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Shaking Your Family Tree

August 26, 1999
	On The Ancestral Trail by Myra Vanderpool Gormley, C.G.
Learning about those, linked genetically, who came before you is what genealogy is all about. Millions are on the ancestral trail, seeking historical evidence about their forebears. It is one of the most popular pursuits on the Internet. Clues to your family history begin with you. In all genealogical research, one starts with what is known and works backward to the unknown. Write down as much information as you know or can find out about your family. This includes: -- Names and relationship of family members -- Dates and places of the major events (births, marriages, divorces and deaths) in their lives -- Their occupations, professions, church affiliation, military service and previous residences -- Where family members are buried -- Family traditions and stories Interview your relatives. Start with the older ones first. Record (tape or video) the interviews, if at all possible. Older relatives often can identify people, places and dates of those old photographs that everyone seems to have stuffed in a shoe box somewhere. Try to locate copies of: -- family Bibles -- old photos -- newspaper clippings (especially obituaries) -- old letters and postcards -- vital records (such as marriage and death certificates) -- family documents (such as old deeds, military discharge papers, naturalization, and religious papers) Keep track of what you learn. Record information on family tree (pedigree) charts and family group sheets, available at many libraries and on the Web. Most genealogical software produces these charts and having your data in a computer program makes it easier to enter, find and share your family's story. Once you have the three major ingredients for family history -- a name, date, and a place -- you will be ready to begin the quest into the records of the past to learn more about your ancestors. Take the time to read some of the excellent how-to books available in libraries and bookstores. Many local genealogical societies offer beginners' lessons free or for minimal cost. Community colleges and senior centers also provide lessons, as does the National Genealogical Society, http://www.ngsgenealogy.org. The Internet is another source for learning as you go. See the free lessons at: -- RootsWeb.com: http://www.rootsweb.com/~rwguide/ -- Family Tree Maker: http://www.familytreemaker.com -- Ancestry: http://www.ancestry.com Beginners often fall into traps due to lack of experience, so don't believe everything, particularly pertaining to: -- Family traditions. They may not be accurate. Legends abound about ancestors who supposedly jumped ship and swam ashore to avoid immigration or the family name was changed at Ellis Island. Investigate for yourself. -- Spelling of surnames. Don't insist your name has always been spelled a particular way; it hasn't. -- Old country origins or ethnicity of your family. A statement such as "The family came from Ireland'' may be inaccurate. Family lines often become entangled with the retelling of stories. Compiling a family tree takes time. Don't expect to complete the project in a couple of months. Genealogy is a fascinating and rewarding hobby. However, it can be time-consuming and it is addictive. Just 10 generations, or approximately 300-350 years back, you will have 1,024 ancestors, and by the time you have identified them all, you will need a large chart on which to display them. Just be sure you have the right characters perched upon your family tree. (c) 1999, Los Angeles Times Syndicate Myra Vanderpool Gormley and Julie Case are co-editors of Missing Links, a free weekly genealogy e-zine. To subscribe, send your request to: Missing Links Newsletter Return to Myra Vanderpool Gormley Main Page Return to Columns Main Page
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