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Book

The researcher's guide to American genealogy

Call Numbers

  • 929.373 G816 2017 (CEN)
  • H 929.373 G816 2017 (CEN)

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Edition

Fourth edition.

Publication Information

Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., [2017]

Physical Description

xvi, 778 pages : illustrations, map ; 23 cm

Summary

"In every field of study there is one book that rises above the rest in stature and authority and becomes the standard work in the field. In genealogy that book is The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy. It instructs the researcher in the timeless principles of genealogical research, while identifying the most current classes of records and research tools. It is both a textbook and an all-purpose reference book, designed to help the present generation of family history researchers better understand and utilize all available resources. This 4th edition provides a clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date account of American genealogy--no sound genealogical project is complete without it. This 4th edition has been completely updated, incorporating all the latest developments, principles, and resources relevant to family history research. There are now two chapters about technology as it relates to family history research--one dealing with significant concepts and definitions and the other with specific resources and applications, including major family history websites and Internet resources. In addition, virtually every chapter provides information on Internet websites pertinent to the subject discussed in that chapter"--Page 4 of cover.

Contents

  • Part 1: Background to research. 1. Understanding genealogical research ; 2. Language, terminology and important issues ; 3. Surveying, analyzing, and planning ; 4. Evidence ; 5. Libraries and the National Archives (NARA) ; 6. Reference works ; 7. Organizing and evaluating your research findings ; 8. Successful correspondence ; 9. Computer technology and family history ; 10. Family history on the Internet ; 11. Family history: going beyond genealogy
  • Part 2: Records and their use. 12. Compiled sources and newspapers ; 13. Vital records ; 14. Census returns ; 15. Using census records in your research ; 16. Understanding probate records and legal terminology ; 17. What about wills? ; 18. The intestate, miscellaneous probate records, and guardianships ; 19. Government land: colonial and American ; 20. Local land records ; 21. Abstracting probate and land records ; 22. Court records and family history ; 23. Property rights of women as a consideration ; 24. Church records and family history ; 25. Immigrant ancestor origins: American finding aids ; 26. Military records: colonial wars and the American Revolution ; 27. Military records: after the Revolution ; 28. Cemetery and burial records.

Subjects