The Benke Genealogy and Family Tree Page

The Benke Family Tree

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

Best Tree Collections for Discovering Benke Ancestors

Benke Genealogy

Keep an open mind when searching through Benke 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 Benke research?, then read this frequently asked question.

Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Benke

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 Benke records at Ancestry.com! Start exploring this online Benke family history resource today.

Death Records

Military Records

Origins of the Benke Surname

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

Benke DNA Projects

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

Benke Family History

There is more to exploring your Benke 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 Where can I find a biography of my Benke ancestor? is always useful.

Photo Collections

Networking with Benke 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 Benke queries.

Benke Achievements & Celebrities

Did you know that Benke was the 52892nd most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?

Web Sites & Blogs with Benke Research

If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Benke, 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

Upcoming Benke 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 Benke 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 Benke reunion.

See Also

Penke   Bence   Bencke   Binke   Bonke   Benka   Benko   Benku   Benk   Enke