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine can also be arranged through the Russian-American Genealogical Archive Service (RAGAS). They are more helpful for Jewish research. You may request bilingual research application forms by contacting:
== '''Step 4. Obtain and Search the Record''' ==


    RAGAS<br>    1929 18th Street N.W.<br>    Washington, D.C. 20009 USA
Suggestions for Obtaining Records. You may be able to obtain the records you need in the following ways:


=== Suggestions for Searching the Records. ===
• Family History Library. You are welcome to visit and use the records at the Family History Library. The library is open to the public. There are no fees for using the records. If you would like more information about its services, contact the library at the following address:


You will be most successful with Germans from Russia research if you can examine the original records (on microfilm). In some cases, handwritten transcripts of the original records are available. These may be easier to read, but may be less accurate than the original records.
Family History Library
35 North West Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3400
USA
Telephone: 801-240-3433
Fax: 801-240-1925


Follow these principles as you search the records for your ancestor:
• Family History Centers. Copies of most of the records on microform at the Family History Library can be loaned to more than 2,400 Family History Centers. There are small duplication and postage fees for this service.


*''Search for one generation at a time''. Do not attempt to connect your family to others of the same surname who lived more than a generation before your proven ancestor. It is much easier to prove parentage than descent.
The library's books cannot be loaned to the centers, but copies of many books not protected by copyright are available on microfilm or microfiche. You can get a list of the Family History Centers near you by writing to the Family History Library at the address above.
*[[Research a Family in Community Context|''Search for the ancestor's entire family'']]. The records of each person in a family may include clues for identifying other family members. In most families, children were born at regular intervals. If there appears to be a longer period between some children, reexamine the records for a child who may have been overlooked. Consider looking at other records and in other places to find a missing family member.
*''Search each source thoroughly''. The information you need to find a person or trace the family further may be a minor detail of the record you are searching. Note the occupation of your ancestor and the names of witnesses, godparents, neighbors, relatives, guardians, and others Also, note the places they are from.
*''Search a broad time period''. Dates obtained from some sources may not be accurate. Look several years before and after the date you think an event, such as a birth, occurred.
*''Look for indexes''. Many records have indexes. However, many indexes are incomplete. They may only include the name of the specific person the record is about. They may not include parents, witnesses, and other incidental persons. Also, be aware that the original records may have been misinterpreted or names may have been omitted during indexing.
*''Search for prior residence''. Information about previous residences is crucial to continued successful research.
*[[Guessing a Name Variation|''Watch for spelling variations'']]. Look for the many ways a name could have been spelled. Spelling was not standardized when most early records were made. You may find a name spelled differently than it is today.


=== Record Your Searches and Findings. ===
• Archives and local churches. Some of the original documents you will need are at state, church, and local archives or in local parish offices in Russia, the Ukraine, Moldavia, etc. While the Family History Library has many records on microfilm, additional records are available only at these archives. You can request searches in their records through correspondence. (See the “Archives and Libraries” section of this outline for more information.) Complete instructions on writing to Germany and on how to prepare a genealogical letter in German are in the German Letter-Writing Guide (34066).


Copy the information you find and keep detailed notes about each record you search. These notes should include the author, title, location, call numbers, description, and results of your search (even if you find nothing). Most researchers use a [[Research Logs|Research Log]] (31825) for this purpose.  
• Libraries and interlibrary loan. Public, academic, and other research libraries may have some published sources for Germans from Russia research. Many libraries also provide interlibrary loan services that allow you to borrow records from other libraries.


== Step 5. Use the Information  ==
• Professional researchers. You can employ a private researcher to search the records for you. A few researchers specialize in Germans from Russia records. You may want to ask researchers on the Family History Library’s International Accredited Genealogists (?????) list who work with records of neighboring countries, such as Germany, Switzerland, or Austria about their services for German-speaking people from Russia.


