Document Analysis Is Key To Great Genealogy Research

Genealogy research is all about finding documents, but we can’t stop there. You have to take the time to meticulously examine each one and squeeze every detail out of them.

Every document holds clues to our ancestors’ stories and it’s up to us to find them. In this blog post, I’ll go through the analysis process of one of my ancestors and give you some tips to help you analyze your genealogy research.

As I travel I-95 for work every day, I often listen to genealogy webinars or podcasts to make the miles go by a little faster. If you’re new to this blog, I’m a full-time truck driver and professional genealogist. I recently heard Angela Packer McGhie, CG, talk about document analysis on the BCG monthly webinar from Legacy Family Tree. It may not be the sexiest topic in genealogy research, but it’s essential in making sure the work we do is correct.

I decided to take a closer look at a document for my 2x great-grandmother, Emma Caroline Welty Stabley. She was the mother of Eli Bernard Stabley, the subject of a blog post you can read here. I love this picture of Emma and her husband Frederick W. Stabley.

My guess is this photo was taken around 1930 in York County, Pennsylvania at their home. I can see my dad in Frederick…just a bit. I’m the only one in my family that thinks so, but that’s ok.

Emma’s Death Certificate

The document I chose to analyze was her death certificate:¹

Analysis

Initially, it’s important to note the reason for creating this record, the legibility of the handwriting, etc. This digital image represents an original record. And for this blog, I want to look over all the information again to make sure I haven’t overlooked anything. It’s always a good idea when you haven’t worked on an ancestor in a while to go back and review what you already have.

Informant

Information is only as good as the informant supplying it. The informant for the personal information was Ralph R. Stabley, Emma’s son. He would have had first-hand knowledge of her name, her husband’s name, and where she lived. The rest of the information would be classified as secondary as he was not present at her birth, etc. Someone would have informed him of this information at some point.

On the medical side, the doctor who signed the death certificate acted as the informant. He would have provided primary information regarding her death date and cause of death, which was old age and cerebral apoplexy (a hemorrhage, or a stroke).

Medical Codes

But then there are codes written in blue that I never paid too much attention to. The codes are 82a and 162. What are they?

These are ICD numbers, the International Classification of Diseases. You can find them yourself at http://www.wolfbane.com/icd/index.html.

Since Emma died in 1937 the list in effect was the one from 1929. Click on the link and you’ll find the exact entries I included above. These codes come in handy when you can’t read the doctor’s handwriting.

Analysis Tips

To get the most out of every genealogy record, follow these tips:

1. Start with a Clear Objective: Before looking at a record, ask yourself: What am I hoping to discover? Establishing a clear research objective will guide your analysis and prevent you from going down unwanted rabbit holes.
2. Take Note of Context: Context is key when analyzing genealogy records. Consider the historical period, location, and customs that may have influenced the creation of the document. Understanding the context will help you interpret the information accurately.
3. Read Carefully, Then Read Again: Genealogy records can be full of valuable clues. Take your time to read each document thoroughly, making note of names, dates, relationships, and any other pertinent details. Don’t hesitate to read the document multiple times to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
4. Compare and Cross-Reference: Genealogy is all about connecting the dots. As you analyze records, compare the information with other documents in your collection. Look for discrepancies or inconsistencies that may require further research.
5. Look Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes, the most valuable clues are hidden in plain sight. Pay attention to details such as witnesses, neighbors, and marginal notes, as they can provide additional clues about your ancestors’ lives and relationships.
6. Consult Secondary Sources: While primary sources like birth certificates and census records are invaluable, don’t overlook secondary sources such as newspaper articles, land records, and family histories. These sources can offer supplementary information and provide a richer understanding of your family’s story.
7. Document Your Findings: Keep detailed notes of your analysis, including the sources you consulted, any assumptions you made, and the conclusions you reached. Documenting your findings will not only help you stay organized but also serve as a reference for future research.

Finally

Are there ancestors you haven’t researched in a while? If so, go back and revisit what you already have. With fresh eyes and more experience, you may see clues in the records that can further your genealogy research.

Genealogy tip: Many podcasts and webinars are free. Legacy Family Tree webinars are free for the week after they originally air. There are many ways to learn that won’t cost you a dime.

Staying up-to-date on my blog will also provide you with some free information. If you ever want to go further and hire a professional genealogist, give me a call.

¹ “Pennsylvania U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-1968,” database with images,  Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/5164/images/42342_647680_0933-01752?pId=3366303: accessed 21 Apr 2019), certificate 90494, Emma C. Stabley, died York County, 2 September 1937, image 1752; citing Records of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.