I'd suggest posting your query on the Getting Started Forum here at Afrigeneas. When you go there, look for the link for beginners that will tell you how to start a family history search. Generally, you start with what you know about yourself and work backward in time. So, write down what you know about yourself, your parents, your grandparents, etc. then look for them starting with the 1930 census and moving back in time. Also look at the WWI draft cards ( at www.ancestry.com) the Civil War databases, also at ancestry.com, and death, birth, marriage and Social Security certificates. This will get you started.

Good Luck,

Lee