writing

How you can use your ancestor’s writings to expand ancestry and genealogy research.

Writers will often make assertions about a fact that was important to them. For example, a correspondent mentions the death of a loved one due to the flu epidemic in 1917. It might be vital for you to consult other sources that describe the extent of the flu in that town, state, or country. Or suppose a diarist makes a claim about a visit of President Kennedy on January 15, 1961. In that case, one could consult official documents, newspapers, and other observers to give perspective to what the diarist says.

Depending upon how wide you want to take your study, you can include many sources, such as census reports, government documents, photographs, maps, oral histories and other diaries and letters. For example, I read in several journals and histories that my ancestors were cattle ranchers in Utah County, Utah. I am from the city and have no clue about cattle ranching. I took the opportunity to find newspaper articles about ranching in Utah. I checked the Utah State Government Brands & Animal Identification Department to find if they had a brand. I looked for photos from the early 1900s of cattle ranching in Utah and anything else I could find that would help me understand this profession related to Utah ranchers. Now, as I write about my great-grandfather, I can better explain and provide details about what their lives as ranchers might have been like, the jobs they performed, the trials they endured, and the satisfaction they may have felt.

Use Ancestor Writings to Expand Research

The following are other ideas to use:

Chronology

Build a timeline associated with the item. In addition, create a parallel timeline related to local, national, and international events. Also, consider tracing the genealogy of the families associated with the item. Use this chronology to help develop an understanding of the period.

Maps

Explore the locations discussed in the document. Consider visually tracing adventures and activities. Use maps to help develop a context for the place associated with your project.

Relationships

Explore the relationships among the people represented in the document.

Visual resources

Match visuals (such as photographs) to the document’s people, places, and events.

Multimedia resources

Consider connecting the arts, books, music, movies, and other activities to the resource.

A couple of things happen when you seek to corroborate and add context to the story. You expand the “what happened” and can better interpret what you are reading from their viewpoint. You also understand how accurate the writer was in interpreting their times as an actor and observer.

Simplifying the Analysis of an Ancestor’s Writing

It’s an excellent opportunity to evaluate and try to become acquainted with ancestors through their writings. Some genealogists want to find the facts and not spend much time on analysis. The following is a simplified process for reviewing an ancestor’s writings:

  • Identify factual information. (How is the writing, about what, and where?)
  •  Who are the main characters described in the letter?
  • What is the plot of the letter?
  • What questions do you have about the artifact? Include words you can’t decode or understand.
  • What research would you need to do to widen your understanding of the letter?

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