The FamilySearch Web site:

Transcription

1 It s important to remember that FamilySearch does not have just one main database. There are DIFFERENT AREAS to search. Think of an umbrella when you go to the FamilySearch site. Many different records, resources, and other wonderful things are available, for free, under this FamilySearch umbrella. It is easy to be overwhelmed because there is so much going on, and I even have an in-depth course/workshop all about FamilySearch. But, here are some of the very best areas to find valuable information about your ancestors, which you MUST SEE, and must try for yourself. And talk about the boom factor... These resources so wonderful that before you re done, you will think it is thundering outside because of all the booming going on. The FamilySearch Web site: GO TO: Or, you could simply go to Google and type in the keyword: familysearch When you get to the FamilySearch site, you will see links across the top. These are the two that I want you to work with: Family Tree, and Search. Note that when you move your mouse over them, a drop down menu will appear. Under the Search link, choose the Records option from the drop down menu. These Records are no small thing. As it says: Our records span billions of names across hundreds of collections including birth, marriage, death, probate, land, military, IGI extracted, and more. Copyright 2014 by Robert Ragan Page 1

2 Again, I will start with basic information and not fill in too many blanks at least not at the start. The exception would be if I were searching for a very common name, like John Smith. A Name and a Place is all I need to begin with. In this example, the search is for Jonathan Ragan in the U.S. state of Georgia. When you do this kind of search, the results will say Search Results for Historical Records. On the far right side of the screen, look for the Details and Image column. When you click on the Details icon, you will see a TRANSCRIPTION of the record. But when you see the Camera icon (which is not always there), it is happy dance time because when you click on it, you can see a copy of the ACTUAL RECORD. And when you are looking at a record, look for the Tools link. This brings down a drop down menu where you can adjust the image of the record, and also invert it. So under this part of the umbrella (from Search to Records) you are searching through billions of names, across hundreds of collections. This includes: Birth, marriage, death, probate, land, military, IGI extracted, and more. AND, you can see images of actual records, and also see transcriptions of these records. Copyright 2014 by Robert Ragan Page 2

3 Now, you want to search for that SAME ancestor under Genealogies. In other words, click on Search, and then click on the Genealogies option from the drop down menu. FamilySearch says: User Submitted Genealogies is a set of lineage linked conclusion trees provided to FamilySearch by users. This data comes from the Ancestral File, the Pedigree Resource File and other user submissions. Note that this means that there will be search results where family trees will already be connected together. If you get lucky, you can wind up with a huge tree with branches and everything intact. You have the option to check boxes to search through the Ancestral File database, or the Pedigree Resource File database individually or, both at the same time. Ancestral File is one of the databases that has been around a very long time, and you can find some valuable information often from people who submitted who are no longer alive. Under this part of the umbrella, from Search to Genealogies, you can search through Ancestral File, the Pedigree Resource File and other user submissions. As you have seen, under the Search link, you get to different databases. Now, you need to click on the Family Tree link to see one of the newer and most impressive databases FamilySearch has to offer. Copyright 2014 by Robert Ragan Page 3

4 But, WAIT! What happened? On minute you are searching through billions of name in some of the different online databases FamilySearch has to offer, and now you have to sign in. Yes, you WILL need to create your free FamilySearch account. As I have told others for years, I have found it to be safe, and I have never gotten any spam from them ever. You can trust me and go ahead and create an account, or miss out on this amazing FamilySearch database, and all the spiffy features therein. Be sure to SIGN UP and WRITE your User Name and Password in the space on the bottom of this page. Under the Family Tree link, choose the Find option from the drop down menu. Here is what the search area looks like: You can put both first and middle names in the First Names box. Again, in this example, I am again starting with the basics: Name, and Place. You should search for that SAME ancestor you have been using in previous searches. Your FamilySearch Account Information: Username: Password: Copyright 2014 by Robert Ragan Page 4

5 When you find a person of interest in the search results, click on their name (in blue) and this window will pop up. Then, click the TREE link that is on the bottom left side of this pop up box. Then (and I can t wait for you to try this for yourself), click on the arrow that is pointing down, on the right side of the VIEW button. In this example, it says VIEW: TRADITIONAL. This will bring up a drop down menu. Click on the FAN CHART option. Oh, how I hope you have a wonderful experience here, and many, many of your ancestors start to unfold for you on your fan chart. As you can see (on page 6) this result brought back great results. And just because the names stop showing on the outer edge of the fan, doesn t mean that there is not more. Please try this yourself, NOW! My fingers are crossed for you. Copyright 2014 by Robert Ragan Page 5

6 My fan chart exploded with information (all connected together) for this Joseph D. Ragan result. You should be excited when this happens to you, and even more happy when you see what you can do with this (and other) charts. Here is the bottom of a fan chart for my Joseph David Ragan search. Yes, there is more than one listing for him, and each had information the other did not. Remember that general rule of thumb for duplicates. Look at ALL of them, and gather up ALL the puzzle pieces. Copyright 2014 by Robert Ragan Page 6

7 Whenever you find a result that has good information, ALSO look at the result with the different viewing options. DECENDANCY FAN CHART PORTRAIT TRADITIONAL For example, I like using the TRADITIONAL view to easily see how far back the results will take me. When you click on the arrows (in the gray colored circles), it will expand the tree, and take the line back even further. Be sure to click on them when you see them in your search results. Also keep an eye out for these Record Hints. These are a new feature, and are very handy. In this example, it links to an actual record for this person. Copyright 2014 by Robert Ragan Page 7

8 No matter what view you are looking at, you will always see these links along the top bar. Again, while you are looking at the results for someone you found with lots of great information, click on the PERSON link. This will show a fantastic overview of all the information for the person. Now, look on the right side of the page for the PRINT area, and note the different options. Click on any and every one of them. It will not automatically start to print, but instead will show you a preview. What is WONDERFUL is that no matter what option you choose (Pedigree, Fan Chart, Family with Sources, etc.) it CONVERTS IT INTO A PDF FILE for you. This is a big deal. You can print them, of course, but you can also not print them if you want, but instead, SAVE them to your computer. This is a handy way to gather and save tons of valuable genealogy information. And think of how easy it will be to attach a simple PDF file to an to send a family member, or friend to share information with them! If the term PDF file is confusing you well, this very cheat sheet is a PDF file. So now you know that you will be able to read whatever results you find and save to your computer just as easily. Under this part of the umbrella, from Family Tree to Find (also Tree and to Person), you can get to even more information, print the most amazing reports, and see Record Hints that can take you back to actual records about your ancestors. Review the video lesson carefully, and try it. Copyright 2014 by Robert Ragan Page 8