Lesson #12 Reasearch Tips

RESEARCH TIPS FOR MOST COUNTRIES

Lesson #12

IF YOU NEED' KNOW: SEARCH IN THESE RECORDS:

Age of ancestor Census, Vital Records, Cemeteries, Social Security Death Index (SSDI) , Land records

Birth date Vital Records, Church Records, Bible Records, SSDI

Birthplace Vital Records, Church Records, Census, SSDI

City or parish of foreign birth Church Records, Genealogy, Naturalization and Citizenship

Country of foreign birth Passenger Arrival Records, Census, Naturalization and Citizenship, Church Records, Obituaries, Family Records

County or city maps History, Maps on line, Gas Stations

Death Vital Records, Cemeteries, Probate Records, Obituaries, Social Security Death Index, Newspapers

Divorce Vital Records, Court Records

Historical background Histories, Periodicals, Timelines on line

Immigration date Passenger Arrival Records, Naturalization and Citizenship, Genealogy

Maiden name Vital Records, Church Records, Newspapers, Bible Records, Marriage application,

Marriage Vital Records, Church Records, Census, Newspapers, Bible Records

Occupation Census, Directories, Emigration and Immigration

Parents, children, family Vital Records, Church Records, Census, Probate Records, Obituaries

Places ancestor has lived Census, Land and Property, History

Religion of ancestor Church Records*, History, Biography, Wills, Mortuary Records, Obituaries, Cemetery ( type of headstone) Minister’s diaries and journals, Local Histories ( published & manuscripts ),Wedding announcements , Religious Schools and college attendance., Religious jewelry, Newspapers “ chat items”, Fraternal organizations, Diaries.

*you need know what records a particular church generated

Lesson 12 Jurisdictional Approach

Compiled Sources in Genealogy

Lesson 12

Compiled genealogies can be a great blessing or a great curse

depending on who did the compiling and when. A great blessing if your

record has been well researched and well documented. A curse if your

compiler was not careful and quick to repeat inaccurate or sometime

intended fraudulent information. There is no sure way of checking a

record if it has not been well sourced and documented. These compiled

genealogies never should be treated as the Holy Grail of genealogy

records. Consider them as you would any un-sourced record until you

can verify the information. A quick way to get a flavor of true or sloppy

compiled records is

1. Does what information you do have match up with this record ?

2. Are there numerous about dates and calculated dates?

3. Are children born before their parents birth?

4. Are children born after parents death ~ especially the mother’s and

more than nine months for the father?

5. Were children born after mother was 45 ?

6. Was the child christened before birth date ?

7. Are there large gaps between the age of children ?

8. Does the marriage date reflect a good age for the bride 16 to 20 for

first marriage and between 18 to 25 for the groom. This can vary of

course but a girl married before she was born or at age before 16

needs further documentation.

9. More than 15 years age difference between husband and wife

10. Surname of husband and wife the same?

11. Do the places of events match with known time frames and with where you know the family lived ?

12. Are the places correctly spelled and as many as possible jurisdiction recorded?

13. Did the places exist or did your ancestors live there when they did?

14. When plotting a pedigree chart do the generations line up within twenty years of each other ?

15. If you have ordinance dates

A. Are children baptized before eight,

B. Parents endowed or sealed before the marriage or proper age?

C. Birth date later than sealing to parents date?

D. Temple was not opened at time of ordinance.

E. Marriage ordinances preformed before 1842?

To check out all possible errors in PAF or Roots Magic go to print reports and select the “lists” tab and choose possible problems. You may want to preview the report before you print it. One patron’s error report was more than 170 pages! Never submit your compiled genealogy until you have checked it out in PAF or Roots Magic. You will want to combine all duplicates and get the correct and standardized places and dates as well. Check all ordinances and accept only the earliest one. All other are wasted.

Some reason why you may have such a large error report is because of fraud. Sad to say many have paid so called professional researcher who are only interested in making the customer happy and a large pedigree that goes back to Adam or King or Queen important always brings a thrill to the duped client. Some are just honest mistakes. Be cautious about genealogies published before 1950’s remember they did not have access to the records as we do now. Another reason is people are just lazy and will link their genealogies to others genealogies before checking for accuracy .
NEVER NEVER import an undocumented and uncorrected genealogy into yours. !!!!! ALWAYS make a separate file and use this as a place to get it corrected, documented and worthy of all acceptation.
If it is a large file (over 1000) split it into smaller files as this will make your cleanup easier. It is said the way you eat an elephant is in small bites ( if you are so inclined )

Now that you have been warned here are a few places to search for compiled genealogies.

 Home see if someone in your family already has compiled your genealogy. Perhaps someone has put together a book and some histories.

 Libraries ~ a local library where your ancestor lived. Go online or call the librarian to see if there is one available. They can also see if there is another library which may have the record.

 University and college Libraries often have biographies and genealogies donated. BYU and the University of Utah both have great collections. East of the Mississippi the Madison Historical library. Check in their online card catalogues.

 The Library of Congress http://catalog.loc.gov// then enter the name of the family you are looking for. Look at the siblings and other collateral names ifyou can’t find a biorgraphy on your direct ancestor.

 http://www.familysearch.org/ has one of the biggest data bases in the world. Be careful with the information. That’s why the new.familysearch has been created to correct all the errors check the ancestral file online and the pedigree resource file and the old DOS files at the family History Center.

 http://www.ancestry.com/ also a daily growing compiled database plus original record so you can verify the information.

 http://www.rootsmagic.com/ 
They provide an index of all the names contained on their CD’s at http://www.genealogy.com/cdhome.html .

 http://www.mygenealogy.com/

 http://searches.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ 372,595,410 names in family trees

 http://boards.rootsweb.com/?o_iid=33216&o_lid=33216 message boards to search and to submit quires on your family.

Now there are good reason to start with compiled records

The information found may not have been published elsewhere.

The information may lead to related researchers.

The information may provide leads to other resources and starting places to research.

Sources of the data might be included, indicating a dedicated researcher who has left a road map for you to follow, and making it easier for you to locate primary sources and original records.

Just remember

Not all research is equal -- what one researcher might consider to be good research practices may fall short of another researcher's expectations, and people have varying levels of skills and expertise.

Genealogies compiled in the 19th and early 20th century and before are often less than accurate due to weak research and researchers' biases ( wanting to be related to Benjamin Franklin ).

Data submitters may no longer be alive, or they may not be reached at the contact address given, thus negating a valuable resource.

Most important of all -- the data may not have been thoroughly verified and sourced.

But you can and should

Use the information as a guideline to locating other information. Even if the data is incorrect, make note of the locations and sources listed (if any) and use that to make a research plan of your own. For instance, if I had a record that had your Mary Smith born Massachusetts and her birth information incorrect, I could make note of the locations listed for the family and check into town records to see if I couldn't locate the correct data myself.

Contact submitters for information. Do not ask for "everything they have on the family," but instead offer to share your research in exchange for the information you are missing. Ask particularly about sources and their research practices. If the researcher is someone who is happy accepting a typed family history his or her Aunt Agnes wrote fifty years ago, treat the information as you would any other data and verify it before you accept it.

Verifying data before you accept it as valid is a very important part of genealogical research. Many researchers go beyond the norm and won't accept a piece of data until it has been verified by numerous sources, but for the most part you should examine each fact, locate the origin for that fact, verify that the origin is legitimate, and document the source thoroughly. For instance, if I found a birthdate on a World Family Tree CD for an ancestor, I would first contact the contributor to find out where they found the information. Armed with that info, I would track down the source (birth certificate, town records, census records, etc.). If that source was valid, I would then rest easy about accepting the fact, and make a detailed source for it in my database program. If the source was not primary (for instance, a birth date given in an obituary), I would note the source and continue my search for a primary source, such as a birth certificate if avaliable.

So start with compiled genealogies but be smart by being cautious, look for clues, contact submitter and verify.

Lesson #11 Sites for Search

INTERNET RESOURCES

#11

Listed below is an older list of some websites. Anything over a day old can be no longer be available. Some site are fee based, you need to decide if the time and gas to go to the original record site is worth the fee. All of these sites are indexed so this alone will save you time. Please let me know which links are no longer available. Be sure to use the churches web site http://www.familysearch.org/eng/search/WebSites/frameset_websites.asp for an ongoing updated internet search sites.

