As a new family historian, starting your genealogy research can seem daunting. With so much information available and so many ancestors to trace, it can be difficult to know where to begin. However, the best place to start is with yourself. By starting with yourself and working backwards, you can begin to gather information, identify gaps in your knowledge, and start to build your family tree. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed checklist to help you get started on your genealogy journey by starting with yourself.
Below is a checklist for ‘Starting With Yourself’ in your genealogy journey in ‘Discovering Your Past’:
1. Gather your personal information: Start by collecting your full name, date and place of birth, marriage details, and the names and birth details of your parents and siblings.
2. Collect important documents: Gather any important documents related to your family history, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates. These documents can help you verify information and provide clues for further research.
3. Talk to family members: Reach out to your relatives, especially older family members, and ask them about their memories and stories related to the family history. Take notes of their responses and record them for future reference.
4. Organize your information: Keep your information and documents organized in a system that works for you. Consider using a genealogy software program, a filing system, or a digital platform to store your records.
5. Research online databases: Use online resources, such as Ancestry, MyHeritage, or FamilySearch, to research your family history. These websites can provide access to census records, immigration records, military records, and other resources.
6. Visit local archives and libraries: Check local archives and libraries in the areas where your ancestors lived to search for records, such as deeds, wills, and probate records.
7. Join a genealogy group: Join a local genealogy group or online community to connect with others who share your interests and to learn from their experiences and knowledge.
8. Attend genealogy conferences and events: Attend genealogy conferences and events to learn about new resources, techniques, and strategies for researching your family history.
9. Be patient and persistent: Genealogy research can be time-consuming and frustrating, but don’t give up. Keep searching and stay patient and persistent.
10. Document your research: As you gather information and make discoveries, document your research and keep detailed records. This will help you avoid duplicating your efforts and provide a clear record of your progress and findings.
By gathering your own information and documents, organizing your research, and reaching out to family members and online resources, you can begin to uncover your family history and build a more complete picture of your family’s past.
Here is a checklist of items, and documents that you should have when starting with yourself:
1. Full name and any other names used in the past
2. Date and place of birth
3. Marriage certificates or other relevant documents
4. Divorce certificates or other relevant documents
5. Death certificates or other relevant documents
6. Education and work history
7. Military service records, if applicable
8. Citizenship or naturalization papers, if applicable
9. Passport and travel documents, if applicable
10. Address history
11. Personal and family photographs
12. Family Bibles or other family records
13. Letters, diaries, and other personal documents
14. Health and medical records, including immunizations and illnesses
15. Any other important life events or documents that may provide insight into your family history.
In conclusion, starting with yourself is the first and most important step in genealogy research. By following the checklist outlined above, you can gather and organize your own information in a way that will make it easier to move on to researching your ancestors. Remember to start with what you know, gather documents and artifacts from your family, and connect with living relatives to fill in any gaps. By taking the time to properly document and organize your own information, you will set yourself up for success in discovering the stories and histories of your ancestors. Good luck on your genealogy journey!
Censuses are a valuable tool for genealogists and family historians looking to trace their family lineage and history. A census is a count of the population of a particular area or region taken at a specific point in time. Censuses are conducted regularly by governments around the world, and they collect a wide range of information about the individuals and families living in that area. The data collected in censuses can include names, ages, occupations, relationships, birthplaces, and more, providing a wealth of information that can be used to piece together family histories and genealogies. In this digital age, many censuses are now available online, making it easier than ever before to access this valuable resource and delve into your family’s past.
What is a census?
A census is an official count or survey of a population, usually carried out by a government or other authorized organization. It typically involves collecting demographic information about individuals and households, such as age, sex, race, ethnicity, education, occupation, and housing. Censuses are conducted periodically, usually every 10 years, and are used to provide data for planning and policy-making purposes, as well as for research and genealogy. Census data can also be used to allocate political representation and funding, and to measure changes in population over time.
Censuses are an excellent resource for genealogy research. They can provide a wealth of information about your ancestors, including their names, ages, occupations, birthplaces, and marital status. Censuses can also help you track your ancestors over time, seeing where they lived and who they lived with. This can help you build a more complete picture of your family history and potentially uncover new ancestors or connections. Additionally, censuses can provide contextual information about the time and place your ancestors lived in, including population trends, economic conditions, and more. Overall, censuses are an essential tool for anyone interested in exploring their family history.
You can download blank census forms for the United States from the National Archives website. They have PDF versions of the census forms for 1790, 1800, 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 available for download. Here is the link to the page where you can find and download the census forms: https://www.archives.gov/research/genealogy/census/forms
In Canada, you can download blank census forms from the Library and Archives Canada website. They have PDF versions of the census forms for 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911, and 1921 available for download. Here is the link to the page where you can find and download the census forms: https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/census/Pages/census-forms.aspx
For Australia, the website for the National Archives of Australia is www.naa.gov.au. They have blank census forms available for download on their website.
What you need to know about using censuses in your research?
