How far sideways are you researching?

[wheeldon]

I was wondering how far people are researching very distant relatives?  For example your G G G Uncle are you researching his family and therefore your fifth cousin five times removed (or whatever it is)?  If so would you publish this information on a web site?  Have you had any come back from relatives that don't want their direct ancestors on the net?  I know that this hobby is addictive and your tree is always a work in progress but how far sideways would you go?

Looking forward to your views

[DebbieDee]

I find researching siblings of direct ancestors quite useful.  I have found a few of my ancestors living with aunts and uncles.  I'm still hunting for my elusive great gran and am currently tracking down all her aunts and uncles in a vague hope of finding her. 

However, I have to admit to occasionally getting so carried away I end up with second marriages and step families in my tree.  All very well for my own interest of course, but I then uploaded the whole thing to Genes Reunited.  Unfortunately far more people seem to be searching for my 'in-laws' than for my ancestors.  I am now having to remove as many as possible, after attempting to explain to enquirers exactly how I'm related to these people. 

Debbie   

[Headbanger Veron]

I've found two fifth cousins, one through Rootschat, one when I Googled a surname and found the cousin's website.  Both were pleased to hear from me, and I've since been able to look at some parish records for one of them (she is in New Zealand) to help with her own research, and to provide a vital clue for the other one to continue hers.  I wouldn't put anything on Genes Reunited for all the reasons which are frequently discussed on the Rootschat boards, including this thread.  But if by accident, I happen across a distant relation by whatever means, I would hope that the experience would continue to be mutually positive! 

Cheers, Veron

[julianb]

I'll go as far as I can in research - as long as there is a common ancestor.  I've made contact with fifth/sixth cousins, becaue there is always scope to learn something new about your common ancestor.

I wouldn't knowingly publish information that identifies living people on my family history site (apart from myself that is).  I am also disinclined to provide extensive deatils of  deceased people born after 1901 if they are more than 3rd or 4th cousins.  But I'd log them on Genes Reunited.

JULIAN

[Boongie Pam]

I go as far as I can if it is free.

I don't mean on the IGI I want the primary sources.  So when I say free I mean at a records office or something.

I've shoved all my names on my website and I think the most distant sideways is the family of the 1st husband of a 7 x g aunt - something like that 

I know no bounds.

I've seen direct rellies living with distant relatives or in-laws  20/30 years later on census so knowing the extended family really helps.

I got access to all the church records for Stoke sub Hamdon and I wanted to prove that on any given census there was 6 degrees of seperation between every native and they were all related to me.  Hence these  http://fallon.rootschat.net/names16.html#palmer 113 Palmers!

Pam
 

[possum_pie]

If I'm honest, it really depends how interesting I find them!!  I've got really carried away and researched step-families etc just to find links to other people, in the hope I can help them.  If I hit upon an unusual name then I'll usually research it anyway, even if the link is really tenuous!!

I've got in touch with quite a few fourth and fifth cousins and it can be really interesting to see how the traits continue through a family.  I met a chap at Uni who shares the same GG grandfather as me but different GG grandmother and we are still great friends - it was amazing the similarities that had passed down the generations - mostly bad, mind you!!

Possum

[Burrow Digger]

I had to switch from researching backwards to going sideways  when I came up against a very stubborn brick wall - by the name of John Burrow. I've been able to make a few chinks in the wall, but nothing substantial.

In the meantime I decided to research ALL the descendants of John's children that I could find. I am having lots of fun & success with this. Someone out there has to be interested in this same family. 

The results of my sideways searching are on my webpage - see my siggy for the link. 

BD

[bwgan ceredig]

Anything, anyone, any connection   As long as they are not living.  We don't own our relatives, I couldn't (and wouldn't) object if my grandparents were on someone else's tree as distant relatives, and it's all information, and all information is useful.

I've put on and researched my great grandmother's step family - they were really interesting.

I've been contacted by descendants of my great grandmother's brother-in-law's brother??   It was very useful

[wheeldon]

Have you come across a researcher not willing to share - for example will only give you details of your direct ancestor - ie GGGG Grandfather but not their brothers and sisters.  This has happened to me recently - and although I am grateful of the information, I will find the rest out anyway-so why won't she just tell me?  I'm not a lazy researcher and had found out about all the previous generations and family.  It's frustrating as I know how much time involved searching parish records when she has it there in front of her! AAAAAH