A family tree is a diagram that maps out the relationships between family members. It can be as simple as a chart with lines connecting fathers and mothers to their children, or it can be a more complex diagram that includes uncles, aunts, cousins, and other extended family members. Family trees can be used to track historical information about a family, such as births, deaths, and marriages, or they can be used as a tool for genealogical research.
If you want to trace your family tree but have no idea how to get started, then this article is for you. Keep reading to learn more.
Use ancestry websites.
Ancestry websites allow you to search through billions of records to find information about your ancestors. In many cases, you can even find birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as other important records. One of the most popular ancestry websites is Ancestry.com. This website has a massive database of records for so many people, including James McRoberts or any other relatives you want to learn more about.
Contact local genealogists.
Genealogists are experts in tracing family trees and can help you find information that you may not be able to find on your own. They may also be able to connect you with other members of your family who are interested in genealogy. To find a local genealogist, start by doing a Google search for “genealogy” and the name of your town or county. You can also contact the nearest library or historical society and ask for recommendations.
When you contact a genealogist, be prepared to provide them with as much information as possible about your family tree, including names, dates, and locations. The more information you can provide, the better they will be able to help you. Be patient and let the genealogist do their job; they may need time to track down all of the information that you’re looking for.
Contact relatives.
Another way to research your family history is by contacting relatives who may have additional information about your ancestors. This can be especially helpful if you have limited information about your family or if you are trying to fill in gaps in your family tree. By talking to your relatives, you may be able to learn more about your ancestors’ lives and even find some previously unknown family members. If you are lucky, some of your relatives may even be willing to share family photos or documents with you. You can also ask them for advice on how to further research your family history.
If you don’t have any relatives who are familiar with your family history, you may want to reach out to other family members on social media or in online forums.
Search archives and libraries.
Archives are collections of primary source documents such as birth, marriage, and death certificates; census records; military records; and land deeds. They are usually held by government or religious institutions. To find an archive’s contact information, look in the telephone directory under “archives” or on the internet. The typical way to access an archive’s holdings is to visit it in person. However, some archives allow limited use of their materials through postal mail or online searches.
Libraries are also a valuable resource for family history research because they typically have books, newspapers, magazines, and other resources that can help you trace your family tree back several generations. In addition, many libraries offer free access to genealogy databases that include indexes to birth, marriage, and death certificates as well as census records from around the world. Some also have microfilm or digital copies of original documents that can be searched online.
Whatever route you decide to take, remember to be patient. It can often take a while to track down all of the information you need about your ancestors. But, with a little bit of effort, you should be able to build a complete picture of your family’s history.
