New member introducing myself

Question

Hello, I wanted to introduce myself to the forum. I am working on filling in gaps in my family tree. My father and grandfather did a lot of independent research which I’ve tried to fill in on this site. I am particularly interested in the pioneer families of Southwest Virginia. The family of James “Jeams” Smith born approx. 1780. It appears the loss of early VA census records etc have cut off any good sources to go back farther. If anyone has any good info and sources, please let me know. Thank you!

Answer 1

Welcome to WikiTree! I am Dave Draper and I am delighted to see you join our community. Here, we are passionate about building a single family tree and discovering our ancestry. I hope you find WikiTree as exciting and rewarding as I have. There is a learning curve so here is a link that might help you get started. WikiTree How To Here is How To Do IT

Please feel free to ask anyone about anything on this G2G forum!

That being said, some pretty neat things will happen as you enter your pedigree into the system. You may find that some your family has already been profiled here by cousins you never knew you had!

Once your pedigree hooks into the big Tree, you will find you are related to many famous people and probably half of the members on this site.

So please keep working on adding your pedigree and if you get stuck, we are here to help.

MY family roots began in Virginia in 1690.  Many Virginia counties are classified as "burnt", a term some use to describe lost records!  Virginia has had a lot turmoil over the years.  On the State level, there might be more resources for you.   That being said, if you get as many of your family as you can hooked in the big tree, amazing connections start to generate!

How To Use WikiTree YouTube Video by Family Tree with Sunny Jane Morton

Here is a poem I "baptize" new members with: (hope you enjoy it!)

• We Welcome you to WikiTree
• We think it’s better than Ancestry
• We’ll help you find your family
• And all your genealogy

• But be Warned: It’s been predicted
• That soon you too will be addicted.
• It happened to others, and to me!
• Adding your family to the WikiTree!

• The next thing here to be remembered
• Is to upgrade to a FAMILY MEMBER
• And then you will be kindly told
• To click on and sign the Honor Code!

• But, don't you fret, 'cause it's all FREE
• This is really one great community
• We can help you with your ancestry!
• Thanks and welcome to WikiTree!

Please feel free to ask anyone about anything on this G2G forum!

• Genealogy saying: "Genealogy is all about chasing your own tale."

Have a lovely day chasing your TALE!

Answer 2

Welcome aboard, Kenneth!

Do return to the profiles you have created to add biographical details and sources. That way you can create a fuller family history story. You may also uncover hints that will help you with your research. Come back here to the forum if you have any questions on this or anything else.

You may also want to check out the resources of the United States project. Projects usually have lists of regional resources that may help you with your research. The US project has subprojects for each state. You can find the project list under the Find drop down menu.

Good luck with your research and enjoy your journey into the past!

Answer 3

Hi there!

Welcome.  I have Smith family in PA, WVA, Ohio, and MD!

Glad to meet another Smith.  There’s a town in Ohio called Smithville, and I think their nick is the Smithees!