Random genealogy question for ChatGPT -- Tenth cousin twice removed

While using the FamilySearch Family Tree app or Relatives Around Us during RootsTech I found most if not all of the people I compared were related to me in a tenth cousin twice removed or closer relationship. I have wondered what this relationship is like in terms of people, time and years. I thought this would be a great question to ask ChatGPT. 

I asked ChatGPT,  "If I have a tenth cousin twice removed please calculate the total number of shared or direct relatives we would have."

ChatGPT responded: To calculate the total number of shared or direct relatives between you and a tenth cousin twice removed, we need to consider the generational relationship and calculate the number of ancestors at each generation.

A tenth cousin means that you and your cousin share a common set of great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandparents. The "twice removed" part indicates a difference of two generations.

Here's a breakdown of the generational relationship:

You and your cousin are of the same generation (0 shared ancestors).

Your parents are of the first previous generation (2 shared ancestors).

Your grandparents are of the second previous generation (4 shared ancestors).

Each subsequent generation doubles the number of shared ancestors.

To calculate the total number of shared or direct relatives, you can use the formula:

Total Relatives = 2^(generations back + 1)

In this case, with ten generations back and two times removed, the calculation would be:

Total Relatives = 2^(10 + 1) = 2^11 = 2,048

Therefore, you would have a total of 2,048 shared or direct relatives with a tenth cousin twice removed.

Please note that this calculation assumes a simplified model where there are no instances of intermarriage or common ancestors in the family tree. In reality, the number of shared relatives can vary due to various factors such as intermarriage, multiple relationships, and complex family structures.

I asked ChatGPT, "How many years are represented in a tenth cousin twice removed relationship?" 

ChatGPT responded: In a genealogical context, a "removed" relationship signifies a difference in generational levels. Each "removed" indicates a generational shift.

A tenth cousin refers to individuals who share a common set of great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandparents.

The term "twice removed" indicates a difference of two generations.

To calculate the number of years represented in a tenth cousin twice removed relationship, we need to estimate the average number of years between generations. This can vary, but a commonly used estimate is around 25-30 years.

Assuming an average of 25 years per generation, the calculation would be as follows:

(10 generations + 2 generations) x 25 years = 300 years

Therefore, a tenth cousin twice removed relationship represents approximately 300 years of generational distance. This estimate serves as a rough approximation, as actual generational lengths can vary depending on factors such as cultural norms, individual circumstances, and historical periods.

I asked ChatGPT, "How are Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin Delano Roosevelt related? What is there genealogical cousin relationship, like 10th cousin twice removed?"

ChatGPT responded: Teddy Roosevelt (Theodore Roosevelt) and Franklin Delano Roosevelt were fifth cousins. They shared a common ancestor, Nicholas Roosevelt, who lived in the 17th century. This makes their genealogical relationship a fifth cousin. They were not "twice removed" from each other.

I asked ChatGPT, "If Chat GPT had a tenth cousin twice removed who would it be in technology terms?"

ChatGPT answered: In terms of technology, if ChatGPT had a tenth cousin twice removed in the realm of technology, an analogy could be made to the earliest computers or computing pioneers. Just as ChatGPT represents advanced language processing capabilities, a tenth cousin twice removed in the technology field might be associated with early computing devices or pioneers who contributed to the development of computing technology.

So I asked a follow-up question, "Please tell me about any early computing devices or pioneers who contributed to the development of computing technology?"

ChatGPT answered: There are several early computing devices and pioneers who played significant roles in the development of computing technology. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Charles Babbage: Often considered the "father of the computer," Babbage conceptualized and designed the Analytical Engine in the 19th century. Although the machine was never fully constructed during his lifetime, it laid the foundation for modern computer architecture.
2. Ada Lovelace: Lovelace, an English mathematician, is recognized as the world's first computer programmer. She collaborated with Charles Babbage and wrote detailed notes on his Analytical Engine, including the first algorithm intended for implementation on a machine.
3. Alan Turing: Turing, a British mathematician and computer scientist, made substantial contributions to early computer science. His work during World War II on code-breaking machines, particularly the Bombe and the concept of the Turing machine, laid the groundwork for modern computing.
4. Konrad Zuse: Zuse, a German engineer, developed the Z3 in the 1940s, considered the world's first functional, programmable, and fully automatic digital computer. His work contributed to the advancement of computer architecture and programming languages.
5. ENIAC: The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was one of the earliest general-purpose electronic digital computers. Developed in the 1940s by John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert, ENIAC was a significant milestone in computing history.
6. IBM 650: Released in 1954, the IBM 650 was one of the first widely used computers for business and scientific applications. It played a crucial role in the early computerization of various industries.

