Using Ancestry.com Like A Pro | Ancestry

Whether you've been doing genealogy research for 20 minutes or 20 years, there are always new things to learn. Join Crista Cowan for a sneak peek into how she sets up her computer, manages her research, and records her findings. You might just pick up a tip or two that will help you use Ancestry.com like a professional.
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[@greatmomintexas]

This is the first time I have found ANYONE that does research like I do! Thank you so much for doing this video!! You are awesome! Now I have backup. I will use your video many time in my teaching.

[@ThyGeekGoddessMuze]

We've been waiting DECADES for these records! I had no idea people were interested in our cowboy stories, or where the Angus came from. I also found out some of the people we thought were Irish, were actually Scottish! That's been fascinating.

[@darlenesye1609]

It looks like I first found this video two weeks ago and I came looking for it to watch again today. This video may change my genealogical research life. I especially like the open new tabs process and rearrange them in chronological order. I have been using multiple monitors for about ten years so multiple monitors will really facilitate this multiple tabs process. Yesterday I started a new research log strictly for methodology. Included in the log will be KZbin videos, epiphanies for fine-tuning my research processes and the like. This new log will not contain any family specific information, just research methodology processes general information. I plan to review this log weekly for the short term to give me momentum and strengthen my workflow habits. All of the videos that are giving me pause, like this one will be included in my new playlist "Genealogy Methodology" that will be publicly available.

[@AncestryUS]

We're really glad to hear this, Darlene, it sounds like this has been a really helpful video for you! We're so glad that it's inspired you to add to your own research and to continue learning more too! We are grateful for you sharing this with us, and wish you he very best going forward, thank you again! 😊

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Verna. In the video Crista is using one computer, her laptop and connecting it to a second monitor. You should be able to find details on using a second monitor with your computer on the manufacturer's website.

[@DebiBrady]

Okay, wow...how far this interface has come! I started in 2015 and it didn't look this basic back then, many of the features you mention using other tools/sites for are now on this site. I have a lot of cleanup to do, but starting to do more focused projects. Currently, using DNA Matches and ThruLines to see how far back I can get on the paternal line of my mom's dad. I already found that my 2nd GGpa was married three times and I had previously matched my 2GGma with the third wife. She hadn't married him when my GGma was born based on putting in marriage dates. I've also found two distant cousins who are active researchers in this line who I'm starting to collaborate with, one had actually met my grandpa and my mom's only brother (both are dead now). I'm getting obsessed...is that a "bad" thing? :D

[@CristaCowan]

Being obsessed about family history is never a bad thing. ;-)

[@n124lp]

One more tip for getting the most out of tabs with multiple screens: in Firefox, it is possible to drag and drop tabs between browser instances. I usually work with the online version of Ancestry.com, and keep the records for the people am working on on one screen and the records I am reviewing on the other. If, however, I want to compare 2 people, I can drag the tab with one Ancestry records to the other screen. Dragging a tab to a blank screen will open the page in a new browser session.

[@n124lp]

Another tip, which I find very helpful when working with tabs, is to use a 3-button mouse. Clicking a link with the middle button (push down on the scroll wheel of a wheel mouse to middle click) will open the link in a new tab. It's a bit faster than the right click and choose a menu item method, but more importantly, I can quickly open up several links to look at later, without breaking my current chain of thought. Middle clicking on the top of an existing tab will close it.

[@jasonjase8661]

The large screen / monitor on ancestry makes the whole experience 10x better

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Darlene. We're glad to see that you enjoyed it. Continued success with your research and please check in with us again soon.

[@raquelt7723]

Thank you! Awesome tips! Robin, I also use a Mac and after you click on the leaf and it opens the possible matches screen, go to the little settings button at the top left of that screen, it looks like a gear. Click on that and say open in new window. Once you have done that, you can right click on any of the hints and say open In new tab. (I use Firefox but pretty sure safari is the same). Hope that helps.

[@rebeccacampbell1965]

Great tip about opening the records in multiple tabs and arranging them in order (16 min mark).

