Family History Research on ebay

Researching family history requires tenacity and creativity.  Genealogical resources on ebay are often overlooked because some items are not listed in the Everything Else>Genealogy category.  A keen family historian would use the following searches as a starting point to locate potential sources of records.

• "Family Bible" [the surname]
• "Marriage Certificate" [the surname] 

• "County, State" (such as Chatham Co, NC or Chatham County, North Carolina)
• Surname only
• "City, State" (such as Siler City, NC or Siler City, North Carolina)
• "Plat Book" [county or city]

• "Last Will" [the surname]
• "Estate" [the surname]
• "Photograph" [the surname or location]

• "Yearbook" [location]
• [country of origin] "Immigrants"
• Specific battles the ancestor(s) participated in (such as "King's Mountain")

(Left:  Stock Photo by Muze Inc.)    (Center & Right:  Photos by eBay member mk9922)

• Company name (such as "Gulf, Mobile & Ohio" or "GM&O")
• "Map" [location]
• "Census" [location]

• "Draft Regristration Card"
• "School Census"

• "Death Certificate" [surname or location]
• "Genealogical Society"

When the results of the search appear on the screen, click on the link in the upper, right corner to "Add to Favorite Searches."  Ebay will now email the researcher when any item is placed that matches the search. 

Next, use ebay's "Matching Categories" tool on the left of the search results to narrow the results.  Remember that books and documents may be listed under several subcategories.  Do not limit the search to "biography" or "historical."

If the researcher is interested in a book, a search of reputable book sales sites is suggested.  This will help ensure the researcher is not overpaying and that the seller has listed the book accurately. 

Once the the price is determined to be fair, feel free to contact the seller with any questions.  If the seller has not listed the shipping cost, be sure to ask.  The seller may be reached by clicking on the "Ask Seller a Question" link on the right side of the screen in the description of the item.  Also listed is the seller's feedback rating and a link to "view seller's other items."  Don't forget to check these links.

If an item that relates to the researcher's family is found but too expensive, a message with a link to the ebay item should be sent to other family historians of the same family.  Perhaps a group of family members could chip-in to purchase the item for the good of the research.  In the event that the item is won and purchased, particularly books and rare documents, a message should be posted on the genealogy message board(s) for that surname.

If the researcher is outbid on an item of particular importance or rarity, contacting the winning bidder is recommended.  For instance, if the item was a marriage certificate with an antique, ornate frame, the winning bidder may have only wanted the frame.  Or, perhaps, the winner is the researcher's long, lost brother or aunt.  Maybe the bidder is an antiques dealer willing to sell the item.  Whatever the case, a sincere inquiry may be sent to the winner by clicking on the "Winning bidder" link in the item's description.

Another tool ebay offers is "Want it Now."  Researchers may post a personalized wanted list that sellers may browse by category or search engine.

A note to sellers:  If your item does not sell, please consider donating items to a library or genealogical or historical society.  A quick search of the internet will list societies in your area.

Happy Hunting!

Michelle Roux

Read my blog and other guides for more tips, resources, and items I stumble across during my own research.  If you have a suggestion or comment for my guides, please post it on my blog.  I am always pleased with feedback!

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