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My father is 'unknown' and I don't know much about grandparents, uncles, aunts etc so how can I prog

PeterWoolf
PeterWoolf ✭
August 16, 2021 in Family Tree

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?

Tagged:
  • Seeking family information
  • Where to look
0

Answers

  • MelHeis
    MelHeis ✭✭
    August 16, 2021

    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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  • Sanra
    Sanra ✭✭✭✭
    August 16, 2021

    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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  • PeterWoolf
    PeterWoolf ✭
    August 17, 2021

    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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  • DebDT
    DebDT mod
    August 17, 2021

    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.

    https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Virtual_Genealogy_Consultations

    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.

    https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/rtc2021/

    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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  • SL Terry
    SL Terry mod
    August 20, 2021

    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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  • SL Terry
    SL Terry mod
    August 20, 2021

    Peter also its good to start with yourself and any certificates that you have.

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