Research
It won't take you long to start building up your immediate family tree, but then it could come to a sudden stop. When it does, you might feel the fun disappearing and frustration start to kick in, but do not give up. You have now hit the stage where you need to start doing some research and become a Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marples, Poirot or Jessica Fletcher.
Research can still be fun and contrary to popular belief, it doesn't have to be expensive! So were do you begin?
You already have all your evidence within your family tree, now you need to use this for your research. Most of this can be done on-line, but some research will get you out and about and possibly take you to new parts of the country or the world, in search of your Ancestors!
On-Line (Census and more) - The most obvious and convenient way to do research is on the web. For your convenience we have created a Website Resources page. This contains various sites (and we are always looking to expand this resource). With the information you have try visiting the 1901 Census On-line site. This will allow you see who at the time lived with who, thus giving you names of siblings you may have missed out, or if the person you are researching was living with parents at the time, giving you some new names and another level on your tree. There may be a fee for your research on this site, so look at all the other links first as there is a lot of FREE information available.
Cemetaries - OK this is not everyone's idea of fun but it's amazing what information you can gain from headstones (if you can read them). If you know where your Ancestors have been laid to rest, go pay them a visit. Make a record of where the grave is located and take pictures for your records, store this information electronically if possible with that persons records. The information from a grave will probably either verify or give you new information on Birth and Death dates. It will also give you the persons Spouse information and indications of children etc.
Local People - This is not for everyone. Make sure you are polite and respect others. If you know where the person you are researching lived or worked, visit the area and ask around, go to the place they used to work or knock on a few doors on the street they lived and simply ask if they know or remember anything about the person. You may be surprised with the information you get, but also do not be disheartened if you find nothing, or have doors slammed in you face.
Libraries - Many libraries have dedicated family research areas. You may have to visit the library in the area the person lived to get information. Some libraries will also have records of deeds and medical history that can help with your research.