How to Start Your Family Tree
So you've decided to start your family tree, now what. Well my suggestion is to start a tree for free at Ancestry. They have just updated the tree settings which make navigating through your tree much easier. To start, go to Ancestry.com you can either click "Start My Tree" and begin making your free tree or "Subscribe" and start your free trial.
If you click on "Start My Tree" you will be taken to a screen which allows you to start adding members, beginning with you.
To enter your information, just fill out the fields that I've highlighted.
After you add your information, then you will add your fathers. At this point Ancestry prompts you to save your tree in order to continue building it. Just fill out the highlighted fields. There is also a check box at the bottom that is automatically checked. It allows other members of Ancestry to view your tree. If you do not wish to share your tree, make sure to un-check this box.
After you save your tree you can view what you have created so far. You can also continue entering the information that you have.
Once you have entered all the information you have, you will need to start searching. Hover over "Search" at the top of the screen and then click "Search All Records". There are several ways to start searching. You can enter your ancestors name, birth date and place he lived. You can also search by location.
I recommend starting with Census records. The often provide the most valuable information. You can either hover over "Search" and click on Census Records or click "Census Records" on the right side of the page.
Enter in all the information you have. It's okay if you don't have everything. Sometimes it's even better because dates don't always match. Some things to note, you can also narrow by category, which is often very helpful. Also, the 1890 census does not exist. It was destroyed in a fire.
Once you have entered in all your information, you will see the results screen. Don't be intimidated, if you know the general area your ancestor lived, it should help you narrow the results.
For example: My great-great grandfather was born in 1894 in Dent County Missouri. By looking at the 1900 census I was able to see who the "head of household" was as well as his mother and all other siblings. Some census records show where the mother and father were born. Which helps you to determine where to go next.
There is one thing to note, Ancestry does not allow "free" members to access any images of their records. You can search for them, but to actually see the document, like the one I have posted above, you will need either the free trial or the fee based membership.
Once you get the hang of searching, the rest is pretty simple. It's really amazing to find information that you never knew before. Sometimes you can even trace them to their home country. But no matter how far you get, the journey is what it's all about.
Once you get the hang of searching, the rest is pretty simple. It's really amazing to find information that you never knew before. Sometimes you can even trace them to their home country. But no matter how far you get, the journey is what it's all about.