Geneaology Experts Question?

Cemetery Hunter · Post by **Cemetery Hunter** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 6:47 pm

I would like to do a little of this geneology stuff myself any one got any tips for a newbie? Like good free websites and other stuff...any help appreciated.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sat Oct 18, 2008 10:36 pm

You can try the LDS site online. Also, often, in a biggish city, the LDS have a Family Search Reading Room. All are welcome- they say they won't approach a person there with their beliefs. That would be in your city directory.

I suggest people go to their local Library as well. The reference department can help you start. Also, I'm pretty sure they would have online access to a Library member to sites they subscribe to. Ask about joining. To get my Library online I was required to come in person to sign up, then could then access their site from home after that.

If you get census info, you can follow those leads. You can call other Libraries in the area of your search. They very well may take e-mail enquiries. Give them extra time, tho.

Obits are a good source of info. You can call or e-mail the Library in the city the person you are researching lived or died in, and an obit may show up in their newspaper archive.

These are starter suggestions.

If I work on a non-family member, from another century, say, I first estimate their age- what I call a *circa birth year* and with that I usually can search at LDS. Be aware that the family group sheets at LDS are not necessarily correct. Also, a good hint is to document your search as you do it- so you can prove your results or find supporting documentation.

Sometimes cemetery records are the key- there are cemetery records online in some cities. You can always ask your local Library reference department on how to get started.
For all I know there might be a book *Genealogy For Dummies* like there is for everything else! If there isn't, there should be!

Ya never know!
Good luck!
PS: I think at Ancestry dot com, they have a 2 week free start there- but I'm not sure about that. You'd have to check and sign up there.

Cemetery Hunter · Post by **Cemetery Hunter** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 7:56 am

Thanks Kat.

Bobbypoz · Post by **Bobbypoz** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 12:02 pm

sent twice! sorry

Bobbypoz · Post by **Bobbypoz** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 12:02 pm

Here is a link to the social security death index. not sure when it starts from (I can't find my grandmother who died in the mid 1960's but can find her husband who died in the late 1970's.

Anyways it is great for family and friend research. You do not need to know the SS# but last name, first name (usually), middle name is helpful also (you have to do some searching anyways so the more info the better!) sometimes they have the exact date of death others they don't. very inconsistent.

Good luck though!

~B

P.S. Welcome to the group!

Cemetery Hunter · Post by **Cemetery Hunter** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 2:48 pm

Wheres the link? Am I missing something?

Bobbypoz · Post by **Bobbypoz** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 4:45 pm

http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi

Sorry too much school work makes Bob nuts and forgetful!

~B

Cemetery Hunter · Post by **Cemetery Hunter** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 5:32 pm

Thanks....no problem, but its not really worth paying for to only use occassionally.

Constantine · Post by **Constantine** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 8:53 pm

Try familysearch.org, the Mormon site. It's free.

Cemetery Hunter · Post by **Cemetery Hunter** » Tue Oct 21, 2008 4:19 pm

Constantine @ Mon Oct 20, 2008 9:53 pm wrote:Try familysearch.org, the Mormon site. It's free.

Yeah I will check that one out later.....thanks.