This index is one of my favorites as he is current and always adding and updating his site. http://home.att.net/~wee-monster/databases.html also as a hint if you want to pick up more indexes to great sites in the search engine tyry genealogy+indexes.

Another private one is http://www.bobcatsworld.com/genclass/myfavorites.htm he has some excellent websites, however it has not been updated since 2007 and some links are broken such as the Alan Mann link. If you have LDS research there are several useful links. He has categorized his list which includes some census, birth, death, libraries, country specific country research like Denmark and more.

Some of these web sites are listed in the sites above and if you can’t find the links look at these sites.

Birth Records:

http://www.freerecordsregistry.com/ Check birth dates, name, location, birth record searches

Marriage Records:

http://www.peoplefinders.com/ Instant marriage records search, includes names, ages, dates, and more.

http://www.gov-records.com/ Find out marriage records and more.

Cemetery & Burial Sites:

http://www.interment.net/ Cemetery records for over 2,300 cemeteries world wide.
http://www.findagrave.com/
http://www.cemetery.org/
http://geneasearch.com/cemeteries.htm
http://www.deathindexes.com/cemeteries.html
http://www.islandbones.com/Islandbones/Welcome.html
http://www.australiancemeteries.com/
http://www.daddezio.com/records/vital/interment.html

Census Records:

http://ancestry.com/ Use this for free at the family history center

http://www.census-online.com/ .

http://www.censusfinder.com/ Finds census records for the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, Sweden, and Native Americans.

http://washco.lib.ut.us// Need to register with Washington City Library, then takes you into Heritage Quest Database.

http://www.census.gov/
http://www.cyndislist.com/census2.htm

Church Records

http://www.cyndislist.com/religion.htm.htm provided numerous church records, free lookups, queries

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ pre 1900 churches

http://www.familysearch.org/ then library Catholic records FHL976.35 v2h

http://www.catholiclinks.org/ Catholic to find links to all dioceses

Colonial America:

http://firstfamilies.org/db/%20Colonial%20Ancestors; America's 1st Families.
http://www.genealinks.com/colonial.htm
http://www.usgennet.org/usa/topic/colonial/
http://surnamesite.com/names/Colonial_America/

General Genealogical Sites:

http://www.ancestrv.com/ Provides free & pay databases. Good source for research.
 http://cyndislist.com List of genealogical research sites, including states, countries, etc. How to research and much more. Considered on of the best sites.

http://google.com/ Looks for whatever you ask it to.

http://rootsweb.com/ Collection of genealogical resources.

http://www.yahoo.com/Arts/Humanilites/historv/Genealogy Yahoo's Genealogy page & search engine.

http://www.everton.com// Sources for research, & a database of files by Everton Publishers. As of 2009 Ancestry,com has acquired their information. They have a vast amout of family trees and were the first to have message board, although they were in print.

Immigration & Emigration:

http://ellisislandrecords.org/ Entries into US via Ellis Island from 1892-1924. http://www.jewishgen.org

http://www.over-land.com/

http://overlandtrails.lib.byu.edu/

http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanysearch/1,15773,3966-1,00.html
LDS Family History Sites:

http://www.familysearch.org/ LDS Church website, online database for locating ancestors with reference to our church resources.

Map Sites:

http://www.goldbug.com/. Downloadable antimap shows changes in boundaries

www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ University of Texas site of world maps.

http://docs.unh.edu/nhtopos/nhtopos.htm Historic USGS New England maps. http://www.mapquest.com Enter city, state, & street address.

http://mappoint.msn.com/

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/map Ontario, Canada http://multimap.com Especially good for British Isles, USA, and the world.

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/ Maps for the British Isles.

http://www.familysearch.org/ simple maps for any place

http://www.google.com/ for virtual maps

Mormon Pioneer Sites:

http://www.xmission.com/~nelsonb/handcart.htm

http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/daily/history/1844_1877/handcart_eom.htm
http://www.webster-family.org/martinhandcart/
http://handcart.byu.edu/
http://historytogo.utah.gov/utah_chapters/pioneers_and_cowboys/handcartcompanies.html
http://www.thefurtrapper.com/martin_handcart.htm
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3401802752.html
http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanysearch/1,15773,3966-1,00.html 
National Websites:

http://www.ngsgenealogy.org// The National Genealogical Society.

http://usgenweb.org// USGenWeb Project: A central web site for the nationwide project to organize state by state, county by county.

http://resources.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/townco.cgi Roots web's US Town & County Finder. (A website for finding the counties for each state).

http://www.lva.lib.va.us/dlp/index.html Library of Virginia-Digital Library.

http://memory.loc.gov/ Library of Congress-American Memory Project-Multimedia collections of digitized documents, photos, recorded sound, moving pictures & text.

Passenger Ship list Sites:

http://www.theshiplist.com/

Timeline software

http://www.ourtimelines.com/ a fun site that will put you ancestor in context of historical or scientific events

World Sites:

http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#start LDS indexing site just getting started indexing all the records the LDS church has in it’s possession.

http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/Census.html

England Wales and Irish research ..records to research and online name finder for 1881 and 1891 National Index

www.census-online.com/links/Ireland/ Irish census records

http://www.worldgenweb.org/


Free translation:

http://www.google.com/

Free lookups

http://www.raogk.org/ (Random Act of Kindness) This website is full of volunteers willing to look up information. The only request is that the users return the favor at least once by volunteering in their own area

More Websites

http://www.familysearch.org/eng/search/WebSites/frameset_websites.asp LDS Church’s favorite websites ~ census, churches, court, and land records, migration, military, royal lines and much more

Lessons

http://261.byu.edu/%20Introduction to BYU introduction lessons online,

http://261.byu.edu/lesson1.html Gathering Family Information

http://261.byu.edu/lesson2.html Learning PAF

http://261.byu.edu/lesson3.html Family Search

http://261.byu.edu/lesson3.html GEDCOMS

http://261.byu.edu/lesson5.html Research

http://261.byu.edu/lesson6.html Introduction to Family History Centers

http://261.byu.edu/lesson7.html Temple Ready

http://261.byu.edu/lesson8.html Sharing

Roots Magic Software products
http://rootsmagic.com/

Ohana Software products Lessons

http://www.ohanasoftware.com/?sec=lessons The new Family Insights Lessons both video and printable (PDF) !Note must be registered on New Family Search to access all of the features.

http://www.familysearch.org/eng/search/RG/frameset_rhelps.asp Research Helps for all states and most countries

http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/education/frameset_education.asp?PAGE=education_research_series_online.asp%3FActiveTab=2 English research learn what records to search and how,

http://www.familysearch.org/eng/search/WebSites/frameset_websites.asp More websites from Family Search

Lesson #11 Geneaology on the Web

How To Find Genealogy On The Web

The Boolean search or “Googling”

Lesson 11

To use the internet to its full advantage for genealogy, a researcher must learn how to use the basic Boolean operators. The search engine google is my favorite www.google.com because it is very genealogy intuitive

What is a Boolean ( pronounced Boo-le-un ) search ?

Boolean searches allow you to combine word and phrases using the words AND, Or, NOT and NEAR. ( otherwise known as Boolean operators) You can search by categories or keywords such as genealogy, history, state, city, libraries etc. and add a plus + to expand your search or a minus – to narrow you results. To select an exact phrase add quote “ John Doe” to hold the phrase together. Most search engines default to these search parameters.

This method of searching was named for George Boole, an English 19th century mathematician. He developed a mathematic formula which was later used by internet developers to help locate information on the various websites.

The basic Boolean operators used to locate information; there are two ways of entering these operators and it is up to you which is most comfortable for you to use.

 The Boolean search operator AND is equal to the “+” symbol

 The Boolean search operator NOT is equal to the “-” symbol

 The Boolean search operator OR is the default setting of any search engine; meaning, all search engines will return all the words you type in automatically type in.

 The Boolean search operator Near is equal to putting a search query in quotation marks “ King Edward ll”. In essence you are telling the search engine you want all these words in a specific order, or this specific phrase.

 A tilde ~ placed directly before a keyword will often limit your search to genealogy.

Examples:

 Genealogy+Sweden ~ this will take you to all sites that have vital records or other genealogy web pages dealing with Sweden.

 Genealogy+Sweden-travel ~ will narrow a search by excluding certain search terms.

 Genealogy Or Sweden ~ using OR broadens a search to include results that contain either of the word you typed in.

