Are you stuck on a genealogy problem? There are many ways to tackle tough genealogy projects, but I think the first step should always be—review your research.
We all started our research as a beginner. During that time, we were prone to making mistakes and not fully understanding the records we found. Reviewing prior research can help you recognize those mistakes and any missed or misinterpreted details.
Additionally, as you continue to do research, you learn more and more about the place, time period, and researching in general. Things you know now may help you identify clues that may have seemed unimportant at the time, but now you can see a connection.
Let me share an example.
I have a slippery second great-grandfather who disappears from records after 1902. About ten years ago, I went through every death certificate for the county in which he lived (it was a lot—common name in Chicago!) and ruled out all but one that went in the “maybe” pile. I then broadened my search to nearby counties and ruled them all out. Then I went statewide, and even into nearby states—two went into the “maybe” pile. Digging into these three individuals, I couldn’t find a solid connection to my guy. The issue of his disappearance sat for years.
Fast forward several years, I had new information about this guy, in particular, a baptism record that provided his birth date and middle name. One day, I decided to revisit those “maybe” death certificates. On one (where the death occurred in a county on the opposite side of the state), I noticed the exact same birth date. Hmm. Coincidence? I looked into this individual further.
I found a marriage announcement in the newspaper. It lined up with the information found in the 1910 census, except his first name was different—the kicker?—it was my guy’s middle name. I also found his obituary that indicated he had immigrated about 1880—pretty close to about the time my guy immigrated, and it specifically said “to Chicago” so there was a Chicago connection. There were other bits and pieces that didn’t really add up—but just because it’s in print doesn’t mean it’s true! I found several other records for this guy, studying his every move.
After preparing a timeline for both men, I realized that when one (mine) stopped, the other started. I feel that this is indeed my guy, but I don’t think I have enough information or evidence to properly support this conclusion. The moral of this story is simply to point out that had I not reviewed those earlier-retrieved death certificates, I would have missed the one that seemed like a long shot, but may actually be the one I need. When I reviewed those death certificates, I had all sorts of new information on my guy (birth date, place of birth, immigration year, naturalization date, mother, brother, second marriage after my second great-grandmother, etc.). Some of those new clues now line up with a man I had nearly ruled out years earlier. I’m still working to build a case, but right now, it’s just a theory. Regardless, it’s a lesson learned and a reminder to always review prior research…again…and again…and again…you get the idea.
What types of discoveries have you made when reviewing your research? Please share them in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!
If you’re looking for more ways to tackle tough research problems, check out my FREE guide 8 Brick Wall Busting Strategies.
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