As researchers run into road
blocks finding limited resources online or microfilms available at family
history centers, the need arises to find information available locally where
ancestors lived.
How to do this? County historical societies and local libraries can be great
resources. Often they provide
information for a small fee. Another
resource would be a local funeral home, but which one?
A fun
and interesting way to defeat roadblocks is the road trip.
Do your homework before you
go.
Know where the county courthouses are, their hours and
fees. Are their records microfilmed or
do you need to go through old books.
Don’t forget supplies and keeping a careful record of completed
searches. Not only have a list of the
names you are seeking information about, but of inlaws or other possibly
related families. Your specific ancestor
may not appear in the records, but her husband’s brother might and that
information may lead to more clues.
Know
where public libraries are and especially what potential resources they may
have. On a road trip to Illinois, we planned to
visit a cemetery, but we were faced with rain.
Our alternate use of time was visiting a local library. Their genealogical section included local
records that helped fill in information gaps.
Contact county historical societies. These will often be able to assist in
locating obscure cemeteries and burial
grounds. Generally those involved with
historical societies have a passion for local history and love to share
the pride they have in their community.
Armed with a plan of where you want to visit, don’t
forget to talk with people. Someone
might know someone who remembers the family.
This form of networking might provide you that little piece of information
that will open new vistas.
Visiting a
cemetery in Buel, New York was difficult. Family records spoke of Buel, but New York’s automobile
association had great difficulty finding this no longer existing area. Finally, we learned it was up a hill near
Canojaharie. We nearly missed the
cemetery as most of the stones were no longer upright and it was located in a
very tree shaded spot. After walking
this small cemetery, we noticed a gentleman by a garage across the road, spoke
with him and learned that he had possession of a cemetery listing—something we
likely wouldn’t have found without talking.
Sometimes as we visit these areas we sense a little of
the lives of ancestors and new ideas impress us of who they were and how we
might better identify them.
Bon Voyage!
