I need help getting started to find my maternal ancestors.

My parents are Penny Lofton & David Wilson. They were married in Chicago about 1952. My mother was born about 1933 and is the daughter of Joe Lofton and Ruth Dixon (mother was Alma Dixon).

The families originate in and around Simpson County MS as far as I can determine.

My grandfather, John Lofton was born about 1860 in MS.
John had a sister, Etta Lofton who died in 1989.
My Great Grandfather, Peter Lofton was born about 1820 in MS

I have not started any census work as yet. I do not have a subscription to Ancestry.com as yet.

Any help to get me started will be appreciated.

I am glad to have found this site.