These are just a few examples among many pioneers and early computing devices that contributed to the development of computing technology. Their innovations and advancements laid the foundation for the sophisticated computers and technology we have today.

IBM 650s are shown here in production at the company's plant in Endicott, N.Y.

So there you have it ChatGPT's tenth cousin twice removed is the IBM 650.

How can ChatGPT can be used in family history research?

 I learned about ChatGPT a few weeks ago but between a family vacation and catching up on work I have not had a lot of time to learn about this potential resource. 

ChatGPT is a language model AI. It is designed to understand natural language and generate responses that are within context. ChatGPT is trained on a massive amount of data from the internet and can generate human-like responses to a variety of prompts. ChatGPT has been shown to be capable of answering complex questions, completing sentences and paragraphs, and even writing articles and stories. It has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with computers and AI systems.

I decided to ask ChatGPT, "In your opinion what are the best ways for me to use ChatGPT in Family History?" This is the result.

As an AI language model, ChatGPT can be used in various ways in family history research. Here are some of the best ways to utilize ChatGPT:

1. Ask ChatGPT specific questions related to genealogy and family history. ChatGPT can help you find information about a specific ancestor, give you tips on how to research, and provide guidance on how to navigate genealogy websites.
2. Use ChatGPT to transcribe and translate historical documents. ChatGPT can help you transcribe and translate old handwriting, which can be a helpful tool in deciphering old records.
3. Have ChatGPT assist in writing family history stories. ChatGPT can provide creative writing prompts and even help you with the writing process to craft engaging and informative family histories.
4. Use ChatGPT to help break through research roadblocks. ChatGPT can suggest alternative research strategies or sources to help you overcome research roadblocks that you may encounter.
5. Utilize ChatGPT to analyze DNA results. ChatGPT can help explain DNA results, provide interpretations, and suggest next steps in your genetic genealogy research.
6. Have ChatGPT help with language translation. ChatGPT can assist in translating foreign language documents or interpreting information in foreign languages.
7. Use ChatGPT to help with organizing and digitizing family history materials. ChatGPT can provide guidance on how to organize and digitize family photos, documents, and other materials, making them more accessible for future generations.
8. Use ChatGPT to help plan family history research trips. ChatGPT can suggest repositories to visit, provide travel tips, and even help you plan out your itinerary.
9. Have ChatGPT provide recommendations for genealogy education resources. ChatGPT can suggest online courses, books, and other educational resources to help you learn more about genealogy and family history.
10. Use ChatGPT to help with collaborative research efforts. ChatGPT can assist in organizing and facilitating collaborative research efforts with other family members or researchers.

Overall, ChatGPT can be a valuable tool in genealogy and family history research, helping to overcome research roadblocks, providing guidance, and suggesting new avenues of exploration.

I liked the answers ChatGPT gave but somewhat doubted its ability to help in each of the ways. I realize one of the limitations of ChatGPT is the user who asks the question. I asked about the third recommendation from the list above. I asked, "Please provide creative writing prompts and help me with the writing process to craft engaging and informative family histories." This was the result.

Certainly! Here are some creative writing prompts and tips to help you craft engaging and informative family histories:

1. Write a letter from the perspective of one of your ancestors. What might they want to tell their descendants about their life and experiences?
2. Create a timeline of your family's history, including major events and milestones. Use this as a basis for writing short stories or vignettes that bring those events to life.
3. Write a "day in the life" story from the perspective of one of your ancestors. What was a typical day like for them? What challenges did they face?
4. Imagine that you're interviewing one of your ancestors for a news article or a family history book. What questions would you ask? What would be the most interesting or surprising things they might have to say?
5. Write a family recipe book, including stories about the origins of each recipe and memories associated with the dishes.

Tips for the writing process:

1. Start by gathering as much information as possible about your family history. This might include photos, documents, and stories passed down through generations.
2. Organize your information in a way that makes sense to you. Consider creating an outline or a timeline to help you keep track of important events and details.
3. Be sure to fact-check your information to ensure accuracy. You can use online resources like census records, genealogy websites, and historical archives to verify details.
4. When writing, try to incorporate sensory details and vivid imagery to bring your ancestors and their experiences to life. Use dialogue and quotes from family members to add authenticity and personality to your stories.
5. Don't be afraid to experiment with different formats and styles of writing. For example, you might write a series of short stories, a letter, or a cookbook. Be creative and have fun with it!

