If you’re looking for more information to further your family tree research project, you’ve probably looked for birth records, death records, perhaps even military records. Have you looked for census information?

A census is an official count of the population. In the United States, the federal government started conducting censuses in the eighteenth century. Unfortunately a lot of that information has been lost to fire. However, the 1930 census is still available and it’s the largest census released thus far for public access. It contains records for approximately 123 million Americans and since tracing your history back to that date is probably fairly easy, this census can provide some useful information.

In Canada, the country’s first census was in 1666, though 1871 marks the first national census when a total of 98 colonial and regional censuses were carried out.

What Information Does a Census Provide?

The US census, in particular the 1930 census, provides the following information:
  * Address
  * Occupant
  * Residence
  * Sex
  * Race
  * Age
  * Marital Status
  * College Attendance
  * Ability To Read And Write
  * Birthplace
  * Birthplace Of Parents
  * Citizenship
  * Occupation
  * Military

As you can see, much of this information is invaluable to helping you put together a comprehensive family picture. The information can be used to fill in gaps, verify information you’ve already found or point you in a new direction.

Where can You access Census information?

The US and Canadian census information can be accessed by subscribing to one of any number of archival organizations online. However, many also offer free trials. You can also visit the national archives to access this information for free.

Is the Census Information Accurate?

The truth is there are often errors in census information. This occurs due to a number of issues like, the person recording the information had messy handwriting. They may also misspell information or just not hear the information correctly.

To get around these errors, the first step is to be aware of them. Understand that names may have been misheard and look for surnames that sound like the name you’re looking for. Additionally, look for common misspellings, initials, nicknames, and letters which are commonly mistaken for other letters. O and Q, for example are commonly mistaken for each other.

Always, with any information you uncover, try to validate it with at least one other source. That way you know your family tree information is accurate.

Census information can be quite valuable in your quest for a family tree. While the records are limited, somewhat tricky to access and can contain errors, it’s definitely a good source of information.

Use the census to point you in a new direction, or fill in some gaps. Make sure to keep copies of your notes, including any information you think might belong to your family but are unsure of. Eventually all the pieces will come together.

Previous articles:
  What Is Genealogy?
  Why is Genealogy Important?
  What To Do When You Have A Common Surname
  Do I Need The Help Of A Professional Genealogist?
  How to find free basic genealogy information
  Understanding Birth Records In Genealogy Research
  Understanding Death Records In Genealogy Research

I love to use leftovers up by creating new dishes, and had approximately 2 cups of Jasmine rice leftover from making rice pudding.

I especially love it when a new concoction turns out as well as this one did… What a WINNER HERE!

This is what I came up with:

Ingredients

2 cups Jasmine rice
2 cups of mixed frozen vegetables (I used peas and carrots because that’s what I had on hand)
1 pre-cooked chicken breast, skinned, deboned and diced
2 tablespoons soya sauce
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

1) In a non-stick Wok, I melted about 2 tablespoons of butter and put the 2 cups (approximately) of Jasmine rice in to fry for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

2) Then I added approximately 2 tablespoons of soya sauce… just enough to make the rice coloured brown… no more than that. Fried for about 2 minutes then…

3) added about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (I used olive oil as that’s all I had, and I used it sparingly… just to prevent food from sticking to pan as it heated – NOTE: Olive oil is not supposed to be heated.) and stirred to make sure the rice was well mixed with the oil and not dripping in it.

4) Then added diced up chicken breast meat, stirred.

5) After about 2 minutes frying time, I added about 2 cups of mixed frozen vegetables.

6) Stirred in vegetables as they thawed enough to separate, then turned burner down to low, and covered the Wok with a lid for about 10-12 minutes to let the chicken fried rice warm thoroughly.

Served 4

Death records, like birth records, can be a valuable source of information when searching for your family history.

Death records can be obtained from military records, cemeteries, the vital statistics offices, and even via public records like newspapers, and city directories.

Additionally, while many people think a death record provides only information about the date someone died, the truth is they can provide much more valuable information, and even clues to help further your research.

An obituary

An obituary can tell you where, when, why, and how a person died. However it’s also a source for other valuable family history information. For example, an obituary can tell you who the person was married to, the names of their children, the names of their siblings, and other survivors, as well as their birth date, and on a rare occasion, their wedding date.

