It’s always advised to determine what the record is actually saying–without inferring statements that are not supported directly by what is in the document, consistent record-keeping practices, state or federal law, etc. Don’t put statements in records that are not there and ask yourself “does the document really say” that or am I just wanting it to? Pre-1880 US Census records don’t provide proof (at least not by themselves) of parent-child relationships, heirs to an estate are not necessarily children, paying property taxes in a location does not imply residence there, etc. Be dogged in your approach to understanding what records say–as Riley suggests. While he never says he wants a treat, that’s usually a safe bet. Genealogy Tip of the Day book is here. Learn more about it.
This is a picture of the tombstone of John H. Ufkes from Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery near Basco, Hancock County, Illinois. Discerning readers may notice that the inscription on this stone is pretty “crisp.” There is a reason for that. The inscription on the stone has partially been “redone.” It is a little easier to see in this photo of John’s wife, Noentje. The picture of her stone shows the “original” inscription a little better. I don’t doubt the accuracy of the inscriptions, but I should make a note in my records that the inscription on this stone (at least the name and dates) appears to have been “redone.” In this case, I don’t know when the inscription was remade. What I do remember is one of Johann and […]
We’ve mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. Instead of checking every thirty seconds to see if the results of that DNA test have been posted, consider doing the following while waiting for your DNA test results: check for “weak links” in your family tree–can any be fixed with paper records? work on documenting additional descendants of your ancestors through your third and fourth great-grandparents–descendants of earlier ancestors may easily connect in your DNA results as well, but that’s probably enough work for anyone during your DNA results wait. That will help you in analyzing your results when they do come back. study up on the basics of DNA analysis; remember that sorting your “known families you didn’t really test to learn about” will help you on your […]
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