Genealogy Hints
Genealogical Society of Marion County, IndianaFirst marriage
First marriages can be estimated at 24 years for a man and 21 years for a woman.
timeline
A time line begins with your ancestor's birth and is filled in with various events in his life. Continue to fill this in as information becomes available to provide a picture of your ancestor's life. Several of the genealogy software programs assist you with creating timelines.
Surnames
Surnames began in Europe about the 11th century. They developed as trade increased. The four basic groups of surnames are the patronymic (based on the father's name), landscape features or place names, action or nicknames, and occupational or office names.
interviewing
When interviewing a relative, etc., be prepared with a list of questions. Use a tape recorder or take very good notes. Respect the person's privacy.
Family Group Sheet
The Family Group Sheet identifies a couple and their children. Everyone with a spouse or child has two group sheets: one as a child with parents and usually one as a parent with children.
28 years per generation
Allowing approximately 28 years per generation provides reasonably accurate estimates.
genealogy software
By the time you have collected data on a couple hundred of your relatives, you will realize that genealogy software would make keeping track of relationships within your tree, filing data about individuals, and generating reports much easier. The Society maintains current versions of the most popular programs at our library, with sample data, so you can compare features as well as the "touch and feel" before you make a purchase decision.
genealogy beyond the internet
There is genealogy beyond the internet! While the internet is one, very convenient, tool, it is not the only tool. Check out online library catalogs, then visit the library to access the book or request an inter-library loan.
intestate
A person who dies "intestate" dies without a valid will.
writing to source
When writing to a relative or other researcher for information, make specific requests. However, ask open ended questions. Offer to share your information.