An obituary might also include military service and occupations.

Cemeteries and funeral home records

A cemetery can be a valuable source of information too. Many times, family members are buried in the same cemetery, and you can learn about a whole group of people you have yet to research. Date of birth and death, survivors, family members and sometimes even the cause of death or occupation are listed. You’ll also find information on the tombstones and plaques themselves.

Military records

Military records often include birth, marriage, and enlistment information, and if the person died in action. This record might also list a cause of death.

Military documents will also often list the military branch and unit, and possibly information on rank, and the years in which your ancestor served.

Pension requests are potentially the most useful military records. the National Archives has pension applications and records of pension payments for veterans, their widows, and other heirs for service individuals between 1775 and 1916. This can be one of the most useful of military records because the information often contains discharge papers, narratives, marriage certificates, and birth and death records.

Death Certificates

Death certificates can be quite comprehensive in the information they include. They can also be quite vague and a lot of your “luck” depends on when and where the person died. A good death certificate will include:
  a) Date of death
  b) Maiden name
  c) Gender
  d) Race
  e) Age
  f) Cause of death
  g) Residence
  h) Occupation
  i) Place of death
  j) Place of birth
  k) Name of mother
  l) Name of father
  m) Birthplace of mother
  n) Birthplace of father
  0) And where they’re buried

That’s an abundance of information and can be a real asset when trying to construct a family tree.

Death certificates and records can actually be one of THE more useful tools when undergoing a genealogical project. They’re often the foundation for a comprehensive family tree, and can be used to verify information you already have discovered.

Previous articles:
  What Is Genealogy?
  Why is Genealogy Important?
  What To Do When You Have A Common Surname
  Do I Need The Help Of A Professional Genealogist?
  How to find free basic genealogy information
  Understanding Birth Records In Genealogy Research

One of the most useful and perhaps most common type of document used in genealogy research is our family’s birth records. They not only tell when a family member was born, they also identify the parents.

Unfortunately, birth records (registrations) are often one of the most difficult records to get your hands on because of our privacy laws. Let’s take a look at the valuable information birth records can provide, and where you can find them.

Types of Birth Records

1. Original Documents: Birth records are usually created when a person is born. They’re signed by the attending doctor, witnessed and then filed. However, sometimes this process does not happen.

2. Amended birth documents: When something changes, say, a woman learns that the father of the child is a different person then was originally documented, then changes get made to the original registration. In this case you’d find or look for an amended birth registration.

3. Delayed birth documents: Sometimes, for one reason or another, a birth certificate is not issued immediately. In this case, a certificate can be issued after the original birth. This is called a delayed birth certificate.

It’s important to know what type of documents are available when you’re doing genealogical research. Sometimes the process is a matter of using the right wording when requesting the documents, and if you request an original birth certificate, when one doesn’t exist, you won’t receive any information.

What Information Will A Birth Certificate Provide?

While documentation varied depending on when the birth took place and where, people are a lot more careful with information today than they were several hundred years ago; most birth certificates contain:
   a) The name of the child
   b) The gender of the child
   c) The child’s race
   d) The mother’s name (sometimes the mother’s maiden name is also included)
   e) The father’s name
   f) Date, time, and location of the birth.

Additionally, some birth certificates may contain more in depth information including:
   a) The mother’s age, race, occupation, and place of birth
   b) The father’s age, race, occupation, and place of birth
   c) The number of children in the family
   d) The number this child is in the family

Where To Find Birth Records

The best way to find birth records is to write to the community where the person was born. The records are filed permanently in a State/Provincial vital statistics office or in a city, county, or other local office… or archives if the records are old enough.

You can find guidelines for requests at:
   Canadian
   United States
and a list of where to write for vital records at:
   United States

Fees and policies vary by location. However all locations require the following information to obtain birth records:
   1. Full name of person whose record is requested.
   2. Sex.
   3. Parents’ names, including maiden name of mother.
   4. Month, day, and year of birth or death.
   5. Place of birth or death (city or town, county, and State; and name of hospital, if known).
   6. Purpose for which copy is needed.
   7. Relationship to person whose record is requested.
   8. Daytime telephone number with area code.

You can also often find birth records in military information, and can compare data you have found in other locations including city directories and census data.

