Genealogy research could become addictive

[Scotus]

Yes, genealogy is very addictive. I was active in the hobby for a long time before I gave it up, due to the fact that it's also a somewhat anti-social hobby. If you're doing genealogy correctly, you'll spend lots of time in darkened rooms of libraries (known as the genealogical section) , as well as tramping through cemeteries. It has been rewarding, but there was a point where I had to say, "Enough is enough." I had to get outside, breath the fresh air, and talk to living humans.

Gilmore is correct. Do not go by what you find on the Internet. You can use it as a guide, but not source material. You have to do the leg work on your own to be certain. Take nothing as fact until you have a real document or other secondary or tertiary source (well documented book that lists primary sources, for example) to prove something.

[EagleJCS]

I've been very lucky in finding out my family's history. My Dad's family didn't talk much about family history, but I found out a few years ago via Rootsweb that my paternal line has been in the U.S since before there WAS a U.S.! (A cousin - 2nd, once removed - had done a lot of work and published his database there. I have since verified a good portion of it, and intend to continue to verify it.) I've currently put the research/verification on hold until I get a full-time job and can afford to travel to verify some of the records found online.

Going back to the mid/late 1700's makes things kinda tricky in determining whence we came before then, as some of the records have been lost/destroyed through the ensuing 3 wars (Revolutionary, 1812, Civil) and untold natural disasters (fires/floods) that have passed through Virginia. Plus, a lot of people in the area had the same name (for example, it appears there's three James Scotts and two Alexander Scotts in the same county at about the same time, only two of whom appear to be related - one of the Alexanders had a son named James). I've made the presumption, based on the family name, that we're Scottish, and can therefore wear the Scott tartan. <-- relating all this to kilts, etc.

Mom had a cousin do research on their line several years ago, so I know they came from Germany (Hessen-Darmstadt, on the France/Luxembourg border). I'll focus more on them once I've gone as far as possible with my paternal line.

In addition to the U.S. Genweb, Rootsweb and Ancestry, there's also Cyndi's List (www.cyndislist.com), which has a lot of links to research websites.

Another place to look for information in the U.S. is your state's Department of Vital Statistics (or whatever your state records department is called ). They should have birth, marriage and death certificates, plus there's the federal census records up to 1930 (those just became available a couple of years ago). If the state records don't go back far enough, try the county of residence for the person/line you're investigating. Another place to look is court records (estate settlements, property transfers, lawsuits, etc.). Get names and dates from your living family members, then start digging.

I found a lot of family birth/death/marriage certificates on microfilm in the local library's archive for the Dept of Vital Stats. Once you have the certificate numbers, getting a verified/certified copy from the state is just a matter of filling out the paperwork and sending them a check.

[Big Paul]

It's very addictive!!

The best plan of attack it go on Ebay and buy Version 16 or 17 of Family Tree Maker. It comes with one free year subscription to Ancestry.com! It's an awesome deal and great software to boot!

[Miss_CP]

I've tried doing a family tree a few times this year, including with ancestry.com, and everytime, i've been un-successful :S
Not giving up on this one tho!

[gilmore]

I've tried doing a family tree a few times this year, including with ancestry.com, and everytime, i've been un-successful :S
Not giving up on this one tho!

As was said earlier, either here or in another thread, get a book on how to do genealogical research for beginners, often avavailable at your local library, which may also have classes on it.

We start with what we know and work backward, usually talking to the oldest members of our family.

Good luck!