Marriage Records and Genealogy
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Marriage records can play a key role in creating a family tree. At its heart, a family tree is a pictorial demonstration of the life cycle of an extended family. A written family history usually accompanies a family tree. These two documents together record and explain many generations of ancestors' lives. Birth, death and marriage are the three events that are recorded on every single family tree. Additionally, marriage records are the only way to trace the changing female names that usually accompany this major life transition.
Since marriage records are vital to compiling an accurate family tree, these records should be near the top of your genealogical research list. How to gather them will depend on the particular period and location of each marriage.
Modern marriage records are usually compiled by the state, city and/or county through the vital records department. Many genealogical sites online offer one click searching of vital records databases, or you can visit each location's vital records department website. Depending on each department's policy, you may be able to order full copies of them online, or you might need to send a written request accompanied by a small fee.
Earlier marriage records may be harder to trace. Before computerization or even microfilming, records were handwritten and stored in a safe place. This could be an office building or even a church. However, in the days before fire safes, one act of God could literally wipe out the records of an entire town. Additionally, many peoples have been persecuted throughout the ages and the records of a persecuted group may have been lost or destroyed. This is especially likely if your ancestor fled to a new country.
Some genealogical societies have compiled their own databases of early ones, as well as birth and death records. These databases generally consist of information that has been submitted by member researchers. While they strive for accuracy, inconsistencies or guesswork may creep in. Take advantage of these excellent resources, but be sure to document your sources. If you hit a dead end or false trail, you may need to consider that the information you obtained might not perfectly accurate.
Marriage records can provide more information about your ancestor than simply the date on which he or she married. They often document the names of the couple's parents, social security numbers, pre-marriage addresses and other pertinent information. Therefore, it is important to get a full copy of the original document if possible.
It may be difficult to trace earlier marriage records, but taking the time to seek out as many records as you can is well worth the effort. By tracking down birth, death, and marriage records, you will have the most vital information for a complete portrait of a family tree and your personal history.
Well that's all I have for you here I hope the information was of good use.
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Today's Tip On Genealogy
What is a family tree?
The family tree is the written record of a family's genealogy. Often, a pictorial diagram shows the ancestry at a glance. This is generally accompanied by a written compilation of important details that are not reflected in the pictorial diagram. Try to write this as an interesting account of your family's life that someone else would want to read. The written account will add color and flavor to the bare details reflected in the diagram. Although hand drawn family trees are quite striking, you will probably want to take advantage of computer software that will automatically generate the family tree based on the data that you input. Begin entering information immediately and be sure to add to it regularly.
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