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Archiver > ROOTS > 2003-06 > 1055264564


From: "Doug" <>
Subject: [ROOTS-L] Hello, folks--Newbie on board!
Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 12:02:44 -0500


Welcome aboard Lura!

Dependent upon the accuracy of your Uncle's pedigree list, you are miles ahead of the game already. It has been my experience that much of my work is comprised of "a few stale, badly burnt, ant-chewed crumbs" collected from the internet, family members and historical records. The key to your success will be your tenacity. There are so many facets of "the internet" that I can imagine you have only touched on a few of them.
Glean every detail, every tiny factoid, assure yourself of their accuracy, or a reasonable assurance of their accuracy. Most of us either 'google' or, in my case, 'copernic' and I suggest you learn how to use them to your advantage.
Ask questions. You will find, in almost every circumstance, if not the answer to a question, at least the encouragement of fellow genealogists.
Do the work yourself and document,, document. All of your answers won't be found on the internet. Use what you know or suspect and set about proving your data by visiting libraries, USGen sites, etc, etc. In all probability, you will have to do as much traveling as possible. Probe, probe, probe for answers.
You mentioned the "useless" Death records on the internet. That's all part of the game. Texas, and I'm certain other states, have death records. Unfortunately, Texas birth and death records don't start until 1903. Join up with message boards of surnames you are interested in. Speaking of surnames, in your posting, I only saw your surname. Post all the surnames you are interested in and post them in upper case letters.
Bottom line, use your mind. Each and every one of use has a native intuitiveness that must be practiced and honed to a sharp edge. Use that spirit and good humor that I recognized in your posting.
Once again, welcome to the finest group of people you could hope to become associated with.

"That Doug Character" :-)

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