Remember, the most important thing is to tell your family's story in a way that is engaging and meaningful to you and your loved ones.

I think this advice is really good and easy to follow. I then asked about the first recommendation from the best ways to use ChatGPT. "I have a genealogy brick wall that ends with my ancestor James Trotter from St. Helena Parish, Louisiana about 1815.  Please give me tips on how to research him, and provide me guidance on how to navigate genealogy websites in order to find sources I can use to get past this brick wall." Here is the reply.

Researching ancestors from the early 19th century can be challenging, but there are several strategies and resources you can use to try to break through your brick wall. Here are some tips to help you research James Trotter from St. Helena Parish, Louisiana:

1. Start with what you know: Begin your research by gathering as much information as possible about James Trotter and his family. Collect any documents, letters, or photographs you have from family members, and ask relatives for their recollections about James and his life. Look for clues in family stories, naming patterns, and locations where your ancestor lived, worked, or worshiped.
2. Consult census records: Census records can be a rich source of information about individuals and families, including their names, ages, birthplaces, occupations, and relationships to one another. Look for James Trotter in the 1820, 1830, and 1840 U.S. census records for St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. Be creative in your spelling and try different variations of his name or possible misspellings.
3. Search for vital records: Birth, marriage, and death records can provide vital clues about James Trotter's life and family. Check vital records for St. Helena Parish, Louisiana, and surrounding areas. Be aware that vital records may not exist for the time period you are researching, and may not include all the information you are seeking.
4. Look for land records: Land records can provide valuable information about where your ancestor lived, worked, and owned property. Check for land patents, deeds, and other land transactions involving James Trotter and his family in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.
5. Check probate records: Wills, estate inventories, and other probate records can provide information about your ancestor's family relationships, property, and possessions. Look for probate records for James Trotter and his family in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.
6. Consult local histories: Local histories and genealogies may provide valuable background information about James Trotter and his family, as well as clues to other potential sources for research. Check for published works about St. Helena Parish, Louisiana, and other relevant areas.
7. Join genealogy societies: Genealogy societies can provide resources and support for your research, as well as opportunities to connect with other researchers who may have information or leads that can help you break through your brick wall.
8. Use online resources: Genealogy websites such as Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and MyHeritage.com can provide access to a wide range of records and resources, including census records, vital records, land records, and more. Be aware that some of these websites may require a subscription or payment to access certain records or features.
9. Utilize DNA testing: DNA testing can provide clues to your ancestry and potential connections to other individuals or family lines. Consider taking a DNA test and uploading your results to websites such as AncestryDNA or MyHeritageDNA, which may provide matches and other leads to help you break through your brick wall.

Navigating genealogy websites can be overwhelming, but there are a few tips that can help:

1. Start with a plan: Before diving into a genealogy website, identify what you are looking for and what sources or records you need to search. Develop a research plan and focus on one ancestor or family line at a time.
2. Use advanced search features: Most genealogy websites have advanced search features that allow you to narrow down your search results by location, date, record type, and other criteria. Use these features to refine your search and make your results more relevant.
3. Read the website's help and FAQ sections: Many genealogy websites have detailed help sections that can provide guidance on how to navigate the site, search
4. Look for community sources: Another way to locate information about your ancestor is to look for sources that are connected to the community they lived in. Local histories, newspapers, church records, and local government records can all be excellent sources of information about your ancestor and their family. Check out websites such as Chronicling America or local genealogy societies for access to these types of records.
5. Check other genealogy websites: Don't limit yourself to just one genealogy website. Check out different websites and databases that may hold information on your ancestor. Some popular genealogy websites include Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, FindMyPast, and RootsWeb.
6. Utilize DNA testing: DNA testing can also help you break down brick walls in your research. By testing with multiple companies, you can potentially find DNA matches that have information about your ancestor and their family. Additionally, DNA testing can help you confirm or refute potential family connections and narrow down potential areas of research.
7. Seek out expert help: If you have exhausted all your options and still can't find information about your ancestor, consider seeking out expert help. Professional genealogists or genetic genealogists may be able to provide new insights into your research and help you find the missing pieces to your family history puzzle.

By following these tips and utilizing genealogy websites and resources, you can increase your chances of breaking down your genealogy brick walls and learning more about your ancestor James Trotter from St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.

