Easy Sourcing

 Easy Sourcing Is Back

RecordSeek is working again. This is the free utility app that I find so handy for creating sources for FamilySearch from other websites. It works slightly differently than before, but it works. https://recordseek.com/

While I strongly endorse sourcing, I have a few personal reservations about the saying "Sources prove your pedigree." life is not always that simple. (My great aunt Maggie's parents, as listed on her marriage record, never existed, but she was marrying a cousin and didn't want too many questions asked.) 

A more common problem is sources being attached to the wrong people, But usually this is easily determined. Of course,, if you have seven brothers who settle in the same area, and who name their sons after their brothers, it does get a little complicated. (e.g. "Old Andy's Young Andy's Wee Andy" and other Buchanans in Donegal, Ontario, after 1847)

Still, I spend a lot of very rewarding time sourcing my genealogy. I try to be extra careful when I know that there are other people in the community with the same names.

I try to live up to the standard required to make the saying true: "Sources prove your pedigree."

I wish you success in using sources.

- Bill Buchanan

My ancestors have disappeared from Familysearch, what can I do?

This question came up in our Temple and Family History workshop at our stake's Mid-Singles Conference last week, where I was helping as a stake consultant.

The member asking this question knew that his ancestors had been researched for several generations, but when he looked in Family Tree he could not see them. 

We discovered that the ancestors were still there, and when we helped him connect to them, all was well. If you encounter this problem, take 3 minutes to watch this video that explains the process of how to connect to deceased ancestors. (Please click "Like" so Youtube realizes that this video is still relevant.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDTXfIXvxtM&t=92s

I know that I have suggested this video before, but it answers so many questions so nicely that I try to make it part of every training session. I don't think we need to choose between "Add" and "Find" (a parent) but otherwise it remains excellent training.

Family History Workshops

My ward had a "drop-in" family history workshop in a large classroom of the chapel on the evening of September 6th and I was invited to help. 

The response was excellent, including a recent convert and a young man planning to be baptized. We found ancestors for both of these, and helped others as well. I was impressed that a counsellor in the Ward Relief Society presidency proved to be an excellent researcher, and a big help. 

The current plan is to have these workshops twice a month, while the need continues. 

Your ward might want to consider doing this as well. Or maybe arrange with a FamilySearch Center to help them.