[@JohnFourtyTwo]

Hi Crista, Loved the video, you're very organized and methodical. I use the same methodology wading through the records nightmare. Most of the time I don't have too many problems. Like you I've come to ignore other's family trees. Early on I thought everyone else were as methodical as I was until I noticed all the dupes with glaring date ranges. I do wish Ancestry would prompt you when a similar name is about to be added to help prevent tree damage but it doesn't. I don't have the same success you have with search engine. Every time I click exact I get nothing. I'm pretty much forced to leave it broad or not too narrow of a search. I do wish it would allow narrow or exact searches because I know the records with that criteria are there but for some reason Ancestry won't allow it. I even specifically enter a state or county and it's giving me suggestions from all over the country or world when I've removed any other location in the parameters to force a narrower search. I use whitepages.com to help with current relatives I don't know just to get me in the ballpark because their records aren't 100% accurate either but I don't have to wait six months or more after they die for their information to show up like Ancestry. I'm trying to find my father's first wife's maiden name because I would like to add her to my tree but I can't find anything on her other than her first name and an initial on the divorce index. I've contacted Alabama's vital statistics and they don't have anything on her in relation to my father; unfortunately everyone who knew her are no longer here. I mentioned to Alabama Vital Statistics about the divorce I found on Ancestry and they said they have no idea what that information is because if it doesn't show up on their screens they don't recognized genealogy records from other sources. Looking forward to your other videos. Please keep them coming.

[@robinyaklin4183]

Crista, picked up some great ideas on how to make doing computer research easier; however, one big question. I'm using a Mac so it's FTMM2 etc. How do you open the multiple tabs? I've gone to the pedigree view of my tree; selected a person; selected his hints. There are no buttons like those you used. I think this would be a great tool, but until I can use it...well...need I say more.

[@puncheex2]

Daniel Shipman! I'm a direct descendant, through Jacob Shipman, Jo Elizabeth Shipman, Volley Ann Burleson. If it is of interest to you, feel free to respond to this comment and we'll arrange it. I use Legacy (now 9) instead of Family Tree Maker. I notice that many of the features you mention in FTM are echoed in ancestry's own website; I presume that this happened after FTM left Ancestry. Any comment on that, things missing or done differently? Another question off the subject a bit. We are told that it is important to use the locations apropos to a date rather than the modern day location, yet I find huge discrepancies in records, particularly those written up in secondary sources, like genealogist books and notes. Quite often a county and state location is given for a date that precedes the establishment of the county by 1, 5, or even 100 years, and I presume that these are locations which are modern to the writer of the material. Is making these dates and locations match up really important to good genealogical record keeping? I suppose that means, are they really valuable to your own readers at a later time? One suggestion? Raise your camera to eye level. It makes the feeling of adult-adult interaction easier (even if the audience is teenagers, perhaps even more so), and it almost always improves a person's appearance.

[@AncestryUS]

Very cool! Nice to meet you, cousin. I've got Volley Ann Burleson in my family tree along with her husband and ten children. Haven't research much more beyond that and likely won't unless a DNA match comes up. There are several features that exist in FTM that do not exist in Ancestry online trees (most of the reporting, data errors checking, notation of direct ancestry, etc.). Of course, there are also things you are able to do quicker and easier online than in FTM, too. It's one of the reasons I use both. They are very complimentary. As for locations - I have chosen to use current locations in my tree (so that mapping software works correctly and so others can identify the specific location on current maps). However, I always make note of the historic location in descriptions and notes. Thanks for the suggestion. This video is more than 4 years old. My camera is embedded in my laptop screen so it makes it difficult to adjust the level and still type or mouse around as I need to but I've learned a few tricks since then and think some of the more recent videos are better. ;-) (~Crista)

[@raebenedetto]

Hi, really enjoy your videos. What's the proper way to enter a child who through remarriage of a parent becomes the step-child of another parent? I have a woman whose mother marries again, and they (the child and the mother) take the surname of the new husband/stepfather. How should this be represented accurately? Is this covered in a video already on KZbin or is it something you could include in a future video? Thanks!

