Full Name
Before searching for an ancestor's birth date or location you will need to know
their full name (including maiden name for your female ancestors). Without this
information you will find it very difficult to locate records and, even if you
locate them, you will find it almost impossible to verify that it is indeed your
ancestor.
Approximate Year of Birth
If you do not already know, you will need to find the approximate year in which
your ancestor was born. This can be estimated by using his/her age at various
events in their life.
Approximate Place of Birth
If you do not already know, you will need to find the approximate location in
which your ancestor was born. This can usually be found on records which were
generated later in their life or by tracing the movements of relatives
(siblings and children) and neighbors.
Vital
Records
Birth, marriage & death records
Church
Records
Baptism, christening or marriage records
Newspaper
Notices
Birth announcements, marriage banns, obituaries
Family
Sources
Bible records, interviews, passports, driver's licenses, citizenship papers,
birth announcements
Military
Records
Service records, pension files, draft registrations, awards, discharge papers
Census
Records
Many census and tax records will give the age at the date of the census as
well as country/locality of birth. Keep in mind that availability and
usefulness of census records varies widely by country.
Cemetery
Records
Tombstones, funeral home records, sexton's records
Immigration/Emigration
Records
Citizenship papers, ships passenger lists, port entry/exit records
Land
Records
Deeds, homestead applications, mortgages and other property records may
provide clues as to place of birth.
Probate
Records
Wills and estate records will often provide the age at death, from which you
can approximate the year of birth
International
Genealogical Index
The International Genealogical Index is a partial index to vital records from
around the world created by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
(Mormons). While it is a good source for birth information, it should always
be verified by going back to the original record.
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