 “Queen Sonja of Norway” ~ will bring up sites that have this exact phrase in it. This really narrows your search with some valuable results, such as her history and family genealogy. You can put quotes around places “Bishopwick Durham England” this is a unique jurisdiction that had information on an ancestor in 1610.

Keywords –these help narrow your results to more relevant results.

1. Surname – put in genealogy+surname ( repeat this with all the ways your name is spelled )

2. Place Names ~ putting the place where your ancestors lived will bring some great results especially if you combine it with genealogy.

3. Date Range – if too many listing appear enter a date range 1850..1900

Data type ~ census, birth, death, obituary, passenger list etc

Boolean Searches ~ some simple examples

Find a surname ......................... genealogy+surname

Place and resources ...... genealogy+name of country+city

Maps ........................... map+name of place

State historical library ..state+historical society

Church records ........................ name of church+records

books …………………on Google home page click on “ more” and select books surname+place of birth, marriage, or death. Be sure to book mark or download so you can return for future searches always document your finds.

Date Range

If too many listing appear for a search you can add a date range and limit your results. For example: 1850 to 1900

Similar Word search

Placing a tilde (~ ) symbol directly before a keyword will gather results including the keyword you used or many other words which are similar. This filter is easpecailly useful in genealogy.

~genealogy includes

 Ancestry

 Family

 Family history

 Family tree

 Genealogical

 Genealogical records

 Genealogists

 Genealogy

 records

 roots

 surname

 tree

 vital records

Search Engines; these go through the entire Internet, worldwide, and searches by keywords. Use at least two to find the results you want. Here are some other search engines

Google ( very genealogy intuitive )

Altavista

Google

Yahoo

AOL

CTR+D will bookmark any sites you want to go back to. Make a folder like “Wisconsin Death records” then place the link in the folder

Some website on learning the Boolean search method~

NEW! http://www.googleyourfamilytree.com/genealogypowersearch.php Shows you the major ways to find genealogy online and more. They offer a great book titled “Google Your Family Tree” that is a must for any genealogist. Has several hundred pages of genealogical websites.

Two more sites

Shortcuts for Boolean searching – http://websearch.about.com/library/cheatsheet/ngooglecheatsheet.htm this is a good printable shortcut sheet for handing out to your class.

Google searching for ancestors http://www.searchforancestors.com/google/searcher.html

#10 Methods of Online Search

Methods & Sources for Successful Online Research

Lesson #10

The Internet for genealogy research accounts for 35 to 40% of Internet usage. To be successful you must be disciplined in using good research principles Before you go online you MUST have a plan or you can get sucked into a whirlpool of information that doesn’t fit, or that ends up being another discouraging dead end. Be sure to keep a log and note you successes as well as your failures. Note also those websites that deliver, and those that don’t ( can you really access the records online here ?). Understand WHAT you need, and go beyond your immediate surname search. Research success using the Internet today is the fulfillment of dreams. It is not merely a matter of access but of successful research strategies using a combination of all available resources, solid research principles, and accurate and adequate records and consistent record keeping.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU GO ONLINE

I. RECORD THE FACTS (Separate Facts from Traditions) including:

A. Surname, looking for variant spellings. (Soundex at rootsweb.com

B. Time-frame , Death, Marriage, or birth

C. Jurisdiction (location; a town or parish, county , or state, country )

D. Where were the children born?. When did they live one state? When did they arrive in another state?

F. What sources ( records ) are available in that jurisdiction and time-frame for that surname?.

II TO UNDERSTAND THE RECORDS OF AN UNFAMILIAR AREA- guidance is available at: www.familysearch.org ,www.ancestry.com, to name a few

A. In Familysearch .org, click on home page under” Research Helps.”

B. Select RESEARCH GUIDANCE from the options provided.

C. Either scroll down to the state or country you are interested in or click on the letterboxes to take you to the beginning of the list by that letter.

D. Select the time period of interest to you.

E. When the search strategy comes up study the

1. Historical background

2. Methodologies for beginners

3. Search strategies - they will keep you from making the mistake of leaving out critical

resources known to solve research problems in these areas.

UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE AREA IN WHICH YOUR ANCESTOR LIVED

VISUALIZE BY USING PERIOD MAPS - You are searching for period maps.

A. ANIMap from www.Goldbug.com (fee based) or from familysearch.org (free)

B. Learn about maps, gazetteers, and atlases.

C. http://www.cyndislist.com/ - good finding aid for online sources

D. www.Google.com (Boolean search “ ) name of country+city+map

E. http://www.rrhistorical.com/rrdata for historical railroad information.

III GOAL: Locate potential siblings and children of the targeted individual.

A. Critical in order to recognize the next generation back.

B. They may have the evidence you need in their records.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR ONLINE SEARCHES

IV. WHAT ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR?

A. Identify unique characteristics that make your ancestor stand out from others.

1. Religious affiliation ; LDS , Huguenot, Quaker, Catholic Mennonite etc

2. Social or financial status ; farmer or royal

3. Occupation - what trade records, or schooling records exist, or biographies

4. Military service.

5. Associations they may have belonged to.

B. If you don't know what to do next, return to www.familysearch.ora, RESEARCH GUIDANCE and see what they tell you.

C. Choose what are the best source options - During the time period selected - In the jurisdiction you are searching for the surname you are looking for.

E. Take time to analyze what you have learned or need to learn, e.g.:

1. What are the customs of a particular church’s records? Could you find a christening there? Would sponsors be listed? Is there a central repository for their records? What will they tell you? “ a good reference book is “Sources”by Szucs & Luebking, available at FHC.

2. Why is social status important? Where would you find this information?

3. Why is the occupation important? Where would occupational records be

located?

4. Learn to use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) and other online

catalogs to your advantage.

a. Learn the categories of records by name, e.g. archives, bible, church, history, land, probate, vital records, etc.

b. Learn how the records are organized in the catalog.

c. Learn how to obtain access to those records for your research. ONLINE or ORDER films from the Library for use at the local Family History Center

V. WHO ARE THE ASSOCIATES? Make a Complete List
A. Use state-wide electronic index to locate your ancestor and his/her associates. SUPER SITES for original documents and preliminary surveys include:

1. http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#start Familysearch indexing project

2. www.Ancestry.com

3. http://www.genealogy.com/

4. http://www.usgenweb.org/

5. http://www.rootsweb.com/
6. www.familysearch.org look at ancestral file, IGI. And especially the Pedigree Resource File soon to replaced by New Family Search

7. New.familysearch.org just rolling out for our temple district

8. http://www.worldvitalrecords.com/

B. Are your people the natives of the state, the county, etc.? Remember to be looking for possible brothers and sisters., and other extended family members If not, from where did they come and when?

VI. SEARCH STATE-WIDE INDEXES (Watch for Family Concentrations)

A. Census records www.Ancestry.com uses unique locality feature.

B. Census records www.Genealogy.com enhanced for printing.

C. ProQuest records for other census searching options.

E. For jurisdictional changes use ANIMAP , or Evertons” Genealogy Helper”

VII. USE EXISTING DOCUMENTS FOR ASSOCIATES

A. Neighbors on tax, census, or land records.

B. Witnesses on marriage, christening, probate records.

C. Use land location clues to find associates.

E, Follow in-law relationships as families are very "tight" in the south.

IX. ANALYZE WHAT YOU FOUND.

XII. MAKE A LIST OF ALL NAMES YOU FIND that may connect to your family (Don't rely on memory)

XIII. ADD SURNAMES FROM CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN'S GIVEN NAMES


XIV. SEARCH FOR ORIGINAL RECORDS ON LINE ..


XVI. ADD ASSOCIATES NAMES FOUND IN ANCESTOR'S DOCUMENTS


XV. RECORD POTENTIAL SIBLINGS AND CHILDREN OF THE TARGETED PERSON AND FOLLOW THEM FORWARD TO PROVE OR DISPROVE HYPOTHESIS


XVI. REPEAT THE PROCESS ON ALL NEW PEOPLE.

adapted and enhanced from Karen Clifford’s presentation at 2005 Genealogy Seminar St. George

#9 Research

Before You Start To Research

How Am I Doing

Lesson #9

Review handout ~ 1st Phase In Genealogy and learn skills to present to the Lord a record worthy of all acceptation.

