The Russell Genealogy and Family Tree Page

The Russell Family Tree

It is quite possible that someone else has already performed work on a Russell family tree, so be sure to examine some of the sources listed below carefully. Have you struck a Russell brick wall? Read "Searching For A Needle In An Ancestral Haystack" for some helpful advice.

Best Tree Collections for Discovering Russell Ancestors

Russell 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 Russell 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 Russell research.

Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Russell

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

Death Records

Military Records

Origins of the Russell 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 Russell surname. Were you aware that Russell 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.

Russell DNA Projects

DNA testing for genealogy continues to improve. If you had some of your Russell 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 are seeking an answer to the question, How do I know which DNA test is right for Russell research?, then this FAQ may help.

Russell Family History

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

Photo Collections

Networking with Russell Researchers

When you've come up against a brick wall in your genealogy research, posting a message board query can help; one of the biggest benefits is that message board queries are accessed through search engines, which means even someone not specifically engaged in genealogy but interested in your subject may find your query and bring valuable new information to the table -- it happens! The article "Are Your Queries Getting Results?" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Russell queries.

Russell Achievements & Celebrities

Did you know that Russell was the 97th most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?

Web Sites & Blogs with Russell Research

If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Russell, 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 RUSSELL Clippings and Mentions

Upcoming Russell Family Reunions

Notifying everyone in advance to bring old photos and documents can bring big rewards, making a special place at the reunion (maybe even a special Russell booth) where people can come at their leisure to sit, look and chat; in addition to information and clues that might be written on the back of a photo, every photograph has a story and serves as an excellent stimulus to recall -- people might comment not only on the people in the photo, but also on what's in the background, or they might have information around where the photo was taken or the event -- just be sure to have someone there to capture new information. The article "Reunions: Beyond Aunt Pat's Rhubarb Pie and Aunt Edna's Wet Kisses" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful Russell reunion.

See Also

Russel   Rusell   Russelle   Russelli   Russel   Ussell