Step 1: Gather the Right Tools

Accurate records are essential for any genealogy project. Some people prefer to trace their Mormon ancestry on paper, while others would rather keep their research preserved in digital format. There are dozens of computer programs that can keep family history records organized, including a free LDS genealogy program called Personal Ancestral File. Whether written or digital,ancestry records typically include names, important dates, occupations, and locations, and are usually grouped chronologically by family.

Step 2: Start with the Present

Once a person has decided how they plan to record their family history, he or she can get started by entering their own name and vital statistics. Most people compile as much information as possible before they begin any extensive Mormon genealogy research. They will trace their ancestry back as far as they can using their memory, personal records like family Bibles, and by contacting other relatives for help.With this foundation, it is much easier to trace their Mormon ancestors through many generations.

Step 3: Search for Mormon Ancestors

When a person begins his or her family history records, missing names, birthplaces, and dates are not uncommon. It can take several years to successfully trace a complete family history, and it generally requires a collaborative effort by many different members of the extended family. The most effective research strategy is to start with the most recent relatives, working backwards as each record is completed. Using known information like dates or locations can help individuals stay on track. The resources below will provide plenty of assistance.

More Mormon Genealogy Resources

· The largest Mormon genealogy database in the world, with free access to millions of records.
· Online courses to help individuals get the most from their genealogy research efforts.
· LDS genealogy advice and guides from other researchers and family history enthusiasts.
· A catalog of written family histories from around the world, searchable by surname.
· Search vital records and written histories by location and time period.
· Mormon genealogy guides, outlines, and other useful research aids.
· Informative maps and county structures of locations around the world.
· Extensive collections of historical records based on location and time period.
· Search online records and LDS genealogy microfilm collections at a FamilySearch center.
· Over 35 million indexed genealogy records submitted by other family history researchers.

Getting started with Mormon genealogy research isn’t too difficult, especially with the vast number of resources available at no charge. The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah is one of the best genealogy aids available, containing millions of microfilmed records with over 2 billion names. Individuals who don’t have the opportunity to visit the Family History Library can still use the steps above to successfully trace their Mormon ancestry.

#1: DNA Testing Can’t Take the Place of Research

While a genealogy DNA test can offer clues to a person’s origins and can determine if two people may be related, it will not provide you with a complete family tree. DNA testing is a supplement to genealogy research and is most often used to confirm the information that has been compiled through research.

#2: Every DNA Test Is Not the Same

There are currently two types of DNA tests that are used for ancestry testing so it’s important to choose the right one. Mitochondrial DNA tests, referred to as mtDNA, detect chromosomes that are passed through the maternal bloodline, while Y-Line tests are only useful on males and can often determine common ancestry between lineages.

#3: The Purpose of the Test Is Vital

Choosing the right ancestry DNA test will depend primarily on the reason the testing is desired. Some people want to verify a family tree that includes a famous historian, while others hope to make a connection between families with the same surname in different locations.

#4: Testing the Right Person Is Equally Important

Once the purpose of the test is determined, the next step is deciding who to test. If you are female, for example, and want to prove that Albert Einstein is part of your ancestral lineage, your brother or father will be better suited for the DNA sample.

#5: Choose a Reputable Testing Company

Before ordering a genealogy DNA test, take the time to compare the products that are available. Choose a testing company that offers a good value, but also be sure the tests are performed by a worthy laboratory with experienced DNA scientists.

Ancestor.com recommends FamilyTreeDNA for any type of Genealogy DNA testing. More about FamilyTreeDNA:

Founded in April 2000, FamilyTreeDNA has been associated with the world’s leading authorities in the fields of Genetics and Anthropology and is the official testing facility for National Geographic and IBM’s Genographic Project.

FamilyTreeDNA’s state-of-the-art Genomic Research Center located at its headquarters in Houston, Texas, currently performs R&D and processes over 200 types of advanced DNA tests for its customers.

