As you delve deeper into your family history research, you will inevitably discover relatives from other countries. Immigration records can provide invaluable information at this stage, but finding and understanding them may be challenging.
Here are some tips on how to proceed:
- Passenger Manifests
Since most ancestors arrived by boat, passenger lists (also known as immigration records or ship manifests) are an excellent starting point.
Search for ships arriving in the United States, Canada, or your respective country.
Note that the National Archives hold lists of ships sailing to the United States from 1820 to the 1940s, and to Canada from 1865 to 1935, available on microfilm.
You can also access some of this information at larger libraries, LDS & Family History Centers (Latter Day Saints), or through archives and genealogy membership websites. - Immigrant Ship Databases
Numerous online databases offer access to immigration records, but many require paid membership. - The Ellis Island Foundation
This organization allows aspiring genealogists to search by ship or passenger name, providing access to over 22 million immigrants who arrived at the Port of New York at Ellis Island between 1892 and 1924.
Immigration officials made notations on passenger manifests when people arrived, and understanding these notations can reveal important family tree information. The following are some key notations.
Indications of Naturalization
- A “C” followed by numbers represents the person’s naturalization certificate number, often entered during immigration verification for a naturalization petition.
- A number in the Occupation Column might suggest the naturalization process was initiated, typically followed by the verification date.
- “C/A” or “c/a” stands for Certificate of Arrival, indicating the naturalization process began with a Declaration of Intention.
These notations can help you locate additional documentation about your ancestors’ origins.
Once you identify a city or region in their home country, you can start searching for relevant family information there.
If a name is crossed out with or without another name written in, it means the name was officially changed.
This can be valuable in your genealogy search, as many ancestors shortened their names when immigrating to the United States and Canada.
After obtaining immigration records and determining your ancestor’s country of origin, you can embark on the next phase of your genealogy research project.
The more information you have about your ancestors’ origins, the better. A birthplace provides an ideal starting point, offering some of the most crucial details.
Knowing your ancestor’s birthplace often makes it easier to trace their journey.
While researching immigration records can be time-consuming, the information is often available and accessible.
With patience and perseverance, your efforts can prove highly rewarding.
