Gathering Family Information

This lesson discusses the importance of doing background research in compiled sources that provide clues as to where to look for information in primary records. This lesson also discusses how to use various types of compiled sources in the initial process of family history research.

FamilySearch has a Search Help​ section with various tools that you can suggest for beginning research. This applies to this lesson as well as Lesson 6. There are many excellent tools found here! This would be a great tool to give to class members.

Handout

Click here to view or download the Lesson 5b handout

Additional Resources

Primary and Compiled Sources

• What is a compiled source?

  • Records of research on individuals and families already done by others, such as family histories, biographies, or genealogies with pedigree charts and family group records. They can also include gathered information taken from primary sources, such as published cemetery inscriptions or published marriage records.

• What is a primary source?

  • A primary source is a record created at the time of an event in a person's life, for example, birth and death certificates, marriage records, probate records, deeds, and census records.

• Tips for using Compiled Sources

  • Always check the original primary source. If you are looking at a published collection of cemetery inscriptions or marriage records, there is a possibility that errors were made in the process of compiling that information. A good rule of thumb is to always verify information found in compiled sources with the original records.
  • Even though compiled records can be extremely helpful, some information may be inaccurate or incomplete. Always carefully evaluate the information you find. For example, some information found on Family Tree or other online family trees are from compiled sources, and should be evaluated and verified for accuracy. Information found in compiled sources should be treated as clues that can be used to find primary sources that are necessary for verification of dates and relationships.
• Some compiled sources, such as county histories, were put together from stories that were contributed from the personal knowledge of individuals and families, rather than from primary sources.

Initial Research Strategy: Check Compiled Sources for information

This process should be done before moving on to the primary sources. Completing this process will better prepare you for research in primary documents.

1. Search Family Tree or other internet family trees for information about your family.

2. Search for information on the localities that those you are researching live in. For example, it is helpful to know what county those you are researching lived in because a lot of helpful primary records are found at the county level.

   • Knowing the county that your ancestors lived in is key to family history research. If you know the town that an ancestor resided in, but not the county, you can use the RootsWeb Town Search to find out possible counties or states for that locality.

   • Knowing when that county was formed and what counties it was formed from is helpful to know. This information can be found on the Family History Library Catalog​. Conduct a place search for the county. At the top of the page, it will tell you what counties it was formed from and when. Also, Ancestry's Red Book: American State, County and Town Sources or The Handy Book for Genealogists can be used to find similar information. Check the reference section of your local library for a copy of these books.

     • There isn't a standard date when various record types were kept on a county level. These two books can also be used to find out when birth, marriage, death, probate, land, and court records began to be regularly kept in a particular county.
   • The USGen Web Project contains internet websites for genealogical research in every county and every state of the United States. Each state and county page is different, but some can contain very helpful information.
   • Don't overlook maps. They can prove a helpful tool.
   • It is also helpful to learn about the geography of the area where your ancestors resided. Knowing about the terrain, where the water ways and mountains are, etc., can be useful in identifying things such as migration patterns.
   • Online Sources. (See Additional Less​ons and Resources​)
   • FamilySearch Wiki offers free research advice by the community. You can learn about world-wide records, localities, various subjects, and methods. You can also contribute information that you are knowledgeable about.

3. Search the internet for information. Many people post information about their family history on the internet, and you might have a common relative!

   • Use various search engines to conduct a name or surname search! Not every search engine has every available website, so it's a good idea to use more than one.

     • There are different symbols that can be used to make your search more effective. Free Genealogy Search Help for Google might help. Or you can conduct your own search. Don't forget to try various search terms to see different results.
     • The most common searches are where names are placed in quotation marks. Such as "William Long." It could also be helpful to add a locality in the search such as "William Long" AND "Van Buren County, Arkansas."
4. Use the Family History Library Catalog and conduct a surname search. Even if you don't live in Utah, this can help you see what family histories have been written that could contain information about your family. Go to your local library to see if you can obtain the book through interlibrary loan.

Suggested Additional Assignments

Encourage your students to complete the above listed "Initial Research Strategy: Check Compiled Sources for information." This will prepare them for the next lesson which talks about searching primary sources.