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Plan Your Work Then Work Your Plan                   Published Monthly
Lesson 065...                                                                                                            2021 03 31

Defining The Problem...
Genealogy as a rule, is something we start out at without any training.
It seems simple enough, right? Just fill in the names and find their parents, brothers and sisters.

At some point we begin to realize that we don't know as much about our family as we thought.
Likely not as far back, nor any wider than first cousins, with a few extendeds scattered in.

Although quite normal and perhaps even a general rule, it's neither optimum for family nor research.
Still, no matter how large or close a family is, the outer limit will eventually be crossed.

It is at that point in which we will need to develop a strong strategy for both research and recording.
As enthusiasts, we don't usually see that until the excitement of discovery has worn dim.
For many of us, this can last for years, and through thousands of subjects.

Unbridled eagerness and enthusiasm, while exciting, may lead us to a chaotic state of data collection.
Working harder-longer-faster is not the answer, even though a frenzied effort may feel it.
But rather a deliberate heading and effort leaning toward completion is key.


How Did That Happen?...
It happens for many reasons, and specifics vary from family to family.
The general rule is that separations come from time, relocation or family differences.
After a number of research years and nearly 25,000 subjects, this appears to be "normal" to me.

Family differences affect more than just the parties directly involved, with descendants unaware why.
The separations can last a lifetime with several generations not even knowing there was an issue.
Once a separation begins it can span across miles, time and faultless subsequent generations.

Moving is generally the primary reason for uncertainty about family info.
It can happen to anyone for a varity of reasons at any time from youth to retirement.
There may be military careers, job offers, personal fulfillment, retirement moves or other reasons.

The permanent relocation of a family member may result in the distancing of spouses and children.
In general, there becomes a greater separation with each subsequent generation.
This is a natural occurence, accelerated by time and distance.


What Can We Do To Fix This?...
First is to develop a plan for information gathering-Even before you encounter such a problem!
As issues arise, you can fine-tune your plan to accomodate future re-occurrences.

The best of all plans (Wherever practical) is to record all info as completely as possible about subjects.
Record any relevent info or other persons named as relatives in documents and obituaries.
Create folders for each relative and copy/paste that same info to each.

There are a few circumstances that may intervene and possibly curb these plans from time to time.
Interviews with elders and other limited time availablitys take presidence over ongoing items.
Do things like cemetery visits while visiting any distant relatives or during vacations.

By recording all data and subjects at one time, the information will not need to be searched for again.
More often than not, these persons will need to be added at a later date due to more family ties.
It's best to record them right from the start, and have collected more data in the process.

Even if a significant number of persons have been recorded, it's never too late to start this method.
At whatever point adapting to this method begins, the total recorded data will be increased.
Also, whoever is left your work will have a better start than if they had to re-do it all.


Where Can We Go To Find The Lost Data?...
Now that you've formulated a plan, the next thing is to find the actual data.
Always start with what you know.. Or rather with who you know.
Parents, siblings, children, aunts, uncles, grands, etc...

Though it may seem overly simple, and leave your thirst for knowledge unfulfilled, it's important.
Not only is it necessary as a starting point, but it also serves perfectly as a training ground.
By already knowing what the answers "should" be, you'll learn to find accurate info.

If a process has produced many subjects with scattered info, it may help to organize by data types.
Most software can sort the subjects by data types such as birth or death dates and places.
Use this to your advantage to complete the missing data to even up all subjects.

Collecting one type of data for many persons flows well and can be completed in very high efficiency.
The expierience gained of just how to do it compounds, though it is advisable to keep to facts.
Birth/death dates and places are best recorded by document, but tombstones are useful.


What Did We Learn From This?...
Genealogy is a "learn as you go" hobby.
Heed the advice and do it completely, right from the start.

Doing a complete job the first time results in more data aquired per manhour, than by returning later.
It also readys extended family in your data base for quicker searches later as info arises.
With more surnames your family tree becomes usable to a wider audience.

If the project is far under way before the idea comes to light, devise a strategy to collect missing data.
Some data types lend easily to piecework style (Collect all birth/death dates-Then start next data).
Working the same data types consecutively for all individuals results in faster collection times.

Always get your data from reliable sources - ("Reliable Sources" does not mean "Brand Name").
Document images are always best for keeping costs down during bulk data collection.
They show original information as taken and are readily available on CD here.

It's never too late to startup a better plan! Any advancement at any time is always a plus!
You can be ready now with extended family info that might not be available later!
With this new insight you can even up all your subjects data much faster!


The Basic Rules...
First...
When collecting and recording data, be sure to record all info you find in each source.
This also includes every name listed on any documents found and being used.

Second...
Begin a plan to even up any missing data that should be "standard".
Include birth/death places/dates, any spouses and children.

Third...
Expand family tree members as far as possible.
Record all extendeds and their spouses.



As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

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