-=*=--=*=--=*=--=*=--=*=--=*=-- -=*=- BACKWARD FOOTPRINTS -=*=- -=*=--=*=--=*=--=*=--=*=--=*=-- Lila Kobs Hubbard Family Genealogist & Research Historian Recall the story of the Tortice & the Hare? Slow steady progress in genealogy is a must when trying to locate or trace the movement of immi- grant ancestors. Genealogy is a science and should be approached from a scientific &/or historical like approach. Someone recently described gen- ealogy as a huge jigsaw puzzle. This is true, gathering bits of informa- tion piece by piece seems unproductive until the pieces start to fit together. When a picture begins to emerge it is possible by carefully planned research to seek information to fill in the missing pieces. All avenues of research in the United States should be exausted before a genealogist tries to trace the family line to its place of origin. This approach may seem like drugery & it may seem boring even appear to be unrewarding! Who said it would be easy? No one, I know. There is an old saying, "A job worth doing is worth doing well." These suggestions are not to lighten your burden but more to direct & suggest advantegous routes for successful research. Valuable only if you keep very accurate records of your research. The search is on so start with you & your family. Relatives may think they know nothing but some of them really do! Family stories, documents, member ship applications, old letters, etc. may give you a lot of small pieces to your family puzzle. THINGS TO ASK ABOUT OR WRITE ABOUT 1. Family records 2. Bible Records 3. Family Letters, Stories & Traditions 4. Employment & Societies Records 5. Wills, Deeds, Etc. 6. Certificates, Awards, Discharges, Etc. 7. Photographs 8. Books of Remembrance 9. Diaries, Printed or Manuscript Family Genealogies If you find church information, or know the place of worship of your ancestor don't overlook the following types of church records: 1. Membership Records 2. Birth, Marriage & Death Records 3. Baptism Records 4. Confirmation Records 5. Communion Records 6. Society or Board Minutes 7. Church School Records 8. Church Cemetery Records 9. Church Archives State or National Levels Contact the proper authorities in Hometown, U.S.A. for help or search City, Town, Village Records: 1. Birth, Death, Marriage & Divorce Records 2. Tax Lists 3. School Records & Board Minutes 4. Town Histories & Historians 5. Newspaper Files (Obituary & News items) 6. Cemetery Records & Gravestones 7. Mortuary Records 8. Town Clerk's Minutes 9. Genealogical or Historical Societies 10. Libraries - many have genealogical information on the local level & may have hometown newspapers on microfilm. 11. Military Records, Statues, placques, etc. Your next move is to research County Records (Remember that old County boundaries change! Get a good atlas.) 1. County Census Records 2. Court Records 3. Wills, Administration & Guardianships 4. Marriage Licenses / Bonds & Divorce Records 5. Birth & Death Records 6. Land Records 7. Deeds 8. Tax Records 9. School Records & Board Minutes 10. Naturalization Records 11. Orphans Court Records 12. Old Folks or Veterans Homes 13. Hospital & Mental Institutions Records 14. Military Records 15. County Histories with Biographies & Genealogy 16. County Genealogical & Historical Societies The next step forward is to search state records. You may be rechecking some of your already located information but do realize humans make mis- takes & dates could have been entered incorrectly or even the minister in waiting months to record a number of things could have missed recording a marriage & did it later: 1. Birth & Death Records 2. Marriage & Divorce Records 3. Land Grants 4. Census Records 5. Tax Lists 6. Military Records An Adj. General's Office provided the name, for a genealogist, of a GREAT UNCLE. The nameless male had existed in stories but his military records were only obtained because his name, company & regiment were sent from the State of Missouri. 7. Court Records 8. Hospital & Mental Institution Records 9. State Archives 10. State Genealogical & Historical Societies The research now goes to national records & much can be done at your nearest branch of the National Archives or by mail, using the proper forms, with the NARS in Washington, DC : 1. Census Records 2. Military Records 3. Pension Records 4. Old Soldiers Homes Records 5. Bounty Land warrant Records 6. Records of Civilians During Wartime 7. Records of American Indians 8. Records of Black Americans 9. Records of Merchant Seamen 10. Records of Civilian Government Employees 11. Passenger Arrival Lists 12. Immigration Records 13. Passport Information 14. Naturalization Records 15. Land Records 16. Claims Records 17. Court Records 18. Records of the District of Columbia 19. Miscellaneous Records Including Social Security 20. Cartographic Records (Maps & Descriptions) 21. Organizational & Multi - Society Records Your FOOTSTEPS BACKWARD may be difficult but if your research has been extensive, exacting & you are a 'Lucky Person' you will have the proper information to begin your FOREIGN RESEARCH. There are many fine genealogical societies in other countries that are willing to assist an American genealogist but PLEASE remember when writing to send International Response Certificates as a SASE is useless. Overseas postage costs about four times our normal postal rates. Happy Ancestor HUNTING! ************************************************************************* ** This INFORMATION came from: THE HOME PLACE - BBS (714)-849-1732. ** *** For more PUBLIC DOMAIN programs == > GENERAL and GENEALOGICAL <== *** ** SET your MODEM to 8/N/1 (300/1200/2400) & call THE HOME PLACE - BBS ** *************************************************************************