Lineage-Linked Data On The Internet

By Karen Coombs

 

We are going to look at various databases on the Internet that allow you to submit, search and review lineage-linked data.

 

Linage-Linked data is genealogy in an electronic format or electronic family trees.

 

Search Tip – Start with your search as general as possible then narrow it down if you need to. If you start narrow you may miss valuable information.

 

Ancestral File – This is a free service but they are no longer accepting submissions. One disadvantage is the merging of different peoples data. It is hard to tell what information is accurate. No notes or sources were included.

 

Pedigree Resource File – This is a free service. Only the index is on the Internet. In order to view all information you must be at the Family History Center. Notes and sources are included if they were submitted with the information.

 

www.mytrees.com – This is a fee-based site but you can extract to gain access to the site. About 5 minutes of extracting earns you 1 hour of search time. You can also submit a GEDCOM and earn a free time period.

1.     Select extraction program.

2.     Enroll or sign on.

3.     Extract the two records.

4.     Submit – earns you one hour.

5.     Search database.

Advantages are the data quality fields—generations, ancestors, % of completeness, and quality of documentation.

 

www.ancestry.com -- The lineage-linked part of this site is free. It is the largest of the on-line lineage-linked databases.

1.     Enter name into beginning screen.

2.     Select Trees & Community.

3.     View choices.

 

www.gendex.com/gendex -- This is a free service that is a index to other web pages. You can search using Soundex.

1.     Select Access the Index.

2.     Select Index of Surnames.

3.     Type in name.

4.     Select from Alpha list.

 

www.genserv.com -- This is a fee-based site which costs $12 a year or submission of a GEDCOM. Every person with a e-mail can have one free search. The site included specific instruction as to how to proceed with your search. Your answer comes back in your e-mail.

 

www.gencircles.com -- This is a fee-based sight but you can search its databases. When you pay the fee to join, the company matches you with others that are working on the same line and you can correspond through e-mail. A GEDCOM will also earn you free access.

1.     Select Global Tree.

2.     Enter name.

3.     Search results.

 

www.genealogy.com/ifftop.html -- Only part of this sight is free.

1.     Enter name.

2.     Select – Family Home Pages.

 

www.onegreatfamily.com -- This is a fee-site but name searches are free at the Family History Center. When you pay the fee, you can submit a GEDCOM and the site will match your information with other information submitted and you can correspond with the other submitter.