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A Publication Featuring The Information
Services Technology of Maine State Government
| Volume VII, Issue 6 | June 2004 |
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A Leaf on the Branch of a Tree…Genealogy Research on the Internet |
Have you ever wondered about your ancestors, such as where they came from or where they lived? I come from a small family, but have learned I have an abundance of ancestors and cousins.
My interest began when my grandfather was given his family’s Bible after his older sister died. I was amazed with its listings of family names and dates, and how well preserved this 1850 book was. (It also included an original 1800 news article documenting George Washington’s funeral). When I first went on-line, I was surprised at the number of genealogy websites listed, and I started organizing family names. My current database now contains around 1,100 names (including marriages and their links).
You don’t need lots of computer skills to begin, just a list of names and patience. The most popular Internet sites include www.Ancestry.com, www.Genealogy.com, www.MyTrees.com, www.RAOGK.com, www.LDS.org, www.myfamilysearch.8m.com and www.EllisIsland.com. There are many others, but these sites have helped me. Some sites have paid subscriptions, which can be worth the fee. For instance, Ancestry.com has census records which may be downloaded, so you can view the actual handwritten records. Some records are indexed and others are not, so if you know a general area where the person lived, you may get lucky. The State of Maine also has a nice section with genealogy links; go to www.maine.gov, choose the Facts & History tab and then the Genealogy Resources link.
The State of Maine Archives Services is a great source of information for Maine ancestors. They have reels of microfilm listing birth, marriage and death records, listed by year and last name. By law, Archives only have a certain number of years available to the public (I believe they range from 1892-1957). For example, census records can only be made available after 72 years; the latest released were the 1930 censuses in 2002. Census records list head of household, spouse, children and other people in that household. It also lists their age, sometimes birth date, occupation, place of birth and where parents were born.
You can write to other states requesting family information. It is best to look for vital records and see what that state’s guidelines are; some have downloadable forms you can complete and submit with a fee. Some require proof you are a family member and are obtaining information for genealogy purposes only. Other states require you have to wait a number of years after a death before requesting information. Cemeteries are another information source, although not always reliable. I recently received photos of gravestones in New York of a whole branch of family members, which provided names and dates.
Another information source is your local or state library, where you can look up old obituary and marriage notices in newspapers on microfilm. You can also visit a Latter-day Saints Church, some of which are equipped with microfilm machines and microfiche from other states and countries. You do not need to be a member of the church to use their facility.
The best way to start is to gather names and dates. Question family members, and start with one branch, such as your father’s side, then research his mother’s side, etc. Once you have established a line, you will be surprised at how many names you can link, and will learn useful tips as you plug away. I luckily connected with people who shared information – some info going back 14 generations - what a hit!
Shortly after I started my research, I "found" a fourth cousin on-line who happened to be researching the same name. We met six months later, along with an aunt, who is one of the "last members" with that family name. We have made tentative plans to travel to Germany to conduct further research, as our US branch has ended. I also solved two mysteries concerning missing family members.
If you start, you will get addicted, especially when you find pieces that fit your puzzle. Of course, there are many more sites available on-line that I have not listed and other ways to research your family information. I am just another Weed looking for her roots…
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Sonya works as an Income Tax Examiner for Maine Revenue Services. She has worked for state government for 17 years and recently earned a degree in business administration through UMA. She started genealogy research about seven years ago and volunteers to help people from other states research their Maine ancestors. She welcomes any comments or suggestions; you can email her at sonya.weed-berry@maine.gov. |
