16 Ways to Find Your Ancestor's Village

[@Kelly-uv9rh]

The last tip, looking at neighbors' origins, is such an underrated research method. If your ancestors were Catholic, you absolutely need to look into children's godparents, especially in larger cities where churches were ethnic conclaves. Even if they aren't an aunt/uncle/cousin/sibling of the parents, odds are they were from a similar place-I've seen many instances where, for example, German families within the same church chose godparents from the same region: Bavarians chose Bavarian godparents, Hessians chose Hessians, etc. Italians often did the same.

[@karmagal78]

With obits, I’ve found some oddities with my ancestors. My great grandfather on my dad’s maternal side was married and divorced in an age where it was a scandal. In his obit, it says that she had died in childbirth (as she had been also his first cousin, she’s able to be easily researched, too. I have the divorce papers. All 3 of their children died as infants). My great grandmother on my dad’s paternal side died at a young age. Her obit was interesting, as well. Listed her children’s middle names, not just their first names. Found out that a grandaunt’s middle name was different from what she had told me. Apparently it was a point of contention between her and her sister as she had changed it to be the same as her sister’s middle name. Not only that, it gave the wrong date for when she and great grandpa had gotten married (a month before what the marriage license says. Probably because she was pregnant before they got married, as my granduncle was born a short while later. Oops).

[@marilyncarey7957]

I found my Irish ggggrandfather had been a plantation manager in St Croix in the Dutch Virgin Islands because he ‘stood up’ (like godparent) for his nephew. That nephew also came to Australia much later, but there was no other record in Australia or Ireland that ever put put him in St Croix. Once I found him there, there are other records about him in St Croix, but with a fairly common name I had no reason to ever suspect it was him. He is my only Irishman, and absolutely ticks all the Irish stereotypes! Great fun but a pain to research.

[@marilyncarey7957]

The old church records, pre 1837, in England often say ‘of this Parish’ or of a different parish. Parishes were usually at village level so relatively small. Used by the church to work out which parish had to provide poor relief. Originals are often available in Family Search Images. Also there were some registers of apprenticeships, which don’t have a lot of information, but their occupation might help locate them.

[@lindelljohnson1580]

How fun to see this video. Rich was very helpful to me in researching my Irish grandmother's family, area of origin, etc. He is an inspirational fellow to listen to because of his infectious and enthusiastic personality.

[@ajalicea1091]

The Catholic Church wasn't as good as you think it was at keeping birth records. The reason I say this was because during the time that the United States started issuing social security numbers to people who lived in the Caribbean when they got their freedom from the Spanish rule, have family members who when they went to get their birth certificates from the Catholic Church the priest did not always date it for the actual birth. One in particular, he happened to date the BC for that VERY DAY, which was 7 to 10 years after their birthday.

[@marilyncarey7957]

In Ireland, the magistrates records are wonderful - people Sue’s each other for leaving gates open so the cows got out, or didn’t pay their bills at the local shop, made too much noise. Places often go down to paddock or field level - if you can work where the field was.

[@GenealogyGems]

How fun, thanks for sharing!

[@elained1946]

Great video thank you 😊

[@GenealogyGems]

You’re welcome 😊

[@brandykwatford03]

I really enjoy these videos on KZbin. The access you provide, the information you provide, and the guest who are strategically reviewed for what they can offer to your guest listeners/followers is truly a gift of invaluable worth! You are totally awesome, Ms. Cooke! ...and oh my goodness, you are consistent. Your podcasts have episodes ...current and going back... several years! Best and hats off! Brandy

[@user-mx7kl7tw4v]

Great information. Thank you.

[@Rony2453]

He has a great smile which draws people in and get his wonderful information.

[@patrickdeady410]

I always enjoy your videos. I attended a class Rich presented at one of the national genealogy conferences in Fort Wayne and was impressed by his knowledge and his ability to communicate it so well!

[@dannyoconnell6608]

Sorry I missed your show live. I was at the Cincinnati History Museum with my sister & brother-in-law. I've now watched the show twice and have bookmarked it to come back to because there is so much wonderful information in it. Thank you.

[@GenealogyGems]

Thanks, and we always enjoy when you're able to attend live!

[@karmagal78]

My grandpa on my dad’s side was born before SSN. When he applied to get his, he didn’t have a birth certificate as it wasn’t a requirement and he was born at home. He was able to get a delayed birth certificate, though. The midwife that was there when he was born was still living and still remembered his birth. So, in the end, he was able to attain his SSN.