Several people recently posting to the list indicate their primary way of researching is to type names into this or other lists. Once in a while, one may be lucky, but often it leads to frustration. I offer a few simple suggestions. Obviously, many more could be given. 1. Start from what you know and move back one generation at a time. Interview older family and friends and tape or write down everything they say. Mistakes can be corrected, but at least you may have some names and locations to start from. No fact is too small to note down --address on a letter, signature on an old card, place of employment, country of origin, etc. 2. Contact a local county or municipal office in the area where your ancestor lived. Often they can give you the name of a local historian, historical society, etc. that might have local history material. Get those names and addresses and contact the people. Frequently a phone call followed by a letter works best as some of their volunteers receive many requests. Search the materials yourself if at all possible. Check out land records and wills in the geographical area if possible. Sometimes these historical societies sell histories of some of the small towns which might include your ancestors. 3. Local historical societies often have lists of people buried in small area cemeteries. DAR chapters often cataloged small cemeteries around 1930 for genealogical purposes. If you find your family name, then you might want to see the tombstone itself for further detail since often the total inscriptions may not have been copied and the placement of the tombstones may give clues as well. 4. A large public library with a local history section can be your best ally. The amount of information can be unbelievable -- city directories, census microfilms, early town vital records, family genealogies, various collections of family pedigrees from certain time periods or geographical areas. Check out a "how to" book on genealogy which will give you lots of ideas. A local LDS center can also offer pedigree charts, census films and a variety of other materials depending on its size. You don't have to be of their faith. 5. When you do access this list give in your message the geographical area along where your ancestor lived, if known. Include approximate dates even if you have no exact dates. I find common surnames at times, but if no dates, places, etc. are included, it is hard to provide any help. 6. Don't forget to thank the people who provide information and help others who ask you for information. Keep careful track of your sources as often you need to go back and consult the same source for more information. Verify everything you get from someone else's family tree. We all make mistakes no matter how careful we try to be. Hope this helps. This is a wonderful hobby, made better when we all share. Sincerely, Margaret Scheffler