Begin with a person
Start with a known name, date, place, or family story. Write down what you know and where it came from.
A guided beginning
Start with the clue you have.
The most useful next step depends on whether you know a person, a place, a migration, or a DNA match.
Choose the right region
Scottish, Irish, American, Cleveland, and DNA paths use different records. Pick the route closest to your first solid clue.
Test the connection
Compare records before adding a person or relationship to your line. A matching name is not proof by itself.
Keep an open question open
Some Kirkpatrick lines have conflicting accounts. Mark uncertainty clearly and return when a better record appears.