Family History/Tree

[JoyJoy]

One of my hobbies is researching my family tree. My mom, dad and sister have all passed away; however, my mom gave me names and places where my ancestors lived. I am really amazed at how many of my ancestors are on the 1880-1930 census! It made me really excited to see my grdmo listed as being age 16 and her sister being just 14 years of age.

Perhaps your mom and dad have relatives listed or even they may be listed on the census.

Interesting really and I found many names tonight on FamilyTree.com

Enjoy and good-luck finding your ancestors!!

[JoyJoy]

Re: Family History/Tree

The fire took place in 1890 yes. There were a few records selvaged though. Do a search on the 1890 census and see where it leads you!

Glad to know you found your family listed too! I work on mine quite a bit during the winter.

My husband has really found a lot of his ancestors. He started with just the date of his paternal grandmother's date of death and traced his family tree back to the early 1800's. I have traced my great great great grandfather back to 1777! Amazing!!!

[tgavin71]

Re: Family History/Tree

I am lucky in that on my father side we have had a family tree with all the descendents of James and Margaret Tongue who emmigrated from England to Australia in 1842. All told there are 587 of us. Not a bad legacy.That was in 2001. There would be a few more now of course.

[JoyJoy]

Re: Family History/Tree

Yes, it's unfortunate that this fire destroyed a lot of information. This is where "word of mouth" from older relatives really helps a lot. You would be surprised who has kept that information in their heads or in their family Bibles. Interview the oldest member of your family. You may find that person knows their birthplace or knows where they are buried.

A lot of the information I received regarding my older ancestors was obtained from the county where my ancestors lived. It helped that my ancestors were pretty famous in the county too! Believe me, I didn't know how famous they really were until the county e-mailed me and asked me to contact them. That is why learning about your family history can be so interesting! You never know who you are related to!!! I found all kind of land records showing what land my great great great grnd parents owned.

[JoyJoy]

Re: Family History/Tree

I am lucky in that on my father side we have had a family tree with all the descendents of James and Margaret Tongue who emmigrated from England to Australia in 1842. All told there are 587 of us. Not a bad legacy.That was in 2001. There would be a few more now of course.

1842? Wow that's great!!! 587 of you is quite a few! Not a bad legacy at all!!

My husband and I always say we wish we could just revisit the past for so many hours to see how our ancestors lived and what were they concerned about then as opposed to now. I do know the women wore a lot of clothing lol. It would take me half the morning to dress up in the corset and all that clothing....let alone fix my hair like they did. Wonder if they wore ponytails?

Thanks for your input tgavin71. Very interesting post.

[JoyJoy]

Re: Family History/Tree

Wow, you are both very fortunate. Unfortunately, my generation is the oldest living in the family. I really should have paid more attention to my grandparents when I was a kid or teenager.

You can start with yourself and trace back to your grandparents. You, your parents, their parents, their aunts and uncles.....somewhere somebody has something!! lol try the 1880 census.

[JoyJoy]

Re: Family History/Tree

Death records are accessible on the ancestry.com website. Rootsweb is another one that has free accessibility to death records.

[Roupey03]

Re: Family History/Tree

Kinda Cool I really know very little about my family tree and would love to find out some info.

[JoyJoy]

Re: Family History/Tree

Start with FamilyTree.com! There are other websites too. Google "genealogy websites"!
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is helpful too.

[tgavin71]

Re: Family History/Tree

My two step sisters are the last of their line. Unless they have get married and do not change their names and pass the surname onto the children. So far both have indicated that they will change it when they marry. It is very sad. My step father's middle name is William. It has been tradition in the family for generations for the eldest son to have the name and then to pass it on. He had two daughters. His brother had two sons who could have carried on the family name but one was killed in a car accident and the other is gay. He could adopt but he has no intention of having a family.