As a worldwide leader in genetic genealogy, FamilyTreeDNA holds the distinction of being the only lab in the world, in it’s field, to be certified by GEDNAP in Europe and various federal agencies controlling lab work in the United States and adheres to the US-EU Safe Harbor, preventing companies from publicly sharing their customers information.

#6: Ancestry DNA Testing Costs

Genealogy DNA tests can range in price from as little as $100 to well over $800. The type of test and the results it will yield are the main factors that influence the price, but the costs can also vary depending on the company offering the test.

#7: Understand the Testing Process

As you’re searching for the best DNA testing company and comparing the costs, take a moment to review the instructions as well. Most reputable companies explain how to use the test on their website and also provide details on how to safely return the samples for testing.

#8: Ancestry DNA Testing Takes Time

Like costs, the amount of time it takes to receive results from an ancestry DNA test also depends on the type of test and the particular company performing the test. Generally it will take about 2 months to process the samples and to analyze the results.

#9: What About Privacy?

Many companies that offer ancestry DNA testing keep a database of hundreds of genetic profiles to help their clients match their results with possible relatives. If you are concerned about privacy, check the company’s policies on retaining data and the procedures required to delete your profile.

#10: Is Ancestry DNA Testing Worth the Cost?

Depending on the purpose, a genealogy DNA test can be a very effective way to gain more knowledge about your lineage. Most of the time, a successful test requires careful planning to be sure samples are received from the best possible candidates.

When used correctly, ancestry DNA testing can be very useful. Keep in mind however, that DNA test results will not determine your ancestors and genealogy DNA tests are intended to supplement your family history research, not replace it.

Facebook

At first glance, Facebook may not seem like a genealogy tool, but completing a family tree is much easier with access to the enormous pool of Facebook users currently online. Facebook can connect you with long lost family members as easily as long lost friends; it even has an app affiliated with the history site Footnote.com. The Footnote website is fully equipped to help you find and preserve family information and history, as it has access to over 30 million documents. Some of this information is free, while a full membership costs 11.95 a month.

WikiTree

Wikitree is an interesting tool for genealogists; it seeks to complete a family tree for the entire world, as opposed to just one lineage. This can be a real help for those searching for unknown family members. Profiles for each family member in a lineage are created individually and then linked together with other lineages to create a massive web of historical relationships. There are policies in place to protect the privacy of living individuals, so don’t be worried that your information will fall into the wrong hands! Access to Wikitree is free and public.

Ancestry.com

Similar to the previously mentioned Footnote.com, Ancestry.com has a database of over six billion records to help those looking to complete a family tree chart. They offer a 14-day free trial, after which users must pay a monthly fee of $19.95 for US records or $29.95 for worldwide records. This is rather pricy for the amateur genealogist, but if you are really set on exploring every nook and cranny of your family tree, it is one of the most extensive and reliable options out there.

Tpstry

Tpstry.com is unique among ancestry sites because it focuses on memories and personal quirks rather than names and dates. This is the site that will allow you to catalog your great grandmother’s favorite food, an uncle’s famous shoeshine technique, or your godfather’s dream car. As more and more family members record their memories, they will discover things they never knew about one another! This is a great way to pass information from generation to generation, even when family members are spread across the globe. Tpstry.com is currently free to all members.

With new and improved tools to research and complete family trees, finding out your personal family history has never been easier! Genealogy can be a fun and exciting way to learn about the past, but it is also a valuable tool for the future; when new generations can build their lives upon the foundations of those who came before, we are all better off.

Germany has a more fragmented history than most nations; it first became recognized as a unified country in 1871, and before that was comprised of loosely associated kingdoms, cities, and private estates. This can make tracing German ancestry more difficult than it seems at first glance, as some records for individuals or families with Germanic heritage may not be associated with Germany at all!

Finding Immigrant Ancestors

The best place to start tracing German ancestry is your own birth certificate. Where were you born? Where did your parents come from? These first steps require little deductive reasoning, and will hopefully lead most people back to the name of their first immigrant ancestor. Because Germany was separated into smaller sections for much of its history, German birth and death records are not centralized, and it is vitally important to determine an immigrant ancestor’s place of birth for genealogical purposes. Without this information, further research may be impossible.

