The Search For FAMILY HISTORY Begins With Names

What’s in a name? For anyone, a name defines who a person is. It is how one is addressed, how one signs, and the central feature that differentiates one from the other person. To the family history searcher, one’s name is a concrete marker that tells of the place where one comes from, a bit of history across time.

Names are important because it points to the general direction of the origins of the owners. Constructing a family tree becomes a tad easier because now it has a place to start – the family name.

A broad understanding of the origins, characteristics, and nature of names and name-giving is needed to undertake the search for your family history.

History of names

Until about a thousand years ago, people got by with just one name. And that was all one actually needed in those times where only a few ventured more than a few miles away from their homes. Even members of the royalty did not complain about having only one name each.

Later, as the population grew, people began the practice of further distinguishing a person from his friends and neighbors. “Paul the son of Robert” is called such because he is different from “Paul the farmer”. “John the smith” is called to distinguish him from “John the son of Thomas”. Around the year 1500, most surnames (the affiliation to the first name) became inherited and the practice is thankfully still used today.

For the people who come from Europe, most of their surnames drew meanings from their occupations, their father’s name, the place where they came from, or some descriptive words.

Names from occupations

Someone named MILLER essentially worked in a place where they ground grains to flour. BISHOP could be somebody working for the Bishop, and CARTER could be a maker or a driver of carts. Today, however, it is hard to accurately pinpoint names and their meanings because of changes in pronunciation or spelling.

Names from the fathers

Different countries have different variations on how the father’s name is inherited by the sons. The Irish “O”, the Gaelic “Mac”, the Norman “Fitz” are some of them. Examples are Johnson (the son of John), MacDonald (the son of Donald), Fitzgerald (the son of Gerald), and O’Connor (the son of Connor).

Names from places 

Ancient people usually named newcomers with the name of the place where they came from. A guy who came from the east had EASTWOOD for a surname. CHURCHILL came from a place near a church on a hill. BROOKS is someone who lived near a creek or brook.

Nicknames

Sometime in the Middle Ages, people created pet names for their neighbors and friends based on personality or looks. These names evolved and later became surnames. Examples are Michael ARMSTRONG, John GOODMAN, and Peter WHITE.

Wrong spelling 

It should not surprise a family historian going over old records to find errors in spelling and other inconsistencies in the names. Such problems certainly make the job of a family historian difficult, but not impossible.

There were many reasons for these problems. First, spellings were not standardized before. Anyone could spell their names every which way they wanted or how they heard them.

Sometimes, the problem was in pronunciation. Or it could be in the handwriting where the ornate old style had some different letters looking the same. (Capital letters L and S used to be written the same way and the old writing of letters A, O and U were almost identical.)

Importance of names

Surnames are usually given more attention because it is inherited. Even if it may be altered and corrupted in many ways through the passage of time, some original form is retained somehow.

Given names are also important in a way that they were given intentionally by the parents and represent their special thoughts and feelings for the individual. While they may not have the same weight of attention given to surnames, they still merit careful study because they can have in them valuable intimations about your family history.

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The Two Basic Genealogy Form

In some countries, many people believe that in order to achieve all the things that you want in life, you must know your roots. People who don’t look back to where they came from can't reach their destination. Well, it's up to you if belief in such sayings.

For many individuals, life is more enriched if they know their roots and who they really are; and your ancestry is not just about names. This is your family's bloodline passed on to many generations. Because of this knowledgeable fact, millions of individuals are trying to trace their family's roots through genealogy.

When you're trying to make your own family tree, it would be much easier to have genealogy forms. Genealogists use two basic forms to record all their ancestral information and these are family group sheets and pedigree charts. These forms help people like you in keeping track of all information that you find regarding your family's history in a standard format that can be easily read and understood. The forms are recognized by all genealogists around the globe. The software programs of genealogy forms are all standard.

Pedigree Chart

Most people use a pedigree chart. This form starts with you. It then branches out back to display your direct ancestral line. Most of the pedigree charts that you can find cover about four generations with spaces included so that you can enter important dates, marriage, place or birth, and death.

The standard format of a pedigree chart is only eight and a half by eleven inches. There are people who want larger forms and it is also possible to obtain such large forms. These are called ancestral charts, and you can enter more than four generations. However, this kind of form is often not used.

