Use the Information
Step 5: Use the information.
After you have searched records you are ready to use the information you found.
To make best use of the information—
- Evaluate what you found.
- Transfer needed information to the appropriate forms.
- Organize the new records.
- Share your findings.
When you have completed this step, you will have new information organized on family group record and/or pedigree charts. You may also have recorded the information in personal or family history notes.
When you have learned all you wish to learn about a family, share your information with others by contributing it to Ancestral File or by preparing and publishing a book or article or putting up an Internet site.
You will also be ready to start the process again and return to Step 1 to research another objective or individual.
Evaluate the Evidence
Having found one or more records about a person, it is time to evaluate what you found and determine how helpful and reliable it is. For example, a birth date from a birth record is probably more accurate than a birth date derived from a census record.
The records you have found provide evidence relative to your objective. Evidence is information or facts about an event or a situation. The researcher must evaluate if the evidence is valid for meeting the research objective and therefore producing some level of proof. You will want to consider all relevant evidence, but remember that all evidence is not equal.
The process of genealogical research seeks information (facts about events) to answer questions (research objectives) about people. The records we search are the source of the information we seek; therefore you must evaluate both the information you found and the record(s) you found it in. When considering the record, evaluate its—
- relevance
- category
- format
When considering the information, compare it with what you have found in other sources and evaluate the—
- origin of the information
- facts given in the records
- events described
- directness of the evidence
Evaluating all of these elements together will help you determine what level of proof you have found, and if more research is needed. The Genealogical Proof Standard shows how to evaluate and use all the evidence to create a credible proof statement.
Relevance of the Record
The first evaluation to make is whether the record pertains to the person or family being searched. For example, the christening record of a person with the right name about the right time may not be the person you are seeking. Be especially careful when dealing with common names in densely populated areas. Review other records of the locality to determine how common the name may have been in that place.
Category of the Record
Each category of records has to be evaluated differently. Some tend to be more accurate than others.
- Original records tend to be more accurate than compiled records. They were written close in time to the events they record. However, on occasion the recorder may have made a mistake. Infrequently an original record is deliberately falsified, such as "back dating" a marriage to account for the early birth of the first child. Even a source recorded close to the time of the event may have errors.
- Compiled records tend to be easier to use and contain more information. However, they represent a gathering and interpretation of information from one or more other sources. The author may not have had enough information to adequately interpret the other sources. On the other hand, the compiler may have known of errors in the other sources and corrected or explained them in the compilation.
- Finding aids sometimes contain mistakes which can mislead the researcher, such as wrong page numbers in an index.
- Background information is sometimes misinterpreted or applied incorrectly to individual cases. For example, just because most immigrants joined friends or relatives in their new country does not mean your ancestor had relatives when he arrived in his new country.
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Even a source recorded close to the time of the event may have errors. |
Format of the Record
Photographic copies, including microfilm, microfiche, digital, and photocopies are virtually as good as the actual document, although they may sometimes be hard to read. Be on watch for deliberate alterations. Any errors would be the fault of the person who made the record.
Copy error may be introduced in the document was transcribed, extracted, or abstracted. If such copies are printed or published, the researcher must also consider possible typographical errors. Generally the further removed the copy is from the actual document, the more errors are likely to have accumulated. See "Formats of Records."
Nature of the Information
A key to interpreting information is determining how close in time it was recorded to the event it describes. Information is the statement(s) of fact(s) in a record, not the record itself. It is either primary or secondary.
Primary Information was recorded at or near the time of the event by someone closely associated with it. It is usually found in original records. However, not all information in an original record is "primary." For example, a death record usually contains primary information about the death, but secondary information about the person's birth. If the information does not come from a primary account of the event, consider it suspect. If you cannot determine where the information originated from, it is undocumented, and therefore less reliable information.
| Prefer primary information. |
Secondary Information was recorded much later than the event or recorded by a person who was not associated with the event. Thus a census taker, who records an adult's age, is recording secondary birth information. The further removed the record is from the event or situation it is reporting, the more secondary it is. Most compiled records and many printed records (except directories and newspapers) contain secondary information, but not all printed information is secondary.
Accuracy. Secondary information is not necessarily less correct. In any record, a recorder can make a mistake or may deliberately mislead. With secondary information, the chance for error is increased because the recorder is not familiar with the events and may have to interpret information from several sources. In printed information, (either primary or secondary) errors may be made in the publishing process.
Sources of Information. Ask who recorded the information and how did the recorder know what happened? This will help you determine if the information is primary or secondary.
Insufficient Information. Often information is missing from a record you expect should include it. For example, you may only have the year for a marriage or the province, not the town, of an event. Sometimes the clerk did not know or could not remember the specific information. If such information is all you have, consider the following:
- Trustworthiness. Was the informant or recorder trustworthy? Did he have a reputation of careful accuracy or does he tend to exaggerate? Did she have the necessary knowledge to have recorded the information? Was the recorder disinterested, with no motivation to falsify the facts?
