The pros know just how important it is to source as much information as possible. And I am sure seeing how important it is as well. I mean, how do you know that person existed or is even part of your family if you don't have some sort of evidence to show it?
That is why I am on the journey to go through my already pretty full tree and prove all the events, facts, and stories that I can. There are SO many resources out there that might just help you to find that proof.
There is another genealogical confession! Most of us like being detectives and seeing what we can dig up on our ancestors. Sources not only prove the important names and dates, but can also give us a new perspective on who our ancestors were as people. Real people, who lived and had experiences of all kinds, just like we do.
Even a commonly used source, like the census, can provide extra insight into our relatives' lives. For example, many census records also include the occupation of a person. I have many ancestors who were farmers (as many people do) but there could be lots of other ones listed as well.
There are quite a few records out there that we can find to help us better understand the names we are researching. FamilySearch has a wonderful list of sources to be looking for. Here is a direct link to the page: https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Resource_Checklist. Also, this website has a list of where to find different sources and other resources that are useful for genealogists: https://sites.google.com/site/freegenealogylinks/genealogy-toolbox.
So, don't just believe what people say like your third great aunt twice removed who might have heard somewhere that so-and-so person was probably born at so-and-so place. PROVE IT!
Even a commonly used source, like the census, can provide extra insight into our relatives' lives. For example, many census records also include the occupation of a person. I have many ancestors who were farmers (as many people do) but there could be lots of other ones listed as well.
There are quite a few records out there that we can find to help us better understand the names we are researching. FamilySearch has a wonderful list of sources to be looking for. Here is a direct link to the page: https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Resource_Checklist. Also, this website has a list of where to find different sources and other resources that are useful for genealogists: https://sites.google.com/site/freegenealogylinks/genealogy-toolbox.
So, don't just believe what people say like your third great aunt twice removed who might have heard somewhere that so-and-so person was probably born at so-and-so place. PROVE IT!
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