Only a Genealogist regards a step backwards, as progress.
Just like any hobby, doing family history can easily become all consuming. I have friends that won’t even start because it seems overwhelming to them! I have to tell you with the right information anything is doable!
If you schedule say 2-4 hours a week (it’s my Sunday afternoon activity), you can be successful and have fun! Again, like any hobby, the more time you devote to it, the faster you’ll accomplish.
The first step is to find a database program to organize the information you collect. The LDS church, known for its genealogical expertise, has created a database organization system, called Personal Ancestral File (PAF). The PAF program was created for members of the LDS church, however simply unselecting use LDS data in the preferences tab will show a very efficient database program for anyone. Click here to download your free copy of PAF.
Another popular program is Family Tree Maker and it can be purchased by clicking on the box:
Take time to become familiar with your program. Since the computer age is running full force, it’s easy. Both of these programs are very user friendly and both with a complete onscreen help feature.
I am the most familiar with PAF.
No matter which organization system you choose, the next step is to gather information. First add what you know, then ask living relatives for information that they have. Be sure to document the sources.
I decided to post my tree online. RootsWeb.com is a free service to get your tree visible for everyone to see. You can look at my tree here.
I’ve been contacted by many distant relatives who found a mutual relative on RootsWeb. One of my favorite stories happened in April of 2008.
A relative wrote to me about Joseph Custer, a distant relative of his, and mine. He said that the death date I have on RootsWeb is incorrect. He said that he has copies of letters that Joseph wrote to his wife, Nancy during the civil war.
He sent me copies of the letters and it felt like Christmas when I got them. It was difficult reading, but it was awesome!
There are 5 letters between April and Sept 1864. Joseph wrote many beautiful things. He started every letter with “I am still numbered among the living”. I typed them and I left all the spelling and punctuation as it was in the letters:
April 30, 1864 he wrote,
My Dear Wife Nancy
you need have no fears for my good conduct while I am absent for I would a thousand time rather perish On the field of battle then to return to you in disgrace.
I have left all some bad habits I believe I have not swore & oath since I left Ohio Nor drank a draw of liqure & if ever I see home & loved ones I hope to be a better man at heart
I have Sworn to you and my country to do my Duty.
I feel confident that you will do your duty as a mother But I must close for the present keep up good spirits & we must trust in god for the future Hoping soon to meet again
Write soon as get this
I am well give my respect to all my friends
Your ever-time husband till death, Joseph Custer
Joseph died 23 Sep 1868
I was sad when I read that Joseph was killed from complications of war injuries and Nancy had to raise her son without a father.
Receiving these letters from real people shows me that the lessons in life are the same through the generations. It’s all about personal growth and attainment.
June 20th, 2010 at 9:13 am
hey Linda… Fascinating material!
I’ve always been captivated by family history. When you can find out how your own family has live throughout the generations, it really gives you a sense of awe as to how many of them even survived their harsh environment.
You’ve shared some great resources for anyone wanting to start with this fascinating journey through time.
Largely through the efforts of a distant cousin, that I didn’t know I had, we were able to verify our family tree back to Ireland in 1774. It’s the story of the forced conscription of a couple of brothers into the Imperial British Army. They came to quell the “rebels” in a little conflict… that history would later dub – The American Revolution.
It’s simply amazing when we can trace our family tree back …even if it’s only a generation or two. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
June 20th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Linda,
Custer’s letter from the battlefield was beautiful. Can identify with your feelings of holding a part of history in your hands. My Great Grandmother Minnie wrote love letters to my Great Grandfather Pilgrim with a quill pen. She embroidered little flowers in the upper left hand corner of the first page. I count them amongst some of my prized possessions.
Love your comment about a genealogist’s step backwards as progress!
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April 27th, 2011 at 11:56 pm
Discovering our family history can be a lot of fun. Though it will take some time in doing this research, but during the process we will find new things about our own history. Thank you for sharing your story. It really inspires me in working again on my family tree…
April 28th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
Jacob~
Why don’t you get a gravatar? I’ll show you how here http://lindagraceonline.com/get-the-focus-on-you/ then leave another comment and let me see!
Linda
June 15th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
Linda,
Thank you for sharing 
This is great! I recently found out by doing some research that my great grandmother was a burlesque dancer back in the day. Interesting that’s how she met my great grandfather
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June 15th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
Lynda,
I think that’s exciting! I am not sure why some of get the bug, the genealogy bug, and some don’t! I have been bitten! I love to hear stories. I find it fascinating!
Linda
July 15th, 2011 at 5:56 am
Hi!
Just like you I also have a big family and time and again I have attempted to make a family genealogy. The sad thing is I don’t get to finish it because it gets crazier by the time I get in the middle. It’s a good thing that you posted this, now I won’t have a hard time doing it! Thank you for posting this!
Summer Davis
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July 22nd, 2011 at 8:42 am
Summer,
I have spend MANY hours doing family history~ it has been great fun! I hope you enjoy it too!
Linda
July 15th, 2011 at 6:06 pm
Nice article and good material! I’m impressed by you because you can identify with your feelings of holding a part of history in your hands. When you can find out how your own family has live throughout the generations, it really gives you a sense of awe as to how many of them even survived their harsh environment.
January 15th, 2012 at 7:56 pm
Nice one Linda this is really great info I will this to my friends so they can check it out..
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January 15th, 2012 at 8:29 pm
Family has a big part in making our society balance toward’s the tool that composed to the society.. It’s a wonderful post that I think every blogger will love to take it as basis. It give’s me an idea for some how it’s great to trace my family generation.
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