'''''Evaluate the Information You Find.''''' Carefully evaluate whether the information you find is complete and accurate. Ask yourself these questions:  
Be very cautious when hiring professional researchers in the former Russian Empire and “let the buyer beware!” The two most reputable research organizations are:


*Who provided the information? Did that person witness the event?
PROBANN
*Was the information recorded near the time of the event, or later?  
???Address
*Is the information consistent and logical?  
*Does the new information verify the information found in other sources? Does it differ from information in other sources?
*Does it suggest other places, time periods, or records to search?


'''''Share Your Information with Others.''''' Your family's history can become a source of enjoyment and education for yourself and your family. Contributing your information to [https://www.familysearch.org/#form=trees Pedigree Resource File] is a good way to share your information. In addition, you may want to compile your findings into a family history. You can then share copies of your history with family members, the [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library], [[Germans from Russia Archives and Libraries#Village_Coordinators|village coordinators]], and other archives.
Research in archives in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine can also be arranged through the Russian-American Genealogical Archive Service (RAGAS). They are more helpful for Jewish research. You may request bilingual research application forms by contacting:


If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, be sure to [[Use the Information#Prepare_Names_for_Temple_Ordinances|submit information]] about your deceased family members so you can provide temple ordinances for them. Your ward temple and family history consultant or a staff member at the FamilySearch Library or your FamilySearch Center can assist you. You can also use ''Members Guide to Temple and Family History Work'' (34697) available through Church distribution.  
RAGAS
1929 18th Street N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
USA


=== Related Content  ===
• Photocopies. The Family History Library and a few other libraries offer limited photoduplication services for a small fee. You must specify the exact pages you need. Books protected by copyright cannot be copied in their entirety. However, a few pages can usually be copied for personal research. Photocopying facilities are rare in Russia.


*[[Principles of Family History Research|Principles of Family History Research]]
When requesting services from libraries or professional researchers through correspondence, you are more likely to be successful if your letter is brief and very specific. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) when writing within your own country. When writing to other countries, enclose international reply coupons (available from large post offices). You will usually need to send a check or money order in advance to pay for photocopy or search services.


Suggestions for Searching the Records. You will be most successful with Germans from Russia research if you can examine the original records (on microfilm). In some cases, handwritten transcripts of the original records are available. These may be easier to read, but may be less accurate than the original records.


''[[Germans from Russia Using These Wiki Pages|Using These Wiki Pages]] &lt; Previous | Next &gt; [[Germans from Russia Records at the FamilySearch Library|Records at the FamilySearch Library]]''
Follow these principles as you search the records for your ancestor:


{{GFR|Germans from Russia}}
• Search for one generation at a time. Do not attempt to connect your family to others of the same surname who lived more than a generation before your proven ancestor. It is much easier to prove parentage than descent.


[[Category:Germans from Russia Research Strategies]]
• Search for the ancestor's entire family. The records of each person in a family may include clues for identifying other family members. In most families, children were born at regular intervals. If there appears to be a longer period between some children, reexamine the records for a child who may have been overlooked. Consider looking at other records and in other places to find a missing family member.
 
• Search each source thoroughly. The information you need to find a person or trace the family further may be a minor detail of the record you are searching. Note the occupation of your ancestor and the names of witnesses, godparents, neighbors, relatives, guardians, and others Also, note the places they are from.
 
• Search a broad time period. Dates obtained from some sources may not be accurate. Look several years before and after the date you think an event, such as a birth, occurred.
 
• Look for indexes. Many records have indexes. However, many indexes are incomplete. They may only include the name of the specific person the record is about. They may not include parents, witnesses, and other incidental persons. Also, be aware that the original records may have been misinterpreted or names may have been omitted during indexing.
 
• Search for prior residence. Information about previous residences is crucial to continued successful research.
 
• Watch for spelling variations. Look for the many ways a name could have been spelled. Spelling was not standardized when most early records were made. You may find a name spelled differently than it is today.
 