I think these are also great tips for researching but I was hoping for more specific information about my third Great-Grandfather. There is little information about James Trotter so I asked about his son, my second Great-grandfather, Samuel Thomas Trotter. "Please write a life history for the Samuel Thomas Trotter who was born 15 February 1860 in Greensburg, St. Helena, Louisiana, United States. Please include a timeline of his life events. Please also include citations for the information presented." (Information for my ancestor can e found on FamilySearch here: https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/sources/KWCX-HZ6). Here is the response. 

Samuel Thomas Trotter was born on February 15, 1860, in Greensburg, St. Helena, Louisiana, to parents James Trotter and Mary Jane Bates. He was the fourth of seven children born to the couple.

In 1870, Samuel was living with his parents and siblings in Greensburg, St. Helena, Louisiana, according to the US Census. His father, James, worked as a farmer, while Samuel was listed as attending school.

By the 1880 US Census, Samuel had moved out of his parents' household and was living in Amite, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, working as a farmer. In 1883, at the age of 23, he married Sallie W. Galloway in Tangipahoa, Louisiana.

Samuel and Sallie had at least nine children: Thomas, Clarence, Viola, Mary, Fannie, Bessie, Ophelia, Samuel, and John. By the 1900 US Census, the family had moved to Chesbrough, Jackson, Louisiana, where Samuel worked as a farmer.

In 1910, Samuel and his family were still living in Chesbrough, Jackson, Louisiana, and he was still working as a farmer. By 1920, the family had moved to Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where Samuel was listed as a laborer in a lumber yard.

Samuel Thomas Trotter died on October 3, 1936, in Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at the age of 76.

Sources:

1. "United States Census, 1870," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M87P-Y6B : 26 July 2019), Samuel Trotter in household of James Trotter, Louisiana, United States; citing p. 10, family 78, NARA microfilm publication M593 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 552,030.
2. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MDXV-2FH : 20 August 2017), Saml. Trotter, Amite, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, United States; citing enumeration district ED 37, sheet 172D, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 0475; FHL microfilm 1,254,475.
3. "Louisiana, Marriages, 1816-1906," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F4W2-6T2 : 4 December 2014), Samuel T. Trotter and Sallie W. Galloway, 02 Dec 1883; citing reference ; FHL microfilm 1,291,605.
4. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MSPC-2Q2 : accessed 27 April 2021), Samuel Trotter, Police Jury Ward 3, Jackson, Louisiana, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 49, sheet 8B, family 158, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,240,569.

In the above information only the first sentence was correct. The rest of the information, highlighted in red,  was not correct or about my Samuel Thomas Trotter, his spouse or children. None of the sources are for my ancestor or relatives and the links in the citation do not link to the information provided in the citation. In this specific case ChatGPT is not a great source for writing information but only suggestion strategies.

Sean Astin to Keynote RootsTech 2023

The fanboy in me is freaking out a little. I feel like I have know Sean my entire life. He is just barely two weeks older than me, so as I have watched him in movies I have been able to relate to him on several levels. He has played the quiet hero in many ways. Leader of the outcast goonies as they discover themselves and the town's history to go on an adventure and save the town. 

The best sidekick and wingman who cannot bear the ring but can shoulder his friend Frodo's burdens as they venture to save middle earth. 

A long shot football player that beat the odds to get into Notre Dame as a student, barely makes the practice squad on the football team and ends up playing only one series of plays in his football career. A leader and hard worker on and off the field who tried to keep his dreams alive. The only player carried of the field to this day. 

All of Sean's roles from Stranger Things to 50 First Dates have helped me to learn more about myself and the role of friends and family in our lives. 

I do not think that I have been more excited for a speaker at RootsTech. I was thrilled to see Laura Bush exit the Marriott and be whisked away in her convoy of black vehicles. 

The trekker in me was brought to tears by Lavar Burton and his emotional reaction to the family history that was presented to him after his keynote. 

However, I am more excited to see Sean Astin than to be back in person at RootsTech. I feel giddy.

 I know better but I wish my co-workers at RootsTech would get me a signed Funko Pop or something. 

My wife is an influencer at RootsTech, I not so secretly envy her, but if she gets to interview and/or meet Sean Astin I will be so jealous. The ride home that day will me more energized compared to the complete exhaustion we have experienced in years past. 

