RECORDS, FAMILY TREES and DNA SOURCES

Ancestry.com (subscription) Ancestry.com is a subscription service that provides a multitude of genealogical records, a family tree tool, communication with other members, access to other members publicly published family trees, DNA with connections to other members, tools for use the DNA results, and links to other subscription services, such as Newspapers.com and Fold3.

FamilySearch (free access) FamilySearch provides free access to the multiple features, such as genealogy records, a family tree tool, and communication with other members. In addition to the more traditional records databases, FamilySearch includes microfilm images for additional research purposes.

FAMILY TREE MAKER (software purchase) Family Tree Maker offers tools to create family trees; to track the genealogical records connected to the family trees and to create reports, charts, and books containing that information. Family Tree Maker is associated with MyHeritage.

Genealogy: Ethnic Heritage Links
A selection of links to websites that are useful for ethnic genealogical research provided by the National Archives Library Resource Center.

MyHERITAGE (free limited services; subscription upgrades) Provides genealogical records, family tree tool, DNA services and collaboration tools. Family Tree Builder is associated with MyHeritage.

23andME (subscription services) 23andMe is known for its DNA testing, which includes information about health and other genetic traits. The product allows for comparison of DNA results to other members and other tools to connect members with shared DNA.

MILITARY RECORDS and DOCUMENTS

FOLD3 (subscription) Fold3 provides access to military records, including photos, stories, and personal documents as well as a selection of additional records and documents. Links to Ancestry.com account.

RootsTech CONNECTION

RootsTech RootsTech is an annual 4-day event presented by FamilySearch International. The event includes over 300 presenters, vendors, and opportunities for participants to connect with other researchers. Check out the free Video Archive on the website.

NEWSPAPER COLLECTIONS

GenealogyBank (subscription) Access to a collection of newspaper birth, marriage, death announcement; obituaries; and other newspaper notifications and published items.

NEWSPAPERS.COM (subscription) A collection of historical newspapers providing access to birth, death, marriage notices; obituaries; local and national news; and other published items. Links to Ancestry.com account.

Public Libraries Local, regional, and national libraries archive newspapers. Library websites provide search options, information about access to the archives, and contact information. Be sure to check current access to the libraries during the pandemic.

CEMETERY SEARCH

BillionGraves (free searches) Access the GPS location, photos of headstones, and grave records through the website and App. Additional records are available through the association with FamilySearch.

FIND A GRAVE (free searches) The public can search and add to the online database of cemetery records, photographs, and biographies. The memorials are created and edited by unpaid volunteers. Find a Grave is owned by Ancestry.com.

HISTORICAL SOCIETIES Local historical societies may be able to help in locating a cemetery or may provide other assistance in the research of burials. Be sure to check current access to the historical societies during the pandemic.

MISSOURI RESOURCES

Missouri Death Certificates 1910-1970 (free access) This database provides access to copies of Missouri death certificates from 1910-1970. The state of Missouri began requiring death certificates in 1910.

MISSOURI BIRTH and DEATH RECORDS Pre-1910 (free access) This database provides access to information reported to the state of Missouri about births and deaths prior to 1910, when reporting became mandatory. The records are not inclusive of all births and deaths. Beware: transcription of the records have errors because the handwriting was not always clearly legible.

The Old Settlers’ History of Bates County, Missouri: Its Settlement to the First Day of January, 1900. Authors/publishers: S. L.Thathwell & H.O. Maxey, published Amsterdam, Missouri, 1897.

History of Cass and Bates Counties, Missouri Published 1883 by the National Historical Company, Saint Joseph, Missouri