The De Bra Family Tree and Genealogy

I. The De Bra Family Tree

It is important to remember that there is no single De Bra family tree, as last names were assigned to people for various reasons. We are often asked, How do I begin my De Bra family tree? and you might be surprised at the answer.

II. De Bra Genealogy

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

Death Records

Military Records

III. Origins of the De Bra Surname

There are no clear, concise answers to why or how one of your De Bra ancestors took on the surname. It may have been based on their occupation or a distinguising physical trait. Keep in mind that it was not unusual for a last name to be altered as an ancestor entered a new country.

IV. De Bra DNA Projects

DNA testing for genealogy continues to improve. If you had some of your De Bra relatives tested several years ago, it may be worthwhile to have them retested. Likewise, as DNA testing companies have gathered more results and samples, you may be able to find more matches if you search again with your test results. If you're not sure how DNA testing could aid your De Bra research, read "When do you use DNA?".

V. De Bra Family History

There is more to exploring your De Bra 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 De Bra documents? is always useful.

Photo Collections

VI. Networking with De Bra Researchers

When it comes families and genealogy research, it's important to remember that different people may have different information: some may even have inherited one-of-a-kind family documents or photos, and the best way to connect with these family members is by posting a message board query -- often in the process of collaboration, you can build a more complete picture of your ancestor or ancestral family. The article "The Art of Posting Queries" provides some valuable tips for posting successful De Bra queries.

VII. De Bra Achievements & Celebrities

VIII. Web Sites & Blogs with De Bra Research

If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of De Bra, 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 De Bra Family Reunions

Pedigree charts and family group records are important genealogical tools, so bringing or creating on site a big family pedigree (or family tree) is sure to draw attention; at the same time, have plenty of blank family group sheets available for individual families to complete and submit to go into a "De Bra family record book," which you can then digitize and share -- you can then bring the physical book back to the next reunion, adding new families each time. The article "A Great Way to Unite a Newly-Found Family" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful De Bra reunion.

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