Georgia Research, Genetic Genealogy, DNA Analysis

Research in early Georgia can present a unique set of challenges for researchers unfamiliar with Georgia records and families. Georgia's record loss and lack of record creation become research hurdles when "proof," more often than not, must be determined by the use of indirect evidence - information from multiple records, when combined, constitutes proof or answers a research question. Fluid county boundary changes from Georgia's creation until the early 1900s means research must include not just the county where our ancestor is found, but also adjacent counties where records might have been moved or are stored. Knowledge of Georgia's repositories, its people, land lotteries, socio-economic history, and early migration patterns are essential to having a successful outcome for a research project. As a Georgia native and resident, it is easy for me to travel to county courthouses and other repositories throughout the state. Additionally, we reside in Vidalia, Georgia, around the corner from the home of one of the largest genealogical libraries in the state - The Ladson Genealogy Library.