Quote:
Originally posted by meeks:
Hey all,
I was telling Poplife awhile back that I needed a new hobby, and I have finally found one in tracing back my family's history. I must say what i have found is truly remarkable. There is an amazing wealth of infomation on the internet.
My first shocking discovery was that I found all of my Great grandmother's business (including SS#, date of death) on a certain site on the internet. I almost jumped out of my skin. I hurried to call my gram and she almost jumped out her skin. She told me that she was under the impression that once you die your SS# dies with you....I guess not.
Secondly I have uncovered that most of my ancestors on my mothers side are white and not Native American like I thought.... 
Anyway has anyone else traced their family? If so I would love to hear any extra tips that will help me along.
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I know how you feel! I got into it 2 years ago putting together my family tree too. So far, I've traced my family(on my mother's side) back to 1835. I'm still in the process of tracking my father's side, as I have only went back to 1880. Like you said, it is incredibly habit-forming.
Here are some tips I can offer you:
1. talk to the oldest living relative on both your mother and father's side.
2.Tape the conversation.
3.Make sure you get the funeral home that handled their parent's funeral-they may have records.
4.Check tax records if they owned their own homes; there you can find social security numbers, etc.
5.Check census records: they usually list the names of family members
Hit me for more info if you want it.
good luck