The Hughes Family Tree and Genealogy

I. The Hughes Family Tree

Everyone has different reasons for building a family tree; your personal motiviation will influence whether the Hughes family tree has more depth or breadth. Have you struck a Hughes brick wall? Read "Caring for your Ancestors" for some helpful advice.

II. Hughes 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 Hughes ancestors -- we often search for misspellings intentionally to see if we missed any records. Genealogy is more than just searching through databases. Articles like "Digital Books and Microfilm" can help accelerate your Hughes research.

Census records are among the most useful records available for family tree building. There are currently matching Hughes records at Ancestry.com! Start exploring this online Hughes family history resource today.

Death Records

Military Records

III. Origins of the Hughes Surname

There are no clear, concise answers to why or how one of your Hughes ancestors took on the surname. It may have been based on their occupation or a distinguising physical trait. Were you aware that Hughes is a common Irish surname? The article "The Luck of the Irish Research" 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. Hughes DNA Projects

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

V. Hughes Family History

There is more to exploring your Hughes 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 Hughes ancestor? is always useful.

Photo Collections

VI. Networking with Hughes Researchers

When digging deeper into your ancestor's occupation, a great way to connect with others of a similar interest -- many who might have detailed information, is by posting a message board query giving clear information as to your ancestor's name and the specific occupation or organization, in time and place. The article "The Art of Posting Queries" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Hughes queries.

VII. Hughes Achievements & Celebrities

VIII. Web Sites & Blogs with Hughes Research

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

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