Roots & Branches

Now days there are many ways to research family lines anywhere in the world.  It has gotten so much easier.  To start just go to your local library and check out the great materials available.   Genealogy is now the third top hobby in America and it is growing all around the world.  It is exciting to see so many people coming together to make our work faster and easier. 

Translations

Although research for overseas can be a little trickier.  The language barriers alone can make you scratch your head.  Take your time and document your sources as you go.  That was you can check back if something seem amiss later. 

For translations you might try: Google Translate   http://translate.google.com/

Books

Many of the self-help books will give you ideas of what to try next, how to find where to write for those all important records. 

Here are a few titles to try:

In Search of Your European Roots: A Complete Guide to Tracing Your Ancestors in Every Country in Europe by Angus Baxter

Discovering Your Scottish Ancestors: How to find and record your unique heritage by Linda Jonas & Paul Milner.

In search of your German roots: a complete guide to tracing your ancestors in the Germanic areas of Europe  4th edition by Baxter, Angus, 1912-

A genealogist’s guide to discovering your immigrant & ethnic ancestors : how to find and record your unique heritage  by Carmack, Sharon DeBartolo, 1956-

Family ties in England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland: sources for genealogical research
 by Reid, Judith P.

Jewish roots in Poland: pages from the past and archival inventories
 by Weiner, Miriam.

Videos
How to trace your Native American Heritage (VHS) by Heape, Steven R.

On the internet

On the internet there are sites added daily.  By entering a basic search such as, “Scottish genealogy” or “Scotland and genealogy”.   Take a look at the “hits” and see what might work for you.  A word of caution, there are sites that will do look-ups for free, but many from overseas are a subscription site. 

One of my favorite sites for an overall look is Cyndi’s List.  This is one of best sites around.  Cyndi Howell and her staff do a great job.  They have created several lists where you can simply click on the country you wish to research.  If you have not tried her site yet, you should take the time to “play” and familiarize yourself with all this site offers. 

http://www.cyndislist.com/

Best of Luck with your search!

Do you have a famous outlaw in your family line?  Where your family members coal miners in Wyoming? Was there some dark secret told at family gatherings about the Chinese Massacre in Rock Springs?  There are always old stories in each family.  We all have heard them.  You know things like “my uncle worked on a ranch in Wyoming with Butch Cassidy.”  But was it true? 

If you look at local history books for whatever area you are researching, there are usually some answers.  I have always been a history lover, especially local history.  It is amazing to me just how much there is to learn.  Each area you are researching will have its own setting, people, culture, regional events and mannerisms.  Your task is to become a sleuth and find these things out.   Start with books from your local library.  If they do not have what you need, ask for help placing an Inter-library Loan.  This is where you borrow an item for libraries elsewhere.  There may be a fee, be sure to ask before placing the request. 

 If your family did not keep actual records of these famous/infamous relatives, then it falls to you.  Take the time to look into local history.  A great place to start is the local museum and library.  Stop by or call to see what information they may have on your relative or what information they might be able to share.  Always take good notes as you go so you may refer back as time goes by.  Ask if they keep a photo collection of the well known events or persons from the area.  This usually takes a bit of time so do this when you have time to spare. 

For our area the Sweetwater County Historical Museum has a very nice photo collection of the local area and many of its past residence.  There are also some family histories and many local history books available for sale.  Remember, if you do not wish to buy the books, take the pertinent information to the local library and they can help you request the items. 

For some famous people, there are well kept records of their genealogy.  We can usually find them on Ancestry.com or some of the other better known sites.  Many books have been written about the famous and many about locals as well. I must say, I am still working on the supposed connection my mother’s line has to the Younger Brothers of Missouri.  Family oral history states that my grandfather was a cousin to Cole, Jim, John, and Bob Younger.  I have found this a tedious task.  This to date has not been proven.   On the other hand, I have been able to find information on my father’s line that we are in fact related to Thomas Jefferson the president.  Imagine our surprise!  He is actually a GGGGG uncle.  Bragging rights are always fun.  Finding this information was thanks to a distant cousin that found the connection.  What an early Christmas present that was.

Sometimes “gut-feeling” or unconventional research can open new doors.  Best of luck with your search and always remember to think outside the box.