Record Your Searches and Findings. Copy the information you find and keep detailed notes about each record you search. These notes should include the author, title, location, call numbers, description, and results of your search (even if you find nothing). Most researchers use a Research Log (31825) for this purpose.
 
== '''Step 5. Use the Information''' ==
 
Evaluate the Information You Find. Carefully evaluate whether the information you find is complete and accurate. Ask yourself these questions:
 
• Who provided the information? Did that person witness the event?
 
• Was the information recorded near the time of the event, or later?
 
• Is the information consistent and logical?
 
• Does the new information verify the information found in other sources? Does it differ from information in other sources?
 
• Does it suggest other places, time periods, or records to search?
 
Share Your Information with Others. Your family's history can become a source of enjoyment and education for yourself and your family. Contributing your information to Ancestral File is a good way to share your information (see p. #) «Refer to section on FamilySearch under “Records at the Family History Library.”». In addition, you may want to compile your findings into a family history. You can then share copies of your history with family members, the Family History Library, village coordinators (see “Archives and Libraries”), and other archives.
 
If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, be sure to submit information about your deceased family members so you can provide temple ordinances for them. Your ward family history consultant or a staff member at the Family History Library or your Family History Center can assist you. You can also use Members Guide to Temple and Family History Work (34697) available through Church distribution.
 
[[Category:Germans from Russia]]

Revision as of 11:42, 11 June 2008

Step 1. Identify What You Know about Your Family[edit | edit source]

Begin your research with family and home sources. Look for names, dates, and places in certificates, family Bibles, obituaries, diaries, and similar sources. Ask your relatives for any additional information they may have. It's very likely that your second cousin, great-aunt, or other relative already has some family information. Organize the information you find and record it on pedigree charts and [Family group record: roadmap for researchers|family group record] forms.

Step 2. Decide What You Want to Learn[edit | edit source]

Select a specific relative or ancestor, born in Russia for whom you know at least a name, the town or parish where he or she lived in Russia, and an approximate date when he or she lived there. It's very helpful to also know his religion and the names of other family members born in Russia or Germany.

If you don't have enough information on your German-from-Russia ancestor, review the sources mentioned in step one which may give his birthplace or residence. For suggestions on how to find the name of his birthplace, see the “Emigration and Immigration” section of this outline. The Tracing Immigrant Origins Research Outline (34111) may also help.

Next, decide what you want to learn about your ancestor, such as where and when he or she was married, or the names of his parents. You may want to ask an experienced researcher or a librarian to help you select a goal that you can successfully achieve.

It is usually best to begin by verifying information about the ancestor for whom you know the most, and then continue searching from there. It is often hard to find an ancestor’s records when you know only a name and country of birth. With so little information, your research is limited to a few general indexes like the International Genealogical Index® and Ancestral File™.

Step 3. Select a Record to Search[edit | edit source]

Read this outline to learn about the types of records used for Germans from Russia research. To trace your family, you may need to use some of the records described in each section. Several factors can affect your choice of which records to search. This outline provides information to help you evaluate the contents, availability, ease of use, time period covered, and reliability of the records, as well as the likelihood that your ancestor will be listed. The table on page # can also help you decide which records to search.

Effective researchers begin by obtaining some background information. Then they survey previous research. Finally, they search original documents.

Background Information Sources. You may need some geographical and historical information. This can save you time and effort by helping you focus your research in the correct place and time period.

• Locate the town or place of residence. Examine maps, gazetteers, and other place-finding aids to learn as much as you can about each of the places where your ancestors lived. Identify the major migration routes, nearby cities, county boundaries, other geographical features, and government or ecclesiastical jurisdictions. Place-finding aids are described in the “Maps,” “Gazetteers,” “Historical Geography,” and “History” sections of this outline.

