Just as your ancestors named in them, your documents require research.<\/p>\n
I personally like to make a physical copy, on paper,<\/em> of each document so I can study and compare\u00a0each against other records.\u00a0I can write on the document.\u00a0I can do the math right on the document.\u00a0I can pose questions right on the document.\u00a0That is my preference and I create paper files.<\/p>\n I do no<\/strong>t merge the paper files or the documents as research continues\u2014I keep them separate until I am ready to reach my conclusions.<\/strong><\/p>\n You can also digitize or scan\u00a0your documents onto a disc, or computer hard drive, or flash drive.\u00a0Then study them on your computer screen. Your notes are more efficient when they are attached to the documents to which they directly apply.\u00a0So I recommend that you enter each document into your genealogy program separately\u2013do not merge the data or the transcriptions of your documents. <\/strong>And do not bury them in the notes of a compiled family group sheet.<\/p>\n If you link record matches from online genealogy databases, attach the actual document to your ancestor’s file. Remember that online databases may disappear and your link will become fruitless, unless you can retrieve the items from an archived site. Websites also change locations and URL’s. And while I recommend that you identify the call number of\u00a0 items in a library or archive, provide full citations of documents so they can be retrieved in the future if needed. Call numbers can also change.<\/p>\n Hey, this is the integrity behind\u00a0 your research and the conclusions you draw. Don’t overlook this important aspect of the evidence you use. These documents and the environment that produced them is the evidence that builds your family tree.<\/p>\n Pay careful attention<\/strong> to the \u201cshaking leaf\u201d and the record matches and tips which appear on your computer screen as you work with online documents. Major databases and genealogy services allow the computer to assist in your research by suggesting record matches and links to lineages.<\/p>\n Study each one carefully before you attach them to your family tree\u2014oodles of people in the past shared the same identities\u2014names, spouses names, names of children, places of residence, and so on. It is very easy to make a mistake! Your favorite genealogist, Arlene Eakle http:\/\/arleneeakle.com<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n PS Stay tuned for my “go to” list of genealogy recommendations from genealogists who have successfully build family trees and the methods they use.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Just as your ancestors named in them, your documents require research. I personally like to make a physical copy, on paper, of each document so I can study and compare\u00a0each against other records.\u00a0I can write on the document.\u00a0I can do … Continue reading