Getting Started

[jonsav]

I am just starting out in Ancestry and have looked at a few courses and some books on where to start.

However they all seem to suggest that you start by visiting relatives etc. and getting down as much family info. as possible.

My problem is that I don't have any living relatives, and both parents are long ago dead.

Is it still possible to make any progress if I just know my parents names, and that's all?

Any advice would be welcome as I would love to dig a bit deeper, but seem to have come up against a brick wall.

Thank you, John

 

[ptjw7]

You can start with very little information.
You should have all or most of your parents information.
Their birth details will get the parents of both your parents and from there its pot luck if you can get back far enough to the census's.
It all depends on the family name, if the names is Smith or Jones etc then you will have problems!
If you want some help then give us some information!

Peter

 

[Ladybird1300]

If you have any birth marriage or death certificates they are full of invaluable information, they are always a good place to start. If you don't have them try other family members they could be holding them.
When you have immidiate information with the above, both Ancestry and Findmypast have 14 day free trials where you will have access to the census.
A word of warning, if you use either and decide it's a bit expensive make sure you cancel your card off the site or they will start charging you.

Amanda

 

[p.risboy]

Access to the 1939 registers will also be helpful, that is, to find adult relatives. Children are blanked out, but the number of blanks, will indicate the number of children in 1939.

Steve.

 

[Ellie7]

Start with your parents marriage on Ancestry ,then buy the Cert. from the GRO that's the cheapest place. It should have both parents Fathers on it ,and their job. Also where they were staying. Take a note of the Witnesses who could be family members.

You will soon catch on.

Edit-Click on HELP on the top black bar on Ancestry.

Ellie

 

[jonsav]

Thank you to everyone for these most helpful replies.

They give me the confidence to 'dip my toe in the water'

 

[Guy]

I am just starting out in Ancestry and have looked at a few courses and some books on where to start.

However they all seem to suggest that you start by visiting relatives etc. and getting down as much family info. as possible.

Yes that is the cheapest and the easiest way to start but as with all research any information given needs to be checked.

My problem is that I don't have any living relatives, and both parents are long ago dead.

Is it still possible to make any progress if I just know my parents names, and that's all?

In some ways that makes things easier as some records are open when the subject is deceased.

There are a number of ways to start if your parents and sibling are deceased but it is best to follow the maxim of working from the know to the unknown.

Do you have a copy of your own birth certificate, if not then I would suggest you purchase a copy of your full certificate.
That will give your parents names and address where they lived.
Using that information you can then buy their marriage certificate which will give further information about them and their parents

You may now be getting back to the 1939 national Registration or may have to follow the first step another time to get back to the generation who were alive at that time.

This routine may be followed back to people alive when the 1911 census was taken which will give more details of families and their members.

Any advice would be

as I would love to dig a bit deeper, but seem to have come up against a brick wall.

Thank you, John[/QUOTE]

In addition to births and marriages, death and burial records often give good information about individuals and families as do wills and electoral records.
It is always good to cross reference different records to ensure you have the correct person.
Most important enjoy yourself.

Cheers
[FONT=&quot]Guy[/FONT]

 

[Frontline1953]

Good Evening to all on here my name is David, I'm 65 yrs old and disable, I live in Farnborough Hampshire, The home of the British Army on my door step Aldershot.

I have been here how 17 yrs, and sadly disable for 12 yrs, my accident was due to a 3inch nail in my foot causing me to loose it in 2011. But life goes on, I was on here some while ago. and I hope that I can find help from you all again in tracing my family name and some other things.

 

[horse]

Hi David

Welcome to the site, good luck with your research.

Geoff