Are you ready to conduct Arizona genealogy research? Congratulations. Not only can you find newly discovered family history; but if you are as fortunate as I was, you may discover new family members with whom to share your newly found information.
In 2009, my mother asked me to conduct genealogy research on her ancestral line. With no formal genealogy training, but substantial legal research training and experience, I began collecting data. Initially, I had just a couple dozen names to begin with. Less than two years later, there are over 1,700 names spanning over ten generations in our family tree. Not only did I (with the help of new found family members) discover the names of our maternal ancestors; but copies of photos, newspaper articles, and more where gathered and now fill three volumes of books on our Arizona family history.
I want you to be successful in your own research too. Based on my experience, here are a few of the top free web resources for you to conduct your own online Arizona family history and genealogy research:
1. FamilySearch.org
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints maintains one of the most extensive genealogy resources available. But, before you start your research, you need to have a way to organize the information you will undoubtedly collect. A free family history and genealogy program called PAF or Personal Ancestral File is available through the church’s website. They offer free online genealogy research classes as well. The classes include downloadable video and documents. In addition, maps and guides are also available for your use.
When it comes to census records, the LDS Family History Library is one of the premiere genealogy and family history resources. All available U.S. census schedules have been scanned onto microfilm, and are in a searchable database at the church’s official website. Church members are also encouraged to conduct their own family history and genealogy research, and share it with the general public by contributing to the library. As a result, the information you can find through this resource is extensive.
2. Federal Census Records
According to the United States Census website, “information collected in the Decennial Census of Population and Housing on individuals does not become available to the public until after 72 years.” Although census records are a source of genealogy information, the U.S. Census restricts the due to confidentiality concerns. Nevertheless, there are plenty of other resources which can help.
Before Arizona became a state on February 14, 1912, Territorial Censuses were conducted. Most are available online for free through Ancestry.com’s website. Records include: 1831 Santa Cruz County Territorial Census; “1862 Territorial Census Index; 1864 Territorial Census Index; 1866 Territorial Census Index; 1867 Territorial Census Index; 1870 Federal Census Index; [and] 1880 Federal Census Index.”
To conduct the free search at Ancestry’s website, enter in the person’s name that you are searching for along with any other identifying data that you know about them. Hit the search button and then a list of items will return. The most relevant items are listed by the number of stars highlighted next to the information located. Hover your mouse over the “View Record” link located just left of the researched person’s name and you can see historical census information: Name, State, County and Year. To view the underlying source of information you can apply for a free 14-trial offer (no endorsement is intended). If you do decide to pay for a subscription to the service, there are many other resources such as newspaper articles, city and business directories, immigration records, naturalization records, military records, and more.
All U.S. Indian Census Schedules from 1885-1940 are also available from Ancestry’s website with limited view. Another source for the 1870 Arizona Territory Census is the USGenWeb Census Project. As mentioned above, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint’s library is also a great census resource.
Locate, Document, Check, Repeat
Remember, any information obtained is only as good as the underlying source. If you come across conflicting information, keep searching for new data to support your premise that one source is more reliable or authoritative than another. Of course, don’t forget that you can always tap the knowledge of any of the elder living family members in your family. Often, many of the memorable or unique family history stories or anecdotes can only be found within the resources of someone’s memory. Talk to your elders. They may give you a delightful surprise, or two.