Genealogy Chat

Hi all
im very new to this im trying to research my fathers side of the family mostly but only have his parents names and i really dont know where to start?
i seem to of spent hours online and have got no where,ive tried reading the tips for newbies but its like a different language i just cant grasp it could just be more to do with the fact im told im pure blonde but hey! could anyone give me advise like an idiots guide!?

Start with what you know, take your time and gather as much evidence as you can.
only assume , when its really obvious and assumption and there is almost no doubt - if in doubt, then seek confirmation.

Right - your fathers birth - start with that. find his Mothers maiden name,

If he is a smith and her a jones, you stand no chance BUT if either name is unusual and you have an idea of where, you may strike lucky in hunting out their marriage.

You'll prob have to buy the marriage cert to find their fathers names.

Ask any older family members what they can remember.

Make a note of all places, dates and names.

Some may turn out to be fantasies later but they often have a grain of truth.

You need to go backwards carefully and methodically and you must do all you can to double check at each stage.

We can often help if you ask.

Good luck

Sue

thanks for that!
well his name was victor hesketh which i thought was fairly different untill i came on line and there are loads! and his mum was minnie hall thats all i know he was in his 60's when he had me and i know no one on his side of the family its like they didnt exsist (which i know they must) i hadnt thought of getting his parents marriage cert, see i said im clueless!
im sort of overwhelmed by it all at the moment!

When was he born? Where?

Sue

11/11/1920

in darlington i believe,do you know the best sites to use?

viks

His birth registration on FreeBMD
http://freebmd.rootsweb.com/

Births Dec 1920
Hesketh Victor H Hall Darlington 10a 71

This confirms the mother's maiden name as Hall.

It should give his father's name if you buy the certificate.
Use the code to buy it on here
http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/

It will cost £7 as you know the code

Sue

1st marriage
Frederick G Boddy 1917 Apr-May-Jun Hall Darlington Durham, Yorkshire - North
Minnie Hall
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
2nd marriage
Minnie Boddy 1919 Jul-Aug-SepHesketh Darlington
Thomas H Hesketh

death
Frederick G Boddy abt 1891 1918 Jul-Aug-Sep Darlington Durham, Yorkshire - North Riding

wow progess thanks guys

yes he died on 5th march 1998 but he had been ill for some time hence no knowledge of much.

thanks very much i was thinking maybe id bitten off a bit much

gota go now the dogs crossing his legs but really thanx watch this space!

viks

thats great johnathon ive found a bit more there

thanx

viks

Read the tips for newbies thread Victoria to get an overview. Ill try to nudge it up for you.

thanx
ive found that im working my way through it!

some of the terminology is a little much to take in ie IGI ,Gro, to name a few think i need to do a lot of newbie reading!

viks

confused? me too!

IGI covers christenings & marriages. The years covered vary but normally cover upto around 1850.

GRO is the General Register Office. This is where a lot of us get our certificates. We order online & provided we have all the information they cost £7

thanx
i never realised there was so much to it!

Possible sibling to Victor?

1922 4th quarter Hesketh Annie, mmn Hall, Wigan 8c 133

Best Wishes

Jane