Posts in June 26, 2011

Skipping the introduction to a book, microfilm, or any record can create research problems and make brick walls even worse. Declarations of intent were destroyed in a 19th century fire in Hamilton County, Ohio. They were copied from the damaged originals and those copied records were kept and eventually microfilmed. A cover sheet indicated potential difficulties with the records. If I had just skipped to the entry I needed, I never would have learned that it was believed that a significant number (never specifically stated) had errors. And that was something I need to know. Don’t just jump to the index or the page you need. Authors don’t just create introductions and prefaces to fill space. ———————————— Check out GenealogyBank’s Offer for Tip of the Day Fans!