You should know how and have;

1. Gathered what research that has already been done.

A. Evaluate the record for correctness

B. Establish what information is needed to correct and clean up your files.

2. Learned to correctly fill our Family Group Record on forms and inputting data into PAF

3. Filled out in color a 15 generation Pedigree Chart

4. Learned to organize your research by using forms and color coded notebooks that include;

A. Colored Pedigree Chart on front of “research notebook” to identify your research family and research objective.

B. Family Group Record for each person on that pedigree you are searching

C. Behind each FGR

1. Time-line

2. Research log

3. to-do list

5. Establish and use good documentation on all your records.

6. Prepare your corrected records for sharing and for Temple submission.

New Family Search submission process

RESEARCH PROCESS

1. After filling out your Family Group Record, determine what information is needed.

This becomes the “ ? ” or the research objective.

2. SURNAME - Look at all spellings and note the variations ( if you are looking for a mothers maiden name then the husbands’ surname is used in this category to find a marriage), or if a name changed through immigration or by choice ).

3. TIME FRAME: Determine the time frame your person lived ; dates between birth and death. This will decide the records that are available to research..

4. JURISDICTION: This becomes any place a record can be found to identify and document your person and his life; a home, a person, country, state or province, county or parish, city or township, where they lived. A web-site can also be a jurisdiction.

5. SOURCES: Any record or person that can help you identify your ancestor.

6. Evaluate what information you have found, note and record discrepancies, and what further information is needed . If confident with the information then record it. Then share.

SURNAME

?

SOURCES (Research Objective) TIME FRAME

JURISDICTION

Research Process ~ Determine what sources are available in that jurisdiction, for the time- frame for that surname. Then - Evaluate, Record, Share. WORK FROM KNOWN TO UNKNOWN WORK FROM RECENT TO PAST USE PRIMARY SOURCES - When possible. These are records that is written down at time of event. BIRTH - Certificate MARRIAGE - Certificate DEATH - Certificate

Secondary Sources -All else - Remember these are most subject to errors and should be carefully evaluated before used for documentation.

Lesson # 8 Submit to Temple

Eight Steps to Submit names for Temple Ordinances

BUT BEFORE YOU SUBMIT - REMEMBER

Let us, therefore, as a church and a people and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple, when it is finished, a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation." (D&C 128:24.)

In your own records, or if you download a new GEDCOM from someone else’s research always

1. Print Reports- File- Print Report - Reports and Charts then choose “lists” tab then print -

a. possible problems - correct all real problems

b. possible duplicates - match merge all duplicates

c. unlinked individuals -put them in a family or make a separate file for unlinked persons, then delete them from your file.

c. LDS Incomplete ordinances

d. LDS Incomplete Marriage

2. Using PAF Family Insights or Roots Magic correct all places and expand all truncated jurisdictions; such as; cites, counties, parishes, & countries or states. Remove all co. from county jurisdictions such as ,Wayne co., North Carolina.. Place cemetery name in Notes, putting only jurisdiction in burial places. Note Family Insights now performs this in a better manner. Caution! The counties need to reflect time period in which event occurred. Family Insights IS NOT time sensitive.

3. Anchor all women to a family or a marriage ( if married and her maiden name is unknown add her married name ie; Mary to Mrs. Mary Jones . However do not add husbands name to a wife with no first name or other data. Also do not add Mr. Or Mrs to a child‟s parent if you have no other information,.ie; Mary Hardy‟s father as Mr. Hardy and/or Mrs. Hardy. This causes too many duplicate ordinances. ( in PAF go to “search “ put dot in “ Individuals” go to beginning of list to find unlinked females)

4. Merge - Duplicate individuals

New Family Search

5. Submit directly from program at home to the temple

____________________________________________THEN !!!!! ________________________________________

1.. Backup your updated database or Restore it to your previous database on your computer

(When it asks you if you want to replace existing file say yes )

2. SHARE -:Upload your new and now corrected database to www.newfamilysearch.org. Also share to Roots and/or Ancestry.com for example, to help others and to connect with others working on you family.

3. SET NEW RESEARCH GOALS * Print out all unqualified persons in print report at time of submission at the FHC and start here for your new research to fill in information needed for temple ordinances.


PLEASE PLEASE research and add better information for “about” dates and estimated places. This may be your some of the best contribution you can make to your genealogy

Lesson # 7 Rules for Documentation

RULES FOR GOOD DOCUMENTATION

In God we trust, all others need sources

Lesson #7

• Source: Where you list the record, document, or person from which you obtained your information. You can list the source for each event in a person's life.

• Notes: Where you can provide stories, descriptions, and research notes about an individual.

1. Document as you go

2. Enter sources and notes in a consistent manner ( see online PAF lessons in Help they have templates for recording sources)

3. Use confidential information with discretion and sensitivity ~ if at all.

4. List all sources found. The more sources the more accurate both your record and your conclusions will be.

5. Identify and record conflicting or missing information

6. Avoid using abbreviations. Spell out entire names of people, places, repositories etc.

7. Indicate additional research where needed in you source comments field or in your notes with a NFR ( Needs Further Research) tag.

8. Strive to obtain primary sources for each advent Birth Marriage Death etc.

9. Indicate the location of lengthy documents, rather than restating them or better yet import them into your notes or sources.

10. Welcome input and constructive review of your documentation

11. Identify all researchers’ contributions including your own. Use your name not “I” or “me”

12. Recognize that good documentation requires a process of continuous refinement.

Lesson #6 Filing System for Pedigree Charts and Family Group Sheets

FILING SYSTEM FOR PEDIGREE CHARTS AND FAMILY GROUP SHEETS

Lesson #6

Supplies needed;

1. 4 fine line ,waterproof, acid free pens ; black, red ,blue, green

2. 3 or 4 pkgs Insertable Tab Dividers (clear ) “Avery” works the best

3.15 generation Pedigree Chart

4. Colored file folders - black, red, blue , green ( for research filing system )

5. Colored dots - black, red, blue, green

6. One or more three ring notebook binders ( 2 inch recommended - if your files are very large buy additional notebooks and divide your research into the four basic lines using colored notebooks

! NOTE: I like the kind that you can inset a pedigree chart on the cover - this clarifies which line is in the notebook and you can also insert a label in the binding to identify the line during storage in a book case or on your desk.

Filing Permanent Records

( these are records you have researched and documented that they are accurate )

A.15 generation pedigree charts - underline in four colors starting with your grandparents;

Paternal (father’s line ) -Black

Paternal-maternal ( father’s mother ) -Red

Maternal-paternal ( mother’s father)- - Blue

Maternal-maternal - ( mothers’s mother ) -Green

B. In PAF5 create a cascading pedigree charts (5 or 6 generation) and following color-coding when printing names on insert tabs . Also record chart number from your 15 generation pedigree by the corresponding name.

C. File a family group record for each family on your pedigree chart behind the corresponding pedigree charts ..you can put a colored dot on the FGR

Research Records

(these are individuals you need further information on )

Folders-use the four colors when doing research- have them correspond with your pedigree charts. For example, if you are researching on your father’s mother’s line put research in a red folder. Put a red dot on research family group records. Make a file for each married couple and their children. When children get married make another folder for them and put a colored dot on their family group record

For collateral lines -when a child on your direct line marries put their family group record in a plain manilla folder with a yellow dot indicating a collateral line and a colored dot to identify pedigree line

Put a Time-line and a research log and documents in each folder you are researching. Add to your permanent file when all research is completed and Temple ordinances are performed.

If you want to use notebooks to store your research in then use colored notebooks to correspond with your color coding system.

Remember - before you begin any research you have to know where you are - you cannot go forward until you know where you have been.

