Researching female ancestors can present many unique difficulties. Women generally took their husbands last names when married; photos often listed them under either this or no name at all. We’ve compiled some helpful hints that can assist you in uncovering their maiden names.
1. Study Indirect Records
To locate a woman indirectly, begin your research by investigating records about her relatives–her husband, father, siblings and children–in which she might appear. She could even be named an heir, witness or traveling companion; letters written may reference her.
2. Search Marriage Records
Marriage records will likely contain the maiden name of any given woman. If censuses reveal that most of her children were born in one county, begin your marriage records search there. Keep an eye out for certificates and license applications filed in county records; churches often keep bonds or banns for marriage ceremonies as well as historical newspapers for announcements of these marriages.
3. Research Her Children
To discover a woman’s descendants, seek records on all her children – even those not related – including birth and baptism records, marriage licenses and death records. One may show their maiden name while others don’t; also take note of anyone named as witnesses as these may be her relatives.
4. Engage in cemetery research
At her tombstone, explore nearby plots as often, families were interred together. Also consult caretakers’ burial records for any further insight and any possible unmarked graves nearby.
5. Gather Evidence to Support or Refute Possible Names
Once you have an idea for a surname, research families in the area with that surname to see if any have children with your female ancestor’s first name. Keep track of any clues that support and refute this conclusion, such as any letters from relatives with that surname bearing witness to “I, Mary Smith Pearson…” Alternatively, it could take more clues that lead you closer to discovering her maiden name than one single record that states it explicitly: “I, Mary Smith Pearson…”
For case studies on finding female ancestors’ maiden names, see Sharon DeBartolo Carmack’s A Genealogist’s Guide to Finding Your Female Ancestors (Betterway Books).