Determining Dates and Times

If a German ancestor immigrated to America after 1892, it may be possible to locate his or her information in the passenger arrival log of the ship used for travel. If your ancestors immigrated somewhere else and you are able to locate the port from which they sailed, German passenger departure lists may also contain useful information. In any case, the time period during which families and individuals left Germany will make a difference in the number and accuracy of the records available, and research should be done with this in mind.

Locating a Place of Origin

Once the town or village in which an ancestor lived has been determined, steps should be taken to discover whether it still exists today. If possible, attempt to locate the name on a modern map. Online German gazetteers, or place name dictionaries, may be able to help determine the German state in which the town is situated. If an ancestor’s town does not appear to exist anymore, historic German maps may be able to show where it used to be, and a comparison on a modern map will help determine the name of the modern location.

Fragmented Records

Parts of Germany have been historically recognized as belonging to Prussia, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and the USSR. In addition, Germany was once identified as separate duchies and kingdoms, including Saxony, Wurttemburg, Bavaria, and Baden. This disjointed history makes for equally disjointed records, and consequently each individual family history will require different research methods depending on the geographical location and time period during which they lived. The records of an individual town will likely be more useful than the records of the country to which it currently belongs.

Although the task of tracing German ancestry may seem daunting at first, it does not need to be complicated. Simply trace your family line back to a geographical location via parish registries and ship passenger logs, rather than relying on national German records. Whether your ancestors lived in Bavaria or Hamburg may not seem significant today, but knowing the difference will save considerable time and footwork when researching the past!

Preservation Issues

One of the most difficult aspects of Genealogy is the simple fact that paper disintegrates over time, no matter how carefully it is stored or handled. This is especially true of photographs and documents not treated with archival care; our ancestors didn’t know when they were writing their wills or photographing their children that we would still want those things hundreds of years later! Digital photography can help with this problem by storing images of documents and photographs in a less-vulnerable format.

Accessibility

Another challenge for the amateur genealogist is the task of tracking down famous or valuable pieces of family history. In many cases these artifacts are prized for more than their sentimental value, and may not be available to family members. In these cases, digital photography allows these more valuable objects to be added to family histories and kept for records even when the originals cannot be acquired. This is especially useful for pieces of history which are relevant to more than one family, as with immigration records, because each genealogist can focus on the parts of the document that apply to his or her research.

Digital Restoration

In some cases very faded photographs and documents may be considerably improved with digital photography. Techniques normally applied to modern photography such as contrast boosting and color temperature adjustment may be used to repair the damage time and wear has inflicted. This can result in clearer images and sharper contrasts; illegible documents may be read again, and the smiling faces of family members rescued before they disappear beneath the ravages of damaged photo paper.

Unique Documents and Photographs

As mentioned earlier, some pieces of history apply to more than one family line. Parish and immigration records may hold information relevant to hundreds or thousands of family histories, and often these documents are far too fragile to put into a copier or scanner. Buildings, too, may have been occupied by many people over time, and obviously cannot be physically added to a collection. Digital photography can be a valuable ally in these situations, as it allows many different people to record the parts of shared history most relevant to their own interests.

Choosing an Appropriate Camera
Obviously the equipment used to photograph documents and artifacts is important when preservation is a key concern. However, an amateur genealogist does not need to spend large amounts of money to achieve good results. Professional photographers will of course require professional equipment, but a reasonably priced camera from a respectable company such as Canon or Nikon, along with a sturdy portable tripod, will produce satisfactory images for most people.

Digital photography has become an innovative way to preserve and restore pieces of history that would otherwise be lost to the casual genealogist. Whether you are tracking down personal family history or conducting research on historical events, digital photography can provide access to vital information; for this reason, it is a powerful new addition to the genealogist’s toolbox.

