Hello list. Can anyone give me suggestions as to how to research a common name? My grandfather was Benjamin Franklin MILLER. His uncle (his father's brother) was Benjamin Franklin MILLER, and his grandfather was Benjamin Franklin MILLER. I found others with the same name that aren't connected. (at least not a connection that I can make) The amount of Benjamin Franklin MILLERs in Lancaster County, York County, Perry and Juniata Counties is overwhelming. I haven't found the family I need in all the B.F. MILLERs I've waded through. The Benjamin Franklin MILLER I am interested in was born circa 1810, was married to Amelia Baker by 1834 (their first child was born then) and died sometime after the 1880 census - I think in Perry County. I would like to find information about him - his birthplace, his siblings, his parents, etc. I know Amelia Baker MILLER died sometime before 1850 because her husband had gotten remarried to Sarah Bruner by the 1850 census. I know this second wife, Sarah Bruner MILLER died a widow in 1893 - in Perry County. That's what made me think that he probably died in Perry County, too. Any suggestions on how to find him? Darlene

The key to searching a common name is to narrow the focus, identify the county and township where he lived and see what information you can gather. You may need to identify the other Millers in that township to see if this is one extended family or several families. You need to see if your ancestor or any of his kids served in the Civil War. Try to identify what church, political organizations and social groups your ancestor was involved in. You may need to look at local newspapers to answer some of these questions. Generally its a good idea to narrow your focus when researching any ancestor but people searching uncommon names usually don't have to do that. Jim Darlene Corrigan <darlenecorrigan@mac.com> wrote: Hello list. Can anyone give me suggestions as to how to research a common name? My grandfather was Benjamin Franklin MILLER. His uncle (his father's brother) was Benjamin Franklin MILLER, and his grandfather was Benjamin Franklin MILLER. I found others with the same name that aren't connected. (at least not a connection that I can make) The amount of Benjamin Franklin MILLERs in Lancaster County, York County, Perry and Juniata Counties is overwhelming. I haven't found the family I need in all the B.F. MILLERs I've waded through. The Benjamin Franklin MILLER I am interested in was born circa 1810, was married to Amelia Baker by 1834 (their first child was born then) and died sometime after the 1880 census - I think in Perry County. I would like to find information about him - his birthplace, his siblings, his parents, etc. I know Amelia Baker MILLER died sometime before 1850 because her husband had gotten remarried to Sarah Bruner by the 1850 census. I know this second wife, Sarah Bruner MILLER died a widow in 1893 - in Perry County. That's what made me think that he probably died in Perry County, too. Any suggestions on how to find him? Darlene ==== PALANCAS Mailing List ==== http//www.rootsweb.com/rootsweb/aup.html You are responsible for following the A.U.P. Acceptable Use Policy --------------------------------- New Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Call regular phones from your PC and save big.