Just the Facts

To get a definition of a keyword using Yahoo and Bing, you must insert a space between the colon and the query. Example: define: genealogy

Search for a word in the title of the webpage. Example: allintitle: fox genealogy. This may capture some additional genealogy web pages about the surname usually buried deep in the search results.

Fuzzy searches may be done using the tilde “ ~ ” symbol searching for a term similar in spelling to a name, location or word. For example: smith~

Boolean logic consists of three basic logical operators: AND (+) John AND Smith; NOT (-) John NOT Smith; John OR Smith, Smith OR John. Boolean [Bool·e·an] logic refers to the logical relationship among search terms, and is named for the British-born Irish mathematician George Boole. 

Ask Google to keep searching for an ancestor. Enter your search at https://www.google.com/alerts. When the search term comes up later (even if years after you request the search), Google will email you.

For anyone with a long-term intensive genealogy agenda: If you determine you will be doing years of research, you may want to invest in computer software such as Roots Magic, Legacy Family Tree, or Family Tree Maker. These can help you organize your facts, timelines, relationships, sources, and media and are private. Online there are free genealogy software web-based platforms (not private) for DNA integration, record searching, and collaborative tree building.

Prepare a protection and recovery program for your research in case of computer crash or theft, fire, flood, etc.

Execute a genealogical codicil to your Last Will and Testament instructing your executor(s) not to discard your family genealogy research (Family Bibles, books, files, digital data, etc.) for a set time period to actively find a family member or institution to preserve and continue your work.

Immigration is entering a country where you are not a native to take up permanent residence. Your immigrant ancestor is the first person of an ancestral line to settle in a given country. Emigration is leaving a country where you have been a citizen. A person emigrates when they leave a country to reside in another country.

Naturalization is the process of becoming a citizen. It is a two-step process in the United States and takes about five years. The Declaration of Intent (first papers) can be filed after two years of residency. Naturalization and Oath of Allegiance are taken after an additional three years of residency.

Collective naturalization is a process used when a government acquires the territory of a foreign government by treaty or cession, and the inhabitants receive the rights and privileges of citizenship.

There are three types of wills: Attested, Holographic, and Nuncupative. The attested will is the most common and is prepared for the testator. A holographic will is written by the testator himself. A nuncupative will are the deathbed wishes of the testator, recorded by a witness present at the bedside. All wills must be witnessed. A person who died intestate died without a will.

Probate records refer to wills inventories, letters of administration and guardianship. They are usually held at the county courthouse unless archived. When doing research in probate records, request to see the entire file.

An executor is named by the testator and is required by the court to post a bond. An administrator is appointed to handle the affairs of one who dies intestate (without a will).

A widow's dower is her claim to a portion of her deceased husband's estate during her lifetime for her and her children's support.

Join your local genealogy society and take advantage of their special interest groups, workshops, and other educational opportunities. In addition to your local genealogy society, consider joining a genealogy society located in the geographical location where your ancestors lived. Broaden your horizons further and seek out others who are researching your surnames in the same time periods and locations.