For a family tree to be successfully built, census records, death, marriage and birth records are very important. However, such records do not do not give sufficient information about the nature of your ancestors. For additional knowledge, one needs historical sources that are laden with detailed information.

One such source is past newspapers which reported numerous past incidences and may have an article featuring your family member. Military records also bear data about physical qualities, close relatives, and birthplaces. Moreover, it is possible to confirm whether your ancestor showed impressive qualities or whether he was ill-disciplined.

Crime records also provide useful information if an ancestor was arrested including hidden details about their character. Moreover, workhouse records highlight the economic difficulties ancestors face as they are an indicator of poverty, and finally, school records provide information about the childhood of an ancestor and their education levels.