Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center
Spiegel Grove
Fremont, Ohio 43420
1/800-998-7737
Nan Card
Curator of Manuscripts
Ncard@rbhayes.org
TIPS ON TRACING YOUR FAMILY
Genealogy is the branch of history that deals with the study of determining family
relationships. All of us have different reasons for wanting to know more about our
own ancestors. Whatever your reason might be, your will need three things –
curiosity, persistence, and a desire for accuracy. Your will find it exciting,
frustrating, and time-consuming, but always, in the end, rewarding. After all, you
will be discovering the heritage and traditions of your family and who YOU are.
Family history is the basis of all history.
Begin with YOURSELF! Use one of the many charts to record the your vital data.
Then enter the same information for your parents and grandparents. At a glance,
you will see what you know, what you do not know, and what is questionable. You
are now ready to begin your research. REMEMBER! ALWAYS move from the known
to the unknown, proving the facts as you go.
Use some system of record keeping that appeals to you. These may be computer
programs, index cards, notebooks, or printed forms. Whatever system: a) be sure
you are able to find the information when you need. B) document where you found
the material. Many genealogists implement a numbering system, which can be quite
helpful as you expand your family tree.
Variations in spelling of surnames were common. Foreign names were often difficult
to pronounce and/or spell.
Genealogy is a skill learned like any other. Today there are many excellent books,
tapes video cassettes, and web site to help the genealogist understand the research
process, solve specific problems, and learn what sources are available.
Enlist the help of family and relatives. Interview your parents and older members of
your family. Examine ALL family documents, including bibles, news clippings,
diaries, photos, etc. You will not only find answers to your questions, but you will
learn the traditions and values of your ancestors. These memories are precious and
are soon gone forever.
Consider the family group. Avoid looking at your ancestor as an isolated individual.
By researching the entire family group, you will find clues that would otherwise be
missed. Try to record all of those people of your surname in the area where your
ancestor lived.
Use as many primary sources as possible. Primary sources are records that originate
with someone directly involved with the event or at the time the event took place.
Just as in law, this is considered “best evidence” and has the greatest degree of
accuracy. All other records that do not fit this definition are considered secondary
sources, which may provide useful information, but may not be as accurate.
Visit your library. You will become aware of what records are available. Many
libraries now have manuscripts, federal censuses, as well as other material on the
primary level. You will have access to maps, histories, and gazetteers that will give
you knowledge regarding local history. Most of all, a good library has the “tools”
available to help you locate needed records.
Learn the history of the area where your ancestor lived. They were the “makers” of
history. By understanding the local history, migration patterns, and nationality and
religion of its residents, you will be able to use intelligent logic when evaluating
problems.
Become familiar with the formation of the state, county, and town/ township
government. This opens the huge area of valuable records held by government
offices. Instructional guides for genealogists are now available for every state and
for most counties. You will be successful at locating the records you need at
courthouses, town clerks’ offices, and local government depositories, if you take the
time to read what records are available and where they are found.
Don’t overlook the vast holdings of the federal government. These include military
records, passenger and immigration lists, naturalizations, land grants, and census
records.
REMEMBER! Genealogy is a “step by step” process. You can become an expert one
step at a time! Join a genealogy group where you will learn from others, have
access to knowledgeable speakers, participate in workshops, and become involved in
preserving history for the future. Best of all, you can SHARE with others your
interest in genealogy!
CHECKING THE AVERAGES
If your research in the pioneering period (before 1850) has “dead ended,” it’s time
for creative thinking. You may find these trends helpful in analyzing your problems.
1. There are approximately three generations per century.
2. Average age for men to marry was 24. They rarely married before 16.
3. First marriages were usually between couples near the same age.
4. Women generally outlived their husbands, but old widowers frequently married
much
younger women who had never been married before. (Remember
those old Revolutionary War soldiers!)
5. Births generally occurred at two-year intervals. Frequently the first child was
born a year after marriage. As a woman aged the interval between births grew
slightly. Child bearing generally ended around 45.
6. Families and neighbors generally migrated together from their old homes.
Women rarely traveled alone.
7. Men usually married women from their neighborhood, but if a seemingly
“strange” woman turned up, check the man’s former home. Often men returned to
their prior residence to find a wife.
8. If you can’t find an old parent, chances are he “went west” with a son.
9. If you have a male ancestor born around 1840, strongly consider Civil War
service.
10. Studies show that after 1850, Ohio pioneers frequently moved to counties in
other states on the same latitude as their home county in Ohio.
11. If your ancestor has a virtue name (e.g.: Patience, Silence), consider a New
England heritage.
12. Children were often named for grandparents, both male and female.
13. Frequently a middle name or even a first name was the mother’s or
grandmother’s maiden name, especially if the name was repeated through several
related families.