Brick Wall Ideas:



       Re-examine and look closely at the documents and sources you have.  You have more information now, than when you first looked at the document, so you will see things differently.  Information on those documents may mean more to you now.  Look at EVERYTHING on the document—witnesses, notes in the columns, the previous page and the next page especially on census records.  Look at the neighbors on the census records; do they have the same surname?  Try searching 5 pages before and 5 pages after your ancestor. 
          Re-consider the spellings and misspellings of the surname.  The further back in time that you go, the less educated people were.  In addition to the lack of education, you may have immigrants who were speaking a new language with a heavy accent, trying to give information!
          Draw a timeline:  As you enter the information, re-examine the information you have.  A timeline will narrow down the time frame and place you are looking for information.
          Search online:  Do a basic Google search (or other online search engine).  [“Ancestor’s given name and surname” in “state”]
       Ask family members what do they remember about what they were told?  (See lesson 5)
          Take a class:  During classes about research, place specific or other records, you may learn something that may help you.  Things are changing; records are being released and indexed at a very fast pace.  You will be surprised at what the Spirit will tell you while you are doing your best to learn.
       Re-trace your research.  If you checked FamilySearch and Ancestry.com six months ago, your search may already be outdated.  Yes, some records are being added that fast!
          Think outside the box:  If you have looked online, then try searching films and books at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.  Yes, it takes a long time to look at a film, but if that is where your record is, that is where you need to look.
          Do a collateral search:  Collateral lines indirect ancestors.  They are not direct line ancestors, but they tie into the SAME family.  Your aunts and uncles marriage certificates will list your grandparent’s names.  So, if you cannot find your parents’ marriage certificate, look for your aunts and uncles marriage records.  Search collateral line censuses because sometimes relatives lived with each other especially when a person lost a spouse.
          Talk to someone else:  Take the basic information you have and ask a ward consultant, or staff at the Family History Library, Riverton Library, or local library to give you some direction or other places that you might search.
       Research Wiki:  Re-examine the FamilySearch Research Wiki for new or updated information.
          Search online for local Historical Societies and Genealogical Societies:  Some of these organizations have indexes or original records.  You have to go to their web-sites and look through the information they have.  You may also try to email or call them with specific questions.
          Pay for that certificate:  If you are stuck, fork over the money and pay for the original document (birth, marriage, or death certificate) that MAY give you the information that you need.  If the document you order has missing information you won’t be sorry.
          Be proactive:  Join Facebook groups, read blogs, read books, read magazines, take classes, and join user groups. 

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