The Benkart Family Tree and Genealogy

I. The Benkart Family Tree

It is important to remember that there is no single Benkart 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 Benkart ancestor? and you might be surprised at the answer.

II. Benkart Genealogy

Keep an open mind when searching through Benkart 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 Benkart 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 Benkart records at Ancestry.com! Start exploring this online Benkart family history resource today.

Death Records

Military Records

III. Origins of the Benkart Surname

It is quite possible for two people with the Benkart last name to have been given that surname for entirely different reasons. Discovering the country from which your Benkart 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. Benkart DNA Projects

While DNA testing cannot conclusively tell you if two Benkart 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 Benkart research, read "Utilizing DNA in Family History Research".

V. Benkart Family History

There is more to exploring your Benkart ancestry than just gathering a bunch of names and dates. Understanding where your ancestors lived, how they were employed, and what they did for fun, may give you a better appreciation of your heritage. Whether you are a beginner or expert genealogists, knowing How can I decipher the handwriting in old Benkart documents? is always useful.

Photo Collections

VI. Networking with Benkart 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 Benkart queries.

VII. Benkart Achievements & Celebrities

VIII. Web Sites & Blogs with Benkart Research

If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Benkart, 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 Benkart 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 Benkart 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 Benkart reunion.

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