Posts in July 21, 2025

It can be difficult showing that a person you’ve just located in a new-to-you record is the same person as your already established ancestor. There are some ways to make it a little easier. Look for relative consistencies in the occupation and social status in the new record and what you already know–if given and if you know it. A day laborer in 1870 could easily be a tenant farmer or coal miner in 1880, but likely isn’t a lawyer or hotel owner. If you think the person’s life has changed that much in ten years, you need some evidence other than your gut to back it up. Make certain there are not more than one person with the same name of about the same age living in […]