Search Tips
Specific Record Types
	Branches and Roots allows you to search by area or by record type; such as Ship Passenger Lists, Military Records, etc., by selecting that item specifically and going directly to the website.  Some of these records are associated with a specific place and some are not.  After years of extensive research, we have found that searching by area is really the best way to go about it, though many people are still not convinced.  Surname searches just make it more difficult to weed through the thousands of results you get.  Other websites claim that they have "thousands of databases" to search through.  This is probably true, which makes it even more difficult and time consuming to go through all of them.  By searching by area, you just choose the state or country you want. It's that simple.
DNA - Do Not Assume
	Just because you find your ancestors listed on the internet, such as in someone's family tree, do not assume that the records are accurate. You should ALWAYS get copies of the documents to back up your research.  For example, find birth, marriage, death, census, land records, etc.  Without these, you really have no way of knowing if those ancestors are really yours.  In fact, just use someone's family tree as a starting point and verify each record from there.
Work With Your Cousins
	Chances are pretty good that you have some cousins that are already researching your family.  Find them and work together.  There really is no need for everyone to duplicate the work.
Start With Your Living Relatives
	The best way to begin is to talk to your parents and grandparents.  They are a wealth of information to jump start your research.
Marriage Records
	These included marriage licenses, certificates, announcements, marriage banns and marriage bonds.  Also check church marriage records.   You will need to know the spouse's name, marriage location and approximate date to find these records.
	Check back frequently for more search tips to come.