If you want to do more than four generations, you can still make use of the standard form; just make sure that you put reference numbers so that it will be easier for you to follow your family tree.

Family Group Sheet

Another common genealogy form is called the family group sheet. This kind of form focuses more on the family as a single unit. The sheet also has spaces for the name of the couple, their children (if any), and fields to write down the birth, marriage, death, and even burial places of the family members. Lines are included for the children's spouses if they get married, along with sections for sources and comments.

This form is one of the most important tools in genealogy because there is room for your ancestor's children and their spouses. The collateral lines are very important when you're tracing a family tree.

These forms will work best if they are used together. Once you include a marriage on the pedigree chart, you must enter it on the family sheet. The first form only offers a quick glance-look of your tree, but the latter offers further details for each generation of ancestors.

Tracing your roots has never been this easy. If you want to start with your own family adventure, do so now and don’t forget to get both the forms mentioned earlier. These are necessary to make your family tree easier and more specific. Get a copy of the forms on the net and happy tracing.

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FAMILY HISTORY Search – A Beginner’s Guide

Searching for one’s family history and constructing the family tree is not as hard as it used to be. In the past, the tedious process begins by interviewing so many people, some of which may have unreliable memories.

Photo: Wikipedia

With the advent of the Internet, one can now use a number of tools and databases to dig your facts and dates. Most people make it a point to make the Internet their first stop in mining for information about their ancestors.

However, things are not that simple. There is no single database yet where you can find all the information about your ancestors and download them.

You need therefore how to use the many tools and databases available. More important, you must also explore other places aside from the Internet and be able to piece together your family history.

The following is a rough road map you need in your search.

Obituaries

Obituary notices are good places where you have a load of information on the family –spouses, siblings, parents, in-laws, even cousins dead or alive. They are also concrete leads to living relatives who are reliable sources of more information.

Death Indexes

Due to money and privacy issues, not all death records are available online. Those that are available are maintained by volunteer or official sources. If you are looking for American ancestors, the SSDI (Social Security Death Index) contains records since 1962. You may try a Google search for a death record specifying counties and states where they lived.

Cemetery databases

Thanks to the volunteers who personally gathered burial data from thousands of cemeteries in the past, we have online cemetery burial records now. Other public cemeteries also have their own burial transcripts already. You can do your search using your family’s surname, the cemetery, and the location in your favorite search engine. RootsWeb is one good source for links to online cemetery databases.

Census records

Many countries now have their census records available online. In the US, the most recent is from the year 1930. Working back through the years, you can start tracing your family roots and add a few generations to your family history records.

Specific locations

Depending on the country or countries you are led into, the next stop would be WorldGenWeb. From here, there will be concrete links to specific locations. Newspaper reports, biographies, or other records specific to your family or ancestor may be had. Other researchers sometimes leave their own posts for the benefit of others.

Online libraries

Using the specific localities you discovered, you can then visit historical or genealogical societies around (http://genealogy.about.com/od/libraries/). Look for “genealogy” or “family history” links. From these, you can search for more resources and other pertinent records.

Message Boards

Message boards, groups and other organizations that have links to your surnames and interests may bring in some other pieces of information not found in other traditional places. However, these groups (Yahoo or Google groups) have to be searched manually and may require membership before you can dig into their archives.

Other related resources

Based on your materials, you can then go forward and check out other specific resources based on your ancestors’ interests or occupation: military service, schools, church, fraternities, civic organizations, etc. You might discover a surprise cache of information.

Related family trees

Many family trees are also published online. Before incorporating those related to yours, bear in mind that these family histories might be incomplete and worse, maybe incorrect. Verify their sources in case they conflict with yours.

Subscription sites

These are the last recourse sites in case your records are still incomplete. They all require a subscription for unlimited access, though. Some sites, however, charge on a pay-per-download basis. They may have some free trial offers that you can use to check out how extensive their databases are.

Other tips

One good habit to develop in researching is to log everything you find – the sites and places where you had been, the information you found, the cross references you may discover and where they came from and lead to, etc. This will eliminate incidents where you are led back inadvertently to the same site.

Doing your family history search is usually fun and exciting. Sometimes, they can be an emotional journey. Having some kind of a road map takes away most of the tedious and boring details.

