How far back is the farthest one can go to search their geneology? I have just started looking .?

Question

Have gone back to 1200's so far.

Answer 1

Hey Bethybug,

Going back to the 1200s is common. However, it is not reliable because you have gaps in records, the "milkman syndrome", and human nature to contend with over that period of time. If however, you decend from a well documented line, then it could be verified to some extent ("court jester syndrome").

DNA is the best way to prove a relationship to a well documented genealogy. If you have only started, it is fun to get back that far! As you get more in tune with GENEALOGY, you may consider proving your TREE withing the first 10 generations, since they affect who you are more than someone 200 generations ago.

But, I hope you like this field, it is addictive, and contagious. Keep looking. Do study about records and proof. Keep posting questions.

Answer 2

Family histories are always exciting. Be careful who you trust with such things, though. The Mormons will help you do your family history back to Abraham if you like, but I find their methods a bit sketchy (and rightfully so).

If you can find real paperwork and draw real connections YOURSELF that's the best way. Don't trust other people to help you. If you've already gone back to the 1200's you're probably about as far back as you're going to get. Further back and records get very very unreliable.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You can get back to Charlemagne who was the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire which is about 700 A.D. before that you get into a lot of guessing. It was the common practice of royalty in the Middle Ages to create genealogies that would link them back to Christ and Ancient Israel as a way of showing that there status as a monarch was "ordained by God" I agree with the other postings that the double of checking of sources is key also and i am LDS the submission of information in the files of the LDS church is subject to a lot of guesswork and wishful thinking at times. Submitted information comes from people and mistakes and carelessness are unfortunately inevitable

Answer 4

I've gotten to Charlemagne. 70% of the people with French, German, English, BeNeLux, northern Italian or Swiss heritage are related to him, supposedly. If you get to him, you can get to Adam via one of those genealogies Rust Skipper mentioned. It is hokum, but it impresses the gullible.

Reliabily is another story. Most white people in the USA can get back to the 1700's. African-Americans tend to get stuck before that, due to poor record keeping of slaves.

The DNA testing company I used said that in their experience 2% to 5% of the people they test aren't related to their great grandfather as closely as they thought, due to hidden adoptions or infidelity. There is also faulty record keeping.

A fellow I read said it best: "All ancestors prior to 1750 are for amusement only."

The AF is about 75% accurate. The IGI is about 85% accurate. If you have juststarted and have gotten back to the 1200's, I'd venture to guess you haven't verified all of your sources.

Answer 5

How cool for you!!! Going all the way back to the 1200's!!!
I think in theory one should be able to go back as far as records have been kept and not lost thru the ages due to fire or misplacement, ect..
Good luck to you in your search!!

Answer 6

My maiden name is Bixby. I was wondering if I had any lost relatives out there. I have lived in California all my life. My closest relative is a cousin that has some family history on my dad's side of the family. I feel I might write a cousin in another state to research on my mother's side.

Answer 7

Then you've done better than I have. I've only been able to go back to the 1600's. I suppose anyone could go back indefinitely if they had the right resources, mostly family Bibles and records. How did you get your information?

Answer 8

As far back as you can locate credible information.

Answer 9

Hey that it is fantastic!! I wish I could research that far