Genealogy - engrossing hunt into the past

     Genealogy, the tracing of one's ancestors, has made rapid gains in popularity during the past few years. Genealogy has developed from an obscure hobby into a very popular one competing with stamp, coin and antique collectors total interest.
     Bicentennial year activities have rekindled this desire to know about one's family tree.
     There are several reasons why genealogy has become so engrossing. There is a thrill in making a discovery in one's lineage; there is the interest, particularly as one grows older, in learning more about the stories that have been told long ago about family members, and it's only natural for a person to want to inquire about his background and heritage.

Look for records

     Still others have heard there was an ancestor who was involved in a war in the earlier days of the country, or who made a contribution of fame
     Sometimes such information is needed to join Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution or the Sons of the Revolution.
     Whatever the reasons for the chase, there are aids that are available to pursue the hunt.
     Among those recommended to be borrowed from libraries or better yet, to be purchased, is "Searching for your Ancestors" by Gilbert H. Doane, a former professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and its former librarian and archivist, now retired. This is a first-class aid and a must on how-to-do genealogy research. Doane's work has been frequently revised.
     After reading the book, it will become evident it is important to contact the oldest persons from both sides of the family. Ask them questions or send questionnaires. It is best, if possible, to have answers in writing. Important information should include where they were born and married because there are usually records of this which have names of other relatives, their parents, etc.

Obtain full names

     Obtain full names of their parents and when and where they were born, married and died. Seek complete names according to birth.
     Obtain addresses of living relatives so you can contact them for verification and more data. Ask about war service and occupations.
     Find out if a relative owns an old Bible; many of them have genealogical entries.
     Ask each relative for a brief sketch of his life and his parent's lives. While you are at this, see if these relatives have any old pictures in their possession and have copies made. Such pictures will enhance your family's history.
     Wring all the information possible from relatives, especially aged ones. Do not forget to ask where. If one knows where an event took place, one has a fighting chance of going to that place and finding more information. Be sure to keep good records by listing the source of the data and dating them.
     Perhaps someone belonging to one of the lines has written a short history or made a chart or a listing of descendants. Ask for a copy; send them money and stamps and you are more likely to receive a reply.
     After you have thoroughly questioned an ancestor or relative, and you know where the event took place but it is uncertain as to when, write to or go to the courthouse in that county and try and get a copy of a birth, death and marriage certificate. There may be a clue to follow.
     If you are fortunate enough to know the county where ancestors had roots, try to locate a county history book. Other choices are going to the Wisconsin State Historical Library in Madison or one in St. Paul or two the state involved.
     The best bet is to visit the large genealogy holdings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City.

Books hold clues

     After the researcher has gone through all these steps, the following sources can be useful:
     "Genealogical Books in Print," from the State Historical Libraries.
     "Genealogies in the Library of Congress," which can be found at certain book stores specializing in selling genealogies, such as Goodspeed's in Boston and the Genealogical Book Company in Baltimore.
     Also, "The Genealogical Helper," published six times a year at a cost of $10 a year from Logan, Utah which has ads and reviews of books published, queries for information, articles and tips on genealogy and is "dedicated to helping more people find more genealogy."
     It is best for all genealogist to keep in mind that it is wise not to assume too much or to take too much for granted. Check and recheck each item of data gathered. And send a stamped, self-addressed envelope with each questionnaire.
     Finally, Gilbert H. Doane has this to say about genealogy: "Digging for lost ancestors if far more than simply collecting the names of your ascendants. It sometimes takes you into strange places, in the course of your excavations a considerable amount of history, geography, psychology and law will be added to the store of knowledge…In 'riding' this hobby one can see what fascinating byways there are, lanes which look so inviting that a person cannot proceed without investigating them a bit.

--Carol Dawson, Eau Claire Library,
Compiler of books, "James Dawson from Wales and Descendants"
and "Dawsons in the Revolutionary War."

Extracted from the Eau Claire Leader Telegram
Special Publication, Our Story 'The Chippewa Valley and Beyond', published 1976
Used with permission.