Other names derived from an ancestor's distinguishing traits are Baines, which means 'bones' and describes a thin man, Armstrong, Black and Longfellow. Occupation Another common source for surnames is an individual's trade. John the carpenter, John the cook and John the smith later on became Messrs. Carpenter, Cook or Cooke and Smith. One could go there (yes, these are physical meeting houses or chapels which number up to 3,400!) and start researching by accessing microfiches that record which microfilms to look for. There are different microfilms for different records such as: civil, marriage, as well as, death records. Upon getting hold of the needed microfilm, one could proceed to either record on paper or use a computer. This has information way beyond the first world war especially when a lot of immigrants left Europe in the hopes of something better in the new world. The quest for knowing one s path will be long. There will be times that the information provided may not sound good but the person should not be discouraged because this has to be verified to make sure if it is true. Free Websites to Help You Build Your Family Tree Want to know more about your roots? Why not start building your family tree now? With so many free websites available, you'll find one that is just right for your own unique needs. Who knows, you might even find a few famous ancestors you never knew about. These records show the earliest or oldest known ancestor/s at the top and succeeding generations placed in lines that are either direct or collateral, depending on the individual's relationship to that particular family member. An early example is the genealogical record that is found in the Bible, which includes details on an individual and his sons. Interview, interview, interview It is advisable that you list all the family members you know and would like to conduct an interview with. You can also consider the other relatives you could interview via phone or thru email, that is if they would be unavailable in person. However, it is best that you first ask your own relative s permission if they are willing to let themselves be interviewed.