Genealogy Chat

Hi there Is there a generally accepted way to ask to see another person's tree if you have a potentially shared ancestor ? I'm a newbie, with currently just over 100 names in my tree, (I know pretty pathetic.) I have contacted 5 or 6 people offering info/photos & despite a coup0le of replies l am not having much luck gaining access to their trees. Would appreciate any tips

Kay I find if you give them a little info of the ancestor you share and ask do you think there is a connection, I usually get a response. Georgina.

Well, it depends on the person - often I dont get replies when there is a definite link. All you can do is write to them pointing out the possible connection and giving a bit more info on that person - i.e. I have a John Smith born 1845 in Edmonton with parents Jack and Jill and siblings Paul and Joan. Do you think this is the same person please and if it is may I please have access to your tree? Its really down to the other person whether they want to show their tree to you. I think it depends on just how close a relative your match may be. I have to say if someone contacts me with a vague cousin 15 times removed who divorced their brother in law, then I dont open my tree to them. If its an obvious blood relation then I will.

Hello Kay I too am very new and dont think I even have a hundred names yet. Cant answer your question but I have sent out lots of messages via 'hot matches' etc and have also had little response yet. I think probably being new to this and excited we are checking responses every day whereas veteran users probably dont look so often, best of luck though

I didnt have a hundred people for a long time! Ive now got about 700 after 3 years but each and every one I know is correct and accounted for. Big isnt always best!

Thanks everyone I'll bear all the good advice in mind ! I don't just gratuitously add names either, I like to be confident thay are really part of the family before I put them into my records. I've been researching as best I can from overseas & I do have to rely on the help of others, many of whom have been great. Regards Kay

Perhaps, when you've got past the initial contact and both feel there is a connection, that is the time to say actually I'm just starting and would be awfully glad of any leads or information you feel happy to give me. You may then actually get more detail on some people than you would through tree access. Also, you could contact them again, perhaps a bit later on, to pass on anything you have learned, so that the two of you are working together? Jay

Im always very wary of people who have thousands on their trees - some must be such vague connections as to be worthless. Yes, its best to stick to people who really mean something to you. Good luck.

Perhaps rather than trying to 'gain access' you should concentrate on starting a dialogue with the tree owner, who may not want to open all of their tree (much of which will be irrelevant to your ancestry) and in any case may well have much more information than they have posted on here. Tell them a little of what you know about your relative , ask a specific question or two and you may end up swapping relevant information and sharing the cost and effort in future research - much more worthwhile than just looking at their tree.

Thanks everyone, great advice, I'll certainly try what you recommend. I'm still at work, (we are 5 hours behind you all) so I'd better sign off for now. Thanks again Kay

Ooops sorry Thanks for your message Heather, I should have acknowledged you. Bye