[@gaymaier2730]

Rae Benedetto 6

[@preshizpink4340]

Is this old? The App is pretty much like this minus the multiple screens but it does allow you to view your records and their records and do a comparison on both which is kinda helpful..

[@brandysviolin]

Crista- thank you so much for sharing your research techniques with us all. I have learned so much from you and I just wanted to say I appreciate all your hard work.

[@roz3657]

This program is more beneficial to europeans because they kept better records of their lineage be it through documentation or passed down through generations. I've tried a few times to find info on different ancestors in my family tree with very little to nothing. I also found out that there was a name change of one of my relative due to the fact that her last name was french and was changed because it was hard to pronounce.

[@AncestryUS]

+Lind Alvarez Where is your ancestry from? We have researchers who specialize in records all over the world. We might be able to give you some direction.

[@coopsevy5664]

I'm more hands on, I'll need time, organized area to do this so I pray I will be blessed to go to the family LDS center in my area and sign up for classes.

[@vernajoy441]

How do you hook the 2 computers together? I have been looking for months and everyone tells me it can't be done.

[@vivienmott2849]

This was so helpful I realised I had been doing things wrong, so now I have to clean up. Thanks

[@juliemagerka1286]

Wow, and here I was thinking I was a fairly competent user of Ancestry and Family Tree Maker. The TABS tip is really wonderful, as is the NOTES feature to keep track of a chronological timeline for the person. Keep making videos Crista!

[@johnpjoyce9687]

Christa, I love your use of two screens.. Must try this immediately and will be back.. I like some of you ideas like making notes in family tree maker. Thanks..

[@Mel-fh5md]

Hello I just came across your video and it is fantastic the only problem I am having is that Im trying to follow your steps on finding info on my grandfather my dads dad he left my grandmother and there kids when they were young my grandmother passed before I was born and nobody knows any info on him and where I don't have info anything I try to search for that comes up in his name I don't know if its him. so where do I go from here??

[@milliefonseca1418]

Thank you Crista for those hints. I took notes and I found alot in the Wiki especially the church records. Puerto Rico are very bad in record keeping and they were lazy. When I want to know where my ancestors were born they put across Puerto Rico on everyone and if they lived in the town and was born somewhere else they put that they were from that town. If only I had a crystal ball so I can get accurate info, mostly everyone was baptisted, married or died and it was recorded in some Parrish. I will be looking for more info from you to help me. I need help and surprisingly my tree is growing. Thank you again.

[@MsLindyB]

Thanks Crista! Great tips and you are a great teacher.

[@andreamead5699]

I have found a lot of info on my French Canadian/ Native American. Why is there so much more Canadian info then American? Their record keeping is amazing.

[@bobbiebrune4098]

I enjoyed watching your video, but the screens where you were showing what you were explaining, (Family Tree Maker, Ancestry's search, etc.) are blurry. You can't really see what you are referring to. Is there any way to clear these up?

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks, Bobbie. I'm working on re-recording some of these old videos and will put this one on the list.

[@TheDollyLady]

Thank you so much! I wish I'd found you before I started my jumbled trees I almost want to throw my hands up but you've given me the inspiration and knowledge to carry one..Weed out errors and make facts the main resource

[@tobywelch191]

Yes i am looking for writing tips. I am in the process of puting together a family tree for my cousin that i found through here. I want to put it in a note book and send it to her for next Christmas but not sure how to put it down so it is not confusing for her to understand

[@AncestryUS]

There are some great ideas here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4Ozd6BuqK6YY5Y and here bit.ly/2K7POCj

[@n124lp]

Thanks for some very useful tips. I can definitely support the suggestions of having two screens, and I also use the heck out of tabs. Here are a couple of additional tips, which I hope others might find useful: I keep a list of very specific open questions and to do tasks, so that I do not forget important pending items. I keep the list in Microsoft One Note, so it is easy to drag in supporting data from other applications, and to sync the info to multiple devices.

[@vernajoy441]

How do you connect the 2 computers together?

