When locating a record, determine who else “did the same thing” on that same day? This is easier to do with records filed in chronological order. Who naturalized on the same day as your ancestor? Who filed a declaration of intention on the same day as your ancestor? Who had a deed recorded on the same day as your ancestor? Those other people could be associates of your ancestor. That chance is increased the further your ancestor lived from the courthouse.
Sharing genealogical information with others allows you to: preserve information, catch mistakes, have a backup, collaborate with others. Keeping all your genealogical information to yourself may seem like a good idea, but researching in total isolation increases the chance you don’t find what you are looking for. Riley (the dog in the illustration) may be more “in-your-face” about sharing than genealogists are, but it’s still a good reminder.
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