Family History - adding detail
The topic for our September meeting was Family History, and more specifically, the resources which the Renfrewshire Family History Society (RFHS) hold and how using them can help to add detail to members of our family trees. A round up of RFHS publications is listed below.
So if these resources help to add detail and context, where is the best place to start a family tree? Many books have been published. There are conferences and forums and software. And DNA and websites. Photographs. Video. And family stories. It can all get a bit confusing!
For many, an introductory course is a good place to start. Family History or genealogy is part research and part organisation and recording information. A course will help guide you through what info to look for and where to find it as well as the best way of recording your results. Courses are available from time to time through The Watt Institution. Details will be on our Events page when available. You can also try the free online 6-week course from Future Learn where you can progress at your own pace.
If you are not ready to enrol on a course just yet, the leaflet on the right produced by one of our IHN members, and available to download from her blog, gives some useful suggestions on sites to browse and start your research.
You could also join a free Family History forum group where you can ask for research advice or specific questions, read others questions and answers and maybe help others with their researches. One such site is RootsChat.com. The link takes you to the Renfrewshire page whose first three posts are ‘Links to Renfrewshire Resources’, ‘Copyright’ and ‘Use of this Board’. These latter two will help you make best use of the site and forum etiquette. Other forums are available. If you have found one that has been useful, you can share its name/URL and any details in the comments box at the end of this post.
Family History Societies can add detail to your research
You may have some facts about your ancestors from birth, marriage and death certificates, but little other information about their lives - where they lived, the work they did or what was happening in Inverclyde when they were alive. This is where a Family History Society can provide background detail of the area or suggest ways and resources to help you continue your research.
The Renfrewshire Family History Society was founded in March 1999 to promote Family History research across the historical County of Renfrew. Annual membership is open to anyone with an interest in Renfrewshire family history and includes twice-yearly journals (see below) and guidance with research as well as access to their on-site resources. As Inverclyde was part of Renfrewshire until 1996, many records and documents are linked with and may be stored in Paisley, the former county town.
The Society has regular members' meetings - currently still on-line - details of which can be found on the Meetings page of their site and on the IHN Events page.
Additionally, there are a number of publications which can be bought through the site. Those of particular interest for researching in Inverclyde are listed below.
Publications, Format & Further Information
Gourock Cemetery Monumental Inscriptions
CD
All inscriptions in abbreviated form
Port Glasgow Cemetery Monumental Inscriptions
CD
All inscriptions in abbreviated form from 1859-2017
Smithston Poorhouse & Asylum, Greenock: Asylum Warrants 1880-1931
CD
This facility superceded the Captain Street facility in 1879.
Poorhouse records were lost and only Asylum Warrants remain.
The NHS changed the name to Ravenscraig Hospital. All remaining patients were transferred to the current facility adjacent to IRH in 2017.
Renfrewshire Burial and Death Index
CD
Transcriptions of pre-1855 burial and death records. Includes information for the following Parishes:
Greenock West - 1722-1747
Greenock Middle - 1741-1751
Kilmacolm - 1817-1832
Greenock Cemetery Inscriptions Revised & Updated
CD
Cemetery opened 1846.
Includes records for Sir Gabriel Woods Mariners’ Home.
Inverkip Cemetery Monumental Inscriptions
CD; Book
Includes images and descriptions of stones.
Houston & Quarriers Burial Ground MI
CD; Book
Includes images and descriptions of stones.
Kilmacolm Cemetery Monumental Inscriptions
CD; Book
Includes images and descriptions of stones.
Captain Street Greenock, Poorhouse & Asylum Wards, Assylum Warrants 1850-1877
CD
My Family Tree
Booklet
Designed for young people with pages for recording 5 generations.
Also of great help to all ages.
RFHS Journal Index: 1999-2016
RFHS Journal Index 1999-2016
RFHS Journal - Sample
Open PDF file (see page 33!)