This book is a guide to descendant searching - that is looking for living
relatives. It can be fascinating, rewarding, and potentially life-changing.
Research can lead you not to dead ancestors, but to living, breathing relatives
who share your genetic heritage - members of your extended family.
Instead of searching for ancestors, descendant searching involves using many
of the same research methods to bring a search forward in time rather than
working backwards chronologically. Working from a chosen ancestor or family, a
researcher can trace living descendants from the same family, and link up to
share information.
This booklet:
- Shows you how to get started
- Offers tips and guidance using the major sources for family history
- Includes many worked examples of how to go about descendant searching
- Is written by an experienced researcher
Contents:
Introduction
Part 1. Record, Sources and Methods
- The General Register Office
- How Can GRO Records Help Find Living Relatives?
- Census Records
- How Can Census Records Help Find Living Relatives?
- Wills
- How Can Probate Records Help Find Living Relatives?
- Electoral Registers
- How Can Electoral Registers Help Find Living Relatives?
- Street and Telephone Directories
- How Can Directories Help Find Living Relatives?
- Local Newspapers
- How Can Local Newspapers Help Find Living Relatives?
- The Internet, Including Message Board Sites
- Family History Societies
- Getting Professional Help
- Putting it all Together: How Information From Records Can Help You to
Trace Living Relatives
Part 2. Making Contact
- Method of Contact
- When Contact has Been Made
- Relationship Chart
- DNA Testing
- Arranging a Visit
Further Reading
