I have hit a brick wall...

I have hit a brick wall:

Okay, so let's say you don't know the names etc of your grandparents (maybe due to adoption or early death of your parents). Or perhaps you got stuck somewhere up your family tree and don't know how to continue.

STEP 1: I use a site called Geni.com - there is already so much research done on there, you might just pick up some information of there (or whatever the site that you might be using)

STEP 2: Your other option is to seek help from some discussion forums. When I was searching for some information in my family tree, I went onto all local and international sites and posted the same question everywhere. This is a waiting game and some hit and miss answers, but eventually someone emailed me with some information (part of their tree) and I was able to make the link.

STEP 3: Google, Google, Google...this might sound random, but I have found so much information just by googling someones name. There are some people who manage their own sites with their personal family trees and your person if interest might just be part of someone else't family tree.

STEP 4: You can contact your genealogical society. The GGSA people are friendly and are always willing to lend a hand where they are able to.

STEP 5: If you are researching a particular surname try researching from the top. In other words, I was looking to research the Coetzee branch of my family. I came across some information regarding the progenitor (there is only one as he was called Couche before his surname changed when he came to South Africa), This meant that all Coetzee's must be linked via this progenitor. What made it difficult is that he arrived in SA in the 1600's which meant that there was about 10 to 11 generations between him and me/my husband. Also, families in generations past had A LOT of children - trying to track them down the generations becomes tedious, but remember that this is a lifetime project and patience is key. The breakthrough will come - the question is when...

The key here is PATIENCE...remember, genealogical research is a lifetime project. You might come across information that baffles you or has incorrect dates, but you will eventually figure out which sources you can trust. Keep digging, if you need to take a break (even if it is a month or two) - fresh eye on a matter is as good as starting anew. The effort will be worth it when you find out that your great grandfather was a polygamist and no one knew until the day he died. You might even be able to share some of the research info with family members who might find it very interesting.

Whatever your struggle or wherever you might be getting stuck, somewhere there must be an answer - you might just have to dig really deep.

Happy searching!!!