Starting family history research

Family History My-story Mystery

For those setting out in research for their family, they may have real hopes of finding some great story. This is likely but it can open a can of worms.

Why are you carrying out family history ?

In most cases is not to have al the names and dates for record purposes. More likely it to find a lost member of the family that older family have talked about or the hope of finding out a new story about a relation.

Most of all I suspect people are looking for themselves in the roots of their tree. Similarities, in genes behaviour looks etc. The reason might be to find “belonging”.

Researchers themselves are in an elite group of belonging. Yet most are solo researchers their goals  might be similar.

Names and dates

To record all “our names” is great and rewarding and helps as our memory deteriorates or distorts but getting all the names can become a giant task which can be either overwhelming or become a trap to find everybody. The church of the Latter-day Saints is probably better at finding everybody. At this point it is worth mentioning that we are all related to the largest family tree.!

So once the excitement dies down a bit have a plan that might focus your attention.

Have a few goals. That are specific

Why did so and so go to that place.

Examples I have had, and some which I am still working on were.

Where does Alan Pinkerton the detective join our family of Pinkertons ( if at all)?

Where does the two Murison from the North east  families met -If they do?

Is David Donald Murison related to our Murisons or the other family? No

Where does the Plant family link to the Pinkertons?  “Helen Davidson” Done and moving to a little deviation.!

How far back can we go with the Pinkertons, Robertson, Andersons, Murisons Mackays Corbetts and Fyvies?

Where was C Corbett from 1901 to 1916, she disappeared from the records completely? Found recently.

Is the Farquharsons related to the Robertsons as the Robertson family said?. Not so far?!

Surprises come!

Then again as we go along, we find little cul-de-sacs to venture into as we discover a second marriage, a change in occupation, or a house move. Knowing when to stop and turn back can be tricky!

Now with these goals you might also find that “leads” bring new excitements when others are tracing similar “lines” or you find a new branch of research opens up and a new discovery springs to your attention. Like an old family link that takes you back to Willian the Conqueror! As happened to me very recently. It was on the maiden name sign of a Pinkerton as I tried to find a link to Alan Pinkerton. Another  reason that you need to be flexible.

So, wishing you all well in your hunt for research gems that bring a smile to your face and as many as I have had recently.