Later reading of tombstone inscriptions could provide information of use, or see if your relatives are willing to help you by doing it. When writing your relatives, also ask if anyone has ever worked on your family genealogy before. Even if it was for a school project, it could come in handy. Find out if there are any genealogical societies in the towns where your ancestors once lived. If such organizations exist, contact them, and ask your questions.
Most genealogical societies publish a newsletter.
Again, queries to them sometimes produce needed information. Occasionally, an unknown relative is discovered, correspondence commences, and much new information obtained. Time for research Write to courthouses for copies of wills, birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, etc. If the parties of concern are deceased and you are a relative, you can usually obtain copies without any problem. Leads come from the information contained in these documents.