Birth records (registrations) can be one of the most useful pieces of information in your genealogy project. However it takes patience and persistence to obtain these records.

Previous articles:
  What Is Genealogy?
  Why is Genealogy Important?
  What To Do When You Have A Common Surname
  Do I Need The Help Of A Professional Genealogist?
  How to find free basic genealogy information

Genealogy, the study of one’s ancestors, can be immensely satisfying. It can also be incredibly time consuming and potentially expensive. That being said, sometimes the best results are the easiest to find and the least expensive.

Here are 5 ways to find FREE basic genealogy information.

1. Old newspaper clippings. One of the easiest ways to trace your family history is to head to the local library of your ancestors and pull up the microfiche.

Obituaries, wedding announcements and birth announcements were often printed in the local newspaper and many libraries still have copies of this material. Of course if you’re researching anyone born before newspaper printing, then you’ll need to rely on other free resources.

2. City Directories. Many major metropolitan cities have comprehensive city directories which contain a lot of basic information including addresses, businesses owned and/or worked at, and of course basic family information like who was married to whom. Most older city directories are stored in libraries, so check your library for these while you’re there looking through the old newspapers.

3. The Social Security Death Index [United States ONLY]. This index provides the dates of birth and death of the deceased, the city and state of last residence, the social security number, and the state in which the social security card was issued. The only caveat to finding this information is that the person has to have been around when the Social Security Act was instituted, after 1935.

4. Gravestone and Cemetery Records. Believe it or not, you can search cemeteries around the world; internment.net is a free service that allows you to search databases of more than 5000 cemeteries. And if you know where some of your family were buried, you can actually find a wealth of information about descendants by visiting the cemetery.

5. Census records. Some census and voting records date back to the early 1800s… and in the United States 1700s. You can access these records by becoming a member of many online services, many of these services offer a free trial. Or you can visit the National Archives.

Additionally, if you’re at a National Archives facility you can access the online services free of charge, without having a membership. You can also access the microfilm catalogs online before you get started to help you narrow your search.

Perhaps one of the best ways to gain insight into your family history is to go straight to the source. Ask your family members what they know about your heritage. Make sure you contact the oldest relatives too, because they will have the oldest information, and maybe even some of the old documents you are looking for.

Researching and compiling your family tree can be an incredibly interesting and satisfying experience. It’s nice to know where you came from, and to see your family’s position in history.

Before you fork out hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to hire a professional or pay for resources, try some free basic genealogy first. You might be surprised what you find.

Do be aware, many online documents will need to be verified. But just knowing the document(s) will cut your time down considerable researching for them.

Previous articles:
  What Is Genealogy?
  Why is Genealogy Important?
  What To Do When You Have A Common Surname
  Do I Need The Help Of A Professional Genealogist?

For all of the Smiths and Jones out there, it IS possible to conduct genealogy research without pulling out your hair. Yes, you will have to be more diligent, and patient than say, those researching the Humdingers of the world. However, it IS possible to discover where your family immigrated from, who you are related to, and your family’s role in history.

Here is what to do when you are researching a common surname.

1. Organization is key: If you’re collecting information on every say, single Smith in the world, then you are going to have quite a mess on your hands. As you sort through information, record it by date, type of information, family members you’ve received this information from, family branch, and so on.

2. When searching for a common surname whenever possible include a location for the name whether it’s a city, state or country, and a time period. This will help you narrow your results when looking for records like baptisms.

3. Add common genealogical terms to your search to eliminate non-genealogy results. This is particularly important when searching online or using reference materials. Genealogy terms include words like: family, genealogy, cemetery, wedding announcements and so on. Be sure to be specific.

4. Use any unique identifiers you may have to assist your search. For example: if your great-great-grandmother’s maiden name was Humdinger (staying consistent with the surname used earlier), then you’re more apt to find more specific results using this surname being attached by marriage to the common surname your searching for.

5. Does the common surname come from anywhere in particular? For example, the surname Smith may be an abbreviated name from when your family immigrated. It could also simply be the name assigned to them when they immigrated. Immigration officials were known for “anglicizing” surnames if they couldn’t understand or could not spell an immigrating person’s surname. Additionally, some surnames come from their occupations; example: Blacksmith. If you know the origin of the surname you are researching, you may be able to narrow your results this way.

