There well may be other individuals across the globe looking up the same surnames you’re searching. Successful methods to locate and contact such people are the message boards and centers on the Internet.

Some of the long running and highly successful genealogical message boards are:

1. Rootsweb Message Boards

2. GenForum

Rootsweb Message Boards have over 17 million genealogical posts, questions, requests, information and data covering some 161,000 different categories. Everything from surnames to locations such as British Overseas Territories, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and all the places within the United Kingdom. A few of the additional topics include cemeteries, military, occupations, slave trade, institutions and orphanages.

GenForum Message Board has a variety of categories such as surnames, immigration, regions, counties, 1901 UK Census, Coats of Arms, Wars, adoptions, etc.

After selecting a message board, type a surname or a topic into its search box. The search will produce a display of posted messages. Quite a few may include a location and a given name similar to an ancestor you are researching. If the information they have or are requesting is similar to what you need, you can reply to them and be in contact for further sharing of information. As always, only use data provided as a springboard to locating primary sources to verify the facts.

Be positive and upbeat about locating a possible relative with the individual researchers and you both can share information. If a family tie-in or match is discovered, it might be an excellent opportunity to exchange photos or family stories. It is very likely some of the best initial sources for general family information can come from those also searching who live in other parts of the world. Remember many United Kingdom ancestors had family members resettled in Canada, the United States, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

With any correspondence present your request in a polite manner. Show your appreciation by thanking the person for taking the time to write to you. Maintain a copy, handwritten or computer file log, of your letters, either by postal system or email. It could be weeks or months before you get a response from an individual. When you hear from them, you may need to refer back to the original letter or message you sent.