• Review local history. You will need to understand Russia's and Germany’s history because they have greatly affected the development of records of genealogical value. If possible, study a history of the areas where your ancestors lived. Look for clues about the people, places, religions, and events that may have affected their lives and the records about them. Records with information about migration and settlement patterns, government jurisdictions, and historical events are described in the «???be sure they really are described in these sections, or don't list the section here» [“Church History,”] [“Gazetteers,”] [“History,”] [“Minorities,”] and [“Periodicals,”] sections of this outline.

• Learn about jurisdictions. You will need to know about how the nations where your ancestor lived are divided into political subdivisions. The United States are divided into states, counties, towns, and townships. Canada is divided into provinces, counties, towns and townships. The Russian Empire is divided into ???true? provinces and counties. See the “Historical Geography” section of this outline, the Germany Research Outline (34061), and the research outline of the nation where your ancestor settled.

• Use language helps. The records and histories of German from Russia are often written in German. You do not need to speak or read German to search the records, but you will need to learn some key words and phrases. You may also need to use Russian gazetteers to locate some German settlements. A few records were kept in Russian about German settlers. Some helpful sources are described in the “Language and Languages” section of this outline.

• Understand naming patterns. Many families that moved from German-speaking areas to Russia followed distinct naming patterns. Understanding these customs can help you locate missing ancestors. See the “Names, Personal” section of this outline for more information.

Previous Research Sources. Most genealogists do a survey of research previously done by others. This can save time and give you valuable information. You may want to look for:

• Articles in genealogical periodicals.

• Printed family histories and genealogies.

• Biographies.

• Local histories.

• The International Genealogical Index®.

• Ancestral File™.

• The Family Group Records Collections.

Records containing previous research are described in the “Biography,” “Genealogy,” “History,” “Periodicals,” and “Societies” sections of this outline. Remember that the information in these sources may contain some inaccuracies. Therefore, you will want to verify the information you find in such records with other records.

Original Research Sources. After surveying previous research, you will be ready to begin original research. Original research is the process of searching through original documents, often copied on microfilm, which are usually handwritten in the native language. These documents can provide primary information about your family because they were generally recorded at or near the time of an event by a reliable witness. To do thorough research, you should search records of:

• Each place where your ancestor lived.

• Each parish of your ancestor's religion in each place of residence.

• The time period when he or she lived there.

• All jurisdictions that may have kept records about him (town, parish, province, and nation).

Many types of original documents are described in this outline. Most Germans from Russia family information is found in the records described under:

• Church Records.

• Civil Registration.

• Land and Property. ???

• Naturalization and Citizenship. ???

For each record type, the section heading used in this outline is the same as the heading used in the Family History Library Catalog.

Step 4. Obtain and Search the Record[edit | edit source]

Suggestions for Obtaining Records. You may be able to obtain the records you need in the following ways:

• Family History Library. You are welcome to visit and use the records at the Family History Library. The library is open to the public. There are no fees for using the records. If you would like more information about its services, contact the library at the following address:

Family History Library 35 North West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3400 USA Telephone: 801-240-3433 Fax: 801-240-1925

• Family History Centers. Copies of most of the records on microform at the Family History Library can be loaned to more than 2,400 Family History Centers. There are small duplication and postage fees for this service.

The library's books cannot be loaned to the centers, but copies of many books not protected by copyright are available on microfilm or microfiche. You can get a list of the Family History Centers near you by writing to the Family History Library at the address above.

• Archives and local churches. Some of the original documents you will need are at state, church, and local archives or in local parish offices in Russia, the Ukraine, Moldavia, etc. While the Family History Library has many records on microfilm, additional records are available only at these archives. You can request searches in their records through correspondence. (See the “Archives and Libraries” section of this outline for more information.) Complete instructions on writing to Germany and on how to prepare a genealogical letter in German are in the German Letter-Writing Guide (34066).

• Libraries and interlibrary loan. Public, academic, and other research libraries may have some published sources for Germans from Russia research. Many libraries also provide interlibrary loan services that allow you to borrow records from other libraries.

