The Franklin Family Tree and Genealogy

I. The Franklin Family Tree

It is important to remember that there is no single Franklin family tree, as last names were assigned to people for various reasons. We are often asked, What records are best for finding my female Franklin ancestor's maiden name? and you might be surprised at the answer.

II. Franklin Genealogy

Sometimes two people can look at the same handwritten record, and come up with different spellings of the name. Be creative when searching for your Franklin ancestors -- we often search for misspellings intentionally to see if we missed any records. If you want to know Why can't I find Franklin my ancestor in the SSDI?, 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 Franklin records at Ancestry.com! Start exploring this online Franklin family history resource today.

Death Records

Military Records

III. Origins of the Franklin Surname

There are no clear, concise answers to why or how one of your Franklin ancestors took on the surname. It may have been based on their occupation or a distinguising physical trait. Were you aware that Franklin is considered a very common surname, which offers its own set of challenges? The article "Researching Common Names" may be helpful for your research. Keep in mind that it was not unusual for a last name to be altered as an ancestor entered a new country.

IV. Franklin DNA Projects

While DNA testing cannot conclusively tell you if two Franklin 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 Franklin research, read "Basics of DNA Family History Research".

V. Franklin 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 Franklin 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 "Finding The Family History" may help you think of some different tactics to compiling your Franklin family history.

Photo Collections

VI. Networking with Franklin Researchers

As genealogy researchers, we are eternally grateful to come upon information shared by others that enlightens our research; and we can reciprocate by paying it forward in responding to message board queries and sharing our own information that others in down the road or in future generations may benefit. The article "The Art of Posting Queries" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Franklin queries.

VII. Franklin Achievements & Celebrities

VIII. Web Sites & Blogs with Franklin Research

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

Family reunions are an ideal time interview older relatives and other Franklin family members; you may want to consider a roundtable where you can gather different groups together at different times such as siblings to discuss their parents and childhood memories, cousins, aunts and uncles to discuss the grandparent generation, etc. - the collective memory and stimulus of shared experience can yield considerable information. The article "A Great Way to Unite a Newly-Found Family" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful Franklin reunion.

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