Important Tips of Unearthing Vital Statistic Information on Ancestors
When researching ancestors, then vital
statistic information can be of vital importance. Digging up the dirt on
your family is easier when you have some basic information. Start out with
a note pad, making notes. First start with your parents, then your
grandparents, great grandparents, and so on, working back as far as you
can, listing their full names, their birthdates, and all other information
you know about them. Most people start to run out of information when they
get back past two generations. That is where vital statistics come in.
When you go to an information storage facility, which can be a court
house, or if you are lucky a state historical museum with more extensive
records, either on computer or on microfilm, then go to the furthest
ancestor back. Let's say that was your grandparents. Then check out the
vital statistics information on your grandparents. Check death records,
birth records and marriage records. This information is like the part of
the iceberg you can see from the surface, with most of the iceberg lying
beneath. This information will spider web out, leading to siblings and
parents of the ancestor you are checking on. In turn, by checking on the
siblings and parents, you'll be led to even more relatives in your vast
web.
When doing this research, you'll need a library with a good selection of
microfilm records. The University of Missouri in Columbia maintains the
Missouri State Historical Library and in that state is the premier
research location. Most other states have similar libraries. If you're
having trouble tracking down the best research location, call the history
department of your local community college or ask a research librarian at
your public library where the historical archives are located in your
state. While having all of these records online would make the task
easier, most states have yet to convert their microfilm files to digital
form, so you have to make several trips in person to get the information
you need, but the drive will probably be worth it if you are a serious
genealogical researcher
When you get to the research library, be prepared to spend
the day. Many people go planning on just a couple of hours of research and
are amazed at how quickly the time passes. Make sure you have pens and a
legal pad for taking notes, and plenty of loose change for the copy
machine, or for prints outs of the microfilmed information. You'll
probably find a great deal of information you want to take back. Also, as
you will be spending the day there, make sure you are wearing comfortable
clothing and have packed a lunch.
Taking notes or records that you already have, such as the names and dates
of birth of ancestors you already know about will also save you a great
deal of time. There is nothing more frustrating than starting extensive
research and realizing that you didn't bring some needed information
along. Keeping basic information in a notebook you carry with you can be
very helpful. If your genealogical records are kept in a computer data
base, then making a print out and using a three hole punch to fit your
print outs into a loose leaf binder will aid you in your research.
Another good source of information for your search is the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints, most often thought of as the Mormons. The LDS
Church maintains extensive genealogical data bases considering the tracing
of family trees to be an important part of their mission, and they make
this information available to the public for a small fee to offset some of
their cost. They can be located online, or you can simply stop by any LDS
Church in your area and inquire about access to the records the church
maintains. Even if your family is not Mormon, the LDS Church may well have
records that will help you.
Genealogy is a fascinating hobby and many people feel it gives them a
sense of attachment to their ancestors and more of a sense of heritage.
Using vital statistics information to find out the scoop on your ancestors
is a great way to get this project up and going, and good research skills
will develop from it
About the Authors
Paul Duxbury and Kevin Cook own www.amateur-genealogist.com and
www.our-family-trees.co.uk two of the leading Genealogy Websites. In
addition Paul owns a wide range of exciting websites which can be viewed
at www.paulduxbury.com