Lesson #5 Analyzing your Pedigree for Correctness

ANYLIZING YOUR PEDIGREE FOR CORRECTNESS

Lesson #5 YOU ARE THE "CLEAN-UP" AND "GET IT RIGHT" GENERATION. LEAVE SUCH GOOD GENEALOGICAL TRACKS THAT ANYONE COULD EASILY FOLLOW YOUR PEDIGREE CHARTS, FAMILY GROUP SHEETS, AND DOCUMENTATION TRAIL, AND NO ONE WILL EVER BE ABLE TO QUESTION WHERE YOU OBTAINED THE INFORMATION SHOWN IN YOUR RECORDS, NOR, EXACTLY WHAT IT SAID!! SYNOPSIS Pedigree analysis is a continual process, not a onetime proposition. It should be used with each new link created in the genealogical chain, for each new Family Group Sheet obtained/created, each generation added to your pedigree chart, and at any other time you want to review or analyze the results of your own or someone else's genealogical research. Three of the major objective of pedigree analysis might be stated as follows:

1. TO HELP INSURE THAT CORRECT PEDIGREE OR ANCESTRAL LINES ARE ESTABLISHED

2. THAT ALL MEMBERS OF ANCESTRAL FAMILIES ARE UNIQUELY IDENTIFIED AND PROPERLY PLACED WITHIN THEIR OWN FAMILY UNIT.

3. TO IDENTIFY, DEFINE, AND ESTABLISH RESEARCH GOALS –You cannot build a solid house on a flawed base.

******************* Start with a large Pedigree Chart ( 12 or 15 generation ) and a Family Group Record The process of pedigree analysis is greatly facilitated when genealogical information has been recorded on a large pedigree chart. For each person identified record a family group record in PAF. This allows for quick overview and acts as a guide leading to the PRACTICE of pedigree analysis which consists of looking for and identifying:

A. MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION – “about” dates, “probably born” places, or “could have been” a son, daughter, father, mother etc.

Missing Temple data ~ use PAF Insights© $28.00 at www.ohanasoftware.com and Update My Records at FHL. ( on Temple Ready program) Always use the earliest temple dates !

B. DISCREPANT OR CONFLICTING INFORMATION – birth dates and marriages don’t add up. Look at the large pedigree chart and notice if all generations match within 20 years or less.

C. QUESTIONABLE INFORMATION – which pieces of information do not fit, or lack thereof, this then becomes your research goal.

Using Lists For Analyzing Your Pedigree

1. Possible problems ..

2. LDS Incomplete individual ordinances

3. LDS Incomplete marriage sealings

4. Duplicate individuals ( usually happens when merging two data bases)

5. Unlinked individuals

6. End of line individuals –a starting point for new research

ALWAYS Preview before you print

SOME GENERAL GUIDELINES TO USE WHEN ANALYZING PEDIGREE CHART AND FAMILY GROUP SHEET INFORMATION –

1. U.S. population movement was generally East to West..but not always.

 Initial settlements were on or near waterways

 The paths of “least resistance” were followed

 Rivers and canals were used as highways

 Old Indian trails became roads

 Neighbors tended to move together and/or settle near each other

 Ethnic groups tended to move together and/or settle near each other

 Religious groups tended to move together and/or settle near each other

 Extended family members tended to live with and/or near each other

1. European population movement may have depended upon the time period and what was going on in that country. For example, when the Huguenots were being persecuted, they went South, East, West and North, and across the ocean, depending upon which country offered them refuge at the time. When Catherine the Great opened Russia to settlement by large groups of basically ethnic Germans, thousands of people moved from West to East. Conversely, when these people's descendants felt the heavy yoke of later Russian leaders, they left en masse - traveling East to West!

2. A female's child-bearing years could range from 12-50+! Search minimally from before the marriage date through age 50 for children.

3. A male usually married between 20 to 25, Women between 18 to 20

4. First child was born within a year or two of marriage

5. Stillborn didn’t always mean born dead, but can mean only lived a short time.

6. Only "natural" birth control was available in earlier time periods. Gaps of more than 3 years between the births of children should be thoroughly documented. Known stillborns should be listed in their proper chronological sequence.

7. First child was usually born where parents were married.

8. There should be at least 2-3, and if possible 4 levels of locality/jurisdiction listed for any major life event (birth, christening, marriage, death, burial). Know the levels of Jurisdictons for the country you are recording For example:

PloRstad (farm (address), Lenvik (parish), Troms (county), Norway ( country ) !! Use only governmental jurisdictions on Pedigree Chart and Family Group Records ~ Record addresses like 1234 Broadway, in Notes or as comments in Sources. Be consistent, however, in how and where you add these addresses St. Mary's (city), Chester (parish within city), Cheshire (county), England Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States

Cemetery names should go in burial sources not in Burial field. Record the name of Cemetery in Sources if you have used a cemetery record to validate burial information. Or record in “notes”; Buried: Casey Cemetery, Seven Springs ,(city/town), Wayne (county), North Carolina

9. Think PHONETICALLY!!! There were no spelling/grammar rules until this century in most of the world. Names and places were spelled as the RECORD-KEEPER'S EARS HEARD AND Their native tongue INTERPRETED THEM ! ! If you come across a name or place that is phonetically plausible to yours DO NOT DISREGARD IT ! I indexed a record last week that had spelled the name Gustav as Gustuff. Another record generated from a New York census was obviously take be a person with a Bronx accent as all As were written down as “r” s; Maria was written as Marir etc. We as indexers must write them as they are spelled.

10. Handwriting ~Search creatively – when reading an original document or using an extracted one, get familiar with both the handwriting and incorrect spelling. A’s can look like o’s and even “u”s . Small “e” is difficult because it can be mistaken for an “I”. “W” can look like “M” , “L” like “S” the old double ss is often mistaken for a “ p” as the last name Bass can look like Bap and so forth. Look on internet for hand writing deciphering A fun one http://amberskyline.com/treasuremaps/oldhand.html Below is a letter chart from indexing. This can give you some clues. Hint! Compare how the writer made letter on names and words you can identify. When searching an indexed record always refer to the original to find missing names knowing handwriting can be hard to read and spelling can be questionable at best. I indexed a record last week that had spelled the name Gustav as Gustuff. Another record generated from a New York census was obviously take be a person with a Bronx accent as all As were written down as “r” s; Maria was written as Marir etc. We as indexers must write them as they are spelled.

SOME GUIDELINES FOR NOTE-KEEPING AND RECORDING YOUR DATA…..

OR HOW TO FRUSTRATE A FUTURE "PEDIGREE ANALYZER" OF YOUR WORK BECAUSE THEY WON'T BE ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT!!!!

 Make “Tags” in your notes to designate information that is true/has been proved, but might appear questionable to someone else looking at your records. Make sure it is thoroughly documented and put it in your computer notes or written format, whichever note-keeping style you use. For example:

VERIFIED:"Johannah Carol Maria Bodon is the true name of child number 3 on his FGS. Elb Parish, Brandenburg, Germany; Film No. 123408, p. 10, entry 2". DESCREMPANCY: Bible records birth of John McQuen has Oct 15 1925, however birth certificate gives date as Oct 15 1926 we have determined birth certificate is valid as bible record was recorded twenty years after birth. NEEDS FURTHER RESERCH:...There is quite a mix up between the parents of Robert. His grandson says in his handwritten history the father of Robert was George Baker and Catherine ( may be Paige )of Donhead, Wiltshire, England . Another researcher has his parents as Robert and Ann in Stratfordshire. Robert was born in Stratfordshire, a sesrch of parish records is needed.

 Capitalize all letters of the SURNAME/SURNAMES (FAMILY NAME/S). ( see preferences in PAF under tools/names ) record names as they would be said, first, middle, last. Thomas Angel DIDRIKS

 Write dates as DAY (numbers), MONTH (3 letters), YEAR. 10 Jul 1650, 2 Feb 1956 DO NOT USE NUMBERS FOR THE MONTHS, OR LIST ONLY PART OF A YEAR !

 Write/spell all localities out in FULL, from smallest to largest area or jurisdiction! Family Insights© will speed up this cleanup process $28.00. In Insights go to edit places and expand fully all abbreviated jurisdictions Put United States after all States and United Kingdom after all English jurisdictions. Free at FHL or download both programs online at www.ohana software.com

 Use the "English" version of the country name, but do record the native language spelling of the locality name and list the source in the notes/documentation for the problem. For example:

The birthplace of a European born grandmother should not be listed as, "Albrechtsflor, Torontal, Urn", but rather as "Albrechtsflor, Torontal, HUNGARY". To find corresponding modern place names “Google it”. Copy the old place name and paste it in the search engine. REMEMBER - USE GOOD METHODICAL RESEARCH PRACTICES –ACCURATELY RECORD YOUR FINDINGS- THEN SHARE !!!!

Lesson #4 Gather What Has Already Been Done

Gather What Has Already Been Done.

