Determining Relationships

Direct Ancestors

These are people from whom you descend: father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, great-grandfather, etc. The pedigree chart shows your direct (or blood) line. As your pedigree extends beyond your great-grandparents, an additional "great" is added to each generation. These additional "greats" are indicated by a number. 

Collateral Lines

Collateral relatives have everything but "father" or "mother" in their titles: aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins of every sort. These are the brothers and sisters and their children of direct line ancestors.

Cousins

The children of brothers and sisters are first cousins to each other. The children of first cousins are second cousins to each other. The children of second cousins are third cousins to each other, etc. When cousins are not of the same generation, the relationship is determined by the number of generations the cousins are removed from each other.

Two Relationship Rules

If you are related two ways to the same person use the closer relationship i.e., a 2 GG Dau (second great-granddaughter) is closer than a 5 GG Dau (fifth great-granddaughter).

If a person is both your blood relative and an in-law use the blood relationship.

Some Common Abbreviations:

Working with the Records

Marriages: Every courthouse has marriage records but they don't all have birth or death records. Marriage records have a Direct Index (to the names of the grooms) and an Indirect Index or Reverse Index (to the names of the brides). These indexes may be in separate books or in the front or back of the same book.

Wills and Estates: Marriages and wills are often kept in the same office in the courthouse. Refer to the Index to Wills and Estates.

Births and Deaths: Not every state will keep these records in the counties. If the courthouse has birth and death records, they should be in the same office. 

Deeds: Deeds are indexed by Grantor (seller) and Grantee (buyer). If your relative bought land as soon as he moved into the county, his first
appearance in the Grantee Indexes will often tell you where he came from.

Divorce Records: Divorce records are considered Civil Suits and will be filed where the Civil and Criminal Suits are kept. 

Other Records: Other records such as census books, bound newspapers, gazetteers, pistol toter records, animal brands, etc. may be located in the courthouse. 

Using AGLL

The American Genealogical Lending Library (AGLL), based in Bountiful, Utah distributes genealogical materials to individuals and libraries. This enables you to do research at your convenience. Microfilm, microfiche, books, maps, charts, supplies, electronic databases, compact disks, indexes, genealogical expertise through magazines, an online bulletin board service and searches are available to members of AGLL.

You may purchase film from AGLL at retail prices without being a member. Members receive discounts on purchases. Contact: The American Genealogical Lending Library (AGLL), P.O. Box 244, Bountiful, Utah 84011.