My local library system allows free access to the Library Edition of Ancestry.com. As far as I can tell the only thing I am unable to do is make an online tree and it seems I have access to worldwide info. The best part - besides it being free :) - is I can access it from home.
My DNA analysis says that I’m a direct descendant of Kieth Stone’s Grandfather!
I traced my ancestry a few years ago, I only got so far but found out I have a distant cousin (same great grandfather) in Arizona who had done ALL the work, including actually visiting gravesites and such. So I know our ancestry back to South Carolina around 1690, and they pretty much were all in the south since that time, in Northern Georgia, Southern Tennessee.
Most notable ancestor was a famous “fiddle player” from TN who played all over the country.
Most notable on my other side was my 5th great grandmother was Cherokee Indian (her name is on the Hester Roll). She married a “Smith”. Good luck tracing THAT ONE. LOL
My Dad was orphaned at age six. He spent the last few years of his life digging up all of the genealogy, and put it all in a nice notebook for my siblings and I.
It sits on the bookcase.
I have absolutely no interest in people that I did not know, could not share in their success and who were so cheap they never left me a dime.
If there are Freepers interested, here are some of the internet products that I like. These will efficently help you with your reasearch. (In no certain order)
Ancestry- Most comprehensive, huge amount info available. Hint to researchers... IF you live near a large library, or a genealogical or historical library, that library may already have it. (free)
Find a Grave.... At last look, I think there are nearly 50,000,000 graves indexed on this site. Many have pictures of those graves too. Great site sometimes, if you have difficult brick walls in your research.
Rootsweb- Free database with nice collection. Rootsweb is the free subsidiary of Ancestry, so if Ancestry is available, opt that direction.
Vitalrec.com- Sometimes finding the first few generations, can be the toughest. The vitalrec site gives you instructions, details, costs, addresses, etc. to order birth and death certificates for all 50 states. In death certificates, the informant in most cases gives the names, and locations of parents of the deceased, so that can knock out so brick wall too possibly. Important note: These records are generally only available since the 1910's. So skip if the need is before then.
Genforum- Genforum is a discussion site that is generally sorted by location and surname. Some brick walls are easily busted by just contacting other researchers who may be researching your family too. When you post, be specific thought. Saying I can't find Granpa Jones won't cut it. Provide details of dates, names, relatives, locations, etc.
There are a few other sites that I cover in class, Freepmail me if you have any questions.