Re: Can anyone get me started?
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In reply to:
Can anyone get me started?
John Auld 4/03/08
John,
Get the Death Certificate of your Grandfather...it will give good clues...If you know the YEAR and place of your great grandfather's death also get that death certificate....his will get you back into the 1800's AND hopefully give you his parents names and place of birth.
Also...get the OBITUARIES of your grandfather and great grandfather.They will also give you "married" sisters of your grandparents but also dates of marriage and so forth.Back in those days letters/pictures were sent to "other" family members.I have found valuable information that way.
However, be aware that obituaries often contain mistakes.
Then...go to the CENSUS.You will find all the members of the family...places of birth etc.Start with 1930 and work backwards.You can get good information through 1850 that way.(Before 1850 not ALL members of a family were listed by name.)
If you live near the area of the person you are researching, go to the Courthouse and look up the INDEX to the Deeds (these are property records).There is a GRANTOR (seller) and GRANTEE (buyer) list of deeds ALL by surname.It's a quick way to find out if your AULD's held land where they last lived.I like to go to the GRANTOR index FIRST.And if you see a listing such as "AULD, first name & "et.al"--you may hit the jackpot.
"et al"is "and everyone else"...which means there is a long list of other folks.This usually happens when someone dies and they give the property to someone or DIVIDE it up.When they do they list the relationship to the other folks.GREAT way to get something.These deeds are very "colorful" the further back in time you go.Also, if you are there at the courthouse getting the deeds (usually it's the REGISTER OF DEEDS office), also go to the Probate office and ask about marriage index.By the age of your person you usually can figure out a 20-30 year range in which they married.Some marriage records will have bondsman and other clues.
Good luck.Happy hunting.If you ever get someone back into NC.Let me know.
Helen