Genealogical Research Methods
Feature Writer Articles in Genealogical Research Methods
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How and Where to Find US Death Dates & Places
If death certificates aren't available, search the SSDI, old newspaper obituaries, cemeteries, family Bibles, military, census, probate records for death dates & place.
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How to Use Genealogical Clues in US Census Data
The genealogy information in US census records is only the start. Use birth & marriage years, occupation, immigration, home ownership data to find more records & sources.
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Find Ancestors – 1920 & 1930 US Federal Census
The 1920 and 1930 Federal Census Records contain much genealogical information, and are often the first public record for beginning genealogists to access.
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Find Ancestors – 1900 & 1910 US Federal Census
The 1900 & 1910 Federal Census Records have much data for genealogists, including military service, birth month and year, marriage & immigration information.
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Find Ancestors - 1850, 1860, 1870 Federal Census
The 1850, 1860 & 1870 US Federal Census Records were first to list every person by name. Genealogical data includes age, birthplace, and clues to land records.
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Find Ancestors in the 1880 US Federal Census
The 1880 Federal Census Record is a gold mine for genealogical data. Relation to head of house & parents' birthplace are listed. Census indexes have replaced the Soundex.
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The Emigrant Savings Bank and Irish Immigrants
The Emigrant Savings Bank served Irish and other immigrants in the 1850s and later. Genealogy information may include hometown, parents names, and immigration date.
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Evaluating Genealogy Sources
The value of genealogical information can vary within a historical record. Here are guidelines on primary vs secondary, original vs derivative categories.
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Genealogy Records-Common Problems
Problems include language, knowledge, misinformation, transcription and time. For worthwhile genealogy research, evaluate each source record to determine reliability.
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Errors in Genealogy Records
Genealogy records such as historic newspapers, online family trees, published family histories, even birth certificates have potential errors to be aware of.
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Contributing Articles in Genealogical Research Methods
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Documenting Your Family Ancestry
Learn how to organize and manage your genealogy research. Family genealogists can gain some helpful tips to document their sources.
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Research Strategies for the Genealogist
A family historian will often travel for miles to visit an archive or records office to hunt down ancestors. Just what is the best way of making the most of that visit?
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How to Improve Family Tree Research
Genealogy, when done correctly, is a science with a long history of enjoyment. Experience has demonstrated best methods to follow. Learn about mistakes to avoid.
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Immigration Records Help Trace Family Heritage
Immigration records are crucial in genealogy, marking your ancestor's entry into the country. Learn how to locate passenger lists and use them for genealogy research.
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Where to Look for Genealogical Resources
From online databases and state websites to public libraries and the International Genealogy Index, a guide to locating resources for family tree research.
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Find Vital Records to Trace Your Family History
Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records not only document important life events in your ancestors' lives, but also provide hints for further genealogical research.
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Learning History through Genealogy
To the enquiring mind, genealogical research can be the beginning of extensive history lessons.
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What is the International Genealogical Index
Learn all about the International Genealogical Index, an index covering over millions of deceased individuals from areas around the globe, and how to navigate it.
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Basic Genealogy Research
A plethora of ancestry information is available online including the social security death index, family trees, gravestone listings,census records, and military rosters.
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Genealogy Enhanced by Anecdotes and Stories
Genealogy is defined as the descent of a person from ancestors, but it can be much more than a chart with names, dates, and locations.
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How DNA Testing Can Reveal Genealogy
Everyone carries the DNA sequences of their ancestors, DNA that can be explored through genetic testing. Here are common tests used, and what they can and can't reveal.
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Useful Genealogy Research Books
Internet resources are not the only tools for genealogy research: There are a myriad of great genealogy books. Here is a quick guide to some interesting research books.
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Genealogical Myths
Do you feel that you can find anything on the internet now, including your family history? Or that if your Auntie said it, it must be true? Think again.
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What is a Cemetery Record?
Fill out facts on your family tree and more through a search of cemetery records.
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DNA Testing for African Ancestry
African ancestry is a major part of an African American's identity, but many lack information about their specific African roots. Here's how to solve the puzzle with DNA.
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Skills for Working with Genealogy Documents
Family researchers need skills for working with genealogical records. That begins with good note taking techniques.
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DNA Testing for Native American Ancestry
DNA testing can reveal a genetic link to Native American populations, but information is limited. Here are tips on what DNA results can and can't show in the family tree.
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Public Libraries and Genealogy
Feeling lazy or lost about where to go? A public library is a one-stop resource for many different kinds of family history information.
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Becoming A Professional Genealogist
So you've spent an inordinate amount of time on your family history search. There are many possibilities for making money with the skills and experience you've gained.
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Ancestry of the British Royal Family
People with English ancestry will have some ancestors in the British Royal family. Here's how to determine which family tree branches lead to royalty.
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The Ancestry of Pocahontas
Many people in the US are descendants of Pocahontas, the famous Indian princess. Here's how to determine whether you are one of them.
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Free Genealogy Resources on TV Shows
Get free genealogical research and be in the spotlight - apply to tv shows that specialize in researching ancestry.
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Tracing Chinese Genealogy
Language barriers and cultural differences can make it hard for a Westerner to trace Chinese ancestry. Here are some genealogical resources and methods.
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How to Research Chinese Genealogy
Tracing Chinese ancestors can be difficult. Here are tips for starting a Chinese ancestry search, especially understanding Chinese names.
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Researching Adoption Genealogy
Adoption can be a complex matter in life-and in genealogy. Here are some considerations to help guide your family tree search if you have adopted relatives.
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