The Benjou Family Tree and Genealogy

I. The Benjou Family Tree

It is important to remember that there is no single Benjou family tree, as last names were assigned to people for various reasons. We are often asked, How can I find the second married name of a female Benjou ancestor? and you might be surprised at the answer.

II. Benjou Genealogy

Keep an open mind when searching through Benjou records. Years ago many people were unable to read and write, thus a given ancestor's name could be spelled in a variety of ways depending on who recorded it. If you want to know How can I locate old newspapers for Benjou research?, then read this frequently asked question.

Vital records are essential for family history research because they were typically created at or near the time of the event, making the record more reliable. There are currently matching Benjou records at Ancestry.com! Start exploring this online Benjou family history resource today.

Death Records

Military Records

III. Origins of the Benjou Surname

It is quite possible for two people with the Benjou last name to have been given that surname for entirely different reasons. Discovering the country from which your Benjou ancestors originated can often yield additional clues for the meaning of the surname. Keep in mind that it was not unusual for a last name to be altered as an ancestor entered a new country.

IV. Benjou DNA Projects

While DNA testing cannot conclusively tell you if two Benjou ancestors were related, it can easily prove if they weren't. Be sure you understand what types of research issues each different DNA test can address before you spend any money. If you're not sure how DNA testing could aid your Benjou research, read "Using DNA to Find Your Surname".

V. Benjou Family History

For most people, just about every aspect of their life has been influenced in some way by their ancestors. Look beyond the names and dates to understand how and why your Benjou ancestors lived and strived to make a better life for their descendants. Our team of seasoned experts are here to help you learn about different aspects of genealogy. Reading "Learning About Women - The Invisible Ancestors" may help you think of some different tactics to compiling your Benjou family history.

Photo Collections

VI. Networking with Benjou Researchers

When you've come up against a brick wall in your genealogy research, posting a message board query can help; one of the biggest benefits is that message board queries are accessed through search engines, which means even someone not specifically engaged in genealogy but interested in your subject may find your query and bring valuable new information to the table -- it happens! The article "Looking for John Smith - Focusing a Query" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Benjou queries.

VII. Benjou Achievements & Celebrities

VIII. Web Sites & Blogs with Benjou Research

If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Benjou, contact the folks at ProGenealogists for a free research estimate. You may also find it helpful to read, "When, Why and How to Hire a Professional Genealogist."

RootsWeb search of US Naturalization Records
RootsWeb search of Obituary Daily Times
RootsWeb search of Social Security Death Index

IX. Upcoming Benjou Family Reunions

Notifying everyone in advance to bring old photos and documents can bring big rewards, making a special place at the reunion (maybe even a special Benjou booth) where people can come at their leisure to sit, look and chat; in addition to information and clues that might be written on the back of a photo, every photograph has a story and serves as an excellent stimulus to recall -- people might comment not only on the people in the photo, but also on what's in the background, or they might have information around where the photo was taken or the event -- just be sure to have someone there to capture new information. The article "Reunions: Beyond Aunt Pat's Rhubarb Pie and Aunt Edna's Wet Kisses" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful Benjou reunion.

Source:
Surname Finder, Benjou Surname Checklist [on-line resource], New Providence, NJ, USA: Genealogy Today LLC, 1998-2013.