Genealogical research process Genealogical research is a complex process that uses historical records and sometimes genetic analysis to demonstrate kinship. Reliable conclusions are based on the quality of sources, ideally original records, the information within those sources, ideally primary or firsthand information, and the evidence that can be drawn, directly or indirectly, from that information. In many instances, genealogists must skillfully assemble indirect or circumstantial evidence to build a case for identity and kinship. All evidence and conclusions, together with the documentation that supports them, is then assembled to create a cohesive genealogy or family history.[8] Genealogists begin their research by collecting family documents and stories. This creates a foundation for documentary research, which involves examining and evaluating historical records for evidence about ancestors and other relatives, their kinship ties, and the events that occurred in their lives. As a rule, genealogists begin with the present and work backward in time. Historical, social, and family context is essential to achieving correct identification of individuals and relationships. Source citation is also important when conducting genealogical research.[9] To keep track of collected material, family group sheets and pedigree charts are used. Formerly handwritten, these can now be generated by genealogical software. Genetic analysis Because a person's DNA contains information that has been passed down relatively unchanged from early ancestors, analysis of DNA is sometimes used for genealogical research. Three DNA types are of particular interest: mitochondrial DNA that we all possess and that is passed down with only minor mutations through the matrilineal (direct female) line; the Y-chromosome, present only in males, which is passed down with only minor mutations through the patrilineal (direct male) line; and the Autosomal DNA, which is found in the 22 non-gender specific chromosomes (autosomes) inherited from both parents, which can uncover relatives from any branch of the family. A genealogical DNA test allows two individuals to find the probability that they are, or are not, related within an estimated number of generations. Individual genetic test results are collected in databases to match people descended from a relatively recent common ancestor. See, for example, the Molecular Genealogy Research Project. These tests are limited to either the patrilineal or the matrilineal line. Records in genealogical research Genealogists use a wide variety of records in their research. To effectively conduct genealogical research, it is important to understand how the records were created, what information is included in them, and how and where to access them. Records that are used in genealogy research include: a.. Vital records a.. Birth records b.. Death records c.. Marriage and divorce records b.. Adoption records c.. Biographies and biographical profiles (e.g. Who's Who) d.. Census records e.. Church records a.. Baptism or christening b.. Confirmation c.. Bar or bat mitzvah d.. Marriage e.. Funeral or death f.. Membership f.. City directories[11] and telephone directories g.. Coroner's reports h.. Court records a.. Criminal records b.. Civil records i.. Diaries, personal letters and family Bibles j.. Emigration, immigration and naturalization records k.. Hereditary & lineage organization records, e.g. Daughters of the American Revolution records l.. Land and property records, deeds m.. Medical records n.. Military and conscription records o.. Newspaper articles p.. Obituaries q.. Occupational records r.. Oral histories s.. Passports t.. Photographs u.. Poorhouse, workhouse, almshouse, and asylum records v.. School and alumni association records w.. Ship passenger lists x.. Social Security (within the US) and pension records y.. Tax records z.. Tombstones, cemetery records, and funeral home records aa.. Voter registration records ab.. Wills and probate records Joyce Gaston Reece

I saw the oral hearsays down there. Not accepted, but used in place of real info. Oh yea when all else fails, sign up to ancestry. They have all the answers I heard. -----Original Message----- From: Joyce Gaston Reece Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 11:24 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [CherokeeGene] defining genealogy Genealogical research process Genealogical research is a complex process that uses historical records and sometimes genetic analysis to demonstrate kinship. Reliable conclusions are based on the quality of sources, ideally original records, the information within those sources, ideally primary or firsthand information, and the evidence that can be drawn, directly or indirectly, from that information. In many instances, genealogists must skillfully assemble indirect or circumstantial evidence to build a case for identity and kinship. All evidence and conclusions, together with the documentation that supports them, is then assembled to create a cohesive genealogy or family history.[8] Genealogists begin their research by collecting family documents and stories. This creates a foundation for documentary research, which involves examining and evaluating historical records for evidence about ancestors and other relatives, their kinship ties, and the events that occurred in their lives. As a rule, genealogists begin with the present and work backward in time. Historical, social, and family context is essential to achieving correct identification of individuals and relationships. Source citation is also important when conducting genealogical research.[9] To keep track of collected material, family group sheets and pedigree charts are used. Formerly handwritten, these can now be generated by genealogical software. Genetic analysis Because a person's DNA contains information that has been passed down relatively unchanged from early ancestors, analysis of DNA is sometimes used for genealogical research. Three DNA types are of particular interest: mitochondrial DNA that we all possess and that is passed down with only minor mutations through the matrilineal (direct female) line; the Y-chromosome, present only in males, which is passed down with only minor mutations through the patrilineal (direct male) line; and the Autosomal DNA, which is found in the 22 non-gender specific chromosomes (autosomes) inherited from both parents, which can uncover relatives from any branch of the family. A genealogical DNA test allows two individuals to find the probability that they are, or are not, related within an estimated number of generations. Individual genetic test results are collected in databases to match people descended from a relatively recent common ancestor. See, for example, the Molecular Genealogy Research Project. These tests are limited to either the patrilineal or the matrilineal line. Records in genealogical research Genealogists use a wide variety of records in their research. To effectively conduct genealogical research, it is important to understand how the records were created, what information is included in them, and how and where to access them. Records that are used in genealogy research include: a.. Vital records a.. Birth records b.. Death records c.. Marriage and divorce records b.. Adoption records c.. Biographies and biographical profiles (e.g. Who's Who) d.. Census records e.. Church records a.. Baptism or christening b.. Confirmation c.. Bar or bat mitzvah d.. Marriage e.. Funeral or death f.. Membership f.. City directories[11] and telephone directories g.. Coroner's reports h.. Court records a.. Criminal records b.. Civil records i.. Diaries, personal letters and family Bibles j.. Emigration, immigration and naturalization records k.. Hereditary & lineage organization records, e.g. Daughters of the American Revolution records l.. Land and property records, deeds m.. Medical records n.. Military and conscription records o.. Newspaper articles p.. Obituaries q.. Occupational records r.. Oral histories s.. Passports t.. Photographs u.. Poorhouse, workhouse, almshouse, and asylum records v.. School and alumni association records w.. Ship passenger lists x.. Social Security (within the US) and pension records y.. Tax records z.. Tombstones, cemetery records, and funeral home records aa.. Voter registration records ab.. Wills and probate records Joyce Gaston Reece =====*NOTICE THIS*===== Cherokee genealogy; topic specific certain conversation is allowed to do genealogy; and sort fact from (fiction). Rude people will be moderated asap! List archive http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/index?list=cherokeegene please take non genealogy to [email protected] Dual admin. Dan and Joyce ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message