Genealogy Pointers

If you are a professional genealogist you know how frustrating it can be looking for a female ancestor. It’s sometimes can lead to your brick wall and that can last for years. Many amateur genealogist or hobbyist have hit this snag and just given up.

Finding a female ancestor can be difficult, but it can be done. When you do find the female, this can open new avenues for your road of research. New surnames, new families, and new connections, can be a whole new branch of your family.

I have listed 10 of the most commonly records and resources that you’ll find that mention a female’s maiden name.

1. Looking at Marriage Records
Marriage records are the best place to locate a woman’s maiden name. You have to know the spouse’s name. Where the marriage took place and the approximate date to find a marriage record. Marriage records are important for proving that the ancestors were legally married and that their children were legitimate. Marriage records often include the maiden name of the bride. Marriage license are not the only thing to look for, marriage bonds, marriage banns, marriage announcements and marriage certificate.

2. Looking at Census Records
You have to check every census record that is available for your female ancestor up until the year she died. You will often find an elderly parent living with one of his or her children or another relative. A young married couple may be living with his or her parents. Check out the families that were living nearby, there might be a clue.

3. Looking at Cemetery Records
Find proof of the woman’s existence may only be found in a cemetery. Headstones can list women under their maiden names, with “wife of so and so.” This is a record that they were married. Also the woman’s maiden name could be used as her middle name or initials. You might need to check nearby plots for possible family member to find the female’s maiden name.

4. Looking at Church Records
Churches are a good resource for finding both parents names, christening records and births. The marriage record will usually include the spouse’s maiden name, and are an alternate source for marriage information for the times civil registration was not in effect.

5. Looking at Land Records
Land was often handed down from father to daughter so this is an important avenue to research. Researching deeds for your ancestor and/or her husband can have clues. Look for the Latin phrases “et ux.” (and wife) and “et al.” (and others). They may provide the names of females, or names of siblings or children. Also look for couples selling their land to other relatives. Couples often sold land to relatives for 1 dollar, or other small amounts. The couple that is selling the land is more than likely the parents or a relative of your female ancestor.

6. Looking at Death Records
If your female ancestor died recently enough, there is a death certificate on her. This is one of the few places where her maiden name may appear. Death certificates can and often are inaccurate, check the certificate for the name of the informant. The relationship between the informant and the deceased can help you assess the accuracy of the provided information.

7. Looking at Newspaper Records
Newspapers in the location where your ancestors lived are a great research tool. You will probably find birth, marriage announcements and obituaries. If you can’t find an obituary for your female ancestor, you may be able to find other family members, like siblings and parents that could provide helpful clues.

8. Looking at Military Records
Your ancestors spouse or children may have been in the military. Military service records and pension applications are often good biographical information.

9. Looking at Naming Patterns
This can offer you clues, the maiden name of a mother can often be found in the names of her children. Middle names for children are often found to be the mothers or grandmothers maiden name. Or the eldest daughter could have been named for her maternal grandmother.

10.Looking at Probate Records and Wills
If you know your female’s parents or have a possible match, search for their probate or will. Female children are often listed by full names, along with their spouses. Estates, and division of land, are listed in deed indexes. This could possibly lead you to probate proceedings.