If you want to learn more about digital photography then we highly recommend you check out Learn Digital Photography Now. You can receive a FREE Digital Photography guide (PDF) at no cost!

The first Native American to arrive in Europe was alleged to be brought by the Vikings over 1,000 years ago to Iceland. This person was thought to be a woman. This finding supported the theory that Vikings reached the American continent several centuries before Columbus traveled to the “New World”.

How could this be possible? According to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) which conducted the study, discovered that there are around 80 people from a total of 4 families in Iceland that possessed a type of DNA that is found only in Native Americans or East Asians. “It was thought at first that it came from recently established Asian families in Iceland,” said Carles Lalueza-Fox, a CSIC researcher.

When family genealogy was studied, it was discovered that the 4 families descended from certain ancestors that lived between 1710-1740 in the same region of southern Iceland. The C1e lineage that is found is also mitochondrial, which means that the genes were introduced to Iceland by a woman.

“As the island was virtually isolated from the 10th century, the most likely hypothesis is that these genes corresponded to an Amerindian woman who was brought from America by the Vikings around the year 1000,” said Lalueza-Fox.

As published in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 75 to 80 percent of contemporary Icelanders can trace their lineage to Scandinavia and the rest to Scotland and Ireland. However, the C1e lineage is one of a handful that was involved in the settlement of the Americas around 14,000 years ago.

In contrast to the initial assumption, the preliminary genealogical analyses revealed that the C1 lineage was present in the Icelandic mitochondrial DNA pool at least 300 years ago. This raised the intriguing possibility that the Icelandic C1 lineage could be traced to Viking voyages to the Americas, the journal said.

Although there were several issues raised concerning the accuracy of this theory, there are still some scholars who think that Mediterranean people were exchanged with the Mayans from the Central America more than 2000 years ago. Still, credits should be given to the researchers and their use of genealogy studies to help determine this possibility.

The researchers used data from the Rejkjavik-based genomics company deCODE Genetics and this report was also published in the latest edition of the American Journal of Physical Anthropology.

Searching your ancestry can be exciting and fun. You get to learn about your history and where you came from. My Ancestry Guide is a great resource for learning how to research your family’s history. From, where your grandparents came from to much further back in the family tree. My ancestry guide has all you need to get to work on uncovering your ancestry.

Ancestry searches have become one of the biggest and fastest growing hobbies in the U.S. and there’s no sign of it ever slowing down. When you are interested in where you came from there are certain steps you must take to properly uncover your history and this is the guide that can lead you through your journey.

There are several things that can happen when trying to uncover your ancestry and this book will help you sort through any and all of the troubles you may have. Some of these problems you may encounter are:

• When you’re searching for a family member that isn’t with the rest of the family (where they should be). To find them, it takes creative ideas and this e-book has the creative answers for your research.
• If you find ship lists and immigration logs to early America confusing, then you will need some help and good suggestions. This e-book will make it possible to figure out what ships to look on for certain ancestors. As all our ancestors made it here by different means on different ships.
• If you are finding it difficult to look for female ancestors, which is often very frustrating. Finding these women is made easy in this e-book. There are clues to help further your research and find the female ancestors name and family.
• Data sites are fantastic for finding information on ancestors, but they don’t provide the clues that are needed to do research in the right location. They also don’t offer ideas how to organize the research that is found. In this e-book you will learn just how to compile your information properly and find the right locations to search.
• This e-book will teach you how to find the information on how to research an ancestor and how to be organized .
• Even if you are a genealogist that has been researching their ancestors for years, this e-book will come in handy. It will help you find the way back to the beginning of good research habits.
• Anyone can benefit from this handbook, because all the rudimentary ideas have been long forgotten. This is why experienced genealogists often run into the proverbial brick wall.

My Ancestry Guide is your one stop for everything you need to uncover your ancestry. If you are even considering looking into your history then you will need some guidance and this book has everything you need. Instead of struggling through this journey on your own let my ancestry guide hold your hand and walk you all the way through to the end.

