The Smith Genealogy and Family Tree Page

The Smith Family Tree

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

Best Tree Collections for Discovering Smith Ancestors

Smith Genealogy

Many things can go wrong when a record collection is indexed. If you're having diffculty finding Smith ancestors in a particular database at one site, try finding it on another and compare the results. If you want to know What is a necrology and and how does it differ from an obituary for my Smith ancestor?, then read this frequently asked question.

Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Smith

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

Death Records

Military Records

Origins of the Smith Surname

It is quite possible for two people with the Smith last name to have been given that surname for entirely different reasons. Discovering the country from which your Smith ancestors originated can often yield additional clues for the meaning of the surname. Were you aware that Smith 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.

Smith DNA Projects

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

Smith 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 Smith 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 Smith family history.

Photo Collections

Networking with Smith Researchers

In doing genealogy research, we surely don't want to reinvent the wheel; in researching your Smith 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 Smith queries.

Smith Achievements & Celebrities

Did you know that Smith was THE MOST POPULAR surname in the 1990 census of the United States?

Web Sites & Blogs with Smith Research

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

Upcoming Smith Family Reunions

One key to a successful Smith 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 Smith reunion.

See Also

Snith   Smyth   Smitha   Smithe   Smithi   Smitho   Smithu   Smithy   Smit   McSmith   Van   Mith