A more tender memory for me is that Sean Astin the actor reminds me of my boyhood friend and next-door neighbor Murray O'Dell. Their physical attributes and sense of humor are very similar. Murray was always at my side, we were goonies, underdogs, and he was a friend to the end. My teenage years were not easy both from circumstances beyond my control and poor personal choices. I feel like I survived those years more than lived them. As we got older a distance grew between us. We both worked together at our first few jobs. He was always my friend even when I did not treat him like I should have. After high school our paths diverged and I went off to college and Murray joined the Marines and fought in the Persian Gulf. I met my wife and settled in our college town and Murray returned from service and lived in his parents former home and also got married. We kept in touch in those days before social media but not as much as I would have liked or should have. I would tell my children about the adventures that Murray and I had in our youth. I must have talked about him quite a bit because on November 11th, 2005 my mother-in-law was watching the news and heard Murray's name. She called me and I turned on the TV to find that Murray was involved in a semi-truck collision and was killed instantly. I still know Murray's parents home phone number and I quickly called his mother to confirm the story. We cried as we spoke on the phone, she consoled me and loved me like no time had passed. I still morn the loss of my friend Murray. I also morn because I didn't take the chance to fully mend our relationship. I didn't know how much I valued him in my life until it was too late.

I have been thrilled to see Sean Astin in roles after 2003 when Return of the King was released. The movies before that time reminded me of Murray and the person and friend that he was. The movies after that give me a small glimpse of what Murray could have been like. Sean, like me, now has what my kids call a dad bod. His character Bob in Stranger Things was not perfect, a little nerdy, but stood up for those he loved. Bob also remembered the past but did not let that change the way he interacted with people from his past now. As Dr. Julian Echo on Young Rock, he is in the future but holds a grudge against his childhood rival Dwayne as he runs for President of the United States. Murray and I competed in debate with and were in the same high school graduating class as U.S. Senator Mike Lee. They were not rivals but in this age of social media I would have loved to see how Murry would react to current events now.

Thanks for the memories to both Sean and Murry. Welcome to Salt Lake Sean, it will be a pleasure to see you.

Rootstech Connect 2021

 This week is Rootstech connect, the online version of the world largest family history conference, begins on February 25th. As final preparations are being made the stage has been set for an unprecedented conference.

Early last week during a staff training they released the above numbers for registered attendees for the conference. They also mentioned that there were 20,000 more people than reflected in this graphic. All of the above number are record setting but the fact that 89% of registered attendees have never attended rootstech before is telling.

 

 

The conference is available in 11 languages but there are also specific classes in 25 additional languages.

Because of the worldwide nature of the conference it begins Thursday February 25th at 4 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time. This means that in Salt Lake City the first Keynote by Nick Vujicic will begin at 9 p.m. MST on February 24th.

 

I hope you enjoy rootstech this year. If you have questions about rootstech connect please let me know.

Weighing genealogical proof as facts or truth

I love taking the plastic off my new edition of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly (NGSQ) and diving into the mysteries that unfold in the presented research. I admit that this is not for everyone. I like to learn about strategies that others use to find information or facts about those they are researching. I love the maps, graphs and charts the authors use to help convey information. I also love learning about history and the unique lives that our predecessors have lived. I also think it is intimidating to see the evidence of the reasonably exhaustive searches that genealogists go through to find information that help to paint the picture of facts about the person they are researching.

The Editor’s Corner for the December 2020[1] publication about Claims and Assertions has caused me to think about the different types of facts we use to prove our theories about our research. At the head of the editorial, they quote Friedrich Nietzche “Facts do not exist, only interpretations[2].”

The editors, Nancy A. Peters and Allen R. Peterson, use examples from an article in the issue to show how a genealogical conclusion was made based on compiled family members’ claims. These claims were later proved false using deeds and probate records that may not have been available to the original researcher. They also explain that the person in question was deliberately obscuring his identity, but evidence proves his true identity.

I know in my own experience that relying on family members’ claims led to a brick wall and not until I broadened my research did I find the ancestor. I also found that my relative had changed his identity and left behind a wife and children, with no sign of divorce. In later records this first wife listed herself as a widow. I can draw conclusions about this ancestor, but I am not sure I still know all of the facts or truth about him.

The NGSQ editorial makes a good point and to a certain extent I agree. However,  I think I disagree with Nietzche and the use of his quote in the editorial. I am not convinced that conclusions and facts are always the same.

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)

Facts and Truth

Nietche’s quote, “facts do not exist, only interpretations,” is reflected in our current politically charged world. Facts are rooted in truth. I know that many people say that truth is subjective but there are facts and truths that exist. It is sad in modern society I need to delineate between facts and actual facts or truth and actual truth. We are all born is a fact and we all die is a fact. Where we were born or may die may not be known but can be proved. You cannot interpret being born.

