Make a Timeline

  

Compile a family chronology: a comprehensive list, in chronological order of all major happenings in the family since the parent's marriage.

Update it regularly.

Tracing Your Roots is Exciting

Join me!  Tracing your roots looks exciting, and once you start to think about it your really want to get going.  There is so much information you can become "information overloaded". Don't let it get too confusing - Let me help you reach your goals.

You need to have a plan to be able to achieve your goals, and so you can follow these steps to develop your game plan.

• identify what you wish to research
• break down each task into manageable pieces
•  brainstorm potential information sources
• make a list of the sources you plan to examine
• make a tentative schedule for completing the task
• focus on one task at a time 
• write your plan out in the computer or on paper
• print and file a copy of your plan in your notebook
• refer to the plan often
• revise it as needed
• be flexible, but stay organized
• be methodical
• follow new leads by setting up new plans
• devise a new plan each time you enter a new phase of research

Hangout at a Cemetery?

You can find so much information on a visit to a cemetery. Some folks like to plan their vacations around checking out cemeteries for birth and death dates.

You may want to pack a lunch and have a picnic surrounded by your ancestors. Let your kids see how special this can be, not morbid at all.

Once again I suggest having a tote bag already packed for the occasion.  Make sure this tote bag is a bright color- just not green or brown.  Why? You will probably get so distracted as you go from grave marker to grave marker that you will leave your tote bag somewhere and if it is brightly colored it will  be easier to find.

Another suggestion is to have it waterproof so the contents will be protected if the ground it wet or snowy.

• notepad, pens and pencils
• research notebook with pedigree charts and family group sheets
• apron with pockets for carrying items as you go from tombstone to tombstone
• knee pads like you use in the garden- I always have to kneel down closer to see something on the tombstone
• garden shears to cut away overgrown grass
• little whisk broom to remove dirt and grass
• sunscreen- you will always end up staying out there longer than you planned
• bug repellent
• wet wipes- to wash your dirty hands before you eat
• digital camera
• spray bottle with water- you might need to wet the stone a bit to make the image show better for photographing

Gravestones are historical artifact. Don't do anything to harm them, and don't try to clean them.

Don't forget to take your camera!

Thomas Fowler

Thomas Fowler - my great, great-grandfather

Father: Samuel Fowler (12 March 1813 - 24 Dec 1893)
Mother: Ann Linton (21 Jun 1811 -  30 June 1891)

Individual Facts -
Birth - 28 May 1837 in Droitwich, Worcestershire, England
Baptism - 11 May 1853 in Droitwich, Worcestershire, England (age 15)
Emigration - 22 Mar 1856 in Liverpool, England (age 18)
Emigration Ship - 5 May 1856 in Enoch Train (age 18)
Pioneer Company - 26 Sept 1856 in Edmund Ellsworth company (age 19)
LDS Endow - 7 Aug 1857 in Fort Heriman, Utah (age 20)
Patriarchal Bl - 12 Feb 1858 in Fort Heriman, Utah (age 20)
Death - 14 Feb 1901 in Lehi, (Utah). Utah (age 63)
Burial - 16 Feb 1901 in Lehi, Utah County, Utah (age 63)
Obituary - 16 Feb 1901 in Deseret News, Salt Lake City, Utah (age 63)

Occupation - Law Enforcement (1871 to 1900)
Description - Medium sized build with dark hair and a large handlebar mustache most of his life.