Compiled Genealogies

Record Types

Compiled Genealogies

What Compiled Genealogies Are

The term compiled genealogy is used to describe a variety of records containing family information previously gathered by other researchers, societies, or archives. These records can include pedigree charts, compiled data on families, correspondence, ancestor lists, research exchange files, record abstracts, and collections of original or copied documents. Because compiled genealogies are secondary sources of information, they must be carefully evaluated and original records found to verify accuracy.

How to Find Compiled Genealogies

Online Family Trees

• FamilySearch Genealogies at FamilySearch
• Public Member Trees at Ancestry ($)

Online and Published Books

• FamilySearch Digital Library at FamilySearch - online books, requires free account
• Internet Archive at Internet Archive - online books
• JSTOR ($)
• HathiTrust
• Google Books

Catalogs

• WorldCat Catalog at WorldCat - gives libraries books are located in
• FamilySearch Catalog at FamilySearch - includes links to online books when available, requires free account

Compiled Genealogies by Location

• Category:Compiled Genealogies

Strategies for Using Compiled Genealogies

• Some regional or local repositories or societies may have additional compiled genealogies. See Archives and Libraries and Societies for more resources.

Process for Locating Periodicals

• Check magazine indexes, such as PERSI.
• Copy the following from the index:
  • Title of the magazine.
  • Number of the series, volume, or issue.
  • Date, if given.
  • Title of the article.
  • Author of the article.
  • Page number, if given.
• Second, obtain the magazine article using the information you found in the index.

Fraudulent Genealogies

• Numerous fraudulent genealogies are known to exist and can be found in any major genealogical library and online.
• See Fraudulent Genealogies for a summary of known fraudulent genealogists.