FAQ
Listed below are the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about AmericanFamilyHistory.com. They include answers to how you can find those you’re related to, where the families come from, who the family historian is, and more.
What is AmericanFamilyHistory.com?
More than 30 books that make up the family history of Richard T. (Sharp) Martin. Understandably, you will gain the most from this site if you are related, but there is still much to be interested in if you are a student of history.
How is it divided?
Twenty-nine individual histories are listed under “Books” in American Family History.com, which are entitled The Ashbrook, Barker, Beeson, Bond, Bowles, Bratton, Buckingham, Capps, Cocke, Farrar, Fulk, Hastings, Houghton, Huntington, Jefferson, Massey, Mattix, Morgan, Nisbett, Onyett, Phillips, Rogers, Sharp, Sidenbender, Smith (2), Tinker, Van Gundy, and Whitney Family. These books are also compiled with other information in two encyclopedic publications entitled My Father’s House and Worthy to Remember. Finally, there is a history about the ancestors of Vester L. Crocker (stepfather of Richard T. Martin), which is entitled Seasons to Remember. Also, under “Summary” on the menu is an abridgment of My Father’s House and Worthy to Remember.
Are there any famous people listed?
Most individuals included in these histories were common people, but among the famous are Thomas Jefferson, Third President of the United States, Thomas Buckingham, a founder of Yale University, Samuel Huntington, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, and, much further back, William the Conqueror. Dozens of other well-known people that influenced the history of the United States and Great Britain are also listed.
How do I find out how everyone is related?
The easiest way is to go to “Pedigree Charts” on the menu bar on the home page and then open the Master Pedigree Chart. Look up the surname that you are interested in, which if listed, will be on page 2 or page 62. Then go to the Pedigree Chart number, which is listed next to that surname. Note that the Master Pedigree Chart is divided into two sections because the first is from the book, My Father’s House, and the second from the book, Worthy to Remember.
How do I find a particular person?
Highlight the “Books” tab on the menu bar, and then highlight the “Index” tab in the dropdown that will appear. A list of persons by index is shown by one of the family history titles: i.e. Ashbrook, Barker, etc. Or highlight one the family history books directly and look in the back for the index of that particular book. You can also search for a particular name or family by using the “Search” tab (also identified by the looking glass icon) on the website itself, which will then direct you to the page needed to continue your research.
How accurate is the information in these books?
Primary sources were used whenever available or practicable. Secondary sources were used responsibly and statements are made in the text when there are doubts about certain connections. More distant relations come totally from secondary sources and some of this research has not been verified, but is believed to be highly reliable. Credit for information and photographs has been given in the text, but in some cases the original source is unknown to the compiler and therefore not stated.
What European countries did these immigrants to America come from?
In these histories, most immigrates to America came from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Germany. Very distant royal ancestors also came from France, Spain, and even Russia.
Can I download a book without cost?
Yes, as long as the copy is for private use and not commercial purposes, all books on AmericanFamilyHistory.com are available for free download.
Who is Richard T. (Sharp) Martin?
Highlight “Compiler” on the menu bar to read his autobiography that was written in December 2019. He has spent many years compiling these histories and has recently made these accounts available outside of libraries via this website.