Genealogy Tip of the Day

Just remember that in pre-1850 United States census records the oldest person might not necessarily be the head of the household. If a grand...

One of the biggest hangups for genealogists just getting started is working before the 1850 census. Try taking those pre-1850 enumerations a...

For those new to research, it is imperative to remember that last names are rarely spelled the same from someone's birth until their dea...

Are you researching in complete isolation? Even if you cannot find relatives to bounce ideas off of, there are genealogy societies, mailing ...

Are you analyzing that information you have before you start performing searches of online databases? If you have found a census enumeration...

Before you start doing wildcard and other searches at an online database, make a complete list of all spelling variants. Use this list to de...

Have you looked at the date the document was drawn up and the date it was recorded? Was there a delay? Is there any significance to the date...

Is it possible that the person who said they would do a quick "lookup" for you in a certain record didn't really know what the...

If possible, learn why your ancestor "broke the rules" or went against tradition. I'm not certain why my wife's Roman Cath...

If you could ask 1,000 genealogists a question, what would it be? Casefile Clues, Genealogy Tip of the Day Sponsor, is going to survey up to...

If your ancestor was a farmer, was he a farm owner, a tenant farmer, or farm laborer? The differences are significant and knowing which help...

Once in a while try looking for information in a source or record where it "couldn't be." The information you seek may just be...

Remember no expert is perfect. And no one knows everything. A well-known lecturer indicated in a handout that all land records contain metes...

It is easy for some genealogists to get lost in the research and forget the original purpose of the records we use. Deeds were to transfer r...

Once in a while the genealogist needs to remind themselves that there might not be an answer to a question. This does not mean that one does...

I am offering a St. Patrick's Day discount on a subscription to my weekly genealogy how-to newsletter Casefile Clues along with all the...

A Google search turned up online scans of old land patents. I clicked on the link and I was told that I needed a username and password. My b...

If any "Tip of the Day" readers, fans, or followers, would like sample copy of Casefile Clues , email me at mjnrootdig@gmail.com ...

Google searches are great, but sometimes it is nice to browse the virtual stacks. Cyndi at Cyndislist.com has been linking and categorizing ...

This is not meant for readers as readers of my site were not the problem. It was not a "fan" or a "follower" who used my...

Have you re-interviewed relatives recently? Sometimes this can be particularly helpful if you have made new discoveries about things your re...

Ancestry.org is using tips from Genealogy Tip of the Day without permission. See my post at http://rootdig.blogspot.com/2010/03/ancestryorg....

Is it possible that a record was recorded in two places? Civil records may be recorded at both the state and local level? Or multiple copies...

Have you considered whether changes in county, township, or other boundaries are creating research headaches?

Can you account for how your ancestor obtained every acre of property he owned at his death? In reviewing records on one ancestor, I realize...

Remember that if your ancestor died and left no probate, it does not mean that there are not records settling up his affairs. There may be d...

Finding too many deeds for too little time when researching your ancestor at the county courthouse? When time is limited, the "etal...

Help spread the word about "Genealogy Tip of the Day." Let others know about our daily "shot in the arm" for your geneal...

Years ago, I had several people in a beginning genealogy class tell me that my ancestors were unique--not everyone had ancestors who left th...

If great-aunt Myrtle is having difficulty remembering things from her past, consider downloading or getting copies of music that was popular...

Do you have ancestors for whom employment records might answer some questions, or at least provide you with some information you were not al...

The day you decide your genealogical skills do not need tweaking is the day you probably should take up a new hobby. All of us involved in g...

County Recorder's offices typically have a series of miscellaneous record books where they will record copies of things that do not fall...

I've mentioned this before on "Tip of the Day" but think that every so often it needs to be repeated. There are times when the...

Some of you know that Casefile Clues sponsors "Genealogy Tip of the Day." We are having a sale at Casefile Clues--get in on the di...