Aaaah, I remember the days about 22 years ago when I had an unquenchable
yearning to learn about my ancestors. I had no idea where to start. I was
fortunate that my cousins gave me a lot of data on my maternal side (Culver).
With that started, I decided to pursue my paternal line (Caldwell). I was in
for a merry chase, but I have been very fortunate in locating my cousins and
back to my great-great-grandfather. I have all this information documented.
I know his father's and mother's names, but nothing much beyond that.
Census records are excellent usually. Prepare to go half-blind by reading the
faded microfilm. Go to a nearby big library. A librarian in the genealogy
section will be very happy to help. At least, I have found it to be true in
my area -- northwest Louisiana.
I did get a lot of help from elderly relatives and, once again, many of them
are gone now, so my timing was very good. I interviewed people and carried
notebooks everywhere I went. I went to countless cemeteries and courthouses,
armed with notepads and money to buy true copies.
Write back if you have any more specific questions. I will be happy to help
as much as I can. Most of my data was obtained by trial and error. But, I
have 3,400 names in my genealogy program.
Happy hunting,
JoMar95(a)aol.com