Welcome to the Gratus Family page at Surname Finder, a service of Genealogy Today. Our editors have compiled this checklist of genealogical resources, combining links to commercial databases along with user-contributed information and web sites for the Gratus surname. As additional sources for vital records, original documents, vintage photographs and surname-based DNA projects are discovered, this page is updated to offer the best list for researching Gratus ancestry. Share this page on Twitter!
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The Gratus Family Tree
It is important to remember that there is no single Gratus family tree, as last names were assigned to people for various reasons. We are often asked, Where do I go to find birth, marriage, and death records for Gratus family members? and you might be surprised at the answer.
Best Tree Collections for Discovering Gratus Ancestors
Gratus 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 Gratus ancestors -- we often search for misspellings intentionally to see if we missed any records. If you want to know Why can't I find Gratus my ancestor in the SSDI?, then read this frequently asked question.
Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Gratus
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 Gratus records at Ancestry.com!
Start exploring this online Gratus family history resource today.
Death Records
Military Records
Origins of the Gratus Surname
There are no clear, concise answers to why or how one of your Gratus 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.
Gratus DNA Projects
DNA testing for genealogy continues to improve. If you had some of your Gratus 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 Gratus research, read "Basics of DNA Family History Research".
Gratus Family History
Every family has a different history, and every document you discover about your Gratus ancestors will help paint a picture that can be shared with your relatives. Our team of seasoned experts are here to help you learn about different aspects of genealogy. Reading "Orphans and Illegitimate Children" may help you think of some different tactics to compiling your Gratus family history.
Photo Collections
Networking with Gratus Researchers
In the course of genealogy research, collaboration is key -- we really cannot do it alone, and one of the great benefits of participating in community message boards is building relationships that not only enlightens our research but strengthens bonds across the miles. The article "The Art of Posting Queries" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Gratus queries.
You may also want to consider posting a query to the Community Message Boards at Genealogy Today to get assistance from other researchers on your most elusive Gratus ancestors.
Gratus Achievements & Celebrities
Web Sites & Blogs with Gratus Research
If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Gratus, 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
To recommend your web site/blog for inclusion on this page, please submit a link to the user-contributed directory at Genealogy Today. Your web page may appear once its content has been reviewed by our editors.
Upcoming Gratus 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 "Gratus 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 Gratus reunion.
See Also
Surname Finder, The Gratus Genealogy and Family Tree Page [on-line resource], New Providence, NJ, USA: Genealogy Today LLC, 2018.