So you want to trace your roots?

I've always been interested in my roots...ever since I was in high school, but it wasn't until the age of the internet did I really start researching. It was, mainly, through trial and error and just plain DOING IT that I learned where to look, what to look for, and all that good stuff to get the information I sought.

Whenever I am getting started tracing for someone else, I always gather as much initial information a person can give me. This includes parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and MAYBE great-great grandparents. Information I request outside of names include approximate birth years, places lived, and any siblings.

Why so much? Well, generally, I don't always need great-great grandparents (depending on the age of the person requesting the research) or siblings, but if you get a name like SMITH, JONES, etc...all information you can get, the better off you will be.

EXAMPLE:

John Smith's great-grandparents are John and Jane Smith. EXACTLY. GOOD LUCK WITH THAT! But, we also know that John and Jane Smith had kids: John Jr., Charles, Mary, and Courtney. All common names, but COURTNEY (at least back in the times we are referring to). SO, if you come across a household in a census with a COURTNEY in it, chances are, it's GOT to be the family you are looking for. VOILA. Thank GOODNESS you had sibling names, etc :) You've found your family :)

MORAL OF THE FIRST ENTRY: gather as much basic information as you can!