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Family History Search Resources to Revisit the Glorious Past

Surely one would really want to know about how family trees or genealogies play key roles in determining a good family ancestry and one could surely make good use of a family history search resources to revisit the glorious past.

Ahnentafel von Herzog Ludwig (1568-1593) Holzschnitt Württembergisches Landesmuseum, Stuttgart
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

With the current advancement in computers, information technology and database resources, gaining access to any form of information is now as easy as a push of a keyboard button or the click of a  computer mouse button.

There are quite a number of good things things one can do to make good use of family history search engines over the world wide web or the Internet, with a long range of valuable family –related information that may not have been available in the past, with limitations ranging from an extensive linked network to merging of information closely related with one another, which was virtually unheard of in the past, say, even about 10 to 15 years ago.

Getting started is actually very simple and uncomplicated, as some may disagree with, most especially if modern research techniques are applied, compared to the manual and nerve –wracking process of digging through voluminous public and private documents or antiquated files that have collected dust throughout the years.

In the olden times, establishing family history data was such an unthinkable and insurmountable task that discourages people from pursuing such an endeavor, where people usually commissioned researchers or groups of people to do the research for them, especially looking for those industrious enough to dig through tons of paperwork, public and private documents and mountains of information database sources.

Nowadays, it is as easy and as fun as discovering new things, even make the activity more fun and enjoyable.You can actually get started by doing the traditional investigative work and making sure that you have prepared well by organizing your outline and here are some tips that would help you get on your way.

Firstly, ask around from family members or direct relatives for possible linkages to family names, ancestral places of residence and collect as many names as possible, no matter how funny, weird or trivial it may be.

You may also search through public or census records, since it does provide valuable clues that could lead to better results in getting access to legal case historiesmn\, obituaries, tax records and other important data that you may relate with the your quest for your genealogy.

Make very good use of internet search engines to find the information you need, especially when searching through the internet using family names or key words you wish to look into.There are also free and fee –based online family search applications you can use and each one presents unique features that can help you track down any information you may need to start working on setting up your genealogy record or family tree.

Although free online search applications are useful resources, however, fee –based applications offer better tools or features that could not just speed up your search process, but also provide broader access to online databases and other advanced features.Never be too ashamed to ask for help. Be it from a close family member or you could even ask around from online subject forums and there are numerous online sources that you are not aware that could provide you with the key to getting that important family information that you need.

But don’t be too hasty in jumping to an immediate conclusion without verifying your information or validating the information that was provided to you, this is so because some information that may be provided may be too tempting to ignore or one that you may find to be a vital component to completing that family tree.

Another useful source of information such as these would be cemeteries, like those names and dates etched in tombstones that can provide you with important clues to establishing that missing link to your family tree information or genealogy.

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It may sound a bit morbid, but it does help a lot in sometimes providing you with the missing link to the information you need, especially with your family history or background.

Another common practice that could use would be that families and close relative usually make it a common practice to bury their dead next to other deceased family members.

These processes may take a considerable period of time, but surely the discoveries made during a family history search to revisit the glorious past is well worth the effort.

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Search FAMILY HISTORY

Many people go through such lengths to search family history. For some, it might be quite a daunting task considering the many past records, documents and other related information that need to be gathered, collected and analyzed in order to build an extensive family tree chart. How fast the tasks can be finished and done with depend on how efficient you can be in finding the information that you need. 

A chart illustrating the different types of cousins, including genetic kinship marked within boxes in red which shows the actual genetic degree of relationship (gene share) with 'self' in percentage (%).
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here are some tips to help you find the right information that you need to build up your family tree.

Search Obituaries

Most family history searches usually start from the present and work its way back to the past. Information concerning present members of the family tree is usually the easiest to gather and collect. It is the information of past relatives that may prove challenging.

The obituaries provide a good means to look for relatives and members of the family tree who may have already passed away.  Not only would it provide information of a relative that has passed away including the date of birth, the date of passing as well as the place of burial. Not only that, other information that obituaries may provide include information about surviving relatives who might be contacted to provide additional details to the family tree.

