Can somebody help find my Ancestors?

Question

I've been trying to find my ancestors for some time now. My last name is Montclair, but my dad was adopted, so his original last name is Peters. Whenever i search for Montclair, i always come up with stuff about Montclair, New Jersey. I've tried ancestry, but you have to pay for the good stuff. I'm 14, so i cant pay for anything, but i really want to know who they were. Neither of my parents really know anything. My Mom's maiden name is Rapp, and she claims we're direct descendants of the great Sir William Wallace. I want to know if it's true.. so if anybody can help,, it would be reallllly great.

Answer 1

It's a lot of work, but possible to trace your ancestors yourself. I was amazed to discovered how much free information and help is available online. Gather as much information as far back as you can. For instance, what was your Grandmother Rabb's maiden name. Where did she grow up. When did they marry. What were her parents' names. Then read through the various discussions in the Rabb forum, looking for Rabbs from the same city or town; post an enquiry about your Rabbs on the various message boards. You could post an enquiry about your father on the Peters boards. If you know where your great-grandfather lived as a child, you could probably check out his entire family on a census listing (available online up to 1930 in the States; but only 1911 in Canada ... it would have to be your great-great). There may be a history or genealogical association for that area, and listings of births, marriages and deaths . Here are some message boards I found very helpful, all free:  genforum.com / boards.ancestry.com / rootsweb.com / yourfolks.com  . It's an amazing process ... one little bit of information leads to another and another. Like doing a jigsaw puzzle, only better. Try it! I hope you'll be lucky..

Answer 2

go to the library

Answer 3

You could call your closest Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church.  They are known for having amazing Genealogy Centers, and are usually open a few night a month to help you do research.  There isn't a charge, either.  Good Luck!

Answer 4

Is there a local genealogy center where you live?

Answer 5

I have been researching my family for 14 years . The best thing to do is ask grandparents for any info. they may have here are a few websites I have used over the past couple years good luck!

www.familysearch.org

www.us-census.com

www.rootsweb.com