TreeFind: A Versatile Tool for FamilySearch Family Tree

The BYU Family History Technology Lab has produced some interesting and useful tools over the years for doing family history. One that should be of special note and importance is the TreeFind tool, It’s a relatively new addition that helps you find ancestors by category in your part of the FamilySearch Family Tree.

Following is a brief summary of the features of the site.

Note: More detailed information about the TreeFind tool will be available in The Family History Guide before RootsTech 2022.

 

 

  • Build Sources to Clean an Ancestral Line:
  • Ancestors: This produces a list of your direct-line ancestors in Family Tree. Links go to the Person page for each ancestor, and you can download the entire list into a spreadsheet or geo-map file.
  • Ancestors with a Missing Parent: This shows names of ancestors who are missing one or both parents in Family Tree. This can help you identify places for research in your family lines.
  • Ancestors with Multiple Parents: This identifies ancestors who appear more than once in Family Tree, linked to different parentage. This can help you find places where duplicates occur or data cleanup is needed.
  • Cousins with No Children, and a Record Hint: This list shows collateral relatives who may be missing children in Family Tree. You can use the available record hint to explore research possibilities.
  • Custom filters: Click U.S. History to see ancestors who lived close to events in U.S. history, or World History for world events, for events in Latter-day Saint history.

You can also edit searches to narrow the criteria, or add your own searches of Family Tree. For additional details about using the features, you can access the Help Center, available by clicking your profile icon (upper right).

Bob Taylor