Tracing family

[rgp]

Does anyone know of a way to trace a family name, that doesn't cost a fortune ? Or lead to the request for DNA ... which I do not trust giving.

I would like to know more about my namesake family. Over the years I asked my dad about them , but he was always distant about it, changed the subject everytime.

His parents died when he was young [as were they] so maybe he just didn't know much himself ?

Don't know why .... but it just bugs me that I know so little about them.

Yes i have 'googled' the name,but get/got basically nothing before I get a screen to 'join' or buy information.

Not really opposed to paying .... but would like to know that there is actual information / help there.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

Try the Mormons-, and there's a bunch of free ancestry site. Type in "free ancestry." But don't forget "free" means they are going to try to sell you something.
I just started using Family Search, I found a grandfather, John.

 

[jujube]

Just about any city that has a Mormon temple has a genealogy center. It's free for anyone to use, they're extremely helpful and the most you'll ever be charged is a very small amount for printing.....and they've never even charged me for that.

The Mormons are the best at genealogy.

 

[Aunt Bea]

If you know where the person is buried find a grave can sometimes provide background information or family contacts.

 

[AnnieA]

Does anyone know of a way to trace a family name, that doesn't cost a fortune ? Or lead to the request for DNA ... which I do not trust giving.

I would like to know more about my namesake family. Over the years I asked my dad about them , but he was always distant about it, changed the subject everytime.

His parents died when he was young [as were they] so maybe he just didn't know much himself ?

Don't know why .... but it just bugs me that I know so little about them.

Yes i have 'googled' the name,but get/got basically nothing before I get a screen to 'join' or buy information.

Not really opposed to paying .... but would like to know that there is actual information / help there.

Look up your paternal grandfather, better yet, great-grandfather on some of the online genealogy sites with family trees. Some are free, some offer free trials. Ancestry.com may be available at your local library.

Do remember than online trees are "user generated" and often have errors. Look for trees that have census records attached--some years include place of birth and parents place of birth.