Click Here to Visit MyAncestryGuide.com

Footnote has developed a new Civil War web experience. This page features all of our Civil War content in a most unique and engaging way. In the past month, Footnote has added thousands of new Civil War records to our collections. Some of the new collections that are found on the Civil War page include, but are not limited to, the following:

U.S. Civil War Union Service Records – various states
U.S. Civil War Confederate Service Records – various states
U.S. Civil War Battle Maps
U.S. Civil War Subversion Investigations

This site is now open to the public. Our Civil War content is one of the best on the internet.

These medical advances isolated some properties that caused the illness and then medications were made to treat them. However, for some illness such as pneumonia, it was not until the mid 1900’s that there was a treatment.

There are many illnesses that were clear to understand because of the name, the name often had to do with the symptoms of the disease. Then there are others that were named after the doctor or scientist that discovered the disease. Some diseases had names that had seemingly nothing whatsoever to do with the disease such as Brill’s disease, which was actually typhus. Another of these is chincough, this is what today is known as whooping cough.

There were also diseases known that had names which have long since been forgotten. One of one of the most familiar ones would be black death, which was used for bubonic plague.

Visitation of God, on a death certificate in most cases meant the person was elderly and died of natural causes. Viper’s Dance is another name that would not be heard today, along with St. Vitus Dance, which either would mean the patient had chorea.

To go along with the names both familiar and unfamiliar were the plagues that often killed hundreds in an area, and in some cases thousands. These plagues included yellow fever, smallpox, diphtheria, typhus, influenza, bubonic plague, whooping cough and measles. There were certain years in certain countries or states were the number of deaths made the disease a pandemic. Bubonic plague is one which struck the UK in 1630, 1631, 1636 and 1637 claiming large amounts of lives. Yellow fever struck the United States numerous times including 1647, 1668, 1690, 1699, 1706, 1732, 1741, and this lasted until 1743 in states such as New York.

Researching the family tree, this is one place where it is important to ensure to check mortality records for the area when a family member has disappeared from the census reports. Prior to census reports other town or city documents that were kept can give clues as to deaths in the area. Disease and illnesses did not distinguish ages, as many babies and children died of disease, along with older members of the family. During times of pandemics an entire family could have been wiped out from the disease.

Unlike today’s military the soldier might have been a wagoneer, which means they drove wagons with supplies, they might have been a drummer, which means they marched with the troops while playing a drum that was worn on a strap. There were soldier’s that were blacksmiths, shoeing the troop’s horses, and most of all the regiments were from certain areas.

Many books have been written about the regiments of the Revolutionary War and about the Civil War, by men that were with the troops or those that have done extensive research. One such book was the History of the One Hundred Forty-First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers by Rev. David Craft. This book like others that were written was published in 1885 and gave detailed accounts of the battles the regiment was involved in, the soldiers who were enlisted, whether they were killed in battle or survived and returned home.

Researching the military person can lead to other clues, in the event the soldier was killed in battle, the wife or parents may have filed a paper to receive a monthly benefit. For the United States soldier the records are kept in Washington D.C. at the National Archives. Locally there might be records found at the Historical Society, even searching local histories of an area can have clues about the soldier and it is possible to find some military records from the Revolutionary War and the Civil War online. The proper way to document a military record in family genealogy is to order a copy of the record from the National Archives, however if it is not a direct descendant then a copy of what is found on line or in a book will do for most researchers.

The important thing about this type of research is that the movements of the ancestor during their time in the military can be learned and their fate. This can lead to learning what might have happened to someone that disappears from a census during the years of 1861 through 1864, even if they lived in a small backwoods community.

What occurred was that they recruited farm boys and men from the small backwoods towns; usually a tent was set up for the men to come and enlist to protect their country. The problem with the Civil War is that this war for the men was personal. Some brothers fought against brother, there were men from the north that had no idea about owning slaves or the other reasons for the war, and yet they joined the regiments that recruited in their towns.