If you are planning to use censuses for genealogical research, here are a few things you need to keep in mind:
Understand the columns: Each census will have different columns, and it is important to understand what information is recorded in each column. This will help you interpret the data correctly and avoid misinterpreting or overlooking valuable information.
Keep track of dates: The census is conducted every 10 years in most countries, so it is important to keep track of the dates when each census was conducted. This will help you know which census to look at for a particular time period.
Look at the original document: It is always a good idea to look at the original document rather than relying on transcriptions or indexes. This will help you spot errors, understand the context better, and sometimes find additional information that was not recorded in the index.
Verify the information: Always try to verify the information you find in censuses with other sources, such as birth, marriage, and death records, to ensure accuracy.
Be aware of privacy laws: In some countries, census records are restricted by privacy laws and may not be available for a certain number of years. Make sure you are aware of any restrictions before you begin your research.
Understand handwriting: Censuses are often handwritten, and the handwriting can be difficult to read. It is important to take the time to learn how to read old handwriting to avoid misinterpreting information.
Use a variety of sources: While censuses are a valuable source of information, they should be used in conjunction with other sources, such as vital records, wills, probate records, and other documents, to build a complete picture of your ancestors’ lives.
What information was collected on censuses?
The information collected on the census varied by year and country. Below is some information that was collected on some censuses from the US, Canada, England and Australia.
1850 US Census
This census from 1850 collected more detailed information compared to earlier censuses. It included the following columns:
1. Dwelling-houses numbered in the order of visitation
2. Families numbered in the order of visitation
3. The name of every person whose usual place of abode on the first day of June, 1850, was in this family
4. Age
5. Sex
6. Color (white, black, or mulatto)
7. Profession, occupation, or trade of each person, male and female, over 15 years of age
8. Value of real estate owned by the household
9. Place of birth, naming the state, territory, or country of birth
10. Married within the year
11. Attended school within the year
12. Persons over 20 years of age who cannot read or write
13. Whether deaf and dumb, blind, insane, idiotic, pauper, or convict
Note that the 1850 census was the first to record the name of every person in the household, not just the head of the household. The inclusion of the person’s occupation, birthplace, and other details makes the 1850 census a valuable resource for genealogy research and for understanding social and economic trends in mid-19th century America.
1851 Canada Census
This census collected a variety of information about the population of Canada at the time. The columns on the census form varied somewhat depending on the province or region being surveyed, but generally included the following:
1. Name of each person in the household
2. Age and sex of each person
3. Marital status of each person (e.g. single, married, widowed)
4. Occupation of each person
5. Place of birth of each person (including province or country)
6. Religion of each person
7. Whether each person was able to read and write
8. Whether each person was blind, deaf, or dumb
9. Whether each person was a member of a militia or volunteer corps
10. Whether each person was a landed proprietor, farmer, or other occupation
11. Whether each person was a member of an Indian tribe or band (in some areas)
12. Whether each person was a slave or free (in some areas)
These columns were typically arranged in rows, with one row for each household. The census also often included additional columns for recording information about the dwelling itself, such as the number of rooms or the type of construction materials used.
1851 England Census
The 1851 England Census collected more detailed information than the previous census. It included the following columns:
1. Place (name of the street, square, or place)
2. Name of each person that had spent the night in the household
3. Relationship to head of household (e.g. son, daughter, wife, lodger, servant)
4. Marital status (M for married, U for unmarried)
5. Age (recorded as an exact age)
6. Occupation (with more specific categories than the previous census)
7. Whether born in the same county (Y or N)
8. Whether born in Scotland, Ireland, or foreign parts (i.e. outside the UK)
9. Disability (if any) including blindness, deafness, lunacy, imbecility, or idiocy
Note that the 1851 census did not record the actual day of the census, but rather the night of the census taker’s visit. The 1851 census provides more detailed information than its predecessor and is a valuable resource for researchers and historians studying the social and economic conditions of mid-nineteenth century England.
1861 New South Wales (Australia)
This census was detailed and included the following columns on the form:
Name
Age
Sex
Marital status
Free or bond (i.e. whether the individual was a free person or a convict)
Ship arrived in
Year arrived in the colony
Religion
Occupation
Place of birth
Whether born in the colony, in another colony, or overseas
If born overseas, the country of birth
Residence
Whether living in a house, tent, or other type of dwelling
Whether the dwelling was built of wood, brick, or other materials
Whether the dwelling was rented or owned
Value of the property, if owned
Whether the dwelling was inhabited by more than one family
Number of rooms occupied by the family
Number of children attending school
Whether the individual was able to read and write
Whether the individual was blind, deaf, or dumb
Whether the individual was insane or idiotic
Whether the individual was an Aboriginal or half-caste
Whether the individual was a Chinese or a Malay
Whether the individual was a member of a religious order
Remarks (this column was used to note any additional information deemed important)
Why are censuses important for genealogists?
Country censuses are important for genealogists for several reasons:
They provide a snapshot of a particular place at a particular time: Census records can provide information on population, family structure, occupation, education, religion, and more. This information can help genealogists understand their ancestors’ lives and the communities they lived in.
