best site for famly search

[tt6688]

we're thinking of joining a genealogy site to search family history,and was wondering if anyone could recommend one.how much are they,and how long is the contract.

[craft1948]

I subscribe to 4 different sites but overall I would say the best is ancestry.co.uk. Annual subscriptions vary so you need to have a read through what is on offer before you decide which membership will best meet your needs.

[tt6688]

thanks for your reply.Im trying to trace my Grandfather but on my fathers birth certificate it says the father is unknown,so i dont know where to start.Thank you

[jackthehat]

Do you have any clues, at all?

[tt6688]

My father was Alexander James Horton.born 10th June 1909,in Smethwick West Midlands and thats all the details we have

[jackthehat]

I suggest your first stop ought to be the censuses of 1901 and 1911 and see if you can glean anything from the 'household' details.

[tt6688]

Thank you for your help i will give it a try.

[jackthehat]

Please be sure to come back if you need help. This board is full of knowledgeable folks who will be pleased to help you out.

Good Luck. :o)

[echokilo]

Hi tt6688 - his birth is listed as:
Alexander James Horton

Jul-Aug-Sep 1909

West Bromwich

Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire

This is from ancestry and the birth register reference is Vol6b Page 876: Unfortunately the mother's maiden name is not recorded on the transcripts at this point in time (for some years it is) - can we assume Alexander had his mother's surname?

[echokilo]

There is a tree listed on genesreunited.com which contains an Alexander Horton born in 1909 and the tree owner is someone by the name of Albert ...... genesreunited allow you to contact to ask details from other tree owners, so this might be worth while - but I am not sure if you need to be a member to contact others on there ....... I am a member, so if you would like any help on this please let me know and I will contact the tree owner for you.

[Kiki-frog]

Ancestry is expensive, but once you've paid your subs for the year you have access to most of their records. Genes Reunited (small basic subscription) and Find My Past are also good, but are on a more pay-as-you-go basis for looking at records.

Also, it's worth looking at the Birmingham and Midlands Genealogy and Heraldry website at www.bmsgh.org/. There's a list of members' interests where you can search for surnames and see who else might be researching your family names. It's amazing how helpful family history people are, so don't be afraid to ask questions.

[Marijn]

Can I just ask.. . . someone at work does family trees for people, as a hobby, and charges £70. Is that a good price?

[echokilo]

I also do research for others - and if it's for friends and family I don't charge ......... but I feel it's very difficult to say whether it's a good price as you never know what can be found or how long it will take ..... depends on surname, locations and a million other factors ....... if I did charge, I would probably charge by the hour I would think, as to charge X for a full tree is impossible ..... trees are never ending .... 7 years and 4000 people and mine is still growing!!

[echokilo]

Notafish - if you are interested in researching something specific, if you put it on here there are several people who will help I am sure

[craft1948]

What was his mother's name on the birth certificate?

[tt6688]

Thank you all for your help.Echokilo, Albert is my brother,we have been trying to trace things for a while and we did not have a birth certificate which made it difficult.I will try the site you recommended,thanks to all for the replies

[echokilo]

You can order a copy of the birth certificate here:

http://www.ukgrocerti...IL1x68CFQITfAodhDmhZg

But it's sometimes a couple of poiunds cheaper to visit the Register Office concerned if it's nearby.

[quizbag]

Have you tried your local library? Ours (in Wales) offers free courses and some free use of Ancestry to get you started. I found them very helpful but I am not sure if all libraries offer this service.

[echokilo]

My local history centre offers free use of ancestry too - I think most do these days

[Marijn]

Thank you, echokilo. :-)

[twix123]

Have you looked on your father's Marriage Certificate, they often also gave the name and occupation of the Bride and Groom's father? Mother's maiden names weren't recorded until 1911.