Genealogy Chat

I know this is a tips board, but I am curious, as I am sure others are, how far back people can trace their ancestory. I'm interested to hear how far back the rest of us "genealogy addicts" can go. I can trace my direct line back to 1665. Let's hear from everyone!!!

Hi Jenni I have only gone as far as 1831, although I feel I have achieved alot considering I have no know family members to ask. Both my parents are dead and everything I have done have been like detective work. Going back to the1600's is a fantastic achievement and I have a long way to go. Good luck to everyone. Catherine

with my husbands family tree "WILCOCK" i got back to 1532, but it took me 14 years

Wow Dawn, that's great going back that far. Hope it doesnt take me 14 more years!!!

Catherine, keep at it, Im sure you will get there. I know what you mean about having no one to talk to to help you. I am in Australia and it's so hard researching from here. Good luck in your search!!

Hi Jennifer, I have only been researching a few months. One of my ancestors I have back to 1785 others I seem to get stuck on the first hurdle. My partner's goes back to 1479, but only, I hasten to add, because a distant relative found him and gave him a copy. I would love to go that far back but at 68 I don't think I've got 14 years. Still will keep looking. I find it fascinating. Best Wishes May

May, Good for you. At 68 your still a spring chicken!! This stuff keeps you young and your mind CERTAINLY active. Good luck Jenny

A French friend of mine can trace a direct line on her mother's side back to King Louis IX of France (St Louis) who was born in 1214. This probably doesn't count as the tree has been handed down over the years so she has not had to do any research. Pat

I have got back to 1735 on my maternal grandfathers side of the family,my mum already had information going back til 1850 then i have found 4 more generations in a matter of weeks,so i can trace back 9 generations from my son but i had a lot of help from various people.I cant seem to get futher than 3 generations on the other sides of the family,but im going to keep on going as its very interesting

Wow Patricia, you seen to have the prize so far!!! Anna keep it up, I'm sure you'll find more. Your right, its so addictive. Cheers

Hi Jenny, I was stuck at 1888 until I took a genealogical holiday. One visit to Northallerton County Record Office and WHOOSH I found my Weatherall ancestors back to 1676. Jim

I had been researching my paternal grandmothers tree for months and couldn't get past 1839,so thought I would have a go at my paternal grandfathers mother,and within days I had got back to the 1600's!I know this sounds silly,but in a way it was too easy,and [this is going to sound even sillier!] I don't feel I know and love them as much as the others! That sounds really sad!

Some people have done ever so well with their dates. It's amazing. Thanks for the words of encouragement Jennifer. Catherine

It's good to hear how far people can go. I have done my mothers side to 1665 but have been stuck on my fathers side at 1819 for years. It's certainly giving me encouragement and making me want to do a researching holiday to "The Mother Land" more than ever now!!! Keep it up gang!!!

Oh my, I'm way behind. The furthest I have got back is 1802, and even this may be a bit wobbley as their son changed his personal info every time it was recorded. I have been given one branch of the tree dating back to 1830, and the details I have checked are correct. Other branches haven't yet made it beyond the 1890s. I interviewed living the only surviving relative from this branch, and she made up people, gave different (and in some cases, implausible) dates and presented her wild guesses as fact.

I've got back to 1773, I'd go back further if I could find a particular marriage & birth. The strange thing is the marriage I'm after is on the IGI but when I looked at the actual parish registers it was'nt there. So I'm stumped at the mo. George

on here we are back as far as 1461 but have now got a link which takes my husbands family back to before the Battle of Hastings - in fact the link goes as far back as the late 800's. I have been doing the tree since May this year.

Blimey!! We (me, my sister and a 2nd cousin) have been doing various bits for over 25 years and we are no further back than 1750 on only 1 branch. You lot must have very distinguished ancestors for records to exist that far back! I hope you have all verified all your stuff and not just taken IGI/LDS word for it!! Maz. XX

Gee it's amazing how far back some people can go. Sheila - I'm impressed...800's what can I say but WOW Marion - I tend to agree with you about stuff being verified. Does it make you wonder what our relatives in the future will be saying about us in 1000 years!! George - Welcome to the "Stumped" club. I've been stumped on my dad's side of the family for ages now. And that's only 1819. Keep looking, I'm sure something will come up soon. Kathryn S - Don't be disheartened. I'm on the 1800's and my dad's side, but I'm up to 1665 on my mum's side. So keep searching, something will happen. Gwenyth - Good for you. I didn't know the Welsh had a lack of surname. And here I was thinking it was hard researching from Australia. Once my relatives arrived in Australia I found it really easy to trace them, but it's so much harder now, trying to find them prior to coming out here.

Jennifer, prompted by doing a memory album for my parents 50th wedding anniversary, I have just this weekend started looking into tracing the family tree. My mother's maiden name was Hoar and she came from Alton in Hampshire. I thought I might as well say "hello"....just in case!!!! Good luck with your family tree. Su.