Genealogy is the study of your family’s history, which is a personal record of your ancestors. Through your research you learn about when and where they were born, who they married, who their children were, where they lived and worked, and how you fit in your overall family tree.
Learning about your family history usually starts at home by talking with family members and recording information about your ancestors. You may have useful sources at home such as birth certificates, obituaries, wedding announcements, a family Bible, etc. Read these documents carefully – you may find some information about that ancestor or relative that you didn’t know before. These documents may also prove or disprove some of those family stories you grew up with.
You may find that others in your family or extended family have already done genealogy research on your family. Don't hesitate to ask close or distant relatives if they have already started researching your family.
Facts and Tips
When looking at deed indexes, be sure to look at both the Grantor Index, an index to those selling the land and the Grantee Index, an index to those buying the land.
[Probate Records]
D.S.P. (died sine prole) means died without offspring.
[Definitions]
Don't assume that all children listed belong to the wife listed. This may be a second wife and the children a combination of his and hers.
[Census]
Early German church records date to 1524. Requirements for record keeping were begun by the Lutherans in 1540 and Roman Catholics in 1563, but it is typical to find church record books that start around 1650.
[German Research]
The practice of double dating resulted from the switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar.
Lee County Genealogical Society, Inc. is a Florida non-profit corporation and a 501(c)(3), federally recognized non-profit,
tax-exempt organization. Donations, gifts, bequests and contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.
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