Quote:
Originally Posted by joglynne
My paternal tree was traced back to the late 1600s but then came to a blank wall in France. I only got back to the mid 1800s on the maternal side, a Jones marrying a Jones in Wales sure makes it harder to trace the correct records.  So much easier when unusual surnames are involved. |
The truth is always out there. Mandatory registration in France began in the 1790s but you may get back to the C17th or possibly as early as the C14th from parish registers if you're lucky (and if your ancestors didn't move around a lot). Your Jones will be tricky but by no means impossible
I've found all kinds on my mam's: bigamists, vagabonds, drunken Irishmen locked up in Strangeways and three bishops
Haven't done much on my dad's side as I'll have to go to Warsaw and probably Kiev to rifle through the records bearing in mind where he came from and the fact that I have an unusual Ukrainian name. I've been in touch with a Ukrainian historian and she said it originates from a distinct cultural group along the Desna river on the NE border in the dark age period.