How do you exactly look up your family's history?

Question

always have been curious to know how you do it. any good sites or good search tools

Answer 1

What helped me was to write down FIRST what I knew, and I knew the history of my parents and grandparents (at least one set), and where they were buried.

From that point, I then had a sibling go to the gravesite, and get the dates of death off of the memorial stones.

I would ask this .. do you know where they were buried, where they were born, and their schools or any other highlights? Do you have their Degrees or other papers?

I started recently again just by looking for the websites of the local papers in the towns where the relatives died .. and yes, they did have the Obituaries on-line (dates of publication, name of individual). It helps that the names were unusual (because My Grandparents were Immigrants to America), and I could easily find their names in the listings.

From there, I ordered a copy of the Obits Notices from that Public Library Website, and yes, just received that information.

IF they were in the Military, and you are a direct relative, you can order their service record (for the deceased).

IF they worked for the Railroad (and retired under the Railroad Authority), again, you can find that record (or their retirement certificate) in that source.

The Social Security Death Index is a good information source.

The information your own LIVING relatives have .. including the things retained from the deceased (like their degrees, diplomas, etc) are good sources of information.

IF they worked for the US Government, that record is available too (same with State Employers).

The "Trick" comes in ... when ancestors immigrate .. and yes, the way the spelling of the name is accomplished can change depending on who "heard" them pronounce their name at the time of entry to their "new home country". I ended up using SEVERAL different 'spellings' of my Grandparents' names to start the trace back further.

At this time, (and I am only 2nd Generation American Born), I have to 'educate' myself more in the home language of where they were born to be able to know if someone is giving me a 'story' or I can actually 'find' the records of their family. I'm uncomfortable with someone 'translating' for me .. and yes, I am re-learning the language that was spoken so long ago. I would RATHER read things for MYSELF instead of having to take someone's word for anything (too easy to get scammed or duped that way).

Answer 2

it does cost money though to look throuhg them. I've tried but i can't find anything free there's really nothing!

If you find anything free and good please tell me thanks!