Your living relatives

One of the best research tools when you begin are your living relatives.

Have a chat with Mum, Dad, Auntie, Uncle, Cousins and best of all Grandparents.

Even if you only see distant  relatives at weddings and funerals go and see them or give them a ring.

Speak to all of your relatives not just the oldest  as although everyone will probably have similar general memories of the family, each relative is likely to have an extra little piece of the jigsaw that only they remember.

By taking this approach you will find out what they remember about your ancestors and you may even find that someone else in your family has carried out some research which means that you have a big start.

When you talk to your relatives remember to take a notepad and make notes of names, dates, places, occupation, nicknames and funny stories. It is amazing how useful these notes are when you are trying to chose between several candidates later in your research.

Ask them if they have any old photographs or even better letters, certificates, family bibles or anything with personal details recorded.

Family legends are usually exaggerated but often contain some truth and can be a useful pointer.

Have some questions written down or you may get sidetracked.

What do you remember about my grandparents?

Where did they live?

What did they do? 

Where did they marry?

How many children did they have?

Where were they born?

Did they have any brothers or sisters?

Did anything exciting happen to them?

What about their parents?

Did anyone join the army?

Was there any scandal !

By taking this action you will enjoy finding out about the past Most older relatives will love talking about the old days and you will no doubt hear previously unknown stories about both sadness and antics of your ancestors lives.