Hi fellow genealogists:
For several years, I have been having trouble finding the fathers
name for a couple of my known ancestors. Before 1850, it is quite difficult
to match children with their father. So, I asked my cousins on the net
to send me names of any documents, papers, Certificates, or licenses, that
would be likely to list the fathers name. I am very pleased to say that
the cousins came through. At least 25 people sent from 3 to 20
suggestions.
I promised to make a list and send it to everyone who wants one. So
here it goes. I can not verify all of these ideas personally, but I think
that you will be surprised by the many fantastic suggestions---and if you
cant trust your friendly genealogist, then
..
1. Birth Records
2 Marriage Records and Certificates
3 Death Records
4 Wills
5 Mortality Schedules ---- US Census, for one year previous to census
taking in 1850, 60,70, and 80
6 Census records after 1850
7 Tax lists
8 Some land deeds
9 Ships passenger lists and immigration records
10 Military and Pension papers.
11 Newspapers, (obits, weddings, and local references to people. Like:
small town Chatty Columns
12 Biographies in County Histories
13 Cemetery Burial Records
14 Baptisms and Christenings from church records
15 Visitation pedigrees in England
16 Old school records
17 Family Bibles, and family letters
18 Personal letters or interviews
19 DAR records in Wash. DC
20 Publications of family histories
21 Apprentice Contracts
22 Guardianship records for certain states
23 Social Security Application forms SS5 (issued in the 1930s)
24 Father or mother had applied for assistance from the state
25 Voters roles and voter registrations
26 Tombstones in family areas
27 1855, 1865,1875, 1880 State Census for some states
28 Military enlistment records
29 Personal diaries and journals
30 Doctors and dentists and other medical records.
31 City directories
I would like to thank everyone, especially the following who
contributed so many ideas. (in no particular order) Spirit, Karen Bush,
Rose Casey, Connie Putnam, George W. Page, Patricia Danby, and Sid Emmons,
Hope this helps in your search. Ed