How To Use Clues from Family Stories in Genealogy Research

Image source: Library of Congress

How can family stories lead you to accurate genealogy research? Think about the story that repeatedly comes up at family gatherings. Yes, that story! Did you realize this anecdote, passed from generation to generation, can be used to enrich your family tree? In just a few steps, you can pull research clues from these long-told stories to further guide your ancestral discoveries. Here’s how:  

Documenting and Preserving Family Stories 

Our families share many tales. Some are flamboyant; others may be everyday ancestral events where lingering questions remain, or were never discussed. I have been tackling those lingering questions in my family stories, one at a time, to tie up loose ends. 

For example, my maternal grandfather served in World War II. He traveled overseas during the war, driving and repairing military work trucks. He returned home with an honorable discharge and was held up as an Army marksman — he even brought home his assigned pistol. When family members spoke about my grandfather, his shooting abilities were always discussed with delight. After his death, a family member sold the pistol and medals; the only item that remained of my grandfather’s military journeys was a black box camera that had traveled with him. 

I recall the first time I heard this story as a child when the entire family visited my grandmother’s house during the summer. The adults sat around in the family room telling stories while us grandchildren listened to their giggles and remembrances of their father, gone too soon. 

Capturing family stories like this one in writing keeps them from fading with time. While documenting, try not to embellish further; instead, provide the most accurate account as you were told. Most times, a paragraph or two will do it justice. 

Think back to the first time the story found your ears. Make a note of who initially told you the tale, and be sure to include when this storytelling occurred — after all, your recount is now part of that generational journey. If they shared additional details, such as how that person came upon the story themselves or if they knew about the legend first-hand, include those notations as well.  

Image source: Library of Congress

Finding Clues to Verify Family Stories 

Take your family stories one step further by scouring them for clues — they might determine a story’s validity of what may have occurred versus what may be just a fascinating tale. 

First, observe when the story took place. Make a note of any differences or discrepancies among family versions. Without judgment, ask yourself, “Does the story make sense? Or is it far-fetched and embellished?”

In my case, I recall first hearing my grandfather’s war story alongside most of my siblings and cousins — meaning the storytelling likely occurred during the late 1970s. Most of my aunts and uncles have replayed the same story with little hesitation since then. They each emphasized how wonderful a shooter grandfather was and how he’d allow them to shoot the pistol. When it came to the missing pistol, that intriguing matter went unspoken. 

Focusing on what you wish to know about a story can help you dive deeper. Writing out a statement question (or two) can guide your research. Here, I asked: 

• Was Grandfather an Army marksman? 
• Did Grandfather truly bring home his Army pistol? 

Next, I drafted the story’s pertinent details into a timeline using approximate dates and time periods. Start with the basics and use local and national events if necessary — your timeline doesn’t have to be elaborate at first. 

My story takes place during World War II, so I used that as a basis for my timeline. 

• 1939–1945: World War II 
• 8 December, 1941: United States officially entered WWII
• 2 September, 1945: World War II ended
• Grandfather discharged from WWII 
• 1966: Grandfather died  
• Late 1970s: I was told about the story 

Writing out this timeline allows me to see the timeframe I need to keep in mind — from the start of World War II until my knowledge of the story began. 

Keep your research moving by identifying details that spark questions. These may have produced a record of the events mentioned that you can compare your family story against. Make a list of these documents to look through — and don’t forget living people — such as:  

• Grandma’s filing cabinet for documents, photographs, and death certificates 
• World War II service records 
• National Cemetery burial records 
• Newspaper obituaries and funeral pamphlets 
• Family interviews 
• Family heirlooms 

Image source: Library of Congress

Interviewing Family Members and Examining Artifacts  

Interviewing family members and friends of the family who may have knowledge of the story you’re researching can unearth more details you didn’t know existed. When those loved ones are no longer around, it’s possible to examine the artifacts they’ve left behind — even though they can’t talk themselves, they may corroborate or support your family story. 

My grandmother shared a single photograph of my grandfather from World War II, taken in the mid-1940s following the draft. He was dressed in Army fatigues and stood near military barracks. 

While I know from his discharge papers that he was, in fact, in the Army, the photo gives an extra visual confirmation, not to mention that it makes me proud to see that he served our country. 

I also inherited my grandfather’s black box camera, which contained several negatives I have since developed. Grandpa’s sisters confirmed that he and a brother were stationed together in Arizona and took turns photographing each other near the barracks seen in the background. The photographs were mailed in a letter to my grandmother; my uncle had written on the back of his photograph requesting it be forwarded to his mother, my grandfather’s sister. 

Moving down my list of search-worthy spots, I browsed through the family filing cabinet, which contained my grandfather’s discharge certificate and record of service. Marksmanship and medals were noted for his achievements. Researching various military histories revealed that many soldiers during World War II took home souvenirs from their participation in the war. Pistols were among those items. Now it all made sense — it’s likely true that my grandfather’s service weapon returned home with him. 

Recording documents and artifacts you find bolsters your family legends — whether or not they support your family story. Now’s the time to write about your findings and incorporate any documents as evidence.  

Image source: Library of Congress

Moving Forward When Clues Dry Up 

These discoveries did not uncover Grandpa’s elusive pistol and medals or reveal where they ended up today. I can estimate that the items disappeared between 1966 and the late 1970s, setting up a timeline for future investigation. Not every story will have easily identifiable documents or artifacts, which is where professional genealogists can assist in your efforts. 

In some cases, family stories, particularly those with sensitive details, may be difficult to parse out. In these situations, I caution you to use your best judgment when diving deep or sharing the story, treating the family members involved with honor and respect.  

But even if you’ve hit a brick wall where no documents or items are found, it’s still important to include the story you’re researching in the family history. Be sure to include any investigative efforts — don’t be disheartened. After all, negative results are just as important. 

Be it factual or family folklore, don’t dismiss the colorful stories that beg to live along your family trees.  

If you need help knowing how to use family stories in your genealogy research, we'd be happy to assist you! Our professional genealogists have helped thousands of families rediscover their ancestors. Contact us here to start the conversation.