Find Ancestors in Records
Records can unearth new details and create a paper trail for a specific ancestor.
Ancestor search basics
Searching for your ancestors in a historical records database is a lot like a Google search. You enter what you know about something you want to find. Then the search engine sifts through a mountain of data to find the best matches.
For an ancestor search, it is good to enter information like the person’s name and where and when he or she lived and died. It’s also helpful to be able to enter any relationships like spouse, parents, or children.
Enter in what you know or can find out from relatives. Don’t worry if you don’t know it all; a search can still be done with minimal information.
What to do next
Historical records help you gather the details of a family story. They can provide important or interesting information like addresses, family member names, and personal details like height, eye color, and occupation. You may even find your ancestor’s signature.
Save what you find about ancestors to their profile in Family Tree. What you save will be preserved and automatically shared with relatives who may be looking for the same information. These details are also sources that can verify that person’s life facts and help prove relationships.