They can fill in gaps in other records: Census records can help fill in gaps left by other records, such as birth, marriage, and death records. For example, if a birth or death record is missing, census records can provide an approximate year of birth or death.
They can help with brick wall research: Census records can help break down brick walls in genealogical research by providing clues to ancestors’ locations, occupations, and family relationships.
They can help track migration patterns: Census records can help trace migration patterns of families and individuals, as they often include information on birthplace, nationality, and residency.
Overall, census records are an important resource for genealogists looking to learn more about their ancestors and the communities they lived in.
Can I download blank censuses to include in my research?
Yes, you can usually download blank census forms for various countries from the relevant national archives or genealogy websites. These forms can be useful for organizing your research and taking notes as you examine census records. They can also be used to practice filling out a census form if you are unfamiliar with the process.
Where can I download blank census forms?
Census forms can be downloaded from various websites.
For Australia, the website for the National Archives of Australia is www.naa.gov.au.
I will provide links below from Ancestry to get you started.
Census Forms for the U.S., UK, and Canada
With blank census extraction forms, you can see the format and the column counts for different census years. This is useful when tables are hard to read. Blank census forms also provide a way to retrieve and categorize information you find.
In conclusion, censuses are an invaluable resource for genealogical research, offering a wealth of information about our ancestors and their lives. While each census may differ in the information it provides and the format of the records, all can be used to uncover important details about our family history. However, it is important to remember that census records are just one piece of the puzzle, and should be used in conjunction with other records to build a more complete picture of our ancestors’ lives. With the availability of census records online and the ability to access blank census forms, genealogists now have unprecedented access to this rich source of information.
One of the most important tools you’ll need in genealogy is a Family Group Sheet. This simple form is a great way to organize and keep track of your ancestors and their families, and can be an invaluable resource as you work to uncover your family’s history.
What is a Family Group Sheet?
A Family Group Sheet is a standardized form that is used to record information about a nuclear family unit, typically consisting of a husband, wife, and their children. The form includes spaces for recording basic information about each family member, such as their names, birth dates, marriage dates, and death dates. There is also space to record other important information, such as occupations, places of residence, and military service.
The information included in a family record sheet can vary depending on the family’s life and available records, but some common elements that may be included are:
Family Name: the surname of the family being researched
Husband’s Name: the full name of the husband in the family unit
Wife’s Name: the full name of the wife in the family unit
Marriage Date and Place: the date and place of the marriage between the husband and wife
Children: the names of the children born to the couple, including any available information about their birth, marriage, or death
Parents of Husband: the names of the husband’s parents, including any available information about their birth, marriage, or death
Parents of Wife: the names of the wife’s parents, including any available information about their birth, marriage, or death
Other Family Members: the names of any other family members, such as grandparents or siblings, who may be relevant to the family unit
Occupation: the occupation or profession of the husband and/or wife, if available
Residence: the places of residence of the family unit throughout their life, if available
Sources: a list of sources used to compile the information on the record sheet, including any relevant citations or notes.
By creating a detailed family record sheet, genealogists can better understand the family’s history and relationships, and identify areas where further research may be needed.
How to Fill Out a Family Group Sheet
Filling out a Family Group Sheet is a straightforward process. Start by identifying the husband and wife at the center of the family unit, and fill in their names and vital information in the appropriate spaces. Then, add information about their children in the spaces provided.
It’s important to be as thorough and accurate as possible when filling out the form. Be sure to include dates and locations for each event (birth, marriage, death, etc.), as well as any other relevant details you may have uncovered in your research.
Managing and Organizing Your Family Group Sheets
Once you’ve filled out your Family Group Sheets, it’s important to keep them organized and up-to-date. Consider using a binder or folder to store your forms, and make sure to label each sheet with the appropriate family name and date range.
It’s also a good idea to create digital copies of your Family Group Sheets, either by scanning them or entering the information into a genealogy software program. This can make it easier to search and organize your records, and can also help ensure that your data is backed up in case of loss or damage.
Citing Your Sources
When conducting genealogy research, it’s important to cite your sources for any information you uncover. This helps ensure that your research is accurate and reliable, and can also make it easier for others to replicate your findings.
When filling out your Family Group Sheets, make sure to include information about where you found each piece of information (e.g. census record, birth certificate, family Bible, etc.). This can be done using footnotes or endnotes, or by adding a separate “Sources” section to your form.
Other Tips
Here are a few additional tips for using Family Group Sheets in your genealogy research:
• Keep your forms as neat and organized as possible to make them easy to read and understand.
• Don’t be afraid to use additional sheets or notes to record information that doesn’t fit on the standard form.
• Review your forms regularly to ensure that they are accurate and up-to-date.
• Consider sharing your Family Group Sheets with other family members or genealogy researchers to help fill in any gaps in your knowledge.
Overall, Family Group Sheets are an essential tool for anyone conducting genealogy research. By properly filling them out, organizing them, citing your sources, and keeping them up-to-date, you can create a valuable resource that will help you trace your family’s history for years to come.
Discovering Your Past 