[@AncestryUS]

Which census year did you find your grandfather on? How old was he? Where was he living? Who was he living with? Where does it say he was born? (Crista)

[@cindymccracken6959]

Ancestry, so, you talk about the family tree software...do I need to purchase it? I am a new to this and have been using Ancestry.com site paying their monthly fee...

[@MajorBonMarita]

Thanks, you are a good teacher.

[@lisaparker2172]

Great tips, love the tab feature and ordering by chronological order, and writing out all the notes!

[@MartaRawlings]

I learn some new things about my Family Tree Maker 2012. I will be repeating this video while incorporating some of the tips and techniques that Crista presented. I appreciate the educational webcasts that Ancestry.com does for us. I just wonder if Crista gets time to sleep? Maybe she has a team of genealogy elves that help her to educate us? However she does it, I am grateful for it.

[@dorothymorrison8]

Than!k you so much for your video. Now I have a plan and don't have to drive myself crazy! Very helpful. You are a pro!

[@NJHeart2Heart]

HI Crista - this was really interesting.. Love the ideas of ordering records, etc.. However it's all based in the software. What if I only have access to the online version? I know the software is not being upgraded. Is it still really worth buying it? Especially if I use a mac?

[@AncestryUS]

The software is being upgraded. As a matter of fact, the new owners (Software Mackiev) have a new version coming out in just a few weeks and they will have both a PC and MAC version available.

[@NJHeart2Heart]

oh! That's terrific news! I did do some reading after I commented, and decided to buy, but the decision was when. I will hold on just a bit longer and see when the new versions come up :) Thanks!

[@evegoodman5431]

Ancestry wiki??? What the what!!! Cant wait!

[@valhegan]

Hi you have made some great videos on how best to use FTM, thankyou very much. Can u clarify for me or do you have a video on the best way to use TASKS, thx

[@nancymellette-stewart5188]

As A beginner this is helpful

[@user-lp1gk7zb6s]

we may be related, Jacob Shipman is my Great Uncle. Mathias Shipman, Jacobs brother is my GG Father also one of my SAR Patriot Ancestors.

[@Bill9239]

Crista, you mention your affinity for note taking. I am following that lead. As an example would you type this much detail on, say, a Census: "1871 Census of Canada, Perth South, Hibbert. Lists William Jordan, 52yrs, his wife Mary 50yrs, and 6 children, all boys. Patrick Jordan 5 yrs., youngest son, appears on next page of census. John, 22yrs (born abt 1849); William, 18yrs; Michael, 16 yrs; Cornelius, 14 yrs; and James, 12 yrs. William, Mary and oldest son John are listed as being born in Ireland, the remainder of the family in Ontario. John, born abt. 1849 in Ireland according to this census; Willam (my Great Grandfather), the second eldest child, was born in 1852 suggesting that the family immigrated from Ireland between 1849 and 1852. William, and his sons John, Michael, and William are listed as farmers. Mary is also listed as unable to read or write. Michael, Cornelius, and James are listed as being in school; Patrick, at 5 yrs. is not."

[@AncestryUS]

That's great, Bill. I do two small things differently. First, I write out the census details as a narrative (complete sentences, etc.) so that it is readable to the non-genealogist. And, I do my analysis of the record (things like "appears on the next page" and "suggesting that the family immigrated...") after I do the transcription so it is really clear what was on the record and what is my interpretation of the record. Hope that helps! Keep up the great work! (Crista)

[@Bill9239]

Thank you Crista, really appreciate the feedback.

[@Bill9239]

Crista I know you use FTM extensively as do I. In light of the current ownership status of FTM, is it time to switch to another family tree program?

[@Bill9239]

Another Question - Is Crista continuing to do KZbin videos? I have not seen one for awhile. Also, will you be continuing to feature FTM now that Ancestry no longer owns it? Basically looking for an update on Crista's videos going forward?

[@AncestryUS]

I continue to use FTM daily and plan to do so for the foreseeable future. The new owners of FTM (Software Mackiev) announced a few weeks ago that they have a new version coming out in the coming weeks. I'm excited about it! (Crista)

[@marianyarrington7202]

I just discovered this site and am hoping to learn some new things. Have been researching genealogy for many years.

