My father is 'unknown' and I don't know much about grandparents, uncles, aunts etc so how can I prog
I am not sure how I can trace ancestors as I have very limited knowledge of grandparents etc. Not sure how to progress with a family tree.. Any ideas?
Answers
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PeterWoolf, thanks for coming to the Community with your question about building your family tree.
If your mother or any other relative is living, the best thing to do is to start with her/them to gather all the information (names, dates, places, etc.) you can. Every little bit of information can be important and lead to more. Often, you can find information about deceased grandparents, etc. by doing a web search for ‘Obituary for ……….”, then add the name of the state they died in if you know that.
Here is an article that lists a number of options for finding help in doing family history work and one or two may be helpful: https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/where-can-i-get-help-with-my-genealogy
The correct link for finding a Family History Center is: https://www.familysearch.org/help/fhcenters/locations/centerlocator
However, many centers may not be open currently. Possibly you could get a reply by leaving a message on their phone.
Another suggestion is to CALL FamilySearch and talk to one of our volunteers. We would like to help you get started! (866-406-1830)
Best to you on your exciting family history journey!!
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Hi Peter,
Another possibility may be a DNA test, which can lead to relatives yet unknown to you, by Cousin matches. Often the matches leave contact information, and they can help you learn more.
Wishing you a successful search.
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I don't know where to begin, the relative I knew are dead, I don't know birthdays, and in some cases, I know nothing of grandparents and there siblings
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The link that MelHeis sent you is a great way to get started. One of the "helps" included in the article is to schedule a 20-minute consultation with a specialist from the Family History Library. The other mentioned is the FamilySearch Wiki also excellent.
You also can go to the RootsTech website where "free" instruction for searching ancestors videos, etc. are listed. It is a great resource for helping learn how to do research and get started.
On the FamilySearch website under the pull down tab "Family Tree" is the option for Overview. That also has ideas and ways to get started. We wish you much luck on your quest to find your ancestors.
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Hi Peter if you have any certificates that is a good place to start. Look for parents names, witness names etc. I know in Scotland you get the parents marriage date on a childs birth certificate etc. Hope this helps a little.
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Peter also its good to start with yourself and any certificates that you have.
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