NSBJD – Genealogy information

By: Pete
Census, birth, death, marriage and other records have been preserved for hundreds of years.   There are church records of people buried in cemeteries throughout the world.  The hard part for professional and amateur genealogists alike is that the records are stored in print form or in library microfilm.

Storing data in computer memory banks has only been common for the last few decades.  Data stored in other ways must be transcribed.  The transcription takes time and most of it is done by volunteers.

Currently, Family Search, the database maintained by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is asking people from the US, England, Wales, Ireland, Germany, Mexico and around the world to volunteer to help transcribe these records and make them available to the public.

There are US and UK censuses ready to be transcribed and indexed.  The indexing can be done from a person’s home, once the person is registered.  Once the information is transcribed it will be accessible from other free genealogy databases and from family-tree software that has GEDCOM capabilities.

Right now, the information available online is limited.  It all depends on whether or not someone has taken the time to upload the information.  Software tools make it easier for individuals to find out what information has been uploaded and connect to the source of that information.  In some cases that can lead to a complete branch of the family tree.

People before you, distant cousins for example, may have already done the searching or even paid for a professional genealogist to do the work for them.  Many of the completed family trees are published online.  In some cases, the free genealogy databases are composed of those trees or links to them are provided.

Much of the computer software on the market allows for access to those links, as well.  But, instead of you searching each database, the software makes it possible to search several free genealogy databases, as well as membership sites, with a single query.

Other than names, you will need some dates.  You should be able to start with your parents birthdates.

It’s frustrating when you don’t find anything on the first search, but don’t give up.

There are always other sources to search.  Much of the US Social Security Death Index from 1962 to the present has now been recorded online.  Older records are available from some software companies, such as Family Tree Maker, going back as far as 1937.

The Social Security Death Index can provide information such as the date and year of birth and death and your ancestor’s last place of residence.  Once you know the residence, you may be able to locate other information, such as an obituary, which will sometimes include the parent’s names and get you a little further along on your quest.

In years to come, more free genealogy databases will likely be available.  It may take some time and patience, but you should be able to find the missing piece that you are looking for.

Was this article helpful? Check out our free 10 part mini-course delivered to your inbox everyday. Just fill out the box on the right with your first name and email address. You will receive the first copy immediately.