Finding ancestors with literally NO information
How do I start trying to trace family I never knew existed until now?
I literally just laid my father to rest not two days ago after a year long battle with cancer, and then found out that I have family I knew nothing about. It’s become quite clear that my dad didn’t know anything about it either, and the few people that I’m aware of that had information that could help passed away.
I’m in shock because I’m fully aware now that my dad was kept in the dark until the day he died and it breaks my heart. It also hurts because in the end I’m going to have to re-at least half my tree.
How do I even attempt to find and document information when I don’t have a name to go on, and the only other people who might have been able to answer at least some of my questions have been gone for 20 years or longer?
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I recommend DNA testing, with the biggest database being on AncestryDNA. From your DNA matches you likely will be able to identify relatives on your father's side of the family. I can give you more help if you are interested, after you get your DNA results.
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tha for the information about using DNA to try and help find family members.
However, I now have a military record that is bound at the top and definitely old and showing some aging and signs of wear from being handled.
This record is pretty much all hand written and I want to preserve it for future generations to be able to see. What’s the best way to preserve this and be able to have a scanned copy of the entire document for future reference so I don’t lose or potentially destroy it?
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On FamilySearch.org you can add images of documents to a person's Memories.
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