Avoid Getting Stuck with Genealogy Resources

Ellis is making contact with cousins after a long time.

This is based on Chapter 15 of My Best Genealogy Tips: Quick Keys to Ancestry Research. Do you find yourself struggling or losing focus during genealogy research? Many researchers face similar challenges by overlooking key principles that can save time and effort. Consider the following strategies to enhance your search for your ancestors:

The Research Question

Does your research result in piles of information you can’t use? Often, this happens because the objective is too vague. Start by clearly formulating your research question on paper. The further back you go, the more specific your questions should be.

Think about what you already know and what you want to discover:

Ancestor’s name, event places, and dates
Spouse’s name
Descendant’s name
Documented findings
Oral history

A well-defined question transforms information into evidence, rather than leaving you with an unorganized collection of data.

Flawed Assumptions

Incorrect assumptions can lead to wasted time and effort. For example, assuming names were always spelled the same or ignoring boundary changes can cause you to miss critical records. Avoid these pitfalls by:

1. Considering name variations: Your ancestor’s name may have been spelled differently in the past.

Tips for finding deaths (Research Wiki)

Successfully finding death records in online databases depends on a few key points. Try the following search suggestions:

Spelling variations. Your ancestor's name may be misspelled. Search with spelling variations for the first and last name of your ancestor.
Search given name. Search by given name (leave out the last name) with the approximate date of birth or death.
Add information. For common names, add more information to narrow the search such as approximate birth date or parent's names if known.
Date range. Expand the date range of the search by 5 years.
Search state. Search using the state name only instead of by county.

2. Studying boundary changes: Learn about historical boundaries in your ancestor’s locality. For example, see Research Wiki: Jefferson, Alabama Boundary Changes.

3. Creating a timeline: Document historical and personal events during your ancestor’s life. See Research Wiki: Alabama History.

Types of Records and Resources

Identify the types of records that may answer your research question. Use resources like Research Wiki to explore genealogical records in specific localities. For example, see Research Wiki: Alabama.

Accessing Records and Resources

Once you identify relevant records, research where they can be accessed. Explore county and university libraries, archives, societies, and museums in your ancestor’s locality. Many valuable records are found in less obvious places.

Extracting the Facts

Evaluate the quality of your sources and document your findings in a family tree database. A family tree adds structure to your research and helps guide your next steps. Use free tools like *Family Tree* at FamilySearch to add names and sources.

Linking to Further Information

Use your findings to uncover more details. Ask yourself: How can this information lead to additional discoveries? Always record your sources for future reference.

Here are some tips to expand your research:

Examine all names mentioned in a record and research their connections.
Consult wills, probate records, and property records to trace personal and real property.
Research the history of organizations, institutions, or localities for mentions of your ancestor.
Explore the holdings of archives, societies, and libraries by reviewing their online catalogs and publications.
Follow experts in your research area on social media to ask questions and learn from their insights.

By applying these principles, you can overcome common challenges and make meaningful progress in your genealogy journey.