Descendancy research is a great way to ensure that families in Family Search are complete and that temple work is done. I start with a relative who lived about 1850 and use census records, family trees in Ancestry, and Family Search hints/helps to complete each generation down through 1920. I add sources and fix errors as I go.
I started with my relative Leah Keefer/Kieffer (1832-1902) who married John W Marsh (1830-1874) and when I entered one of their grandsons, Willard D Marsh (1901 – noted his early death date of 10 November 1933). Next I found and entered his wife, Verda Mae Meyers (1903 – died 10 November 1933 — the same date as her husband!) Was this a mistake or some terrible accident?
The answer was found in his Find A Grave entry. “Willard and Verda were both killed as a result of burns sustained in a house fire. Their seven children survived and were adopted by families in Fremont or sent to live with relatives. Their names were Richard, Doris, Betty, Edna, Mabel, Charles, and Willard Jr. An account of where the children ended up can be found on page 2 of the 15 Nov 1933 Sandusky Register of Sandusky, Ohio”
I was certain that Willard and Verda wanted their temple work done, and Grace and I saw to that.
Six of the children are in Family Search. Willard Jr. may still be alive. Also there is an adoption record for Clifford Charles Marsh (1932- 2012) who became Albert Charles Wagner upon adoption.
Other people have since added to the children’s records in Family Search. I feel blessed to have entered these parents and to have done their temple. work.
–Fred Keefer – Temple and Family History Consultant, Granite Stake