Gather from your family any compiled genealogy or other information; Bibles, Diaries and Journals, Biographies, Letters, Memorial Cards, Church records, civil records, citizenship records, fraternal Records, Funeral Cards Genealogical records, Histories, Legal papers, Military Records, Newspaper Clippings; birth, marriage, obituaries, social page, School Records, Albums, Photographs.

Pedigree Resource File* – These are family genealogy and are the most current records PRF, or Pedigree Resource File, is a rapidly expanding collection of family trees submitted by people worldwide to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . The Church publishes these family trees in CD and DVD sets. PRF currently contains 140-million names; however, the collection continues to grow as thousands of people submit their family trees each month. You can go to www.Familysearch.org impute the names you are looking for and see if they appear in the PRF However it can only be accessed for download at the FHC or by buying the sets. Some features are you can download a partial pedigree or as many generations as you want. For contact purposes they have the names address and sometimes the email of the submitter . ! CAUTION. Do not import this record or any record into you database until it has been first verified and corrected.

DOS Ancestral file .* The are the original genealogy Records published by the church in the old DOS operating system from the old Archive sheets. This file has not been updated since the early 1990’s however don’t pass it by because there are hundreds of genealogies that are on this database that are fund nowhere else.( only available at FHC ) Bring a3x5 floppy as the program does not recognize the flashdrives. This record cannot found on the Internet or familysearch site..only at FHC and not all of them still have this record. We have it at the Ivins FHC.

Ancestral File- http://www.familysearch.org/ This program was the first to go online and has many of the records that the pervious DOS version had..however some record it seems were lost. These are linked family genealogies but you can only print or download the files five generations at a time. This requires a knowledge of match/merging and how to download and upload GEDCOMS. Most of the 4 generation pedigree charts and family Group Record that were originally kept in the Genealogy Library have been transcribed in addition the patron generated 4 generation records in the eighties and early nineties. You can also access this from the menu bar in PAF go to “tools” then scroll down to “familysearch internet” genealogy service. Bring the person you want to search in primary position in PAF after you have brought up familysearch.org then click on this button in tools menu. This will take you directly into what records are available instead of having to type in the name on the sites search page.

New Family Search - http://www.new.familysearch.org/ This is the new website for collaborative genealogy. This site is not yet available in all places. A username and password are required which you must use your confirmation date and church record number to register for access to the records.. Lessons for using this site are available on this. The concept behind this site is to correct and combine all duplicate records submitted to the church through its previous programs; Four Generations, Ancestral File, and Pedigree Resource File. Temple work will now be prepared from this program replacing Update My Records and Temple Ready now used at the FHC. There are cautions with using the information from these records as there are with any collaborative genealogy. The records are only as good as the sources and those who interoperated the sources. Many errors have been found, good research practices and sources are needed to correct these records.

Online collaborating websites

Ancestry.com – http://www.ancestry.com/  This is free at some Family History Centers. One of the premiere search sites for collaborating with others and getting records for verification of personal data. Fee Based . $160 a year for United States and $300 for the world access. The search is free and depending on what records you find it may be worth it.

Google it. http://www.google.com/ then in search field put genealogy+name you want searched.

Altavista.com - http://www.altavista.com/ search engine then in search field put genealogy+name you want searched

Rootsweb.org - http://www.rootsweb.org/ (Free)

• Name Search (Family Tree) to see what other people have completed.
• Sources noted
• Email addresses of those that have added informtion
• SSDI
• US city /County locator (if you have a city and not a county it will locate the county)

Cyndis list - http://www.cyndislist.com/ (Free)This has a ton of information


US Gen Web - http://www.usgenweb.org/ (Free)The information here is updated by voluteers and varies in each area. This one you go to the state then the county for information.

World Gen Web - http://www.worldgenweb.org/ - (Free)The information here is updated by voluteers and varies in each area. This one you go to the continent then the country for information.


http://www.genealogy.com/ (Free)This is a message board with additional information

Temple ordinances records

Update My Records ( part of the Temple Ready program at FHC ) not updated since Dec 1999 but quicker.

Purchase A 15 Generation Pedigree Chart

You can purchase these 15 generation pedigree charts at the Bargain Bookstore 634-9001 address 116 E St City Center St George about $1.00 or Stevenson’s Genealogy Center in Provo 801 374-9600 they ship next day.

Lesson #3 Pedigree Charts

Pedigree Chart

Your Genealogy Road Map lesson # 3

In order to get a sense of where you have been and where you need place your research efforts, a 12 or 15 generation pedigree chart is essential. Most computer programs limit their pedigree charts to no more than six generation. This is nowhere near the information you need to successfully plot your research objectives.

Rules ~

1. Only record in pen a record information which is accurate and documented. Use pencil for all other information.

2. Use only fine tip ball point, archival quality ink, and non-smear pens ( no felt pens as they bleed to the back of the chart and fade or smear if moisture gets to your record)

3. Update you pedigree as you discover new and valid information.

4. Use correct data recording practices- (see handout How to correctly record data on Family Group Record)

5. Record in four colors;

Paternal (father’s line ) -Black

Paternal-maternal ( father’s mother ) -Red

Maternal-paternal ( mother’s father)- - Blue

Maternal-maternal - ( mothers’s mother ) -Green

Dividing your lines in four colors facilitates your research objectives and creates a baseline for organizing and preserving your research records into coordinating folders or files. Even if you don’t use this filing system it helps define your lines for research purposes.

Correctly Recording Information

On Pedigree Charts And Family Group Records

1. Only record proven records on pedigree charts ( use pencil until you know this name is correct and sourced.

2. Name field~ write as spoken first, middle, last. Capitalize last name.

 Last name unknown: Henry/ /

 First name unknown / Smith/

 Wife’s first name is known Elizabeth / / Do not put husband last name in her surname field. Mrs Joseph Jones is acceptable

 Titles such as; Jr, lll, are recorded after surname slash. John /Jones/ Jr.

 James K. Jones is correct - do not put quote marks around initials

 Jim Smith or Smyth is correct if spelling varies ( you can also put the other spelling in notes)

 Hyphenated names Oliva /Newton-John/ is recorded this way.

 Do not put descriptive titles in name field, such as infant, stillborn,Miss, Mr. Dr. twin, Reverand, carpenter etc..

3. Gender field if you are not sure of gender put unknown if you have a gender neutral name such as Ardrian record as male for ordinance purposes, make a note of uncertainty in notes.

4. Date fields ~

 Day Month ( first three letters) year full year 1995.

DO NOT USE NUMBERS FOR THE MONTHS, OR LIST ONLY PART OF A YEAR !

 For calculated dates ( dates estimated from census records for example) record ca 1850 for estimated dates abt 1850 . Note try to find better records for calculated and about dates

 A calculated date is considered a guess date helps you look in the right timeframe when searching for that person. Important when guessing a woman married between 17 to 20 a man 20 to 25 a first child was born a year after marriage, a subsequence children every 2 years.

 Christening field is not for LDS blessings. Put these in notes.

 More than one date note the second date in notes with a tag NFR ( Needs Further Research)

Key words for death dates; stillborn, infant, Child, infant,or child

5. Place Field ~

 Write/spell all localities out in FULL, from smallest to largest jurisdiction Record city, county, state, country for United States example: Salt Lake city, Salt Lake, Utah, United States, each jurisdiction is divided by a comma and a space behind the jurisdiction.

 Calculated places listed as “of” example; of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States. ( In PAF if you don’t guess the program will and these places are seen in brackets < > ). The first child was probably born where parents married. If a person was born and died in a jurisdiction they were probably married there and all the children born there.

 Use the "English" version of the country name, but do record the native language spelling of the locality name and list the source in the notes/documentation for the problem. For example:

The birthplace of a European born grandmother should not be listed as, "Albrechtsflor, Torontal, Urn", but rather as "Albrechtsflor, Torontal, HUNGARY".

6. Death Place Field

 Death place field Do not put name of cemetery here. Put political jurisdiction. Record cemetery in notes or sources.

 Unknown death date put Dead, Deceased, Child, Infant or stillborn.

 Missing city record , Wayne, North Carolina, United States

 Missing name of county record Seven Springs, , North Carolina, United States.

 Do not put the word county or co after a county the commas designate the position as a county.

7. Christening Field ~ do not put LDS blessing dates in this field

8. Ordinace fields

 Baptism date; day, month, year. For child who died under eight record infant, child or stillborn. They will still need to be sealed to their parents if not born in the covenant.

