Sources of family history: geneaology information

When searching for information about your forebears to fill out the branches in your family tree, it's a good idea to begin with relatives' records that are kept on hand. But to verify these or fill in the gaps, you will probably need to check public records and facts. Here are some places to start:

1. Birth certificates and baptismal records. The Department of Vital Statistics for many regions provides information about births, even those that occur at home. Check at the Courthouse of the areas where your ancestors lived. Check varied spellings of the family name, as many European names were anglicized to facilitate spelling and assimilation. Baptismal records, usually part of a church's records, can provide useful information about births as well. Inquire at churches that your family attended or those that are located near their origins.

2. Tax and property records. While you're at the Courthouse, ask to see the property records. These can tell you who owned a piece of land when and for what purpose. You may be able to tell from the tax assessment what the land was worth, how it came into the family, and whether or not a family member holds title. Tax records from the 19th century sometimes indicate a person's profession and income, along with the number and names of children within the family.

3. Marriage licenses. These go back a couple hundred years or more in many states or regions. They often indicate the names and ages of the marrying couple, and sometimes their occupations and addresses. Sometimes the names of the witnesses and judge also are included. If so, the additional information provides more opportunities for exploration. In more recent decades, the Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps this information on record.

4. Military records. If you believe a forebear served in the armed forces, contact the branch of service in which the person allegedly served and ask if that person's record is available. Due to the privacy act, you may not be able to retrieve it, but the military officials might be able to tell you how to get permission to receive copies of a person's documents.

5. Church rolls. Check the known or possible churches of membership for your ancestors. Previous generations attended church fairly consistently, and church rolls typically reflect members and visitors who came to Sunday services. You might be able to learn a relative's denominational affiliation, role in the church, and possibly services or rituals, such as baptism or confirmation.

6. Death certificates. The county Courthouse is the place to start when searching for a person's record of death and burial. You can find out where, when, and how someone died, and how the body was disposed of. Some records indicate next-of-kin or special rites that were performed, too. The Department of Vital Statistics should be your first point of contact.

Contact these agencies or organizations for information about your loved one's family history. Learning more about your ancestors is a great way to understand your family line.