6. Pay attention to the family first names that are passed down from generation to generation. Many cultures have the tradition of passing along family names. So John Smith’s son will also be John Smith… or Robert John Smith, if they have the tradition of making the child’s middle name the father’s first name. In some cultures families share the middle name, and pass it down to the next generation. Knowing this information can also help you narrow your search results.

The truth is, if you have a common surname, your genealogical research is going to be a bit more challenging but NOT impossible.

Consider using a professional researcher to help you get started or if you run into a roadblock and need help continuing your search.

Steer clear of the online services which promise to create a family tree for you, as these websites are typically full of errors …and most times are incomplete.

Whether your surname is Smith, Miller, Jones or another common surname… or even if it’s Papadapolis,… building a family tree is an interesting and rewarding process. Don’t let an obstacle like a common surname stop you from enjoying the benefits!

Warning: Genealogy can prove addictive! LOL

Previous articles:
  What Is Genealogy?
  Why is Genealogy Important?

Undertaking a family genealogy project can be quite an adventure. Sometimes the information comes easily, particularly if your family is skilled at keeping records or you come from a prominent family. However, most of the time uncovering your family history can be a time consuming and often complicated process.

Here are a few questions you need to answer and your answers will help you decide whether you need the assistance of a professional genealogist or not.

1. How much time do you have to devote to your project?

Genealogical projects can take you across the street to your local library… and it can around the world to uncover older documents. It can be time consuming to sit and wait for requested documents at the different archives, and you could spend even more time to understand the archives.

2. How much money do you have to devote to your project?

Traveling around the world to uncover documents sounds romantic… however, it is not free. If time and money are of the essence, a professional may be able to get the job done for much less.. and in half the time.

A professional genealogist will also have access to records and resources you don’t, and they may have made connections around the world which help them obtain information without the travel and the expense. They also are skilled at knowing where and how to uncover information.

3. Do you want to learn how to research your family history or do you just want the results?

For some, researching is half the fun. Digging deep into archives, comparing information, and coming up with creative ways to find information is where the joy is for most of us genealogists. For others, they just want to know the nitty-gritty, the digging part of the task isn’t much fun, rather, it is frustrating.

4. Do you doubt your research skills and/or results?

It’s tough sometimes to know if you are on the right track and if your information is accurate. Sometimes you just want an expert to give you a heads up, to step in and let you know you are on the right track, or to help point you in the right direction.

Hiring a Genealogist

If you do decide to hire a genealogist you will want to make sure they are a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and researchers in the archives you wish searched and/or the Society of Genealogists.

Genealogists typically charge by the hour so it pays to send them copies of all the information you have on your family surname. This will save them time, which will save you money.

Some genealogists prefer to work alone, while others like to work closely with their clients.

Decide, in advance what type of relationship you want, how involved in the process you would like to be, and how you want like to be updated.

Deciding to seek the help of a professional genealogist depends a lot on your goals.

If you’d like quick results, then a professional genealogical researcher is your best option, though do understand… they do NOT create miracles.

If you enjoy the process of uncovering clues about your family history then stick with it. You can always hire a professional genealogical researcher to step in and help you solve particular problems along your way.

Previous articles:
  What Is Genealogy?
  Why is Genealogy Important?
  What To Do When You Have A Common Surname

Genealogy, the study of your family’s ancestors, plays an important role in how we view ourselves, our customs, our history, and the connections we have around the world. Both children and adults can benefit from knowing where they come from… and from studying their genealogy.

Why Genealogy is Important for Children?

Forging Connections: As a child, there’s something amazing about learning where you come from. As children uncover their family tree, they forge connections to people they didn’t know existed. And every single one of us has a family member or two who have accomplished something notable.

Children are able to learn about and connect with personalities and characteristics they see in their ancestors, which are also reflected in themselves.

When children discover who and where they come from, it helps them forge a connection not only with their family but also with the world in general. They’re better able to see their place in the world.

Relating to History: In school, we learn about the history of our country. The events and people we learn about seem abstract, as if we’re reading fiction.

When children learn about their ancestors, they’re able to make connections to history. If their great grandma helped on the Underground Railroad, all of a sudden history becomes more than fiction. If great great grandpa fought in World War I, then another connection is made. Genealogy makes history come alive!

