The Beginner's Guide to Tracing Your Family Tree

By J. Randolph Turpin, Jr.

The Beginner's Guide to Tracing Your Family Tree: Uncover Your Ancestral Roots by Dr. J. Randolph Turpin, Jr. is an indispensable roadmap for genealogical enthusiasts, providing a comprehensive and practical approach to unraveling the secrets of your family's past. With over forty years of personal experience tracing his own family tree, Dr. Turpin guides readers through each essential step of the research process. From setting up your genealogical research and collecting family information to exploring vital records, census data, immigration records, military records, land and property records, probate and court records, DNA testing, and online genealogy resources, this guide covers it all. Turpin's expertise shines as he offers invaluable tips, tackles potential challenges, and helps readers navigate common pitfalls in their quest for ancestral knowledge. With guidance on preserving and sharing your family history, overcoming research roadblocks, and even writing and publishing your own family story, this book is a treasure trove of insights and resources. Whether you're a beginner or seeking to enhance your genealogical research skills, The Beginner's Guide to Tracing Your Family Tree equips you with the tools and knowledge to embark on an exciting journey of discovery and connect with your ancestral roots.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Declaration Press
• Release date: May 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223162650

J. Randolph Turpin, Jr.

THE AUTHOR, Dr. J. Randolph ("Randy") Turpin, Jr., D.Min., describes himself as a revivalist, pastor, teacher, administrator, editor, writer, prayer ministry conference speaker, ministry and leadership development consultant and a lifetime learner. Since 1994, has been equipping the church for the ministry of prayer. Dr. Turpin has authored several other books, including Behold the Son: a Study of the Gospel of John; Gateway to the Christian College Experience; 101 Prayer Models; Prayer Strategy; and Shared Discernment. He has also co-authored Friends of God: Growing in Life's Most Essential Relationship and Friends of the Bridegroom: Partnering with Christ in His Devotion to the Church. He has taught in a number of ministry training settings, including Lee University, E-3 Portland, Pentecostal Theological Seminary and most recently, Valor Christian College (Columbus, Ohio) where he also serves as President. He is a frequent speaker at World Harvest Church (Columbus, Ohio) under the leadership of Pastor Rod Parsley. Dr. Turpin is an ordained bishop in the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee). 

Book preview

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J. RANDOLPH TURPIN, JR. D.MIN.

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THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO TRACING YOUR FAMILY TREE:

UNCOVER YOUR ANCESTRAL ROOTS

Copyright © 2023 by J. Randolph Turpin, Jr.

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

ISBN FOR PRINT EDITION: 9798394834622

Contents

1. Introduction to Genealogy

2. The Transformative Power of Knowing the Story

3. Getting Started

4. Interviews and Documentation

5. Exploring Vital Records

6. Census Records and Beyond

7. Navigating Immigration and Naturalization Records

8. Digging into Military Records

9. Land and Property Records

10. Delving into Probate and Court Records

11. Utilizing DNA Testing

12. Exploring Online Genealogy Resources

13. Navigating Dead Ends

14. Avoiding Common Mistakes in Conducting Genealogical Research

15. Preserving and Sharing Your Findings

16. How to Write and Publish Your Work

17. Final Thoughts

18. Appendix A

19. Appendix B

About Author

1

Introduction to Genealogy

Uncovering Your Roots

Welcome to the exciting world of genealogy, where we embark on a journey to uncover the mysteries of our family history and trace our ancestral roots.

As you hold this book in your hands, I want to take a moment to share my excitement and passion for the world of genealogy. I am J. Randolph Turpin, Jr., but you can call me Randy. For the past forty years, I have immersed myself in the captivating pursuit of unraveling my own family history. While I may not be a professional genealogist, I am an enthusiastic explorer of the past, driven by the desire to uncover the rich tapestry of my ancestral roots.

In this guide, I invite you to join me on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and connection to your heritage. Together, we will navigate the intricate landscape of genealogy, step by step, as we unlock the stories of those who came before us. Whether you are a complete novice or have dabbled in genealogical research, this book is designed to empower and inspire you on your quest to trace your family tree.

We will begin by exploring the fundamental aspects of genealogy, delving into the why behind our yearning to uncover our family's history. I will share personal anecdotes that highlight the profound impact tracing my own lineage has had on my sense of identity and belonging. From there, we will dive into the practicalities of getting started, from defining your research goals to creating a comprehensive research plan.

Throughout the chapters that follow, we will traverse the vast array of resources and records available to genealogists. Together, we will demystify the process of gathering and evaluating family information through interviews and documentation. We will navigate the intricacies of vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, and learn how to access and utilize them effectively in our research.

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Census records will become our window into the lives of our ancestors, as we learn to decipher their stories through population data. We will embark on a journey through immigration and naturalization records, tracing the paths our forebears took to arrive at their new homes. Military records will unveil the courageous stories of our ancestors' military service, and we will uncover ancestral homesteads through the investigation of land and property records.

But our exploration doesn't stop there. We will delve into probate and court records, unearthing the legacies and family stories that have shaped our present. The ever-evolving field of genetic genealogy will come alive as we delve into DNA testing, connecting with relatives and unraveling intricate family ties. And in the digital age, we will harness the power of online genealogy resources, databases, websites, and tools to propel our research forward.

But this journey is not solely about uncovering the past; it's about preserving and sharing our family history for future generations. We will explore the art of documenting and passing on our findings, and I will provide guidance on avoiding common mistakes and overcoming the inevitable challenges we may encounter along the way.

In the final chapters, we will celebrate the significance of your family story and learn how to write and publish it, ensuring that your discoveries leave a lasting legacy. From appreciating the value of your family narrative to navigating dead ends and marketing your published book, you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to share your ancestral journey with the world.

As we embark on this incredible voyage through time, remember that genealogy is not merely a collection of names and dates—it is a heartfelt exploration of who we are, where we come from, and the remarkable tapestry of lives that have woven together to create our unique identities. So, grab your notebook, sharpen your curiosity, and let us begin our adventure into the depths of your family tree. Together, we will uncover the extraordinary stories that await us and leave an enduring legacy for generations to come.

2

The Transformative Power of Knowing the Story

Unveiling Purpose and Significance

In the pursuit of tracing our family tree, it is essential to pause and reflect on the purpose and significance behind our endeavor. Why do we embark on this journey of discovery? What drives us to uncover the stories of those who came before us? In this chapter, we will delve into the profound value of knowing your family story and explore the transformative power it holds for individuals and generations to come.

Why I Started This Journey

I started my own journey of genealogical exploration while I was a seminary student. As busy as I was with my studies, I took the time on occasion to dig through library archives and interview aging relatives who lived within a two-hour drive from the school. Why did I do this?

1. To Satisfy Curiosity: In the late 1970s, Roots, a mini-series based on Alex Haley’s book by the same title, was televised. It was a dramatized history of an African American