It is both the truth and a fact that I was born in Provo, Utah. Not only do I have a certificate of birth and eyewitness accounts but the facts that I lived in Provo, attended schools there, and have relatives who lived and are still living there all collaborate that I was born in Provo.

It is a fact that my children were all born in Ogden, Utah. It is true they were all born in Mckay-Dee Hospital, but it is a fact that they were not all born in the same hospital. Over time McKay-Dee Hospital has been in three different locations along Harrison Boulevard in Ogden. In March of 2002, the newest facility was opened about six blocks south of the previous location. My wife and our three oldest children were all born in the same older building, but our youngest three children were all born in the newer building.

Relativism

Relativism seems like a word that fits well within the world of genealogy and family history.  However, the theory has much less to do with relatives than it does to a belief. The philosophy of relativism holds that each person is free to choose for themselves what is truth or fact, that their point of view or standpoint can alter the way facts or truth are seen or to be believed. This myopic viewpoint lacks intellectual insight and relies more on emotion or feelings than accuracy and verity.

Over the last few years, I have noticed my children picking up a new conversational terminology. I have even caught myself saying it a few times. When I was younger, I would say things like, “I think that the sky is bluer today,” or “I think the snow is deeper this year.” With the new terminology I hear them say, “I feel like the snow is deeper this year,” or “it feels like he was born earlier in the year.” This difference in terminology seems small at first but the underlying emotion of the thought reflects the relativism that is pervasive in our modern culture.

Thinking based on emotion has led to many social issues that blur truth and fact and could affect our field of genealogy. People now feel their gender is different than a biological truth of fact. Others even feel that gender is not real but a construct of thought. Marriage has gone from an institution to a piece of paper. A two-parent household is considered by some as a form of white privilege instead of a societal norm. Even societal norms feel wrong so they must not be true.

I fear the loss of truth and fact if relativism becomes as common in family history and genealogy as it is in politics and morality.

Genealogical Proof Standard

Scholars and professionals in genealogy use proof to draw conclusions[3]. This has been standardized using five conditions. A reasonably exhaustive search, complete citations, analysis and correlation of data, resolution of conflicts, and a written proof summary or conclusion.

Even the most technical and skilled proof summary is more of a probability than truth. The proof can contain facts and truths, but the result is a theory or conclusion. Truth and facts do not change but the theory or proof can. Proof is not truth or fact; proof is a standard of reliability and quality of the conclusion drawn.

Because of the analysis and correlations step of the genealogical proof standard I can see an avenue for relativism to creep into proof. If we project the emotions of relativism of the modern day into the analysis of sources, information and evidence of the past our proof summaries and conclusions will become even less probable and farther from fact or the truth.

This brings us back to the editorial, they expertly discuss genealogical conclusions, proof standards, and examples, however I think the Nietzsche quote that framed the article would have been more truthful or factual if it read, “genealogical conclusions do not exist, only interpretations.” Unless we add an additional standard of proof, may we all hold truth and fact with a higher regard than feelings or emotion.

 

---

[1] Nancy A. Peters and Allen R. Peterson, “Editors’ Corner,” in National Genealogical Society Quarterly (Boston, MA), December 2020, Vol. 108, no. 4, p. 243.

[2] NGSQ citing Friedrich Nietzche in Walter Kaufmann, ed. and transl., The Portable Nietzche (1954; reprint, New York: Viking Press, 1988), p. 458.

[3] Mills, Elizabeth Shown, Evidence Explained: Citing Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2017), p. 19.

Post rootstech questions and answers

I recently accomplished one of my genealogy goals by presenting at rootstech 2020. My wife and I did a presentation together called Discover Your Family with Interviews and Sources. Here is a link to the recording: https://www.rootstech.org/video/discover-your-family-with-interviews-and-sources.

I think the camera adds 150 lbs

My wife and her business partner handed out reference cards during the presentation for people to request information and ask questions. I thought I would share some of the questions and answers I received from a woman named Becky.

Q: How do you go about researching newspapers?

A: I hate to say but it depends. If I cannot find vital records for a person I then look in newspapers. If I have a pretty complete picture of a person and I know where and when they lived then I check the newspapers for additional information. This week I am trying to find information about a Japanese family that immigrated to Ogden, Utah. I can find obituary and wedding information for them but the husband spent time in a Japanese internment camp in Montana during World War II. Some of the Camps had newspapers. I have been trying to find some information about the camps that may help to add to his story.

