If information from two or more records is inconsistent, and even when it isn’t, ask yourself, “which items am I really certain are actually about my ancestor?” Is there a deed that might not be his? Is there a census enumeration (especially before 1850) that might actually be for someone else? Am I using someone else’s conclusion that these two records are for the same person when they might not be? Consider each source or record you think refers to your ancestor and contemplate what really makes you think that. Actually write down your reasons. You might realize that there is a record or two that might not really be for the person you are researching. And that may be causing your confusion.
If a document or record does not make any sense, if someone seems to appear out of nowhere, if someone seems to disappear without a trace, brainstorm on all the possible things that could have been going on at the time. Make a list. Don’t worry about how likely or realistic they are. Then, when you are completely out of ideas, think about: the ones that are too far-fetched or unrealistic–I eliminate these first. the ones you could never prove the ones that are the most likely the ones that might have left records. The four categories above are not mutually exclusive. Start with the situations that are most likely and might have left behind some sort of record. Work to find those records, but remember you are […]
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