 Baptism place is the temple where ordinance was preformed or LVG if it was done while living

 Endowment same guideline for adult day, month, year

 Sealings - BIC if parents were sealed before child . If a sealing should not occur, type DNS. F sealing occurred in life and was then cancelled, type CAN in sealing date field.

Online Family History Lessons

http://261.byu.edu/
Introduction  to BYU introduction lessons online,


Lesson 1.1 - Gathering Family Information

Lesson 1.2 - Learning PAF

Lesson 2 - New Family Search

Lesson 3.1 -  The Five-Step Research Process

Lesson 3.2 - Family History Centers

Lesson 3.3 - GEDCOMS

Lesson 4.1 -  The Research Wiki

Lesson 4.2 - Record Search

Lesson 4.3 -  Family Search Indexing

 Lesson 5 - New Family Search: Submitting names for Temple Work

Lesson 6 - Other Programs

Another Free Learning site from BYU this is free but you must register. The classes are great and ineteractive. You can go at your own speed.

http://ce.byu.edu/courses/pe/999015068001/public/start.htm

BACK UP FILES

BACK-UP AND RESTORE PAF FILES

Things to remember:

 Your backup is your main file, (not the one on the hard drive.)

 Remember that files left on the hard drive may crash, be deleted, or be altered by someone else using that computer.

 It is wise to have more than one backup (.zip) file on different disks.

 You can transport your file to another computer via the backup disk.

 Your Paf file (Loueen 5G.paf) and your backup (Loueen 5G.zip) both carry the same name. You do not need to add the suffix because the computer adds the suffix (.zip) automatically.

Backup your file from PAF:

1. Insert the data disk in Drive A or, if using a flash drive, in the USB port. ( if using USB you must put in drive before opening PAF)

2. Click File, Backup (displays the Backup File to... screen)

3. Verify Save in field contains the USB port pkbak. E, G, F or A for floppy

4. Verify that the name of your file is in the File Name field. (add a date extension so you know when this file was last worked on, and you may want to make two or three different backups in case you want to go back to a previous version of your file)

5. Click the Backup button.

6. Click YES when asked, About to replace....Are you sure? ( If you have given the file a different name or date it will not ask you this question)

7. Click OK

Restore your file:

1. Verify the backup disk is in Drive A or the USB port.

2. Click on File, Restore.

3. The Restore File From screen appears.

4. Click on the name of the .zip file you wish to restore so it will appear in the File Name box.

5. Click on the Restore button

6. Click YES when asked, About to replace...Are you sure?

7. Click OK

Family History Terms

FAMILY HISTORY TERMS

PAF: PERSONAL ANCESTAL FILE – A package of computer software programs to be used on a personal computer, allowing you to type in names, dates, and places and link them to families for pedigrees, family groups, and other reports. Download free from www.familysearch.org

FLASH-DRIVE; A storage devise to hold computer files outside your computer.

FILE FOLDER: A place where records are stored, like a file drawer.

FILE: A particular record, like in a file folder in the file drawer.

RIN: RECORD IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. If you choose PAF assigns a RIN number to each person. This is set up in preferences in the tool menu. Choose “names” tab then check RINS in “append to names” box.

MRIN: MARRIAGE RECORD IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. PAF assigns this number.

AFN: ANCESTRAL FILE NUMBER – assigned by the Family History Center in SLC.

BACKUP: This is the command by which we save our files to a Flash-Drive or CD.

ZIP: This is a file extension indicating that this is a PAF 5 backup.

RESTORE: This is the command to restore our backup to a computer.

GEDCOM: (.GED) GENEALOGICAL DATA COMMUNICATIONS - A temporary “suitcase”

used to transport the information from one source or file to another file while

preserving the information and linkages in their original form. GEDCOMS occur

through the “EXPORT” feature or command. RIN numbers do not go with GEDCOMS.

New RIN numbers are assigned when it is imported into another file.

IMPORT: This is the command to restore our backup to a computer

MATCH/MERGE: The process of combining 2 records of the same individual into one.

PAF INSIGHTS: an add-on program for PAF that facilitates checking for missing or incorrect temple ordinances, Corrects errors in your computer software program. Splits your large database for more manageable searching. Correcting places. Merges two databases. Reassigns RIN s (can show you as #1) and more, faster and easier. You’ll need to register on Familysearch before you can use the Temple feature.

( Found in the Tools menu after you have purchased and downloaded the program.)

PAF PAL: A fee based supplemental computer program that allows you to expand old postal U.S. codes and add USA to all states in compliances with the New Family Search, Can delete “ submitted” and “cleared” from your database, and more. ( Found in the Tools menu after you have purchased and downloaded the program.)

TEMPLE READY: This program is used to update temple ordinances and to submit names

for temple work. Only at Family History Library unless you have access to New Family Search

ANCESTRAL FILE: LDS church-owned program into which members and non-members

previously submitted pedigrees. (Current submittals go to Pedigree Resource File)

IGI: INTERNATIONAL GENEALOGICAL INDEX – LDS church-owned records of names where

temple work has been done prior to January 2000. (Note: Ordinance information

does not show unless you “sign in” with your user ID and password.)

IIGI: INTERNET INTERNATIONAL GENEALOGICAL INDEX – Now accessed through PAF Insights. These are LDS church-owned records of names where temple work has been done as soon as 3-5 days ago. This also includes the IGI records. (You must “sign in” with User ID and password to access Temple Ordinance dates.)

PEDIGREE RESOURCE FILE: LDS church-owned program in which members and
non-members can submit pedigrees to share. (Current submittals go here.) You can download information on a GEDCOM and upload to a new PAF file in your computer. You can go online at familyseach.org to see if your information is there, however as of 2007/8 you can only download it at the FHC. These records will be included in the New Family Search program when it is available in our area.

SSDI: Social Security Dearth Index. Linked with Familysearch.org. A computer file that contains death reported to the United Stated Social Security Administration. Most records begin in 1962, however the file does contain a few deaths that occurred before that date.

! For more definitions go to “help” on PAF menu bar and choose Glossary

Lesson #2 The Three Main Phases in Genealogy Research

The Three Main Phases in Genealogy Research

Lesson # 2 -

 1st Phase In Research

1. Gather What Has Already Been Done.

A. Gather from your family any compiled genealogy or other information;

Bibles, Diaries and Journals, Biographies, Letters, Memorial Cards, Church records, civil records, citizenship records, fraternal Records, Funeral Cards Genealogical records, Histories, Legal papers, Military Records, Newspaper Clippings; birth, marriage, obituaries, social page, School Records, Albums, Photographs.

B. Pedigree Resource File * ( online at http://www.familysearch.org/, http://www.new.familysearch.org/   but only accessed at FHC ) C. DOS ancestral file .* ( only available at FHC ) D. Ancestral File ( online at familysearch.org ) E. Online collaborated genealogies ie www.ancestey.com etc. Google the name. F. Update My Records ( part of the Temple Ready program at FHC ) G. Use Insights** IIGI -searches the IIGI checks for Temple ordinances *These records need verification, ie: sources. In God we trust all others need sources !

**ROOTS MAGIC and PAF Pal are both programs commercial programs that work with PAF as an add-on. Purchase and download at http://www.rootsmgic.com/ PAF PAL Expand postal code abbreviations - Adds USA to places with US states if you are submitting Temple Names without using PAF Insight, You are submitting duplicates. If you have access to New Family Search you can download your genealogy from this site. Corrects errors in your database, edits incorrect places, and merges two data bases, assign RIN’s they way you want them, split large files into smaller more manageable ones for easier research.

2. Use forms to record –some forms are free at familysearch.org On tool bar Click “Library” tab then look on left in gold strip and choose “Family History publications” then “ Forms.”

Also there are blank pedigree charts and Family Group Record in the Print option in PAF.

A. Pedigree Charts 12 or 15 generations. color code black, red, blue green ( see handout) for research purposes.

B. Family Group Records – One for each family on your Pedigree chart ( these should first be recorded in PAF then printed out as needed for research purposes).

C. Research Log- organize your searches and record where you have been

D. Time line - also on the internet( ourtimeline.com a fun site to generate several types of timelines ..( see handout for example )

E. To Do List- helps you set goals

F. Note book or file folder for each line you are researching. Color co-ordinate to Pedigree Chart.

3. Record and correct what you have gathered in Roots Magic or PAF. Split you major line into smaller lines for research purposes. It is recommended that they are no larger then 1000 individuals. Correct the data and record them accurately Document with good sources. .

