The Shir Family Tree and Genealogy

I. The Shir Family Tree

It is quite possible that someone else has already performed work on a Shir family tree, so be sure to examine some of the sources listed below carefully. Have you struck a Shir brick wall? Read "Newspapers Can Be A Treasure Trove Of Genealogical Details" for some helpful advice.

II. Shir Genealogy

Many things can go wrong when a record collection is indexed. If you're having diffculty finding Shir ancestors in a particular database at one site, try finding it on another and compare the results. If you want to know How do I find my Shir family in the census?, then read this frequently asked question.

Historical newspapers give us the ability to discover ancestral history through eyewitness accounts. There are currently matching Shir records at Ancestry.com! Start exploring this online Shir family history resource today.

Death Records

Military Records

III. Origins of the Shir Surname

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

IV. Shir DNA Projects

DNA testing for genealogy continues to improve. If you had some of your Shir 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 Shir research, read "When do you use DNA?".

V. Shir Family History

Every family has a different history, and every document you discover about your Shir ancestors will help paint a picture that can be shared with your relatives. Whether you are a beginner or expert genealogists, knowing How do I find my Shir family history on the Internet? is always useful.

Photo Collections

VI. Networking with Shir Researchers

In doing genealogy research, we surely don't want to reinvent the wheel; in researching your Shir surname, posting a message query can help you connect with distant cousins and others who may be working on the same lines, some of whom may have advanced the research or solved some of the hard problems, but are willing to share. The article "Looking for John Smith - Focusing a Query" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Shir queries.

VII. Shir Achievements & Celebrities

VIII. Web Sites & Blogs with Shir Research

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

One key to a successful Shir reunion is preparation, and for the family researcher that means getting the word out in advance on what to bring (such as the family photo collection); arranging for the display of shared information; and planning activities conducive to sharing; and one of the best ways to get others to participate is in bringing something of your own to share such a picture pedigree, compiled family history or biographical sketch, or even a copies of a treasured photo as a gift for each family -- you may even want to consider putting together a reunion newsletter in advance to be distributed at the reunion, asking for help in solving one or more specific family mysteries: you never know who might have insight they are willing to share, one-on-one. The article "Planning Details For A Family Reunion" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful Shir reunion.

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