Location based research - where do YOU look ?
By leahlynell
@leahlynell (2)
United States
October 26, 2009 10:58am CST
I've been a little disappointed that there is not much activity in the genealogy and history forums on MyLot, so I thought I would step out and ask for some help on a project I am working on. I am looking to do a "County Genealogy" and since it can be HUGE, right now I am focusing on 1850-1900. The county came in to being in 1847, and I chose it because I seem to be related to almost everyone in it. So, my question to start is: Where do you tend to end up when researching ? I'm thinking we all probably have 3 answers - 1. The dominant country of origin (I'm in the US, and the majority of my lines start in the UK), 2. The state, or region for non US researchers (I'm a 7th generation Texan, so there is a lot of work there, but ultimately, with few exceptions, everyone started in Virginia), and lastly, 3. What county contains your 'Gold Mine' of ancestors ? For me, that is Boone County, West Virginia. My father left there to join the military in the 1940s, but his family has lived there from it's inception, and from the parent counties dating from the Continental Congress and before..) What are YOUR locations ? Let's see if we can get this place moving
3 responses
@jazzsue58 (2666)
•
26 Oct 09
I find history fascinating - but then, I'm in the UK so I'm kinda there already.
Most records are off-line and it can be a needle in a haystack finding stuff. As an example, I live in Horley and the history society here have all their records in stacks of boxes going up to the ceiling! A while back they were saying they might have to burn some as the secretary needed his garage back - what a waste!
@leahlynell (2)
• United States
26 Oct 09
Interesting.... That sounds like a project FOR the local history society, or even the local schools. Some scanners and some volunteers... they could even have scan parties ! If they don't protect and preserve records, what DO they do ?
@palonghorn (5479)
• United States
4 Apr 10
I have been working (off and on) on my family history since I was 16. My great aunt was working on her line and got me started. I am a 5th generation Texan on my father's paternal side of the family. My grandparents (except for my dad's dad) was born in Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio. You are correct that for most of us, we can trace it back to Virginia or New York. After that time, part of my family came from Scotland. I haven't worked on it in a few years, but I probably will get back too it, since I just recently moved into a house in my dad's birth town, and they have a small genealogical library here. I'll have to check it out.
@Clicker625 (196)
• United States
2 Nov 09
I also was hoping that history and genealogy would be active forums here. I like to talk about these two interests but I've only done a little genealogy myself. Much has already been done by other family members. Okay, my three answers: 1. Dominant county of origin: I'm in the U.S. and Ireland was the country of origin for both mother and father. 2. The state: I'm from Texas and ancestors on both sides of the family were pioneers who started in Tennesse on one side and Alabama on the other. 3. I guess the county would be Bell County, Texas although that's just for one side of the family.
