Family History - Further Researching your Cornish Ancestors

A visit to your local library, or Local Studies Centre can take your search further back. Be sure of the facts you have ascertained so far and utilise the library to search for the Phillimore set of books or histories of the selected parish. Follow these searches up by looking through any relevant trade directories such as Pigot's Directory and Kelly's Directory. Check out parish maps and tithe maps if available, then start scanning any records held on microfiche. Most libraries and Family History Societies hold Census Records going back to 1841 and Birth, Marriage and Death Records. Many hold archived newspapers also on microfilm.

In all cases, try to confirm and cross-reference any information to avoid researching the wrong family. Base your investigation on fact and keep an open mind on what appear to be erroneous entries... Sometimes the clerks registering the information may have misheard or mis-spelt the facts whilst transcribing. In general, as you go back into history, facts become rarer and names often get spelt with a number of variations, such as: Keverne, Kevern, Kivern, Keven and even Keveren. Don't rule anybody out due to spelling.

A trip to the local parish church, if possible, may offer the opportunity to check family headstones and, if arranged beforehand, examine the parish records. Once you begin to be confident of your lineage, it is wise to prove your information by applying for actual copies of the Birth, Marriage or Death Certificates at your nearest Registry Office. This will complete that area of research before delving even deeper into you family's past.

As your research begins to enter the 1700's it is necessary to look elsewhere for written information. Locate and register at your local Records Office. For Cornwall it is located in the grounds of the Old County Hall at Truro, It is clearly marked by a sign stating 'County Records'. See the County Records Office website for more information. Amongst other records, it is possible to examine records of the Muster Rolls, Poor Laws, Probate Records and Tithe and Apportionment Maps. They also offer a list of Useful Websites for Family History.

If it is not possible to travel to inspect records there are a number of excellent sites offering Online Access to records. Many are 'pay per view' and your research costs may mount up quickly. The best sites in my opinion are the International Genealogical Index (IGI) at familysearch.org run by the Church of the Latter Day Saints; The Cornwall Online Census Project; Rootsweb and Genes Reunited. There are also a number of free sites available and also the opportunity to send a tentative email to someone researching the same family name. It is quite likely that you will find a long lost cousin or at the very least get a fresh incentive to carrry on your quest.

For more information on my particular family interests please see the next page.

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