At GTN Genealogy, we are committed to supporting and strengthening the genealogy community. We are proud to introduce a new section on our website designed to help elevate the research skills of all genealogy researchers, regardless of background, experience level, or cultural heritage. In this section, we will share valuable insights, practical guidance, and proven strategies that the GTN Genealogy team has developed and refined over the past decade.
African American Genealogy: Pre-1870- deed records, land records, tax records
Often, many African Americans do not attempt to extend their research beyond the 1870 timeframe, as locating records for African American families prior to that period can be very challenging. Our team has found success by utilizing deed records, land records, and tax records to gain valuable insight into the lives of African Americans before 1870.
Use these sources when researching African American ancestors prior to 1870.
family tree-dna matches
It’s important to analyze your DNA matches against your fully built-out family tree. Many times, newer researchers will build a tree but fail to check whether their DNA matches actually align with it. Ancestry ThruLines is a great tool to help determine if you are connected to certain matches through a specific ancestor. However, ThruLines can sometimes be inaccurate when matches build their trees with incorrect information. The DNA itself is not wrong, but the reported information in family trees can be.
Top 3 Reasons Your Ancestor Appears Missing from the Census Record
1. Name Indexing Errors – This is very common. Your ancestor might be right there on the census record, but you won’t find them if you rely solely on the index. Always read the original records carefully instead of just searching indexed information.
2. Ancestor Appearing in an Unexpected Household – Sometimes your ancestor was living with a relative, friend, neighbor, or even an employer. This can affect how the census enumerator recorded them and make it harder to find your ancestor by name.
3. Name Misspellings – Enumerators often documented names incorrectly, whether it’s a first name, last name, or both. Be flexible with spelling variations when searching census records.
Public Family Trees Aren’t Sources — They’re Starting Points
Public family trees can appear thorough and well-documented, but many are built on unverified assumptions. A single incorrect attachment — often based on a shared name or a convenient hint — can quickly spread as others copy the information without reviewing the underlying records. Over time, repetition gives the illusion of accuracy.
Newer researchers are especially susceptible to this pattern. Hint systems and existing public trees can be useful starting points, but they are not evidence. Without careful evaluation of original sources, errors are easily multiplied and reinforced.
Public trees should be treated as research leads, not authoritative conclusions. Sound genealogical work depends on analyzing primary records, citing sources clearly, and applying critical reasoning. Accuracy, not speed or size, is what ultimately strengthens a family history.