| FINDING YOUR ROOTS 1. Record each person�s full name, capitalizing the entire surname. For example, BARNES, John Joseph. 2. Record the day, then month, then year, like this: 16 Apr., 1853. 3. Always record the smallest geographical area first: Johnston City, Williamson County, Illinois, becomes: Johnston City, Williamson, IL. Use standard Postal Service abbreviations forstates, but do not abbreviate cities or counties. 4. Any information such as a birth date that is in doubt should be followed by a question mark in parentheses. * * * When interviewing a relative, in person or by mail, always inquire if he or she has old Bibles, photos, scrapbooks, legal papers, or letters of your family ancestors that you can photocopy and return. It�s amazing what you can find when you rummage through attics, basements, trunks, closets, and old shoe boxes. Here is a checklist of items to look for that will add luster to your Family History Book: 1. Personal records--journals, diaries, letters, newspaper clippings, photos, baby books, wedding albums, funeral albums, employment and retirement papers. 2. Legal papers---contracts, tax bills, wills, deeds, mortgages. 3. School records--diplomas, yearbooks, awards, alumni papers. 4. Religious records--marriage, baptism, christening, church membership, family Bible. 5. Government records--military discharge papers and awards, citizenship or naturalization papers, passports, business licenses, Social Security cards, income tax forms. 6. Health records--vaccination, hospital, insurance, doctor bills. 7. Letters--In addition to what is revealed by their contents, make a note of their postmarks (postmarks started back in the sixteenth century), dates, and return addresses. |
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