First rule in family research…. ASK EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY!  My mother-in-law comes from a big family and unfortunately a lot of her siblings have passed away.  My mother-in-law is in her 80’s and her memory is not as good as it used to be.  We had to ask her and all of the siblings who are still alive to tell us what they remember of their parents and grandparents.

While one person did not have all the information, each one provided a clue or small bit of information or photos.  By connecting all the bits of information together we can all share our information and get closer to our research goals.

Not all family members care or want to be bothered, but you never know until you ask.  And you might be surprised at what information or photos that they might have.  And even if that information is not useful to you, save it, because you never know when that information might become important… but that is a story for another day!