If you live near a public library that has a genealogical collection. Use their facility to see if someone has already done research on your particular line of interest. You may also use a locale Family History Center (located at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) where you can research their "Family Search" records. These records include the IGI "International Genealogical Index"; Ancestral File; Pedigree Resource File; Social Security Death Index; and many other records.

If you have online access, You can search <www.familysearch.org> This particular website is a free website and has tons of information at your finger tips. Including "Personal Ancestral File" a Free genealogical program you can use to organize your genealogical information and share with others if you would like. Note: if you do find a book or information online about your family, remember that just because it is in print doesn't always mean it is true. Your goal is to prove or disprove the information.

* Most public libraries and Family History Centers have online access in addition to Ancestry.com paid for website for their patrons.

Cindy Hofmeister �2004