Note Types
The database uses different note types to organize research findings and questions:
RESEARCH
Notes documenting research findings, discoveries, and conclusions. These capture what has been learned about a person from various sources.
"Found in 1850 census living with parents in Clay County, KY. Listed as age 12, which confirms 1838 birth year."
QUESTIONS
Unresolved questions and research leads to pursue. These help track what still needs to be investigated.
"Is this the same John Smith who appears in the 1860 Missouri census? Need to verify migration pattern."
GENERAL
General notes and biographical information that are outside of other categories such as events.
"Known locally as 'Big John' due to his height. Was said to be six and a half feet tall."
ASSERTION
Claims or assertions about relationships or facts, often from family tradition or unverified sources.
"Family tradition holds that he was a cousin to President Lincoln, but no documentation has been found."
ROLE
Notes about a person's role in a specific event, such as being a seller or resident.
"Served as the town clerk. Member of the Lions club. Listed as 'neighbor' in the marriage record."
Best Practices for Research Notes
- Be specific - Include dates, source names, and page numbers when possible.
- Date your notes - Note when research was conducted so you can track progress.
- Cite your sources - Always reference where information came from.
- Separate fact from opinion - Clearly distinguish documented facts from conclusions or theories.
- Track negative results - Note what you searched and didn't find to avoid duplicating effort.
- Use QUESTIONS type - Convert uncertainties into specific, actionable research questions.
Example Research Note
Type: RESEARCH
Date: 15 Jan 2024
Content: "Searched Ancestry.com for Civil War pension records. Found application #WC-12345 dated 1890. Wife Mary listed as applicant. Confirms service in Company B, 14th Kentucky Infantry. Pension file available at National Archives. Need to order complete file."
Date: 15 Jan 2024
Content: "Searched Ancestry.com for Civil War pension records. Found application #WC-12345 dated 1890. Wife Mary listed as applicant. Confirms service in Company B, 14th Kentucky Infantry. Pension file available at National Archives. Need to order complete file."
Tip: Use the "Run Query" feature to search for specific keywords within research notes across all people in the database.
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