United States, Compiled Genealogies - FamilySearch Historical Records

United States

What Is in the Collection?
The collection consists of published genealogies courtesy of Internet Archive. It covers the years 1800 to 1920.

What Can This Collection Tell Me?
These records may contain the following information:


 * Pictures
 * Names
 * Names of family members
 * Birth, marriage and death dates and places
 * Various biographical details such as military service or community leadership activities

How Do I Search the Collection?
To begin your search it is helpful to know:


 * The name of your ancestor.
 * The birth place of your ancestor.
 * The names of your ancestor's parents.
 * The residence of your ancestor.

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

What Do I Do Next?
When you have located your ancestor’s compiled genealogy, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Download a copy of the record, or extract the genealogical information needed. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details. Add this new information to your records of each family. The information may also lead you to other records about your ancestors.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Use the information found about your ancestor to search for the family in census records.
 * Use the information found about your ancestor to search for the family in additional state and county records.
 * Make a list of all the individuals with your surname. You may be able to sort many of them into individual families.
 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.
 * Continue to search the index and records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have been included in the collection.

I Can't Find Who I'm Looking For, What Now?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for nicknames and abbreviated names.
 * Try alternative search methods such as only filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box) on the landing page leaving the other box empty and then click on search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You could then browse the list for individuals with the same family number.

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the United States.


 * United States Guided Research
 * United States Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies

Citing This Collection
Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information.