Q: Do you have a subscription?

A: Yes but you don’t always need one. I have a subscription to newspapers.com. The biggest reason is because my hometown newspaper, The Ogden Standard-Examiner, is digitized and indexed there. There are thousands of free online newspapers. I mentioned the Ancestor Hunt during my presentation. https://www.theancestorhunt.com/newspaper-research-links.html I use this to narrow down my search. The FamilySearch Wiki can also help you locate newspapers for the area you are researching. I did a week long trial subscription to genealogybank but the newspapers there did not seem to provide results I was interested in so I did not continue the subscription.

Q: What Website do you recommend?

A: I assume you mean for newspapers, the two I mentioned above are my go to websites. I believe that Ancestor Hunt breaks down he different collections to location. But you can search free collections of newspapers at

• Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/newspapers/ - 7642 Newspapers
• Chronicling America: https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/newspapers/ - 3127 Newspapers
• Elephind.com: https://elephind.com/ - 4209 newspapers
• Google Newspapers: https://news.google.com/newspapers - A lot of newspapers
• Utah digital newspapers: https://digitalnewspapers.org/ - 200 newspapers

Q: Do you search by location of just a general google search?

A: Yes, I do both. It depends on what I am searching. I think you should have a research question in mind before you start searching. Sometimes a new collection will come online and I will just search in it for my family names but generally I have a specific reason for searching.

Genealogy New Year’s Resolutions

I found that after I started working for FamilySearch the amount of time I spent on blogging and family history research has dropped. I could write a whole series of blogs on why I think this happened, but the result was a new year’s resolution to share one post a day on social media. For the most part it has not been a burden. It has not garnered as many followers and my blog used to get but the stress surrounding the project is much less.

As I was reviewing past posts from fellow bloggers about Genealogy New Year’s resolutions to decide which might be good to link from GenealogyTrot, I decided it might be time to set some of them for myself.

First, a list of genealogy new year’s resolutions I was able to accomplish over the years.

1.     Find at least one photo of each of my ancestors for five generations.

When I was at Rootstech several years ago I came across the Tapestree booth. At the booth they were selling wire trees with little picture frames on the end of each branch of each tree. I loved how they looked but I was not sure if I had enough pictures of my ancestors to fill the picture frames. I made it my goal to find the pictures I needed to fill the tree.

 I have one at my desk at work and two at my home, one for my ancestors and one for my wife’s ancestors. (They make great gifts and after I have all of the pictures it was easy to duplicate for my parents, in-laws, siblings, etc. I promise I am not being paid for this. It is likely they will never see it).

What I would do differently – I was so excited about gathering the photos I did not do the best job of keeping track of how I got them and how I know they are accurate. I should have documented them a little better.

2.     Share what you have learned with your family.

I think a lots of family historians, especially those who call themselves genealogists, are hesitant to share all of their hard work to others. It was not easy to overcome the “my tree & my family” mentality. However, I have gotten so much more back from sharing I don’t know if I would have had many of the successes I have had in my research. This could also be a post by itself, but I created Facebook groups for each of my families by surname. Whenever I make a discovery, I shared it in the groups. Not only did I get additional details and stories from what I shared I now have other family members sharing their findings in the groups too. This has also led some of the older members of the family to bring me photo albums and other heirlooms because they know I care and will share and preserve the information.

3.     Attend Rootstech.

When I decided to attend Rootstech I felt I had tapped all my known resources and still needed to learn so much more. Saving the money to attend took some planning but the real obstacle in my mind was convincing my wife. As it turns out she attended with me. I don’t want to go as far as to say attending Rootstech changed my life, but I am confident in saying that for both myself and my wife the decision to attend impacted both of our careers. I am not saying this will happen for everyone who goes to Rootstech but I am sure you will learn things that will help to give you direction for your research.

4.     Join A Genealogy Society.

I saw this on many of the other bloggers resolutions lists. I have joined several societies over the years. I also have joined several family organizations. Some are better than others but the adage that “you can learn something from anyone” rings true here too. Some of my favorites are the National Genealogical Society, the Utah Genealogical Association, and the Sons of the Utah Pioneers. Of the many family associations I have joined the Merriam Family Tree and EdmundRice Association stand out in my mind the most.

