Even within one document, handwriting can vary–even from one word to the next Always be open to the possibility that writers may make the same letter in more than one way.
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In reviewing information on one of my “brick wall” ancestors, I realized that I had not researched the origins of the second or third husbands of that ancestor. While it’s possible that information on these two men does not contain information on my direct line ancestor, it’s also possible that something on one of these men does contain some clue. I won’t know until I look.
Never query a database or search a set of records using information that came “from memory.” It is the best way to waste research time and potentially trace an incorrect lineage. Review your known material before searching that recently discovered database or record.
There is no doubt that the Family History Library in Salt Lake City has a wealth of material–much of it on microfilm and more becoming available online daily. However there are locations where the Library was unable to do much filming. Even in locations where records have been filmed, other records were left unfilmed. Never assume the library has everything for a location. Always check the actual record keeping agencies in the location for additional information.
I just released new webinars on the following topics: Determining if your ancestor received a military benefit Probate Records on FamilySearch Using Passenger Lists on FamilySearch Learn more about these presentations here. View the list of other webinars available. Download is immediate.
The biography of an ancestor lists his ten known children. Based upon extant records, it appears the first three are listed in order of birth. Using their known years of birth I concluded all ten children were listed in order of age and have used that as the “birth order” for the children in the ancestor’s family. In my research notes, I have explained why I chose the birth order for the children that I did. Years later, I may wonder why I listed them in that particular order and if I don’t notate my reason I probably won’t remember.
Thomas Chaney is one of my brick wall ancestors. I’ve really only researched two of his children and 15% or so of his grandchildren. There could easily be clues to him in records on all those children and grandchildren that I have not researched. Don’t just focus on your direct line of descent.
Before making that Ebay purchase of a genealogical item, make certain: if in print, you know what the publisher is charging for the book if buying an old map, whether the for sale item is a reproduction or the real thing if buying an old book, whether you are getting an actual copy of the book, a reprint, or a digital version Read before you bid when you are trying to find your own genealogy items on Ebay.
One should always look analytically at any information obtained from any source and consider when the source was created, who provided the information, how reliable they may have been, etc. That includes sources such as: Grandma vital records court records tombstones county histories compiled genealogies and anything else that may “contain information.” It’s great to be glad that you located a document or source, but don’t let that joy of finding something to cause you to fail to analyze it and contemplate its accuracy. Failing to think about a source because we are excited is a good way to build brick walls.
A recent conversation on my blog, reminded me of the importance of knowing exactly what a record says—and what it does not say. The marriage license of John Trautvetter and Francis Haase indicated they were married in Hancock County, Illinois, in 1868 by the local Lutheran minister. All the record really tells me is that the couple was married in the county in a religious ceremony. The marriage could have took place at the parsonage, at his parents’ home, at her parents’ home, or elsewhere. The returned license does not indicate. Both sets of parents and the church which the minister was affiliated were in the same township–so that’s probably where they got married. But the returned license does not say that.
It is the first of the month, so here are some reminders: back up your files identify people in pictures write down what you remember of your own life and any stories that deceased family members have told you
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If there are two witnesses to a marriage and you can “figure out” who one of the witnesses is, consider the possibility that the other witness was the significant other of the first witness. Or the other witness could just be a friend of the couple of which you are unaware.
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