Welcome to the Powell 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 Powell 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 Powell ancestry. Share this page on Twitter!
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The Powell Family Tree
It is quite possible that someone else has already performed work on a Powell family tree, so be sure to examine some of the sources listed below carefully. Have you struck a Powell brick wall? Read "Genealogy's Most Popular Disbeliefs" for some helpful advice.
Best Tree Collections for Discovering Powell Ancestors
Powell Genealogy
Many things can go wrong when a record collection is indexed. If you're having diffculty finding Powell ancestors in a particular database at one site, try finding it on another and compare the results. If you want to know When were Powell births first recorded in the United States?, then read this frequently asked question.
Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Powell
Historical newspapers give us the ability to discover ancestral history through eyewitness accounts.
There are currently matching Powell records at Ancestry.com!
Start exploring this online Powell family history resource today.
Death Records
Military Records
Origins of the Powell 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 Powell surname. Were you aware that Powell 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.
Powell DNA Projects
Don't believe the hype! When DNA testing was first made available for genealogical purposes, some companies boasted how it could solve all your Powell family tree mysteries. DNA testing can be a useful tool, when applied properly to a given research issue. If you're not sure how DNA testing could aid your Powell research, read "Utilizing DNA in Family History Research".
Powell 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 Powell 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 "Looking at Our Ancestors" may help you think of some different tactics to compiling your Powell family history.
Photo Collections
Networking with Powell 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 "Are Your Queries Getting Results?" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Powell 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 Powell ancestors.
Powell Achievements & Celebrities
Did you know that Powell was the 85th most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?
Web Sites & Blogs with Powell Research
If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Powell, 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 Powell Family Reunions
Whenever possible, consider holding the family reunion in place where you have a strong Powell 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 Powell reunion.
See Also
Surname Finder, The Powell Genealogy and Family Tree Page [on-line resource], New Providence, NJ, USA: Genealogy Today LLC, 2023.