• Professional researchers. You can employ a private researcher to search the records for you. A few researchers specialize in Germans from Russia records. You may want to ask researchers on the Family History Library’s International Accredited Genealogists (?????) list who work with records of neighboring countries, such as Germany, Switzerland, or Austria about their services for German-speaking people from Russia.

Be very cautious when hiring professional researchers in the former Russian Empire and “let the buyer beware!” The two most reputable research organizations are:

PROBANN ???Address

Research in archives in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine can also be arranged through the Russian-American Genealogical Archive Service (RAGAS). They are more helpful for Jewish research. You may request bilingual research application forms by contacting:

RAGAS 1929 18th Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009 USA

• Photocopies. The Family History Library and a few other libraries offer limited photoduplication services for a small fee. You must specify the exact pages you need. Books protected by copyright cannot be copied in their entirety. However, a few pages can usually be copied for personal research. Photocopying facilities are rare in Russia.

When requesting services from libraries or professional researchers through correspondence, you are more likely to be successful if your letter is brief and very specific. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) when writing within your own country. When writing to other countries, enclose international reply coupons (available from large post offices). You will usually need to send a check or money order in advance to pay for photocopy or search services.

Suggestions for Searching the Records. You will be most successful with Germans from Russia research if you can examine the original records (on microfilm). In some cases, handwritten transcripts of the original records are available. These may be easier to read, but may be less accurate than the original records.

Follow these principles as you search the records for your ancestor:

• Search for one generation at a time. Do not attempt to connect your family to others of the same surname who lived more than a generation before your proven ancestor. It is much easier to prove parentage than descent.

• Search for the ancestor's entire family. The records of each person in a family may include clues for identifying other family members. In most families, children were born at regular intervals. If there appears to be a longer period between some children, reexamine the records for a child who may have been overlooked. Consider looking at other records and in other places to find a missing family member.

• Search each source thoroughly. The information you need to find a person or trace the family further may be a minor detail of the record you are searching. Note the occupation of your ancestor and the names of witnesses, godparents, neighbors, relatives, guardians, and others Also, note the places they are from.

• Search a broad time period. Dates obtained from some sources may not be accurate. Look several years before and after the date you think an event, such as a birth, occurred.

• Look for indexes. Many records have indexes. However, many indexes are incomplete. They may only include the name of the specific person the record is about. They may not include parents, witnesses, and other incidental persons. Also, be aware that the original records may have been misinterpreted or names may have been omitted during indexing.

• Search for prior residence. Information about previous residences is crucial to continued successful research.

• Watch for spelling variations. Look for the many ways a name could have been spelled. Spelling was not standardized when most early records were made. You may find a name spelled differently than it is today.

Record Your Searches and Findings. Copy the information you find and keep detailed notes about each record you search. These notes should include the author, title, location, call numbers, description, and results of your search (even if you find nothing). Most researchers use a Research Log (31825) for this purpose.

Step 5. Use the Information[edit | edit source]

Evaluate the Information You Find. Carefully evaluate whether the information you find is complete and accurate. Ask yourself these questions:

• Who provided the information? Did that person witness the event?

• Was the information recorded near the time of the event, or later?

• Is the information consistent and logical?

• Does the new information verify the information found in other sources? Does it differ from information in other sources?

• Does it suggest other places, time periods, or records to search?

Share Your Information with Others. Your family's history can become a source of enjoyment and education for yourself and your family. Contributing your information to Ancestral File is a good way to share your information (see p. #) «Refer to section on FamilySearch under “Records at the Family History Library.”». In addition, you may want to compile your findings into a family history. You can then share copies of your history with family members, the Family History Library, village coordinators (see “Archives and Libraries”), and other archives.

If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, be sure to submit information about your deceased family members so you can provide temple ordinances for them. Your ward family history consultant or a staff member at the Family History Library or your Family History Center can assist you. You can also use Members Guide to Temple and Family History Work (34697) available through Church distribution.