How to take care of family history through genealogy research.
One of the most difficult areas of genealogy is adoption. Many times you will run across the term indentured, bonded, bound, and apprentice and these terms refer to males and females that were orphans, convicts, or from families that usually did not have the means to journey to the new country. These individuals were bound to a particular family of monetary means or bound to a particular ship as a worker for passage. Many of these individuals can easily be traced. Others, the orphans, are not as easy to trace. Many individuals would commit a crime hoping to be indentured to a passenger ship bound for America. So just because your ancestor was brought to this country for a crime - that crime may have been purposely committed to get to America.
When you discover an adopted child you need to use the name the child is given and continue with that name until the child’s actual parentage is discovered. At this time, a footnote should be entered for this individual giving the natural parent’s name. Now, if you are adopted and desire to trace your natural family line, there are books available to aid in your research. As an adopted individual there are many things to consider - the most important being - am I ready to make these discoveries? Will my natural parents be willing to share these discoveries with me should I determine that is what I wish to do? What about the consideration of my adoptive parents?
Remember that once you find out you were adopted there are hundreds of reasons why. Death of a parent was usually the most common reason in days of old. Lack of means to support a child was another reason. In many instances children were given in payment of bills, debts owed by the parents. The reason for adoption or giving up of a child is vast. Think hard before you open that door. It won’t close easily.
Laws are being changed every day and some of these laws give certain rights to those of you who are adopted. Many now have the right to know who gave them birth. Check with your state registrar to find out what resources and information are available to you. But please, as I have said before and will say again - make sure you are truly ready to find out who you really are! You know who you are whether you know your birth parents or otherwise. Honor the rights of your birth parents. If they say they do not want to see you, listen. This could happen. At least you will have your birth name and will have access to that family line as to your history.
Today’s research often includes searches for adoptees and birth families, descendants (cousins), or research for genetic purposes.
Don’t forget that while searching for the family roots, you need to take care of your current family and sometimes finding a marriage counselor is exactly what is going to help you about it.
Filed under: Family
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