[@moweaquas]

This was so helpful as I move beyond what was "easy" to the real work of family history. Thanks!

[@allenmw2]

Great tutorial. How do you keep yourself from getting sidetracked looking at children, siblings, parents noted on census'? And how/when do you record their information? Thx

[@cappuccinoholic623]

I also love FTM, and have been using it since the first version was released in the 1980s. But now that it no longer syncs with Ancestry, I've been trying out Roots Magic. It's a big adjustment. What are you using and this point and why?

[@AncestryUS]

I'm still using Family Tree Maker. FTM 2017 syncs with Ancestry. (Crista)

[@kennethvignona6435]

So where should I go now. I have researched records and attached them, but after seeing this video I am not sure how accurate I may have been. Do I start over, do I go through each person again etc. What is the best way to begin (again). Should I be using DNA results now that I have mine? Thank you. Ken

[@AncestryUS]

Ken - These are great questions! Depending on how big your tree has grown, there might not be a need to go start over. I would recommend going through each person, reviewing the records you have attached and the conclusions you have come to. Where you find inaccurate information, remove it. Pay close attention to the links between generations and the evidence you have collected that leads you to the conclusions about relationships. You've got this!

[@kennethvignona6435]

Thank you . Feels like I am starting over, but still feels good. Trying to figure out how to use the DNA results also. Thank you again. Ken

[@beckip8472]

Great tips in this video! I have a question. My brick wall for a decade or two now is my earliest proven ancestor who signed his will in 1772, a resident of Hopewell Twp., Cumberland Co., PA, but his will was filed in 1773 in Chester County. One of his sons died within the same year, a resident of Hopewell Twp., Cumberland Co, too, but his will was also filed in Chester County. Why would these two wills have been filed in different counties from the one they lived in? I'm really stumped on this one.

[@margepedicino32]

Becki P

[@deniseeanes4850]

Times have changed. However, can I still use my Family Tree Software?

[@AncestryUS]

Hi, Denise. We no longer own or are affiliated with Family Tree Maker. You will need to refer to their website for any support.

[@beckywilmer5922]

I am just starting and this helps so much!! Thanks

[@AncestryUS]

You are so welcome!

[@sandrabrown128]

Hi, Crista! I have an Ancestry family tree online. Like a lot of people in building this tree, I have run into problems as to how to define family relationships. Here is one: Woman A has two children by Man A while single; then, two more children by Man B, still while single. Then, Woman A marries Man C. They have no children; however, eventually there are grandchildren, etc. from the other two relationships. When it comes to designating a spouse in the family tree for Woman A, Man C is the spouse. It becomes problematic because I don't know what to call the first two men who are the fathers of the children. Clearly, they were never married and are not her ex-spouses, but on Ancestry, what are they? How do I identify them on the tree? Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

[@kg8489]

Hi Sandra, I think I might be able to help! I believe they would be classed as "partners". This relationship can be added by going onto Woman A's profile, selecting the Edit button (it looks like a pen), then selecting the "Edit relationships" button. All of Woman A's relationships (spouse, parents, children, etc.) should then be displayed on the screen, and you can add or edit them as you wish.

[@KristieCochran]

Great video! I learned a bunch of cool things. Will have to watch again several times so that it can all sink in.

[@laurieberry4814]

Can I find out about dyslexia that seems to go through my family. It seems like three members of my family struggle with dyslexia and I am one of them. I think that my dyslexia is the worst.

[@AncestryUS]

Hey there, Laurie, thanks for querying this with us, we hope to help. At this time, Ancestry does not have the features to provide you with information about dyslexia. There are variations of the DNA test such as adding AncestryDNA Traits to the test which can help you to learn about some of the traits that you've inherited in your DNA, but we don't have this particular information that you've looking for, unfortunately. You can find out more about what you can discover with Traits here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/AncestryDNA-Traits. We hope this helps thanks for reaching out!

[@suemoreland6352]

Thanks for your help. I've done this for years, but didn't know about this. Thanks.

