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Archiver > TMG > 1999-07 > 0932078265-01


From: "Ken Nelson" <<A HREF="mailto:"></A>>
Subject: Re: TMG-L: Source Question
Date: Thu, 15 Jul 1999 18:37:45 -0400


From: Greg Rehme <>


>I am trying to go by Mills' Evidence in my documentation of sources. I
>can't figure out where Incorporation Records fit. Several of my
>ancestors had companies which they incorporated. These records show if
>they were secretaries or chairmen of the board or whatever. Also spell
>out the goal of the corporation(s), its worth, numbers of shares issued,
>etc etc. Does anyone have any advice for me?
>Thanks, Greg Rehme


Source documentation answers the question "Where did you get this
information?" It would make it possible for me or anyone who wished to
verify your writing to go to it. For one, the name of your document or group
of documents would probably be ABC, inc Incorporation papers (or whatever
name is appropriate.) and then the agency that has the files and the File,
packet or docket number of the papers.

But that does not answer your question, because as I understand it you want
to know which template to use. Elizabeth Shown Mills in Evidence! has given
us the most commonly used genealogical sources in a style book.
Incorporation papers are not common genealogical sources. This does not mean
that they should not be used. It only means that they were not mentioned in
Evidence nor was a template provided. So you need to figure out how to cite
the source and cite it. If you have a number of sets of corporation papers
to cite, then you can make up a template where you can plug in the
appropriate parts to the source as a timesaving device. Templates are a
method of helping us automate a process. Any of us can help you to work with
the template to get the proper components figured out. I suspect, however,
that that would take more time than its worth. The method I would suggest
would be the manual method.

Pick a template, any template will do, and go straight to the output form.
Delete the default elements and Type exactly how you want it to appear as a
citation on the output form. If you wished to conform to an accepted format,
you would find someone with the Chicago Manual of Style (your public
librarian, perhaps) and see if it is covered in that book. If it is, use
that as your guide. Or visit a local law library and ask how they would cite
such resources. If it is not covered in either place, you need to use the
guidelines that I put forth. Again the aim of citing your source is to
enable other folks to find and read the source first hand if need be. What
are the ingredients that one needs to communicate if that is to be possible.

Hope this helps
Ken Nelson


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