5.       Learn about my ancestors who trekked to Utah between 1846 and 1869.

This is a specific goal related not only to my heritage but the region of the county where I live. Last summer I participated in a reenactment of the trek with my wife and one of my sons. We each traveled with the name of one of our ancestors who made the trek. In all I found 58 pioneers my son could choose from that were his direct ancestors who traveled to Utah by wagon or foot. I also put together short biographies for each one of them from the many different resources that are available.

I thought I could come up with more than five. I have set many resolutions that I did not accomplish and several I am still working on.

Resolutions I started but have not finished

1.     Earn a genealogical accreditation.

This again could be a whole post. I started the certificate program through BYU-Idaho because I was encouraged by a co-worker and because the price is pretty good. This certificate is not accreditation itself, but the courses are designed to allow you to learn the steps you need for accreditation. I have issues with the program which I may outline at a later point. I have used these as an excuse to take time between semesters or I would be finished.

2.     Interview older relatives.

This was something I started 20 plus years ago. A generation has died since then and I need to interview and document the interviews with the now oldest generation of my families.

3.     Clean up my database.

I have used the same genealogy database since I started researching. For the most part it is pretty good but over the years as I have learned more and added new skills, I have gotten better about entering information and documenting the sources. I was told to start using your skills now and go back later to update information. It is time I need to do that, but the task seems a little daunting. So far I have just updated as I have had opportunity.

4.     Publish my genealogy.

I have a dream to publish one or many different family histories. The task seems so enormous I am not sure where to start. I know the saying that you eat an elephant one bite at a time, but I am not sure where to take that first bite. I need to take my wife’s advise about this but that is also another post.

5.     Knock down the Trotter Brick Wall.

This is not a goal I am sure that I can accomplish. I did successfully break down my Merriam brick wall but the clues for the Trotter line run much colder and in much older veins. I need to put together my conclusions to share them with my family. I am not sure I will ever to be able to accomplish more than that.

Other ideas for genealogical resolutions

• Add your sources [Genealogy.com by Donna Przecha]

• Backup your data weekly [MyHeritage Blog by Esther]

• Concentrate on one area [Genealogy.com by Donna Przecha]

• Find (your ancestors in) all of the censuses [Archives.com by Pamela Velazquez]

• Join Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest, and look for other genealogists [MyHeritage Blog by Esther]

• Label all of your photos [Archives.com by Pamela Velazquez]

• Listen to a webinar or a podcast [MyHeritage Blog by Esther]

• Look for inspiration [FamilyTree By Vanessa Wieland]

• Organize what you have [Genealogy.com by Donna Przecha]

• Participate In An Indexing Project [Archives.com by Thomas MacEntee]

• Print out your data [Genealogy.com by Donna Przecha]

• Schedule the time [FamilyTree By Vanessa Wieland]

• Take a DNA test [MyHeritage Blog by Esther]

• Visit a Family History Center or genealogy library [Genealogy.com by Donna Przecha]

• Visit an older relative [MyHeritage Blog by Esther]

• Write out the stories [Genealogy.com by Donna Przecha]

• Write your own memories [MyHeritage Blog by Esther]

FamilySearch Update - Relationship Viewing

It is exciting to learn about new features about FamilySearch. Today I learned about a new relationships feature that allows you to see how you are related to those who are also working on the Family Tree.

For those of you familiar with the FamilyTree app or those who have attended RootsTech, we have been able to see those who were are related to either in the same room or those also attending RootsTech. We have also been able to see how we are related to people contained in the Family Tree. Now we can see how we are related to those who are working on or in FamilySearch or the Family Tree.

On the opening page feed you can see items that have been attached to your relatives memories. In the case above James Backman (jamesbackman1) has added a newspaper clipping with our common relative.

Clicking on his name pops up a box that included his contact information. Now the pop-up also included a link that says "Enable Relationship Viewing." It is important to note that this new feature is one where you need to opt-in. It is not available by default.

After clicking the Enable link another pop-up box opens so you can enable relationship viewing. Once you opt-in to viewing relationships you are opted in for everyone to see your relationship, it is not a one-to-one option.

After you have enabled viewing then when you click the name it shows a description of your relationship.

You can also click the View My Relationship link in the pop-up and a tree of the relationship will display.

You can access this relationship viewing option from anywhere on FamilySearch where a name is assigned to a fact or memory.

When you click on the name and the pop-up appears and that person has not already opted into Relationship Viewing you will see a link that says Request to View Relationship. When you click this link it sends a request to that person so they can opt-in to view relationships.

If you have already requested that they opt-in but they have not responded the link will say Request Pending.

The feature is also working in memories.

What do you think? Is this something you would want to use?