
Researching male ancestors often presents a more direct path compared to tracing female lines.
Historically, societal structures placed men at the forefront of public records.
Traditionally, men held property, served in the military, and participated in civic duties, leaving a richer paper trail to follow, offering a clearer picture of their lives and contributions to your family's story.
Research your ancestors on MyHeritage
Start the research at home
Any search for male (or female) ancestors should start at home. Seek out oral history and family ephemera that already exists in the family. Ask family members about the existence of a family Bible, funeral cards, newspaper clippings and scrapbooks. In addition to family stories, these items often contain valuable information such as names and vital dates for the ancestors.
Research vital records
Vital records - birth, marriage, and death certificates, issued by government agencies, offer a wealth of information about male ancestors. Birth certificates typically list the child's name, date and place of birth, and parental details. Marriage certificates provide the names of the bride and groom, their marriage date and location, and sometimes even the parents' names of both parties. Death records offer the deceased's name, date and place of death, cause of death, and occasionally, information about surviving spouses or parents. Systematically acquiring these records will establish a strong foundation for future research.
Research the census records
Census records provide a valuable snapshot of male ancestors' lives . These records can reveal the ancestor's name, age, birthplace, occupation, and even details about his family composition, including the number of wives and children residing in the household. By following the ancestor through the census records, he can be found as the head of his own household and earlier in his parents' household, connecting generations.
Before 1850 in the United States, census records listed the head of household, who was most often male. Males not designated as head of household and male children were not named, but simply noted as a tick mark in an age category. It is important to research the specific practices of an ancestor's country to understand what information might be available in their census records.
Research wills and estate records
Wills and estate records offer a glimpse into a male ancestors' financial standing and family dynamics. Wills, legal documents outlining an individual's wishes for the distribution of their assets after death, often name beneficiaries, including spouses, children, and other relatives. This can be particularly helpful in identifying previously unknown family members.
Estate records, which document the settlement of the estate after death, can reveal details about the value of your ancestor's possessions, landholdings, and any debts they may have left behind. This information provides clues to further relevant records. Additionally, these records may include inventories of household goods, providing a glimpse into their lifestyle and social status. While access to these records can vary by location and time period, they can be invaluable resources for piecing together a more comprehensive picture of your male ancestors' lives.
Research land records
Historically, men have been the property owners making land records excellent sources of information on a male ancestor. Deeds, which document the transfer of property ownership, often list the names of the buyer and seller, the location and size of the land parcel, and the purchase price.
This information can solidify an ancestor's residence in a specific time and place and potentially reveal details about their economic status and land buying patterns. Additionally, land records may include the names of witnesses who may be other male family members. By examining land records from different periods, you can track their movements and potentially uncover clues about their motivation for buying or selling land.
Research military records
Military records document the service history of male ancestors. Depending on the time period and conflict involved, these records can offer a wealth of information. Enlistment records typically detail your ancestor's name, age, physical description, place of origin, and sometimes even their previous occupation. Service records may document their unit assignments, promotions, battles fought in, and any injuries or illnesses sustained during their service.
Pension applications, particularly for veterans of wars like the American Revolution and the American Civil War, can provide important biographical details, including narratives of their wartime experiences. By researching in the military records, a deeper understanding of an ancestor's courage and the specific role they played in shaping the course of history.
By systematically exploring vital records, census data, legal documents like wills and land deeds and military records, researchers can discover the lives of their male ancestors and construct a clear picture of their paternal lineage.
See also
Explore more about researching male ancestors
- MyHeritage: Birth, Marriage, & Death collection catalog at MyHeritage
- Vital Records: How to Find Birth, Marriage & Death Records on the MyHeritage Knowledge Base
- Getting Started in Family History – 6 – Census Records webinar at Legacy Family Tree Webinars
- Genealogy For Beginners – Start Finding Your Ancestors! by Lisa Lisson at Are You My Cousin?