Fran is new to genealogy research. Helping us here at the Clinton site has inspired her to find out more about her ancestors. Here's what we're doing:
First -- Information she had that she didn't know she had:
From: Family Tree Maker version 5.0 for Windows 95
Below is a list of household places where you may find genealogical information. You can probably think of a few other places to look, too. Ask your relatives if they have or know of any items like these that might be useful to your research.
When you're looking for information at home, you may find items that are dated, but don't have years. For example, Thursday, March 8. This is especially true with diaries, letters, and clippings found in scrapbooks. You can figure out what the year is by using a perpetual calendar.
Autograph books
Bibles -- Fran's mother has the Yencer family bible from which we got the
birth and death dates of Joseph Yencer and his family.
Books (check for inscriptions in them) -- Fran has a book called "The
Blue and The Gray" copyrighted 1893. Written inside is
"Joseph Yencer 1894" and "M. Washington Yencer". We
had thought the M. was for Milton, one of Joseph's sons but according to the
bible Milton's middle name was Erious. There is a son we don't have info
on -- could it be him?
Certificates (from schools or jobs)
Closet doors (look for writing on the inside)
Clothing and hats
Cookbooks
Diaries and day books
Family trees
Furniture (sometimes you'll find names and dates on the bottoms or backs of furniture)
Photo albums
Important papers (wills, titles, and deeds)
Jewelry (such as pins, ID bracelets, charm bracelets, lockets, or anything else that may have an inscription or indicate membership in an organization)
Letters
Newspaper clippings
Pictures (don't forget to look at the backs)
Resumés
School papers (report cards can have parents' signatures)
Scrapbooks
Sewing samplers, quilts, and other handmade items
Trunks and chests
Yearbooks
