Searching For Your "Roots"
By Agnes Kane Callum
Tracing a family's "roots" can be an arduous but rewarding task.
Researching the history of your family is not merely the recording of a
chart of ancestors and descendents, but it is enlightenment and an
educational discipline. In genealogical research as in all documented
work, methodology and organizations, are factors. A well-organized plan
will help the researcher stay on track and give meaningful direction to
the exploration. In spite of seemingly formidable circumstances
surrounding locating Black "roots," Black ancestors can be found and
documented.
The search for your ancestors begins with you and work back. Us a
loose-leaf notebook to record everything you know about yourself. A
loose-leaf notebook is recommended because the pages can be added, and
removed easily. Also make note of the material you located in your home,
especially photographs and the Bible. The next step is to interview
relatives and sometimes old friends of the family. Make a written note
of the talk that you have with the elderly and if possible use a tape
recorder. It would prove of immense value in this situation. Remember to
note the name of the person being interviewed, their age, location and
past events mentioned in the interview. Write down the source of all
information you collect. Recording such data is called documentations.
Systematize your research. Use ancestor charts and family group sheets
to show relationships or make charts to suit you research. Make use of
the many records of vital importance that are available to the public.
It is recommended that the Federal Census should be utilized at this
time to confirm data that was gathered from your lost family. The Census
is a valuable tool to use in the search for lost and elusive ancestors.
Start with the 1920 Census and work back. Be cognizant of the various
spelling of the surname and sometimes the given name. In some cases, the
age of the person may vary form five to ten years. In any case, the
Census will place your ancestor at a particular place at a particular
time.
Further, organize your search before you go to seek public records. Know
what information you are seeking. Marriage, birth, death, and court
records (Wills, Probate Records, Inventories, Manumissions, Certificate
of Freedom) are good sources of information. Do not be afraid to ask the
librarian or archivist for assistance. Have some knowledge of the
history and geography or the area under investigation.
These tips are useful to those who are sincerely interested in their genealogy. Happy Hunting.
Mrs. Agnes Cane Callum is an historian, genealogist and
researcher. She has a strong love and devotion to her people. Her innate
desire to seek information concerning the achievements of her people is
significant. She attributes this desire to tenacity of purpose inherited
from sustaining ancestral characteristics. Mrs. Agnes Cane Callum is a
member of the historic
St. Francis Xavier Church in Baltimore
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