How To Batch Your Genealogy Research

I recently talked with a friend about how she does genealogy research. She’s a busy woman with grandchildren and several home businesses. She doesn’t have much time to devote to her research. Sound familiar?

I asked what her process was and she said she only wanted to find the vital records of her ancestors (birth, marriage, and death) and possibly any military records.

While I didn’t think of it at the time, I mulled over the idea of only looking for a certain record for many different ancestors instead of focusing on one person/couple and then finding all the different records that apply to them.

In this blog post, you’ll learn why batching your genealogy research may be a temporary alternative to the “one ancestor at a time” method. It’s good to change things up every once in a while.

When I was a truck driver, I had a very early wake-up time. That also meant my bedtime was early so no live primetime shows for me! I would come home on the weekend and binge-watch or batch them (some favorites included The Rookie, Ozark, and Only Murders In The Building).

The same can be true for your genealogy. While I wouldn’t make batching my primary research method, it can get many tasks done efficiently. Let’s take a look.

What is Batching in Genealogy?

Batching is the process of grouping similar tasks together. In genealogy, this means researching multiple ancestors or records of the same type at once. Instead of jumping from birth to marriage to death records for one person, you focus on all the birth records for a family line, then all the marriage records, and so on.

Why Batch Your Research?

1. You will save time by focusing on one record type.
2. You will spot patterns that may be easier to see, noticing trends when you’re looking at similar data.
3. You may find clues you’d otherwise miss, which may help break through a brick wall.
4. You will maximize subscription time if you’re paying for access to records.
5. You will stay organized.
6. It’s a different way of researching in case you need a quick win.

How to Batch Your Genealogy Research

Step 1: Choose Your Focus

Pick a family line or group of ancestors to research. It’s best if they lived in the same area for a while. This makes batching easier and more effective.

Step 2: Decide on a Record Type

Choose one type of record to focus on. For example:

• Birth records
• Marriage records
• Death records
• Census records

Step 3: Create a Research Plan

List all the ancestors you want to find records for. Include:

• Names
• Estimated dates
• Locations

This becomes your research checklist.

Step 4: Gather Your Resources

Identify where you’ll find these records. It might be:

• Online databases
• Local archives
• Family History Centers

Make sure you have access to these resources before you start.

Step 5: Set Up Your Workspace

Get organized before you start:

• Open necessary programs or websites
• Have your research log ready
• Prepare file folders (digital or physical) for your findings

Step 6: Start Searching

Now the fun begins! Work through your list, searching for the same type of record for each ancestor. As you go:

• Document everything, even if you don’t find a record
• Note any patterns. For example, are the same witnesses on all the records, etc?
• Keep an eye out for other family members in the records

Step 7: Analyze Your Findings

Once you’ve gone through your list:

• Look for patterns across the records
• Note any missing information
• Identify new research questions that have come up
• Is there any conflicting information?

Step 8: Update Your Family Tree

Add your new findings to your family tree software. Be sure to include source citations.

Step 9: Plan Your Next Batch

Based on what you’ve learned, decide what to focus on next. Maybe you’ll move on to a different record type for the same family line.

Real-Life Example: The Astle Family Batching Project

Let’s say you’re researching the Astle family, who lived in Cecil County, Maryland from 1855 to 1920. Here’s how you might batch your research:

1. Start with census records:
   • Search for all Astle family members in the 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, and 1920 censuses. Remember most of the 1890 census was destroyed.
   • You’ll quickly see how the family grew and moved over time.
   • It’s important to find every census in an ancestor’s lifetime.
2. Move to birth records:
   • Look for birth records for all known Astle children born in Cecil County.
   • Check the FamilySearch Research Wiki to see when birth records began in Cecil County.
   • For more, read my blog, Why I Love The FamilySearch Wiki For My Genealogy Research.
3. Then tackle marriage records:
   • Search for marriages of all Astle family members in Cecil County.
   • This could reveal new branches of the family tree.
4. Finally, examine death records:
   • Look for death records of all known Astle family members.
   • Later death records often include valuable information.
   • You can start with death or probate records and work your way backwards.

By batching your research this way, you’ll build a more complete picture of the Astle family much faster than if you researched each person individually.

Tips for Successful Batching

1. Start small – don’t try to batch your entire tree at once. Pick a manageable group to start with.
2. Be flexible – if you find an interesting lead, it’s okay to follow it. Just make a note and come back to your batch later.
3. Take breaks – batching can be long. Remember to get up and stretch regularly.
4. Use technology – many genealogy software programs and websites allow you to create research logs and checklists. Use these tools to stay organized.
5. Collaborate – batching is a great way to divide work among family members or research buddies. Each person can take a different record type.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Tunnel vision – don’t get so focused on one record type that you miss obvious clues elsewhere.
2. Assuming consistency – names, dates, and places can vary between records. Be aware there may be variations. Make a table or write the variations in your genealogy research log.
3. Neglecting context – while batching, don’t forget to understand the historical context of the records you’re examining. More on that in this blog post.
4. Overcomplicating – keep your batching system simple enough that you’ll actually use it.

Finally

Batching is a powerful tool in your genealogy toolkit. It can help you research more efficiently, spot patterns you might otherwise miss, and possibly break a brick wall or two. By focusing on one type of record for multiple family members, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your family’s history.

Remember, genealogy is a marathon, not a sprint. Batching helps you cover more ground, but it’s still important to be thorough and accurate. Take your time, document your sources, and enjoy the process of discovering your family’s story.

Ready to give batching a try? Pick a family line, choose a record type, and begin. You might be surprised at what you discover when you look at your research from this new angle.

Genealogy tip: Always keep a Word doc or Google doc open as you batch your genealogy research. As you find records, analyze and make sense of them. If this process is going to work for you, you have to stay organized.

Having trouble finding your ancestor(s) in the records? Sometimes you need someone to point you in the right direction or do the finding for you. That’s me! Click below to schedule your 30-minute, no-obligation consulation.