[@bamafan62]

my grandfather was born in 1903 in Portugal, he came to the US and i wish i could find info on his family in portugal and when for sure he came here......i'm on ancestory and just cant figure it out. My mom is getting up in age and she would love to know as he never talked about it

[@AncestryUS]

+bamafan62 Have you located all his U.S. documentation? Naturalization paperwork, passenger list coming into the U.S., death certificate, obituary, etc.? These things will give you the clues you need to be successful in your research into Portugal records. His death certificate will list his parents' names. His naturalization paperwork might list his specific birth place in Portugal. His passenger list might list his nearest relative that he left behind - likely a parent or sibling. Once you have pieced together all of that information, then you can dive into the Portuguese records, starting with baptismal/birth records here: search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60134

[@bamafan62]

+Ancestry hi....if not for that link i would have never even been able to look through the Portuguese records...how do i find specific countries or regions like Poland and such? i have a hard time navigating the site. I know i have been looking for any Portuguese records and was never able to find the. I did use that ink, entered his birthday and other info, and it narrowed my search down to 4,600 possible matches, i went through all those with no luck. I am DESPERATE to find something about the Grandfather that died when i was only 3 in 1965, My mother said he loved me so, and i ache to find out something out about him. So far all i have are a 1940 census

[@bamafan62]

+Ancestry I just got my Ancestry DNA results in and i am VERY confused! My Maternal Grandfather was Portuguese and NOTHING shows up from Portugal, the closest is 6% Europe West

[@toolguyslayer1]

Technically speaking what are the extreme parameters of how far or how near (for lack of a better way to express it) can you look up a family tree

[@AncestryUS]

It depends on where your ancestors are from and what records exist. I have some lines of my family tree that I have traced back to the 1500s and others that are stuck in the 1840s.

[@fishfamily5]

Thank you so much for your videos. I can easily follow along and enjoy learning. Rhonda

[@JohnHutchinson2013]

Great tutorial thanks

[@csipawpaw7921]

Wasn't the 1900 census destroyed in the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906?

[@debanderson3970]

Thank You.. good tips!

[@lesliebenjamin]

Hi Crista! I have a gggrandmother who was a Cowan!

[@galaxyvlogs6354]

Leslie Benjamin I have long lost aunt

[@jimmymullins4997]

How do you find your ancestors on you father's side when you have no relatives living and the only person you knew was you mother (who was never married) and I knew her as an infant she passed when I was 3?

[@AncestryUS]

Start with what you do know. Do you know your father's name?

[@tobywelch191]

I am just starting out on this long journey and I want to write down my family information to make a book out of it for a cousin of mine that I found on ancestry, how do I do that I have looked on line but cannot find anything. do you have any suggestions?

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Toby, Are you looking for writing helps or publishing helps?

[@robertgloverjr]

In your video you use Family Tree Maker, but subsequent to your making this video Ancestry.com discontinued offering Family Tree Maker. Family Tree Maker now can only be acquired by purchasing it from a different company. Do you still recommend Family Tree Maker, now that it is no longer part of ancestry.com?

[@AncestryUS]

Absolutely! I am still using it daily and plan to continue doing so. (Crista)

[@sheridanloudon5679]

Does anyone know how to do basic things on the software like grab a photo from someone else's tree? How do you change the name of a tree? Technical details of using the software.

[@AncestryUS]

Sheridan, You can find this information in our helpful (and free) Ancestry Academy videos here: ancstry.me/1r5D9En They're very short but may also introduce you to helpful tricks too, Enjoy!

[@rogerjeffrey]

How were births recorded in the 1770;s

[@everettnorris4470]

Why are censored?

[@nobodyhasthistag]

If you would like to know a little more about Irish Ancestors, have a look at "Irish Ancestors 4U", Author Kathleen Merryweather.

[@sharriettefinley467]

This is so helpful! Thank you!!

[@Bill9239]

You mention the Wiki and that you use it several times a week. That function does not appear to exist on Ancetry. ca (Canada)?

[@AncestryUS]

You can find the Ancestry Wiki here: www.ancestry.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

[@Bill9239]

Yes, I already found that page by Googling it. I cannot find it at the Canadian Ancestry site (Ancestry.ca). Is is relevant for Canada?