Family bonding: When children start digging into their family tree it’s an interactive task. They’ll need to speak with parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles to begin putting a family tree together. It’s a task learning experience that brings families closer together.

Genealogy provides children with an activity to bond over, and children may grow closer and gain a new understanding or appreciation for family members.

Why Genealogy is Important for Adults?

In addition to all of the above benefits, because adults too benefit from connecting with their family, bonding, and gaining a sense of history; genealogy offers a number of additional benefits for adults.

Genealogy also provides insight and information about genetics. Digging deep into your family history can provide valuable information about inherited illnesses. A history of cancer, immune diseases, mental health, birth defects, and sickle-cell anemia can be immensely helpful when you’re considering starting a family or simply want to know if you’re at risk.

Genealogy can also help you find long lost family members who are still around. If, for example, your Uncle had a child out of wedlock forty years ago, you have a cousin and a potentially large family out there, which you’ve yet to meet. You’ve probably read those stories where long lost brothers and sisters find out they’re related and living close to one another, all because someone started researching the family tree.

Genealogy is a powerful way to connect to your family and the world around you. It can provide insight to yourself and others… and present us with valuable information; sometimes life altering information. If you’ve yet to begin uncovering your family tree, why not start now? You’ll be glad you did.

Previous article: What Is Genealogy?

Being as genealogy is one of my life passions, I will be spending the next few days covering this topic. My intention is to offer a better understanding of genealogy to newbies everywhere!

Genealogy is the study of a family’s ancestry. It comes from the Greek word “generation” and it can be a great way to connect to your family, history, and genetic records all the way back to the beginnings of record keeping.

What Information Do Genealogists Use?

Genealogists use a wide variety of resources to find lineage or pedigree information. Before people started recording information using written documents, they used storytelling. In fact, much of your family history is still handed down from generation to generation via storytelling. This means one of the best sources of genealogical information comes from talking directly to family members.

That being said, record keeping is also a reliable source of information for genealogists. Many families have what’s called a family bible… which is essentially a bible passed down from generation to generation. The information about who originally possessed the bible is usually documented in the front pages, and this can be a valuable source of information. Additionally, birth certificates, obituaries, wedding announcements, tax assessment records, and census information can all be quite useful.

How is Genealogy Information Presented?

The most common presentation for a family’s lineage is the family tree. This is essentially a flow-chart which starts with the ancestors traced back the farthest at the top. Their children, their children’s marriages and so on are then branches on the family tree, which extend downward.

A child-friendly family tree is often presented as a tree, the trunk being the family core, and each branch, and leaves are extension of that family.

In addition to the family tree, a family’s lineage can be documented in a book, by using a software program, or on a spreadsheet.

Why Would You Use Genealogy?

Genealogy is most often used simply because a person is curious about their family history. Maybe they heard about a famous relative and they want to know if they’re actually related.

Additionally, genealogy can be used to trace genetics and health related issues. Take a look at how the Parr DNA Project is coming along. Using this type of study, technically you could discover if your family has a history of cancer, mental illness, birth defects and so on, but we’ve focused the DNA project on linking our families due to a lack of what I call a paper trail (birth, death, marriage registrations).

Finally, perhaps one of the most beneficial uses for genealogy is to help future generations know where they came from. It’s an amazing way to connect not only to your family but also to history, geography and even economics! Genealogy helps people find their place in the world. I like to tell others that it’s a great way to really get to know ourselves better. You know, like self-discovery!

Getting started.

Starting a genealogy project begins by speaking with your family members. This is often the best way to learn about your family history and can give you a direction to go once their information stops being useful.

From there, you can dig into municipal documents like birth, death and wedding certificates and/or registrations. You can also look into old property tax assessment records and census information. Genealogy is a combination of detective work and careful record keeping.

Genealogy is a great way to connect to the world around you. It provides a sense of history and connection. Interested in learning more about your family tree? Then start with your living relatives… give them a call and learn where YOU come from. But do be careful; genealogy can be addictive !

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a debate that goes on inside people.

He said, “My son, the battle between two wolves is inside us all. One is Evil; it is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good; it is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.”

The grandson thought about this for a moment and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

[Thanks goes out to Wayne Mansfield http://waynemansfield.blogspot.com/2011/04/which-wolf-wins.html for sharing this.]