Table of Contents
Illustrations and Charts xi
Preface xiii
Part 1 Background to Research
1 Understanding Genealogical Research 3
The true nature of research
Genealogy and science
Completing the family picture
Genealogy and historical background
The importance of places
Nothing but the facts
What is expected?
Educational opportunities
A realistic perspective
Family history professions
Conclusion
2 Language, Terminology and Important Issues 29
Language changes and handwriting
Changes in the language
Naming practices
The calendar
3 Surveying, Analysing, and Planning 57
Secondary research: your preliminary survey
Preserve preliminary survey results
Pedigree analysis
Get everybody
Jurisdictions
Locality analysis
Tradition, common sense, and helpful clues
Additional help
4 Evidence 79
Basic definitions
Standard of proof
Types of evidence
Sources vs. evidence
Original and derivative sources
When evidence does not make sense
Conflicting evidence
More information on evidence
5 Libraries and the National Archives (NARA) 99
The purposes of library research
Some important libraries
FamilySearch libraries
A library's online catalog
Library classification systems
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Final observation about library use
6 Reference Works 115
Guides to locality data
Guides to non-original sources
Guides to original sources
Conclusion
7 Organizing and Evaluating Your Research Findings 143
The reasons and the requirements
Note-keeping methods
Research logs and notes
Organizing your research notes
Special searches
Evaluating the information in your notes
One more step: the research report
Reminder notes
Abstracts and forms
Card files and computer indexes
Records relating to correspondence
Concluding thoughts
8 Successful Correspondence 165
Filing documents acquired by correspondence
Analyzing your correspondence results
Review of research note requirements
Writing your letter
Appearance matters
To whom do I write?
Conclusion and checklist
9 Computer Technolgy and Family History 175
Concepts and definitions of modern technology
Technological resources important to family history
Conclusion
10 Family History on the Internet 201
Significant steps and a current perspective
Keeping on track
Major family history websites
Enhancing your search results on these major sites
Other important websites
Conclusion
11 Family History: Going Beyond Genealogy 237
The what and why of family history
Sources
Historical considerations
African American family history and the Freedmen's Bureau records
Writing family history
Objectivity
Part 2 Records and Their Use
12 Compiled Sources and Newspapers 255
Family history and compiled sources
Newspapers
Limitations of compiled sources
Final observation
13 Vital Records 279
Beginning and background
Using vital records for family history
Securing copies of the records
Town meeting records
Record problems
Final observations
14 Census Returns 315
What is the census?
Where are the census population schedules?
Special census indexes
Military service information in the census
Colonial censuses, special enumerations, and state censuses
Important non-population census schedules
Glossary of census terms
15 Using Census Records in Your Research 379
Benefits and uses
Limitations of the census as a family history source
When should the census be searched?
Examples of census use
Conclusion
16 Understanding Probate Records and Legal Terminology 399
Definition and background of probate records
Content and genealogical value
The limitations of probate records
Legal terminology
Important details
17 What About Wills? 423
Kinds of wills
Proving (probating) the will
The contested will
The value of wills
Record problems
Finding and using wills
Help with a difficult problem
18 The Intestate, Miscellaneous Probate Records, and Guardianships 447
The intestate and the probate process
Miscellaneous probate records
Guardianships
Conclusion
19 Government Land: Colonial and American 469
Background
Land from the colonial government
After the Revolution
History of land entries in the public domain
Records created by land entry in the public domain
Land patents from the BLM
Texas
Other state-land states
20 Local Land Records 495
Land titles
Records that relate to land
Using land records
Tax records
County land ownership maps
Availability of local land records
Conclusion
21 Abstracting Probate and Land Records 529
Abstract vs. extract
The nature of the abstract
Abstracts of deeds
Abstracts of wills
22 Court Records and Family History 547
Background and definition
A misconception
The American court system
Records and our access to them
Legislative records
Adoption records
Note on Virginia's independent cities
Case reports, reporters, and digests
Conclusion
23 Property Rights of Women as a Consideration 575
Background
Real estate conveyances
Laws and customs relating to inheritance
Conclusion
24 Church Records and Family History 585
Types of records
The nature of the records
Locating church records
25 Immigrant Ancestor Origins: American Finding Aids 625
Immigration records: their nature and value
Locating and using immigration records
Passport applications
Conclusion
26 Military Records: Colonial Wars and the American Revolution 653
Background and history
The records
Colonial wars
The Revolutionary War
Using Revolutionary War records
Loyalists and the Revolutionary War
27 Military Records: After the Revolution 689
Between the Revolution and Fort Sumter
The Civil War, 1861-65
Military actions following the Civil War
The Regular Army or Regular Establishment
World War I and beyond
State military records and records relating to civilians
Printed military sources
When to use military records
Conclusion
28 Cemetery and Burial Records 727
Background
Gravestone and monument inscriptions
Access to cemetery records
Sextons' records
Help in finding the records
Records of funeral directors
Conclusion
Index 739