[@AncestryUS]

I don't believe the Canadian site ever had the wiki directly available.

[@Rony2453]

Excellent and useful.

[@lisareed5669]

I have become a huge fan! I love smarts!

[@lisareed5669]

The tabs hint is GENIUS! I use it all the time now!

[@juliemamales2994]

how can I find my dads side in Greece when there are no records because of them being destroyed ?

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Julie, thank you for the question. Have you taken the AncestryDNA test? While the test doesn't build family trees, it can be an amazing resource in getting started with your research. It will provide you with an ethnicity estimate as well as a list of DNA matches. The matches will consist of anyone you share DNA with who has also taken our test and they can range from close family to fifth cousins. Contacting and working with your DNA matches can be a good way to fill in the gaps you may have in your family history.

[@ariadnetoo]

New to creating a FT. to look for mystery grandparents. Very encouraged. Will be reviewing the video a lot! Thank you Crista.

[@NathashaClark]

Can you please help me. I want to print out some documents from the site how do you do this so that its legible?

[@Kimberlyykaye]

Did you ever figure this out? I’m just starting and I’m curious

[@wldgrneyes59]

I searched emoji hearts and still can't get it to copy/paste in color!

[@brendadowling6428]

Please Help! I am stuck. I can only find a census report and a grave site location on my great-grandmother on my fathers side. I cannot find her maiden name anywhere. She was born 1974 and died 1909. Any suggestions?

[@brendadowling6428]

OOPS that was 1874 not 1974.

[@AncestryUS]

So, can I assume that she was married and started having children some time in the mid- to late-1890s? Here is the research plan I would tackle in this case, if I were you: *Locate her in the 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940 census with her husband and children. Pay close attention to the birth places of all children. Also look to see if there are ever any extended family members living in the household with them that might provide clues to her maiden name. *Locate death records (death certificates, obituaries, Social Security applications, etc.) for each of her children. These will often list their mother's maiden name. *Using the information about the birth place of the oldest child and the maiden name discovered from the children's death records, search the 1880 census to find her as a child with her parents. Hope that helps! Happy searching! (~Crista)

[@thebubbie2]

I have question not sure if this is where I need to ask it but what is a Marriage Return?

[@AncestryUS]

A couple applies for a Marriage License - usually within 1-30 days before they get married. Then, once the marriage takes place and they and the clergy sign, they RETURN it to the registration office. That signed form is called a marriage return.

[@kathrynmcghee7176]

EXCELLENT!

[@metaldeath0]

I found my grandfather's census but don't know what to do with it? Where can I go from there to find other ancestors?

[@richardtruitt4646]

check a few pages before and a few pages back to see if possible family members also lived nearby. This may help you break through the wall. Especially, back when it was difficult and expense to move about, families often clustered together. i.e. my grandmother, born in 1906, lived two doors down from her parents and in the same apt bldg as her sister, after her sister got married (she moved two doors down) with her new husband.

[@eternity9097]

Love it, thank you.

[@j.a.2120]

I just want to know what nationality I am, My mother never knew her parents and I haven't a clue what to do. I was Told I am Irish, Dutch and English, but How would she know that If she never knew her parents?. WHY is it so complicated? 😕😒

[@AncestryUS]

Have you taken the AncestryDNA test?

[@hyphySIN]

I did an ancestry account...and it asks me where my great grandparent's were born and their birth date and their full names... like how im I suppost to know when and where they were born...my parents never even met their grandparents before..and I cant ask my recent grandparents because they are already dead..isn't it up to ancestry to know who your great grandparents were???

[@AncestryUS]

hyphySIN Put what you DO know. If you don't know anything, that's fine, too. Then, using what you know about YOUR grandparents, look for them in census records as children, living with their parents and PRESTO, you now have names, approximate birth years and a birth state/country for your great-grandparents.