- Necessity. If no other record is available, it may be necessary to accept unverified evidence, as long as it does not conflict with any proven record.
- Origin. Determine where the information originated. Was the information recorded before you began your search, before any controversy, or before it could be influenced by other information you have found?
Consistency and Clarity of the Facts
As you evaluate the information in the records you found, you must determine how well the facts were recorded. Learn, by comparing the information with other information you have, if the facts are consistent with other facts. Also evaluate if they were clearly recorded. Leaving no ambiguity of meaning and if they suggest other sources to search.
Consistent Facts. Are any facts inconsistent with other facts? For example, is the birth date of a child one year after the death date of the child's mother? When facts conflict, you must determine which facts if either, are accurate, so that information fits into a consistent pattern.
Corroborating or Conflicting Sources. Do independent sources created without reference to each other agree on the facts? Does the information you found contradict other sources? For example, is a person's birth date on the death certificate different from the birth date on the marriage license? When information conflicts, consider which information, if any, is primary. It may be necessary to seek more evidence.
Does the record suggest other records you may search? For example, does an obituary refer to an undertaker, a cemetery, or church which may have records? Does a record indicate how many children a mother gave birth to, and does that match the information you already had? If not, you may want to search other records for additional children.
Look specifically at the names, dates, places and relationships given in the record. Ask some of the following questions:
Names. Are they clearly recorded? Are acceptable spelling variations used? Do the names match those presently known for the family? If you discovered new names, such as a mother's maiden name, verify that name in other records, such as the birth records of other children. Were naming patterns used in this culture, and did the family follow those patterns.
Dates. Are the dates written in an understandable style? The date of 12/8/1853 may mean December 8th or August 12th, depending on the style of the recorder. Which calendar did the recorder use?
- Most countries changed from the Julian Calendar to the Gregorian Calendar between 1582 (in Europe) and 1752 (Great Britain and her colonies). Prior to the change, the months were numbered differently in many countries (for example, October was the eighth month) and the year began on a different date (usually on 25 March.)
- Areas under French control used a different calendar from 1797 to 1805.
For more information see—
Smith, Kenneth L. Genealogical Dates: A User-Friendly Guide. Camden, Maine: Picton Press, 1994. (FHL book 529.3 Sm61g.)
Places. Are the places named and clearly identified? Do place names match those given in other information about the family? Places of origin or foreign names may not have been recorded accurately. Names of cities may also be the names of states or counties, such as Hannover or York. Can you determine the jurisdictions for the places given?
Relationships. Does the document state relationships directly, or only suggest them? For example, some census records give the relationship of persons to the head of the household, while others only list all persons living in the home. Relationships may be inferred, but this leaves room for false assumptions. Relationship terms in past years often had different meanings from today, for example, in the 1800s, the father-in-law also meant step-father.
Likelihood of Events
Even if the events were clearly recorded, you must also determine if the events described in the records really could have happened.
Directness of the Evidence
The information in a record is contained in a statement that provides either direct or indirect evidence regarding your research objective.
Direct statements
Direct statements give a straightforward fact.
Indirect statements
Indirect statements support a fact by reasonable inference.
Establishing Proof
Each record and each piece of evidence in a record can be evaluated individually, but proof is the accumulation of acceptable evidence.
Clear and convincing evidence
Clear and convincing evidence means that the accumulated evidence in favor of a point is so strong that any reasonable person would also make the same conclusions.
Genealogical Proof Standard
The Genealogical Proof Standard is another way of improving the likelihood that genealogical conclusions reflect reality.
Transfer the Information
Transfer the new information about your objective to the appropriate family group record and/or pedigree chart. The new information may correct earlier information, answer questions, or pose new questions. Where new information conflicts with what is already on the forms, you must determine which is correct. You may want to record both pieces of information until you can determine which, if either, is correct. However, be discrete with confidential or harmful information. After comparing the old and new information, you can return to Step 2 and choose new objectives.
Cite Your Sources
Every time you add new information to your forms or database, cite the source of that information. You may record sources on the bottom or back of most family group record forms or on an attached sheet. If you are using a computer program, there is usually a field for recording source notes.
Citing your sources will—
- Help you and other researchers avoid duplicate searches later.
- Give other family researchers confidence in your research.
- Enable other family researchers to check you sources for additional information.
| Provide enough information so anyone could easily find the source later. |
Without documenting sources, your information is unproven. As you cite a source, be sure anyone could (1) readily locate or identify the source later and (2) evaluate the validity of the source. You should usually include—
- Author’s Name or provider of information.
- Title of the record or book.
- Place of the original information (such as a county name, or a book’s city and publisher.)
- Date of information (if a book, year of publication.)
- Page or entry number, telling where the information is in the record.
- Location of the copy you examined (a call number for library materials, or the person who has possession of the record.)
Only cite the sources you have seen. If you received information second-hand from others, identify the person who provided the information, such as “Lakeshore Cemetery as researched by John Leland.”
Examples of recorded sources:
- From personal knowledge: “Thelma Winter, daughter of George and Grace Winter, statement made at Los Angeles, 24 June 1976. She was present at the funeral of her sister, Margaret.”
