While the internet may make it seem like there is no limit to genealogical data, the reality is that there is. All researchers get to a point where there is no more information and additional details about an individual probably are not forthcoming.
The difficulty is in knowing when that limit has been reached and not stopping too soon. Some ways to avoid quitting too soon or banging your head against the wall for too long include:
- Reading genealogical journal articles for the time period and location of interest–not to find your family but to see what sources and methods were used.
- Being aware of all sources for the time period and place and how those sources are accessed. This means not just the sources you are comfortable with or can access easily.
- Networking with others (relatives or not) who have research problems in the same time period and location.
- Viewing any finding aids, bibliographies, and other inventories created by repositories and archives who cover the area and time period of interest.
- Not being afraid to ask questions of those with more expertise in the area than you.
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