Reference: Finding Female Ancestors & Discovering Maiden Names
Death certificates: If you have found a person that you think might be one of her parents, it is worthwhile to check the death certificate. A family member (perhaps your female ancestor) usually provides the information on the death certificate and often her relationship is named.
Mortgages: In the 1800s and before, it was traditional when the daughter married, as part of her dowry, for the father to either cover their mortgage or carry a note for his son-in-law. If you can find to whom their mortgage payments were made, 70% of the time it will be the bride's father.
Naming patterns: Look for surnames being used as second names for her children. Tarver was used as a given name or middle name in many of the daughters' lineages. The same is often true for other lines. Once you suspect a potential surname, confirm via census data and others sources. Also check for uncommon names among her children. If she named her son Hezekiah, Etheldred or some other uncommon name and there was an older man of that same name in the vicinity, that may be her father.
Obituaries: Women's obituaries often mention surviving brothers. Also look for obituaries of sisters or men you believe are her brothers.
Personal papers & artifacts
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When the usual genealogy resources (vital records, census records, etc.) fail you, turn to lesser-known sources, especially those created by women themselves. A wealth of information is contained in personal papers written by and personal items created by your female ancestors, or about them by others. Look for:
- Letters to others
- Letters from others about her
- Diaries and journals
- Family bibles and prayer books
- Family heirlooms (needlework, quilts) - look for names stitched in needlework
- Cookbooks (may contain notes and letters)
Wills: In the lower left hand corner of most deeds, you will find signatures of two to four witnesses. The first is always from the husband's side. The next is almost always from the wife's side. Her family signs to protect her one-third dower right under law.
Books from amazon.com
+ A Genealogist's Guide to Discovering Your Female Ancestors by Sharon Debartolo Carmack
Author covers the basics, describes various search methods and the reasoning to reach a particular conclusion. The bibliography is wonderful. It covers a lot of different ethnic groups for those of us not researching European ancestors.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1558704728/ref=pd_bxgy_text_1/104-8287306-6211950
+ The Hidden Half of the Family: A Sourcebook for Women's Genealogy by Christina Kassabian Schaefer
For centuries women were not allowed to own real estate in their own name, sign a deed, devise a will, or enter into contracts, and even their citizenship and their position as head of household have been in doubt. In this book Schaefer cuts through the confusion providing well-organized listings by state ofthe resources one should consult when researching the female side ofthe pedigree chart.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0806315822/ref=pd_sim_elt_l1/104-8287306-6211950
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