The Matthews Genealogy and Family Tree Page

The Matthews Family Tree

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

Best Tree Collections for Discovering Matthews Ancestors

Matthews Genealogy

Keep an open mind when searching through Matthews 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 city directories be used to help my Matthews research?, then read this frequently asked question.

Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Matthews

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

Death Records

Military Records

Origins of the Matthews Surname

While some countries have limited historical records for last name assignments, you are most likely to only find general guidance on the origin and meaning of the Matthews surname. Were you aware that Matthews 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.

Matthews DNA Projects

DNA testing for genealogy continues to improve. If you had some of your Matthews 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 Matthews research, read "Basics of DNA Family History Research".

Matthews 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 Matthews 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 "Researching Criminal Records" may help you think of some different tactics to compiling your Matthews family history.

Photo Collections

Networking with Matthews Researchers

If you are doing genealogy research in a particular town or region distant from where you live, you may want to consider posting a message board query requesting a lookup; often local volunteers or residents are willing to lend a hand, but remember to be specific in your request and be respectful of others' time. The article "Are Your Queries Getting Results?" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Matthews queries.

Matthews Achievements & Celebrities

Did you know that Matthews was the 169th most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?

Web Sites & Blogs with Matthews Research

If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Matthews, 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

Recently Discovered MATTHEWS Clippings and Mentions

Upcoming Matthews Family Reunions

Whenever possible, consider holding the family reunion in place where you have a strong Matthews family history, which provides opportunities to share stories and visit cemeteries or old home sites; you may even want to consider as a one-day activity, having each family take on the task of gathering information from the local courthouse, school district, public library, etc. -- this, of course, requires advance planning and assignment, but could generate considerable interest and results. The article "Family Reunions Don't Always Turn Out as one has Pictured" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful Matthews reunion.

See Also

Mathews   Matthewso   Matthew   Mathew   Matthewe