Census Records

Aside from the obituaries, census records may also provide a wealth of information when building a family tree and information about long gone relatives and family members are required. Census records usually are kept dating back into the 1930's which may provide a wealth of clues concerning some of your ancestors. When the earliest census record of a known relative is found, other information pertaining to family members as well as location may also be found. Subsequent yearly census records would yield clues as to the time when another generation into the family tree may be added.

On Location Data Gathering

Once you have discovered a certain locale where previous ancestors may have lived, you might obtain more valuable information if you try to go on location to gather more data there. A known location may be a good place to source out more detailed information about a certain portion of the family tree. You might need to dig even deeper this time around in order to get more resources to determine a more accurate means of placing people in your family tree.

Research Previous Family Trees

There may be a good chance that you are not the only one in your long line of forebears who wanted to establish a family tree. Chances are there might have been other past relatives before you who may have gone to the extent of starting their own research into building the family tree. You may want to take a close look at this and use the information to sort out and add into the research that you may have already done.

Consider also that such family trees, especially those that may be found online or otherwise, are also mostly works in progress. They might also contain certain blanks tat may need to be filled out. You can use the information to put two and two together and search for clues as to how the previous family trees may fit into the one that you are trying to make.

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Images of FAMILY HISTORY Search

YBIERNAS' Family Name History & Coat of Arms
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Making a very deep connection with one another is a key factor in maintaining close family ties. Reunions and get-togethers, say in barbecues and camping are some of the means in which family accomplish revitalized union and communication. Certain programs, fun games, and gift giving are common happenings during family activities. In this growing world of technology and innovation come and take advantage of a unique way to embody your family’s integrity and solidarity. Learn how you can make images out of your very own family history search. 

Family history books are now very common items within the family. You can find lots of stuff in the internet that can help you boost up your plan of making one of your own which you can share with relatives and friends. Show off to your family members in a very good way. By making your very own family history books, you can have the opportunity to not only tell how much family means but you can also let them visualize how having important it is to have a group you can always rely on especially during rough stages on the road.

Books are not only ones that you can make. You can delight the crowd composed of close relatives and of course your loved ones by putting up your very own family poster. Here you can slate up to nine generations of your family’s rich culture and heritage. 

Start a project that is not only appealing to the eye but also to the heart. Upon completion of your family history search and your family tree with the help of friends and relatives you can display your family’s unrelenting history in and out your home. Share not only with family but to the world inspiring stories on how a certain groups of people made their ranks into the world. Take advantage of the internet’s technology and browse through different internet sites wherein you can create your very own account and navigate through user-friendly tools to come with the best family history project you can. 

If you think this project will cost you then you’re having wrong thoughts. This is actually literally priceless when it comes to owning a free online account. And on top of it all you will make surely make your relatives and family members feel good upon seeing the rich heritage. You are the captain of the ship as you choose form different stylish and notable designs and formats. But don’t forget you still need the facts from your family history search.

At this point let’s head on basics of creating a visual of your family’s background. Once you have created your very own account on the internet, you can have your way in decorating each page of your book or the whole canvas of your poster. It’s quite easy to load up those photos from a neighboring internet site or even directly from your computer.

The digital age has really made things easy and reliable for all of us. Place all sorts of stories, maps, designs, and wallpapers to make a family member’s glimpse at your creation magical and worthwhile. Whenever you get lost throughout the process you can rely on easy to follow tool tips within the program. 

The added visuals in the family history search have really made it more interesting and enjoying. Now you can load up images to connect the past with the present and possibly in futures to come. 

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Why an Online FAMILY HISTORY Search Program?

Shrewsbury - Family Research Centre
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is a question that if asked from someone ten years ago would balk at the idea of replacing the traditional research process to that of an innovative, study from home approach.

Nowadays, with the advent of technology and the internet, the prospect of having an online family history search program is becoming one of the fastest growing segment of the global research system- one that is cost-efficient and widely-encompassing.Practically, online research is particularly well-suited to people doing research but whose circumstances either prevent them from doing so in a traditional research setting or those seeking for a variety of family history search program programs catered to their specific needs.

Often those interested in further research training wouldn't be able to manage a traditional research schedule, thus, the option to take an online family history search program right at the comfort of their own homes, or the convenience of pursuing a family history search program by adjusting to their individual schedules.

The beauty of online career research is that it allows professionals with full time jobs, full-time parents and aspiring students who cannot afford to move to a different territory to conduct a research about their family history, provide them with the opportunity to earn a family history search program without having to take a step out of their front home porches. 

