Notes

Disorganized Time

Now you have your supplies, you know how to store the treasures handed down by your ancestors who had dubious taste, and you have printed out far more forms and charts than you will ever need. What next.

Now is when the fun (or agrivation, depending on how you look at it) begins. You are ready to jump in and find out why no one talks about Great Grandpa Miller. However, there is one more area we need to discuss before you get too far ahead of your self.

Remember you will have to make sense of what you write down, not only tomorrow when you transcribe the notes you have taken, but also next week since you weren't able to get to them as soon as you thought you would.

Some things to remember about taking notes:

• Be exhaustive. There is no such thing as too much detail.
• Take the time to make not only complete notes, but coherent ones as well. What does squiggle mean?
• Transcribe the notes you took as soon as possible, while the meaning is still fresh.
• File now, not later!

The above link takes you to the best explanation I have ever found to the twice-removed question. This may come in handy, but mostly it is good trivia material. (Consanguinity)

An example of the kinds of things that you can find when you search for family history is illustrated below. Of course, very few have any relationship to President Lincoln; however, you can find the most amazing things. Pictures, letters, news clippings, the list is endless.

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