Unraveling The Mystery Of Lucy Lee Flippin's Family From A Fresh Angle: A Beginner's Guide

This guide provides a step-by-step approach to researching the family history of Lucy Lee Flippin, even if you're starting from scratch or have hit a brick wall. We'll focus on leveraging online resources and adopting a multi-pronged research strategy. This guide assumes you have basic computer and internet skills.

Prerequisites:

  • A Computer with Internet Access: Crucial for accessing online databases and resources.

  • Time and Patience: Genealogy research is a marathon, not a sprint. Be prepared to dedicate time and effort.

  • Organization: Keep track of your sources and findings to avoid repeating research. A simple spreadsheet or notebook will suffice.

  • Basic Understanding of Genealogy: Familiarity with common genealogical terms (e.g., ancestor, descendant, census records) is helpful but not mandatory. This guide will explain key concepts as we go.

    • Tools:

  • Genealogy Websites:

    • * Ancestry.com: Subscription-based, but offers a vast collection of records and family trees. Often has a free trial period.
    * MyHeritage.com: Similar to Ancestry.com, with a strong focus on international records. Also offers a free trial.
    * FamilySearch.org: A free resource maintained by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Offers a vast collection of digitized records, including census, vital records, and family trees.
    * FindAGrave.com: A free resource for finding burial locations and often includes biographical information and photos.
    * Newspapers.com: A subscription-based service with a vast archive of historical newspapers.
    * Google.com: A general search engine is invaluable for finding information not available on dedicated genealogy websites.
  • Spreadsheet Software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets): For organizing your research findings.

  • Note-Taking Application (e.g., Evernote, OneNote, Google Docs): For recording research notes, source citations, and potential leads.

    • Numbered Steps:

    Step 1: Start with What You Know.

    Even if you have limited information, document everything you already know about Lucy Lee Flippin. This might include:

    1. Full Name: Confirm the spelling. Variations are common in historical records.
    2. Estimated Birth Date and Place: Even an approximate date and region can be helpful.
    3. Spouse's Name (if known): Include their full name and any estimated marriage date or location.
    4. Children's Names (if known): Include their full names and any birthdates or locations.
    5. Any Known Relatives: Parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. Include as much detail as possible.
    6. Occupation or Residence Information: Any details about where Lucy Lee Flippin lived or worked.

    Step 2: Leverage Online Genealogy Databases (FamilySearch.org).

    FamilySearch.org is a fantastic starting point because it's free.

    1. Create a Free Account: Visit FamilySearch.org and create a free account.
    2. Search the "Records" Section: Enter Lucy Lee Flippin's name and any other known details (birthdate, location, etc.).
    3. Review Search Results Carefully: Don't dismiss results based solely on slight variations in spelling. Consider alternative spellings and nicknames.
    4. Examine Census Records: Census records provide valuable information about family members, ages, birthplaces, occupations, and residence. Focus on census years closest to her estimated birth year and throughout her life.
    5. Explore Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, Death): Search for birth records to confirm her birthdate and parents' names. Search for marriage records to identify her spouse and marriage date/location. Search for death records to confirm her death date and place of burial.
    6. Check Family Trees: Other users may have already researched Lucy Lee Flippin's family. Examine public family trees with caution, verifying the information with primary sources.

    Step 3: Explore Paid Genealogy Websites (Ancestry.com or MyHeritage.com).

    If FamilySearch.org doesn't yield enough results, consider trying a free trial of Ancestry.com or MyHeritage.com. These websites offer access to a broader range of records and family trees.

    1. Repeat Search Strategies from Step 2: Use the same search strategies as you did on FamilySearch.org.
    2. Utilize the "Hints" Feature: Ancestry.com and MyHeritage.com offer "hints" that suggest potential records based on the information you've entered. Review these hints carefully.
    3. Pay Attention to Record Images: Look for original images of records whenever possible. This allows you to verify the transcription and potentially glean additional information.

    Step 4: Search Newspapers.com for Obituaries and Other Mentions.

    Obituaries often provide valuable genealogical information, including birthdate, parents' names, spouse's name, children's names, and other relatives.

    1. Search for Lucy Lee Flippin's Name: Try variations of her name and nicknames.
    2. Search for Her Spouse's Name: Obituaries for her spouse may also mention her.
    3. Search for Her Children's Names: Obituaries for her children may mention her as a parent.
    4. Look for Other Mentions: Search for her name in news articles, social announcements, and other publications.

    Step 5: Utilize FindAGrave.com to Locate Burial Information.

    FindAGrave.com can help you locate Lucy Lee Flippin's burial location and often provides biographical information and photos.

    1. Search for Lucy Lee Flippin's Name: Try variations of her name and nicknames.
    2. Examine the Grave Marker: The grave marker may provide birth and death dates, spouse's name, and other information.
    3. Review the Memorial Page: The memorial page may include biographical information, photos, and links to other relatives.

    Step 6: Broaden Your Search and Consider Collateral Relatives.

    If you're struggling to find direct information about Lucy Lee Flippin, try researching her collateral relatives (siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins).

    1. Identify Potential Siblings: Use census records and other sources to identify potential siblings.
    2. Research the Siblings: Research the siblings to see if you can find information about their parents, which would also be Lucy Lee Flippin's parents.
    3. Explore Other Relatives: Research aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives to see if you can find clues about Lucy Lee Flippin's family.

    Step 7: Document Your Findings Meticulously.

    It's crucial to document your findings meticulously to avoid repeating research and to ensure the accuracy of your family tree.

    1. Create a Spreadsheet or Notebook: Use a spreadsheet or notebook to record your findings for each individual.
    2. Record Source Citations: For each piece of information, record the source from which you obtained it. This allows you to verify the information and to track down additional sources.
    3. Take Detailed Notes: Record any relevant information that you find, even if it doesn't seem important at the time.

    Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Spelling Variations: Be aware that names were often spelled differently in historical records. Try searching for variations of her name.

  • Name Changes: Women often changed their last names upon marriage. Search for both her maiden name and her married name.

  • Missing Records: Not all records have survived. If you can't find a record, don't give up. Try searching for alternative sources.

  • Conflicting Information: It's common to find conflicting information in different sources. Evaluate the sources carefully and try to determine which is most reliable.

  • Brick Walls: Genealogy research can be challenging, and you may encounter "brick walls." Don't get discouraged. Take a break, try a different approach, or consult with other genealogists.

Summary:

Unraveling the mystery of Lucy Lee Flippin's family history requires a systematic and persistent approach. By starting with what you know, leveraging online resources, exploring collateral relatives, and documenting your findings meticulously, you can build a more complete and accurate picture of her family's past. Remember to be patient, persistent, and to enjoy the journey of discovery. Good luck!