Genealogy...where to start?

**Scotus** · 29th July 08, 02:08 PM

There are some very good suggestions here. Let me warn you about something, however. Genealogy can become very addictive. Don't become the person who hides out in the darkened genealogy section of libraries on beautiful days.

And don't talk about your genealogical finds to non-family members; they really won't care.

**pdcorlis** · 29th July 08, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by demolay1310

You might also try the Mormon Church in Utah as they have one of largest genealogical depositories in the country.

www.familysearch.org is their online genealogy site - lots of good resources there to help you on your way.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 29th July 08, 02:25 PM

You can also write to:

The Genealogical Office
National Library of Ireland
Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Ireland

Good Luck!

**kilted_ninja** · 29th July 08, 03:43 PM

DNA Testing? How's that supposed to work?

**gilmore** · 29th July 08, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by kilted_ninja

DNA Testing? How's that supposed to work?

It isn't supposed to work, it does work, within its built-in limitations. rather than re-typing or cutting and pasting it all here, I suggest taking a look at www.familytreedna.com's FAQ. If you have further questions I will be happy to do what I can.

Testing is simple and painless, takes about 6 weeks or less. Y chromosome testing is far more useful as an adjunct to genealogical research than is mitochondrial DNA or autosomal testing.

**BEEDEE** · 29th July 08, 03:52 PM

We've used ancestry.com and they seem OK for the USA but very limited once you get outside. The Mormon Church has the world's greatest collection of genealogy data. If you visit the nearest church you will find they have access to microfilm records around the world. There are still roadblocks, however. For example most Irish records were destroyed in a fire in, I believe about 1913 so getting back before that is difficult. I was able to contact the church in N Ireland where my GG Grandfather was married in 1852 and get a copy of his marriage certificate. So you have to dig and sometimes get lucky.

Brian

**gilmore** · 29th July 08, 04:30 PM

[QUOTE=BEEDEE;575729... The Mormon Church has the world's greatest collection of genealogy data. If you visit the nearest church you will find they have access to microfilm records around the world. ...
[/QUOTE]

See the above critique of www.familysearch.org, the Mormon (LDS) Church's genealogical website. Their archived civic and other records can be helpful, dunno about pedigrees, group sheets, etc.

**Hillwalker** · 30th July 08, 05:25 PM

Genealogy is interesting, but a lot of hard work. I have used the following methods in the past: • Visiting a couple of websites that were previously listed. • Talking to family members and recording their information by hand. • Visiting cemeteries, which netted the most information. It also cleared up a lot of mistakes the first two items had made, (births, deaths, dates, and marriages). • Finally, using the local Morman Church Genealogy Library in the city next to me was also a great help, and you don’t even have to be a member of the church to use the facilities. I’m not LDS and they had no problems with me being there. Their library is another good source for verifying records because they hold copies of actual government documents. I hope that helps; good luck in your search. Also, don’t feel bad if you hit a wall. I could not find any records before 1805 on my mother’s side due to a courthouse fire in my county before that year.

**gilmore** · 30th July 08, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by Hillwalker

... Visiting cemeteries, which netted the most information. It also cleared up a lot of mistakes the first two items had made, (births, deaths, dates, and marriages). ....

The information on tombstones is not always carved in stone, so to speak, especially those that were made for veterans at a far distance from the location of the burial site. I have come across mistakes from that source.

**pdcorlis** · 30th July 08, 05:38 PM

I really think it takes every source you can get your hands on - both local and internet based. Each source (including family recollections) should be viewed with a very skeptical eye indeed. One source does not a fact make. Check, double check, and then triple check everything you find.

I think you have a great attitude. I, like most folks I know come from a long line of dirt farmers. Be happy with what you find and enjoy the journey.