Family history research can be challenging in the beginning, and even decades in I often feel in over my head. I like to reach out to fellow genealogists when I hit a wall just to remind myself that I’m not alone; misery loves company, right? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try these handy tips for overcoming common obstacles that those sneaky ancestors throw our way.
• Update your name search parameters. We tend to stick with what works. Once we have luck with the spelling of a name, surname or given, we tend to set it and forget it. Yet, name variations and misspellings often occur the further back we go in time. Literacy levels may have been lower, so names were recorded phonetically. Test all possible alternatives and remember to keep a list so you don’t duplicate searches.
• Use the FAN Club. Our ancestors’ lives were intertwined with those around them. Using FAN research — Friends (and Family), Associates and Neighbors — can help us piece their life story together. We tend to forget they were living real lives, attending school and church, going to work each day while interacting with neighbors and friends. Immigrants, in particular, tended to relocate together. For example, I compared immigration, census and burial records (not tedious at all!) to find my grandparents living near another couple that was listed next to my grandmother on her ship manifest. They were also buried only feet away from each other! I am currently researching this family’s origins to see what else can be uncovered about their relationship.
• Explore all sources of information. When you hit a brick wall, be sure you’ve found all records for the person you are researching. Use a checklist so that you don’t overlook anything. Land records, court records, church records, military lists, passenger lists, organization directories and school records or yearbooks are more great options we tend to forget. Remember, not all records are available online. Archives, libraries and genealogical societies in their town or city may be able to help.
• Read the paper. Old newspapers are a window into the past and can put things into context for us. From trips visiting relatives and birth announcements to a cow being stolen then mysteriously returned in the dead of night, I’ve found the most amazing stories in the news. Also, don’t overlook the advertisements. They can hold important clues about an ancestor’s business or occupation. This is where I found my aunt advertising for laundry work during the 1920s which listed their address between census records.
• Map it. I admit to being geographically challenged. Sometimes a map can help me visualize a neighborhood, state, or even country. Travel was difficult so our ancestors stuck to roads that were already well worn or may have relocated somewhere along the trail. Research the history of a location and look for border changes in towns or counties. If you don’t find records in your ancestor’s town, check the records of neighboring towns.
• Check out cemeteries. Pay attention to gravestones near where your ancestor is buried because they may be connected in some way. The previous story about my grandmother is an example of this. Also, ask for a list or map of burials in and around the family plot. The ancestor’s grave you are searching for may just be missing or buried due to time.
This month, pick one of your brick wall ancestors and start going through the records you already have. It’s important to question everything that you think you know and approach it with an open mind. Double check ages, places, spellings, and dates. If you think you’ve exhausted all sources, remember: A dead end doesn’t mean your work is done, you just need to try a different approach. A little thinking outside the box may just take down that brick wall. Happy hunting!