Most online family history search program programs offer a variety of information, , which is one consideration an aspiring researcher must weigh to find the program that best fit their needs. 

On the other hand, an online career research can be a great way to advance an individual’s field of endeavor. 

Many people seek training within a field in which they already work, focused primarily on getting a step promotion or aspire for a higher position within the company they’re working for and would need a higher level of research for the post.By pursuing their career training online, they do not need to leave their current position in order to pursue further certification, and can pursue their studies during time off work.

Working researchers who are currently endeavoring within a field while they are pursuing often feel that their ability to immediately apply lessons they have learned in their online family history search programs and work better at more advanced processes that make them get more out of their research. 

Truth be told, there are a myriad reasons why someone would need to choose an online family history search program rather than traditional and conventional ways of higher research. 

Nowadays, in the face of a competitive and demanding market, most online family history search programs are now seen as high quality research programs. Here are some common motivations for people to choose online family history search programs :

1. Online family history search programs make it possible to study for people who live far away, especially for people living in isolated communities or far from the nearest source of information.

2. Online family history search programs also allow very busy people, full-time parents and company executives to choose the timing and schedule of their studies, not having to spend all the time doing research.

3. Online family history search programs also offer accessibility and convenience for people who did not have the luxury of time to achieve a formal family history search program exposure when they were younger, and whether they are at home, the office, and at the desired pace without compromising work or family schedules, they now have the opportunity to complete their research.

Online family history search programs can be mobile, no matter where you are. Whether you are in the jungles of Africa, taking a vacation on a first -class resort or taking a road trip, the versatility of online family history search programs provide that sense of freedom and not getting tied down to your research responsibilities like conventional research processes.

So ask yourself again, why an online family history search program? Why not?

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Collection of FAMILY HISTORY Search

Genbox Family History
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In order to better understand and appreciate your present status in life you have to go back through time and know the facts behind your past. It may not be as important to dwell on past events but it is truly important to have a grasp of how things went especially in terms of the historical background of your family more so your ancestors. Nowadays in the prevalence of a lot of people who simply wan to know the people behind their existence there are more and more internet sites that offer more accurate and reliable family history search. These sites offer various options on how you can slate your search. One of which is looking at different collections. 

You may ask, what are these collections? They are simply different categories on which you can base your search. They help your family history search easier and more efficient. Come with me and let’s take a look at how these collections were arranged in order to provide you with better means for a family history search.

Let’s start the ball rolling with collections that is quite familiar to many. These are the birth, marriage, and death facts collections. Well basically these three are the fundamental records that mark the foundations and milestones in the lives of many individuals and families alike. Divorces may also be included in this collection. These records can give you a clear cut link to generations before you. They can also lay out facts that will help you distinguish two people having the same name. These vital records are usually under the close look of civic authorities.

People are always on the move from one place to another so one available means to provide information about your relative and ancestors are the immigration and emigration collections. These records offer a long list of information regarding people movement and travel. Lists of passengers and pertinent government documentations can give you a glimpse on how your ancestors took on life during their prime or even times of trial and hardships.

Moreover these records can help you figure out where your ancestors actually came from as well as the accounts of their travel details. The United States Immigration Collections is one of the commonly sought after information retrieval means since the US has been travelled on and off by so many people across the globe.

Let’s travel to the other part of the globe by taking a look at the UK Census Collection. Again this is another medium that can be used to trace possible roots and routes of your ancestors. It offers a list of the UK Census starting from 1841 down the line up to 1901. You have the chance to get census documents in their original form. From Scotland to the Isle of Man up to Wales and England, name it all you can have access to information that can make your family history search a success.

There have been countless lives lost in wars just for the sake of defending the honor of country and its people. Now you can give pride and honor to that family member or ancestor who gave his all in order to make his country proud. There is also a collection available for gaining infomation regarding the military. Records include those as early as revolutionary wars and civil wars as well as that of World War I and II. Increase the sparks and gems on your trees by including your ancestors that became part of military heroism.

Family history search is really a journey worth embarking on. It has helped a lot of people make a difference in their lives. So if you’re curious as to where your ancestors really came from go on ahead and click on those collections.

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