Trying to find ancestors?

Question

Not quite sure how to go about it. I just wanna learn more about family members and the struggles they went through. Just curious...I searched me mothers maiden name and there are sites saying "The McClure" family originated in Ireland, and so on and talked about the first McClure's on record or something? Just because i had the same last name am i directly linked to them?? Thanks for any help

Answer 1

No.  Just because you have the last same name it does not mean you are directly related.  If you’re just getting started, before beginning a, gather up all the information you can from family members about your family history so you can narrow your search.  A great site to help you begin  learning how to research and organize the information you collect and gather is   http://www.findingdulcinea.com/guides/Fa...  

There are many genealogical sites that are free.  One thing you should remember about the information you find that others have compiled is – you must research the historical records for yourself for accuracy.  The compilers’ may have just copied what others have found.  Make sure the information is correct by viewing official documents, i.e., marriage, birth, census records, etc. yourself.  Here are some very good free sites:

http://www.familysearch.org/eng/default....  FamilySearch.org is a non-profit service sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  You can also download free software that will help you keep your family tree organized.

http://usgenweb.org/.  This site has been created by a group of volunteers that are committed to keep genealogy free and have provided a website for genealogical research in every county and state in the United States.

http://rwguide.rootsweb.ancestry.com/.  RootsWeb is also a great site.  It’s funded by Ancestry.com.  It provides links to ton’s of additional sites as well.    

http://www.ellisisland.org/genealogy/ind... . Ellis Island Foundation, Inc.  Genealogy Learning Center.  This site has also has some great getting started tips and free downloadable charts and forms.  

http://www.cyndislist.com/.  Cindy’s List has just about everything from A to Z.  I would highly recommend visiting this site.  

http://www.myheritage.com/. Is free, private and secure.  You can create a web site, build and save a family tree, share photos and videos and much more.

http://www.geni.com/home. You can build your family tree and invite others to join via email and expand your tree.  You can add photo’s and video’s.  

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi...  You can search for cemetery records.  Pictures of actual headstones with names and burial dates are available for numerous cemeteries. Additional information is often provided.

Answer 2

No.. this is the entire point between basic process, which is ALWAYS start with present, and work backwards.  You can't skip this step. What happens is exactly like you mention.. information about "early" McClures, which may not even be valid to your ancestry.

In fact, you'll find that research does not work with surnames at all. Research the explicit person, and connect that person to his/her family. The records you turn up, will lead you to where the next valid records will be.

The only exception is surname boards, where everyone is working one name.. ie genforum.  EVEN then, you need to identify that your goal is John McClure of Alabama, and not John McClure of Mass.  

Answer 3

The first thing to remember is start small. Genealogy can be like the sea, if you try to swim out too far too fast it can become overwhelming, start in the small pools that surround you first and have fun with it, learning about all the amazing people that already surround you.

One tip I was given as well, which I believe is quite a sensible tip is to try where possible to back up your research with 3 correct sources and make sure you keep "Source Citations" right from the start, which is to keep a list of where you got the information with each piece of information you collect and record.

Start by asking your close family for information and work systematically person by person, don't jump generations or get too far ahead to start with. I'm not sure where you are but here in Australia local libraries and councils are great for information.

If you can afford it think about a voice recorder of some sort to record what people say, it is an easy way to recall what was said, I wish I bought one many years ago.

You'll probably find alot of people answer with alot of different tips because so many people use so many different tricks to help them along with their search.

All the best with it.  

Answer 4

Do a search on the web, everyone has a cousin that they haven't seen in years who has done some of the research already. in a search engine type in

(your last name)+genealogy

you can also try

(your last name)+family

Good Luck