The information from the sources below will enhance the background on your family in preparation for a published online or traditional story on your ancestor, but they also may assist you in finding the four key facts previously covered. Sherry Irvine, a friend who wrote the book, Scottish Ancestry, has a term she likes to use, “Well begun if half done.” What she is referring to is the ability to be systematic in your genealogy research. In other words as you approach the records below, you should record them with sufficient detail to locate evidence about them in the weeks to come. This may take some work in the first week of this new course. I will jot some ideas below each of these source ideas:

Family stories and traditions – was the information provided by someone who could be considered a primary source? In other words, they were first-hand witnesses to the event. Could the tradition or story apply to different people than those to whom they are currently linked? In any case, jot down the story or tradition in your notes but label them as traditions.

Family heirlooms – if a cup, plate, picture, or other heirloom is in the family and can be identified to another family, then that can be pretty strong evidence of a family relationship. The problem usually lies with it being identified to another family. How about your heirlooms?

Names of friends and neighbors – record where these names were found, as well as the places, and dates in case it becomes necessary to trace these people further.

The religion of the immigrant family – record the basis for this information. Do not think that since the person was a Lutheran in America that he/she could not have been another denomination, such as Catholic, in the old country.

The family's ethnic background – record the basis for this information. Was it found in a census record, on a naturalization paper, or was it a family tradition?

Name changes – both given and surnames – record the basis for this information. Perhaps the information was given on different vital records. Summarize why you know this to be the case.