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Sources
What sources of proof are acceptable?
For your assistance, we have included information about various types of
proof deemed acceptable by most genealogical associations.
- Whenever possible, primary sources are preferred to secondary sources.
- Photocopies of all verifying materials should be stored in a safe place
that will protect them from becoming lost or damaged. When asked to provide
verifying materials, no original copies of documents should be sent.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Defined as contemporary and/or government records made at the time of the
event by the parties involved. Those records are deemed acceptable sources in
proving relationship from one generation to another. Here are some examples.
- BIRTH, DEATH AND MARRIAGE RECORDS: These records have been kept in
almost all states for some time. Check with the state's Office of Vital
Records.
- CENSUS RECORDS: These records are available at a number of regional
and national locations and from several private parties. Check the various
web site research locations for the facility nearest to you. All census
records are available for loan to individuals and libraries from the United
States National Archives and Records Administration's Census Microfilm
Rental Program, P.O. Box 30, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0030.
- PROBATE RECORDS: Wills/estates (testate-with will;
intestate-without will); Guardianships; Lists of heirs and relationship;
Name changes; and sometimes transfer of real estate. Records begin at the
formation of the county, and are usually in the County Court Clerk's office.
- LAND RECORDS & PLATS: Purchase or sale of property often shows
residency and marital relationship. Available from the county where the land
was owned, and maintained by the County Clerk's office or the Register of
Deeds. General Land Office records are getting easier to obtain, especially
the Eastern Division. A good example is The
Official Land Patents Record Site by the Bureau of Land Management.
- TAX RECORDS: Taxes were paid on property owned on a yearly basis.
Records are available from the time of the county's formation. Records may
be located in the County Clerk's office or the Register of Deeds and/or the
county tax assessor's office.
- MILITARY RECORDS: Records include muster-in and muster-out, pay
vouchers, pension papers, and military bounty land warrants (before 1856)
for: W.W.I (1914-1918); Spanish-American War (1898-1899); Civil War
(1861-1865); Indian and Other Wars (1816-1898); Mexican War (1845-1849; War
of 1812 (1812-1815); Revolutionary War (1775-1783). Records are available
from the National Archives & Records Administration, 8th &
Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20408.
- CHURCH RECORDS: Church records often contain birth, death,
marriage, and funeral information of their membership.
- COURT RECORDS: Civil, criminal, divorce, and naturalization records
begin from formation of the county and may be located in circuit court or
superior court where the event occurred.
SUPPLEMENTAL OR SECONDARY SOURCES
Any sources in print that do not come from a contemporary or government
record. Here are some examples.
- BIBLE RECORDS: Dated and/or undated. If possible, save a copy of
the page showing the publisher, date of publication, and the actual page
showing names, dates, and events. Identify current owners of Bible when
known. Cite this information as well.
- OBITUARIES: Dated and identified, when known, name of newspaper and
location. Most libraries contain copies of local newspapers.
- NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS: Dated and identified, when known, name of
newspaper and location. Clippings may include anniversaries, biographical
sketches, awards, marriage notices, reminiscences, etc.
- FAMILY HISTORIES/GENEALOGIES PUBLISHED: When citing this type of
material, cite the title page, author, and date published, the direct
ancestral descent and location of the book.
- COUNTY HISTORIES/PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORIES PUBLISHED:
When citing this type of material, cite the title page, author, date
published, publisher and other standard bibliography information.
- PERSONAL PAPERS: Unpublished written data include letters, diaries,
journals, reunion records, and manuscripts. Please include author and dates
when known.
- TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTIONS: Record the transcriptions of the stone.
Also include the name and location of cemetery. A photograph should be made
of the stone and retained as proof.
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Click Here to Read a Great Article titled "Turning Information into Evidence and
Proof -- It Takes a Human Mind" by Don Devine, CG, CGI. Published by
Ancestry Magazine, May/June 2001.
Click Here to Read a Great Article titled "Understanding Sources, Citations,
Documentation and Evaluating Evidence in Genealogy"
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