[@hyphySIN]

Ancestry ya but it only gives me assumed files...like for example...my mother's name is Maria J 56years old ..she was born in mexico...and when it give you some info...it says that theres only 1 Maria J and shes 21years old and born in New York City..its just giving me someone elses info bcuz I have no family or ever had family in new York city

[@CristaCowan]

hyphySIN Are you doing a SEARCH or are you entering information into a family tree and using the leaf hints? If you are using the family tree feature, then enter what you know about your mom. Then add what you know about her parents. You mention that they are deceased. Do you know when and where they died? Enter that information. That should lead you to death records. Death records often include birth dates and places and parent names. It's one step at a time.

[@reallydoyathink]

What if your adopted and cannot afford paying for records and family will not reveal anything or has passed away.

[@huneylove5]

I don't know if its just me but I cant even get the website to search properly. I tried a with something small to just find myself and apparently I don't exist from in any information that could find.

[@jen37019]

3/4's of the time you will not find anything about yourself in records. One being that the censuses can only allow for 72 years. The last census came out in 1840 that can be looked at. The 1850 census will ne out on 2022

[@daledawson5921]

Jennifer Parsons that is the 1940 census, and the 1950 not 1840/50...

[@jen37019]

That is what I meant to type lol

[@bobp8893]

Jennifer Parsons Census are only released every 75 years

[@climbyourtree]

Great video! Thanks!!

[@CGeeThompkins]

Love this!

[@TracyGranberry-wg4fe]

Tracy L. Granberry Milwaukee, WI.

[@TracyGranberry-wg4fe]

What can you tell me about Tracy, L. Granberry

[@sheridanloudon5679]

how may I add a photo from another member's tree?

[@AncestryUS]

When viewing the photo, there is a link on the top right that says, "Save to my tree." Click that. Select the tree and the person in the tree to save it to. (Crista)

[@johnothies1435]

Sheridan Loudon

[@johnothies1435]

Sheridan Loudon

[@johnothies1435]

E

[@noxin86]

How much do you charge to find some thing for my family

[@AncestryUS]

+noxin86 Ancestry is a do-it-yourself research site. If you are interested in hiring a professional genealogist you can contact Ancestry ProGenealogists at www.progenealogists.com/

[@LIGHTOTS]

Is the family treemaker free.

[@galaxyvlogs6354]

LIGHTOTS yeah

[@bobbuckles3097]

Bob Buckles

[@4allmyancestors]

Shoot! The state goofed up my daughters birth record! I put her fathers state of birth as MI (Michigan) and they transcribed it as Missouri (MO)....they wanted ME to pay to correct it. I should have written it out but oh well.

[@ericwright1911]

***** ....what?

[@seraphim3TN]

Eric Wright He's just jealous of white people.

[@LadyBug-yu9je]

I can’t find my mom since she’s the only one on my tree..census one record n that’s her last address no birth no anything for her birth yr n location supposedly my grandmother passed when she was 2 so her sisters n brother was separated I have one 2nd cousin n she has two names associated to her that I never heard of the name of my father she gave I did find does not have the names of either of his parents so I’m lost 100% I have no identity at all smh

[@suedenym8666]

Geneology or Genealogy?!

[@demonetization6596]

My surname is lim,can anyone find it for me?

[@AncestryUS]

When I do a search on Ancestry for LIM, more than 1.4 million records come up.

[@redofspades]

Those tests are not accurate and are only part true, they only do dads dad or moms mom, but what about my dads mom and moms dad? there's a lot of DNA that is not detected there. That makes me less eager to take the test.

[@CristaCowan]

riptorn You inherited 50% of your DNA from your mother and 50% of your DNA from your father. They in turn inherited 50% of their DNA from each of their parents and so on. AncestryDNA testing is an autosomal test. So, we look at everything you inherited not just one particular line of your family tree.

[@quichey3029]

1890 census?

[@AncestryUS]

The 1890 census was damaged in a fire (and the subsequent water damage) and so was destroyed. Only a few fragments survive.

[@johnjackson3483]

Good ideas. So my research for the real father of my 2nd Great Grandfather will have new things to try. He was probably born in the 1790s so not too easy.

[@everettnorris4470]

Do you really want your to be ?