Genealogy Chat

I agree with She, it is addictive and a great hobby. I save a bit of money because I dont always confirm a death with a death certificate, there is very liitle information on a death certificate apart from cause of death and place. Remember Certificates are only available from 1837 to the present day, the leg work then begins, going to record offices, Parish records, grave yards etc. (if you are lucky to live near enough) so save yourself some money, if possible by looking in these places now because thats the place you will be looking eventually

Scottish death certificates are wonderful documents for family history. A death cert of my g father in Glasgow led me to a totallay different part of Scotland for his birth and his parents names and occupation as well as the fact his mother had been married before and giving me her previuos married name as well as her single name. Led me to my Scottish roots. English death certs have linked me to another generation when you find a son being present at father's death, a son I did not know about, and his address which I could follow through on the electoral rolls. Do not dismiss death certs as they have many surprises. Janet

I agree with Janet, don't dismiss death certificates, the name of informant will help as it is often a family member. A daughter with her married name and address which you would not have unless you found her marriage. This has helped me. Also I had a rellie who's wife died in 1860 in Bath Somerset the informant was Ann Brown this has now turned out to have been an Aunt by marriage so proving our line in Bath which we have been looking for for 2/3 years. If a time machine was ever available I know what I will be spending my money. Then it will be what year(s) to pick, oh what information we could find out then. I know dream on. Irene

I too find it addictive, expensive but really rewarding. I have been lucky in some respects with my searches as 3 relatives from my branches had paid for professional searches on each of their family names. One going as far back as 1480, all with the relevant copies of parish records, wills and taxes etc etc. It is always good practise though to check and double check your your info. Back it up with certs, census and other vital records. PLUS if your ever unsure after all the checks you've done there are some wonderful GC members who are only to willing to help, check or simply encourage you to carry on. I'm forever grateful to them. Much happiness Debi

Congratulations Deborah. There are very few people that can claim to get back to the 1400's with all the back up proof that you obviously have. I am stuck in the early 1600's with back up proof of certs, marriage licences, settlement certs etc. but the line is going cold now. However there is still so much info to gather on the ones I have found so more expense!! An expensive hobby for life! Janet

I have been doing family history since last August, I am on Income support and so cash is limited, my total budget for each month is £2O (2 certificates or one certificate and money on 1837 online and 1901 census) so I have spent £160 so far, this can be frustratingly slow at times, but I still get a buzz when my one or two certificates arrive. I have reached the mid 19th century with most of my research, and I am extremely greatful for all the people on GC who have found information for me Linda P The budget does not include telephone calls to my parents with or asking for information, or the cost of Printing sheets off at the local library (10p a sheet).