Showing posts with label Family Search. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family Search. Show all posts

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Waving Errors Off in FAMILY HISTORY Search

Census taker visits a family living in a carav...
Census taker visits a family living in a caravan, Netherlands 1925

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Census is one of the many resources you can utilize in having your family history search. For those who are not thoroughly familiar with a census, basically, it is a list containing all the population members of a certain area or locality. Apart from the actual account of the number of inhabitants census also indicates vital records which include names, citizenship status, and age.

It should be made clear that census offers one of the crystal clear looks of family background. But it is not a perfect mechanism as errors may sweep in the midst of counting and documenting. Here are some tips on how to ward off certain errors in family history search involving census.

In order to combat errors, you must first know why such things take place. When it comes to the census there are two aspects revolving around errors. One of which has something to do with the takers of the census themselves who are labeled as enumerators. The other one can be attributed to transcribers’ errors. Name spellings can be done through the use of phonetics, initials, and abbreviations. In this manner, errors occurred due to the fact that they get misheard. Present transcribers are trained to be well-versed in terms of past handwriting styles but mistakes do still occur.

There are a lot of means of getting passed through the roadblocks that errors build in front of your search. You can start by doing your searches in variations. How can this be done? Well, use abbreviations, phonetic spellings, foreign translations, or even nicknames that were fondly used during the past. You can also have initials to trigger off your searches. This is how enumerators commonly record. Play with the names by interchanging the first and last names. Different enumerators have different ways of writing the complete name.

Other ways of waving off errors during your search include narrowing your search by specific parameters such as the location and the birth or death date of the person. You can also try your luck by doing the search involving other family members. You just have to be savvy in your search and learn all sorts of mechanisms involved in the recording of a census in the past.



There are also times when transcribers get mixed up on how certain letters were written by their past counterparts. You should be wary of such letters which include s and l; t, f, j, and i; p, k, and r; o and q; and u and w. Another search technique that is commonly utilized is by using a wildcard search. This involves the characters asterisk and question mark. The asterisk can be used to represent up to six characters while the question mark is for only one. One method that can be time-consuming but offers accuracy and reliability is by looking at the page of locality and town accounts page by page.

Whatever the error may be you just have to know how to ward it off and manipulate it to your advantage. Enumerators and transcribers are only human. No matter how good they are in their work mistakes can really take place. In order to make the lives of other researchers that may follow you, make sure that you submit a correction of the mistranscribed name to the proper agencies concerned.

Accuracy is very important in a family history search. It takes wit and diligence in order to wave off errors that can deal your search to a temporary halt.




Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Derailed FAMILY HISTORY Search

Pennants of family history societies
Pennants of family history societies (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The importance of family is given emphasis wherever you go. This group of people is the one mainly responsible for giving you the form and being that you are right now. Family history search may be a laborious task but the rewards that can be reaped after the long and winding research endeavors are truly worth the pain and sacrifices. Along the way, it is inevitable that certain issues and events may derail you from your historical quest back to the roots of your ancestors. Let’s take a look and investigate further in order to get a better analysis. 

There are common misconceptions revolving around the field of genealogy. Don’t be fooled and lose your focus on what you are set to accomplish. The first on the list is that your family heraldry as symbolized by a crest can be easily purchased. Certain family items and commodities are widely available stores everywhere and throughout online shops. But to say that families have crest is untrue. Individuals are the ones that have the right and privilege to be given crests. In most cases, these coat of arms is merely granted. How can you do this? Well if you believe that you are qualified as a descendant of a male line who can be granted with a crest then you just have to prove it and the crest is yours.

If you’re from an American descent or root then this is an issue for you. It is said that the 1890 census was voluntarily burnt to the ground. This has been opposed by genealogists. It is said that after the fire that broke down the records were soaked in water and were left in a storage facility without efforts or plans of having it restored.

Another one of the rumors circling around the family history search area is that you can easily and readily find your whole family’s record online within the comforts of the internet’s technology. This is a dream come true for those researchers and historians who don’t give emphasis on hard work and self-reliance.

In fact, there are lots of records available online such as those coming from the census, the military, immigration, and other collection resources. But errors are also abundant throughout online facilities. In order for you to really get accurate results, you have to spend actual research time within the four corners of a local or large library.

Along the way, you may come across a data stating that you are part of a family related to some historically acclaimed personnel such as one of the presidents of even one who is a member of a royal clan. Legends are easily formed by mouth and eventually in written form. So before you jump into conclusion and you spread the word about your famous ancestry take time to prove the acuity level of such information. Remember even if you have the same surname with a proven celebrity that doesn’t mean you are actually related.



After the courthouse came down because of a fire all the records were gone. This is not entirely true as some of the records may have been salvaged or copies were done and sent to other offices and agencies.

Do not be easily derailed by certain misconceptions about genealogy. Family history search really entails hard work and common sense. You just have to learn to work your way and come on top of the entire information overload that may occur.




Monday, January 1, 2018

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.


Sunday, November 6, 2016

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) Holzs...
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.




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.



Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Images of FAMILY HISTORY Search

English: YBIERNAS' Family Name History & Coat ...
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. 


Friday, January 29, 2016

Collection of FAMILY HISTORY Search

Genbox Family History
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.