A. Find duplicate people and Match Merge them.

B. Possible Problems -In PAF choose File from “Menu Bar” and select “ Print Reports” the “lists” tab then choose “ possible problems”.

C. Use PAF Insights to correct dates, places, names,

D. Anchor unknown and unlinked persons ( usually women whose maiden name is not known) There should not be unknown in your database

E. In PAF Pal* Expand postal codes to full name of state, Canadian provinces or Great Britain counties.

F. Expand all abbreviated places; cities, counties, parishes etc.

G. Add or expand USA to United States or the name of the country to all place names.

H. Use correct sources and document them accurately.

4. Determine who needs ordinance work and submit to the Temple. The New Family Search will show that information, In PAF choose File then Print Reports and then the “lists” tab;

A. Print out missing dates for incomplete Individual Ordinances

B. Print incomplete Marriage ordinances

C. Update my records in Temple Ready will generate a list of missing ordinances as well and indicate what missing information you need to find before you can submit.

D. Update temple ordinances in Insights IIGI ( always use earliest dates this is always the authentic date )

5. Submit your qualified, family members for ordinances 

6. Share by submitting your updated and correct record to the Pedigree Resource file.

2nd Phase in Genealogy - New Research

1. Prayerfully select family you want to research – Use good research practices ( see handout “Research Process” lesson #10 or online http://261.byu.edu/lesson5.html )

2. Start with compiled genealogies ( someone has already researched these lines )

A. Search on www.familysearch.com , www.Ancestry.com or other search sites for your family

B. Use the computer and do a search for your surname or other pertinent records. This called a Boolean Search or “Google it “

C. Put a query on the web in Family Search, Rootsweb, Ancestry ( fee based) or Genforum.com and advertise that you are seeking information about your ancestor. You can also locate the place where your ancestor lived and place a query on a local site like a state, town or country

D. Books on your surname

3. Use Research Papers from familysearch.org on the jurisdiction you are searching to determine what sources are available in the timeframe they lived to aid in locating your ancestor.

4. Choose what record will best solve your research objective

Church Records –Parish Records

Birth Death Marriage LDS ward records and more.

LDS census Record

Government Records; both federal and state

Birth (after 1910) Tax Records (State & county) Death records Land Records Marriage records SSDI (Social Security Index) after 1960 Census Military Records SSDI (Social Security Index) after 1960 Immigration Indian Affaires Voter registration Mortality schedules http://www.accessgenealogy.com

Court Records

Probate –Wills Naturalization Papers Estate Records Orphan / Guardian Records Penitentiary asylum

Newspapers

Obituaries Birth announcements Marriage & Anniversary Personal stories

5. Where Do I find the Records ?

a. Use libraries; both online and onsite to find the sources for your research objectives.

b. Use online databases and indexes www. ancestry.com has contracted with several governmental agencies as has www.vitalrecords.com

c. Government and archives ( addresses and phone numbers) some records can be found on line

d, Use search engines to find record and address like www.google.com , www.altavista.com , www.yahoo.com , www.msn.com www.ask.com

6. Evaluate your sources ( primary sources over secondary sources ) and then when you feel this correct add this information to your data.

7. Document your sources in Roots Magic or PAF and also record in your “research log”.

8. Add to and update your records When determined that this information is correct add to you Pedigree Chart and you PAF. Remember to add only correct information and always add your sources to this file as you go.

Third Phase ~ Prepare To Submit and Share

If you have the New Family Search submit through this site if not

1. Update My Records at FHC

2. Insights IIGI

3. Submit to Temple Ready

4. Share -Submit to www.familysearch.org ( at familysearch.org you choose “share” tab and register . Then create a GEDCOM and upload your files to this site

Lesson # 2 - Gather Family Information

Gather Family Information
Lesson 2

Finding Family Information


You can begin identifying your ancestors by gathering information about yourself, your siblings,
your parents, and your grandparents. Typically, information about these close relatives is readily
available simply by talking to them, or searching through home sources. If you have not done so
already, you should interview older close family members as soon as possible to obtain their life
histories.

Information You Should Gather

You will want to gather the following types of information:

· Name, including first name, middle name, and last name (surname). You will want to
learn the maiden surname of female ancestors (the surname at birth)

· Gender: male or female

· Birth date and place (or date and place of baptism or christening in a church)

· Marriage date and place

· Death, burial, or cremation, date and place

· Biographical information

· Religious affiliation

· Migrations

· Social and economic status, education, and occupation

· Military service

· Ethnic background

· Participation in community, organization, social, and historical events

· Naming practices

To locate living relatives, you can search Internet sites such as http://www.whitepages.com/  or
http://www.peoplesearch.com/.

Family Sources of Information

To increase your accuracy, ask family members if they have created or stored any documents
containing family history information. You should compare memories and oral traditions with
information from these other sources. Here is a list of records you or they may have:

Bibles

Family Bibles may contain a few pages devoted to genealogical records
of the family (births, marriages, and deaths). Information found in a
family Bible should be carefully evaluated, and if possible, confirmed by
other sources.

Diaries and Journals

From the standpoint of family history, diaries and journals are invaluable.
They should be carefully studied for genealogical information.
Biographies Often, unpublished biographies are found among the loose papers of a
relative. Unscholarly, poorly written, and illogical as they may sometimes
seem, they are still priceless to the family historian.

Letters

Old letters are the most informal and intimate family sources. Note the
addresses, names of the correspondents, postmarks, and dates for
useful information.

Memorial Cards and
Funeral Programs

Genealogical data on funeral memorabilia includes date of birth, place of
birth, date of death, place of burial, and age at death.
Church Records These records include certificates of birth, baptism (or christening),
marriage, advancement, death, and funeral notices.

Civil Records

Competent civil recorders prepared birth, marriage, and death
certificates usually near the date of the event.

Citizenship Records

The records of immigrant ancestors may contain citizenship papers,
dates of arrival, ports of embarkation and debarkation, and other details.

Fraternal Records

Freemasons, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Knights of
Columbus, etc., preserve biographical sketches of their membership.

Genealogical Records

Other family members and ancestors may have compiled genealogical
records. Inquire about both paper and digital files.

Histories

Occasionally, a manuscript history in the handwriting of an ancestor is
found. Verification with supporting evidence is helpful in such instances.

Legal Papers

Family members may have preserved legal documents. Included in this
category are wills, deeds, mortgages, and land grants. These are
valuable because of the names, dates, and places mentioned.

Military Records

Search for discharge papers, pension records, service records, medals,
ribbons, etc.

Newspaper Clippings

Many families have collections of newspaper clippings relevant to family
history.

Occupational Records

Apprenticeship records, awards, citations, and other occupational
achievements are often found in the home.

School Records

School attendance records and graduation certificates provide
genealogical data.

Albums

Photograph albums are among the most cherished family records. Ask
older relatives about their pictures and label them as soon as possible.

Analyzing Family Information

Occasionally, when recording information from various sources you will find conflicting
information. A document prepared near to the event date or a document created by a reliable
witness takes precedence over later records, tradition, and distant memories. However, you
should be aware that although clerks made every effort to talk to informed witnesses, they relied
on available information. Some errors have crept into original records because of forgetful or
confused witnesses who described events many years after they happened. Resolving these
discrepancies is an important part of correctly identifying your ancestors.

Keys to Correctly Identifying Your Ancestor

· Ancestors are commonly identified by their name, date and place of birth, and other
events in their lives.

· Ancestors can be linked to a spouse, children, parents, brothers, and sisters.

· Ancestors can be identified by occupation, property ownership, and physical description.

· Does the ancestor live at the right time and in the right place?

· Is the ancestor married to the right person?

· Do the names of the ancestor's children match the names you have gathered?

· The more identifying characteristics of an ancestor you find, the greater likelihood you
have found your ancestor from among their neighbors with similar surnames.

Recording Family Information

Two of the best tools for recording family history information is Roots Magic or  in Personal Ancestral File (PAF).


Assignment

Assignment #1 -- Gather Family Information

Gather information about your family either by mail, phone, email, or interview. Try to

gather 4-5 generations of information on your ancestors. Use a blank pedigree chart and

family group sheets to assist you. This information may not be turned in (check with your

instructor), but your efforts will appear on your next assignment.