Research Wiki

"Learn More" on the Research Wiki

By Caroline M. Pointer

FamilySearch.org has over 2.5 billion records online, but did you know that by clicking the “Learn More” button featured with each record set, you can connect to additional information about the record sets on the FamilySearch Research Wiki? By clicking on the “Learn More” button you are instantly accessing a wealth of information on the FamilySearch Research Wiki that can add depth and insight to the records you are using for your family history research.

While the information provided can vary slightly, there are 10 types of basic information that are provided for each record group, including:

• Collection Time Period—This indicates the time period the collection encompasses.
• Record Description—The description tells the kinds of records a collection contains. If a record collection contains only baptisms and marriages and you are looking for a death record, for example, then looking in this record collection may not be the best place to start.
• How to Use This Record—Have you ever wanted or needed instructions on how to use a record collection? It may sound silly, but it is important to know how to use a particular record collection. FamilySearch Research Wiki provides detailed instructions on how to use each collection in an easy to understand format.
• Record History—Knowing the historical context in which the records were created as well as the reliability of the records contained in the collection can help in evaluating the records.
• Related Websites—FamilySearch Research Wiki provides links to additional information for the collection.
• Related Wiki Articles—If there are volunteer-contributed articles that pertain to a record collection, then the links to those articles are listed here.
• Known Issues with the Collection—Record collections can have issues and concerns that come up from time to time, and knowing these can help in evaluating records.
• Contributions to This Article—This is where users can add any information they have on the particular record collection, adding more insight to the records.
• Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections—No more worries on how to cite a record—examples are provided here.
• Sources of Information for This Collection—Knowing the sources of a collection can affect users’ decisions about records.

As you can see, FamilySearch.org provides vast collections of records, but the FamilySearch Research Wiki provides added value to those collections by providing more information about them. Click the “Learn More” button while you research, and let the Research Wiki add depth to your family history records.

Naming Patterns in England, 1700-1875

• 1st son -- father's father
• 2nd son -- mother's father
• 3rd son -- father
• 4th son -- father's eldest brother
• 1st daughter -- mother's mother
• 2nd daughter -- father's mother
• 3rd daughter -- mother
• 4th daughter -- mother's eldest sister

Younger children would be named after earlier ancestors, but the pattern in their case was more varied.

One variation from the above was for the eldest son to be named after the mother's father and the eldest daughter after the father's mother. In this case the second son would be named after the father's father and the second daughter after the mother's mother. Occasionally the second son and daughter would be named after the father and mother instead of the third son and daughter. Another variation was to name the third daughter after one of the great-grandmothers instead of after the mother. In such a case, the fourth daughter would usually be named after the mother.

(Are you confused yet???)

(from usgenweb.org)

Seventeen Ways to Find a Maiden Name

• If within the past 100 years - death certificates
• If more than 100 years - all her children's death certificates
• Newspaper obituaries
• Her children's marriage certificates (the application is probably a more likely source)
• Public Church libraries
• Unpublished records microfilmed at branch LDS libraries
• International Genealogical Index (IGI) on microfiche at LDS libraries
• Divorce papers from county courthouse where filed
• Survey of American Genealogical Periodicals indexes by Skip Perry; also state and local historical society quarterlies
• Newspaper indexes by Anita Cheek Milner for records from burned-out courthouses and churches no longer in existence, bibliographies in book form
• Look for wills. Write local historical societies and ask for an index check.
• Send out queries to periodicals and quarterlies in the areas where your ancestors were.
• Deeds and other land records
• Sometimes a census will mention a mother-in-law.

(from usgenweb.org)

Footnote.com is now Fold3

Fold3, formerly Footnote.com, is a website that provides access to US military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served. The Fold3 name comes from a traditional flag folding ceremony in which the third fold is made in honor and remembrance of veterans who served in defense of their country and to maintain peace throughout the world. Original records at Fold3 help you discover and share stories about these everyday heroes, forgotten soldiers, and the families that supported them. You can combine records found on the site with what you have in your own albums and shoeboxes to create an online memorial for someone who served. Fold3 is a paid subscription site; however it is FREE at the Family History Library. Also offered is a 7-day free trial, during which time you can access all records without a charge. Check it out at Fold3.com!

Boise Area Family History Conference

The Boise Area Fall Family History Conference will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at the Nampa North Stake Center (6111 Birch Lane) from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Devotional speaker will be Bruce Allcott, former mission president of the Yekaterinburg Russia Mission. Various classes will be presented throughout the day, and include all skill levels. Some of the classes to choose from include: Google Your Way to Family History, Using Rootsmagic, What is a Family Research Wiki?, New Family Search for Beginners, and much, much more! BYU-Idaho is pleased to offer online registration, at www.byui.edu/cc/familyhistory/registration.htm. For more information on the conference and for handouts, go to www.byui.edu/cc/familyhistory/default.htm.

Name Indexes and Category Lists

Name Indexes use your ancestor's names to find information about them. The largest name index is Internet Family Finder, located at www.genealogy.com/ifftop.html. This site indexes more than 100,000 published family histories and other information located on thousands of web sites around the world. Other major name indexes include: http://www.ancestry.com/, http://www.genealogylibrary.com/, http://www.genserv.com/, and http://searches.rootsweb.com/. Category Lists help users identify research sites. The best known of these family history web sites is Cyndi's List at http://www.cyndislist.com/, which lists over 308,000 web sites in over 186 categories. Another major comprehensive site is Genealogy SiteFinder at www.genealogy.com/links which lists over 50,000 web sites. Both have searchable indexes of their lists. To use these indexes, think about what you know about a specific ancestor or surname and then look in the appropriate categories. If you were trying to find informtion on a Quaker couple married in Virginia in 1766, you could look in categories for marriages, Virginia, Quakers, or Colonial records. These web sites also help locate information about an ancestor's culture, traditions, homeland, and history. This information gives you a greater appreciation of your heritage, the sacrifices your ancestors made for you, and a better understanding of what their life was like.

FamilySearch YouTube Channel

FamilySearch has unveiled a newly updated YouTube channel giving viewers an informative, fun and fascinating look at several different aspects of genealogy through a growing number of videos in five playlists. High quality videos are available for the rookie genealogist and the seasoned veteran alike. The Genealogy in 5 Minutes playlist demonstrates how, in just a few minutes, individuals with little or no genealogy experience can make some headway on their family's history. The Woven Generations playlist features powerful, personal experiences from those who have found success or inspiration through family history work. Additionally, FamilySearch sent camera crews to Virginia, Ohio, California, Indiana and other locations for a closer look at how FamilySearch works with societies and archives to provide access to more records online and to further mutual interests in family history. These videos can be found in the Societies and Archives playlist. These videos and others are available at YouTube.com/FamilySearch and can be powerful tools in family history. Check out the videos and share them with your family and friends!