- From family sources: “Maude Family Bible; p. 614, copy owned by David Merrik, American Fork, Utah. Births of the children appear to have been recorded on the date they occurred.”
“Letter from John Schmitt, Boston, MA, to Sally Hansen n Chicago, IL dated 4 June 1883; photocopy in possession of Aaron Jones, Santa Clara, CA.”
“Family group record of Aaron Pierce in possession of Albert Fairfield, 1318 Wilmont Drive, Medford, Oregon. Original source unknown.”
- From a published book: “Mary Coffin Johnson, The Higleys and Their Ancestry, 1630-1892. New York: D. Appleton, 1896; pp 9-15; (Sutro C571 H639 1896).”
- From a manuscript document or certificate: “Probate packet for Lawrence Mitchell; County Clerk; Sullivan Co. NH, Will dated 3 August 1838, probate settled 6 June 1846; photocopy in possession of Aaron Jones, Santa Clara, CA.”
“Birth Cert of Harriet Meyerink; 1918; Dept of Vital Statistics, Sacramento CA, Cert #342890; in possession of Aaron Jones, Santa Clara, CA.”
“Census: 1850 Lincoln Co. NE; E.D. 47; p. 271; FHL film 973025.”
For records from a library or archives, include the repository name and call numbers (a film or book number) or document numbers. For example, for a record from the Famiy History Library, add the following to your description:
“FHL film 906828 item 3”
“FHL book 974.9 H2ne”
As you document your findings—
- Be consistent in the format you use.
- Avoid unfamiliar abbreviations.
- List all the sources used to support your findings.
- Identify any conflicting or missing information.
- Indicate if additional research is needed.
For more information on recording sources and footnote style guides see Cite Your Sources (Source Footnotes).
Organize New Records
File your newly acquired records and extracts (see Record Useful Information).
Using a Computer for Genealogy
| You do not have to have a personal computer to keep genealogy records, but it helps! Computer note keeping offers an important advantage. After typing the information once, you can use it repeatedly in many different ways. The same information can be used in pedigrees, family group records and descendancy charts, and is easily shared for other people to use. This flexibility saves time. Reports and charts are easily updated without extensive retyping. A computer program can help you analyze some information by preparing special reports, such as possible errors (for example, children born before parents’ births). However, computers may be expensive and are not as portable as a pencil and paper.
Specially designed computer programs are available to help genealogists more easily compile—
When selecting computer programs to help with genealogical note keeping, consider these factors:
Two helpful reviews of dozens of genealogy programs are on the Internet at:
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Researchers benefit greatly from the work of earlier researchers. Often several researchers are interested in the same ancestors. Because researchers rely so heavily on the findings of others, sharing information is the way to return the favor.
Sharing is also a great way to find ancestors. Sharing leads to collaboration between researchers. Cousins will begin to contact you asking for more information. Sometimes the questions they ask will result in work that leads to new information. Once in awhile they will donate the new information directly to you.
| Sharing is a good way to FIND ancestors. |
In genealogical research, it may never be possible to "verify" all information, but we can have high confidence in research that is thorough and reasonable. Such efforts produce quality sources and benefit the genealogical community.
If you are using a computer program for your genealogical record keeping, be sure it supports GEDCOM (see [Using a Computer for Genealogy]) so that you can share your information with others.
Family
Share your newly discovered information with family members who provided information and with others who may be interested. A family reunion or family newsletter can be an excellent way to share information and help locate others who are interested in your family history.
New FamilySearch
Another important way to share your findings is to help improve the information displayed in New FamilySearch. This Internet database is a combination of the International Genealogical Index, Ancestral File, Pedigree Resource File, and several other large genealogical databases. There are several ways to help—
- Clean up the files already on display. This includes merging varying data entries for the same person, and getting the best data out front. At the moment, the LDS temple ordinance data is especially in need of careful merging and tender loving care.
- Add source documentation. Now is not the best time, but eventually there will be a better way to add source footnotes to the data.
- Contribute new information. Again, now is not the best time, but the day will come when new data will be easier to submit.
Put Up a Genealogy Web Page
Sharing your genealogy on an Internet website is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to publish your findings. Genealogical record keeping software like Personal Ancestral File can help you generate the material for your genealogy Internet site. Then all you have to do is find a web server host. For suggestions on these and other details see Create a Genealogy Web Page.
Write a Family History
Your family's history can be a source of enjoyment and education for your family.
Books.
With the growing popularity of "desk top publishing," it is becoming very easy to publish a book about your family.
Periodical Article.
If you don't have enough information or funding to write a book, you may want to write a short article for a genealogical periodical.
Participate in a Family or Surname Association
Others may be searching for the same families you are researching or may have found information they wish to share.
Donate Your Files
On occasion it may not be possible to publish your findings.
Restart the Research Cycle
Ongoing genealogical research is the process of repeating, cycle after cycle, the fivesteps of the research discussed in this article.
For Further Reading
Appendixes