How do I TRACE my family LINEAGE?

Question

I want to know more about my ancestors from my grandpa's side but we dont know much about his family since he was orphaned when both his parents died on disease. My grandpa was born in 1896 in Mexico but I just do not know how I could trace his ancestry. The only thing I know is he was of spanish and some other european country descent. I want to know more because ive always been interested where my roots come from but I have no idea where to start. Can anyone help?

Answer 1

I think it will be very difficult for you to trace your grandfather's ancestry. He never spoke of any relatives, any siblings or cousins? You could start by getting a copy of his death certificate - it may give his parents names. If he was ever in the US military you could request his service records. You can also try to get a copy of his birth certificate from Mexico. If you can find that, then you would know where he was born and his parents names, so you could try to find their death records and continue to trace it back from there. I'm not sure if there is some kind of genealogy group either here or in Mexico that can help guide you through the process, but if there is, it would help a lot to talk with people doing research  in the same area you are. The Rootsweb boards might have a message board that is helpful for you.

Good luck!

Answer 2

im sorry i dont know but i would like to do same and i know less than u i hope we both get help

Answer 3

If you can find other relatives of your Grandparents, especially their siblings, this gives you a better chance to trace your Great Grandparents.  Do any of these names look familiar?

1930 United States Census

Walton, Labette, KS

Jesus Martinez abt 1896 Head

Rapaila Martinez KS abt 1903  Wife

Jose Martinez name,abt 1918  Son

Alfredo Martinez abt 1920  Son

Docors Martinez abt 1926  Daughter

Sara Martinez abt 1927 Daughter

1930 United States Census

Walton, Labette, KS

Niolas Kilo abt 1894 Head

Natibidad Kilo abt 1900 Wife

Cruz Kilo abt 1918 Son

1930 United States Census

Parsons, Labette, KS

Bonifacio Martinez abt 1903 Head

Angelita Martinez abt 1904 Wife