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Do What You Can-When You Can                          Published Monthly
Lesson 042...                                                                                                            2019 04 01

Defining The Problem...
Time... Or Timing.
They seem to collide at the most inopportune times.

As if family tree projects weren't time consuming even while on schedule, we often find oddball info!
Specifically, new persons not previously known that lead to sections that we're not ready for yet!

They don't connect to any known members of our trees, yet our gut instinct tells us they do!
Further compounding the issue is the "certainty" that we'll never find this info again!

At this point we realize that we've come upon a sort of crossroads in our family tree.
We know that in order to continue, we must first choose a direction.
This may not be quite as simple as it sounds.

The problem it seems, is that we have some type of timetable in our minds that we feel is necessary.
While that's usually true for most taskwork, at other times we need to leave that mindset behind.
Learning to "pick and choose" which types to follow and which to leave requires expierience.


How Did That Happen?...
Usually this is encountered in growing trees when building more than a simple "direct-line ancestry".
This occurs frequently when including distant relations or spousal heredities.
The methods of these distractions can vary widely.

Most commonly are new people found while searching for info about someone with a similar name.
They may be of the same timeframe and/or area which can also add to the confusion.
An obvious difference in dates and area may be intriguing or welcome!

We can also be sidetracted toward "unknowns" by name variations such as spelling or other methods.
In the "New Millennium" (Especially here the USA) we've become accustomed to exacting data.
Long ago people used their middle names in everyday life and hyphenated surnames.

Ultimately no matter which method presents itself, a showdown with time vs. direction will come.
The levels of importance might be different for each family tree builder or genealogist.
Choosing either direction requires careful consideration of several factors.


What Can We Do To Fix This?...
There isn't much of a "fix" to be found other than to continue on.
As the family tree widens, the builder will continually run into this dilema.

More to the point, we need to learn how to work with this issue to help steer it toward our advantage!
Though we might feel it to be an "interuption" to the flow of our work, it's actually an opportunity!
At each of these crossroads we have several options, and our choices determine the outcome.

The onset of the issue usually goes unnoticed because we're engrossed in the search for data.
Spending excessive time searching for a birth and death dates is counterproductive.
While next generation parentage is exciting, it may also slow you down.

Choosing between known lineages and newfound lines can be simplified with just a few rules.
Setting up guidelines can help us include more family tree members per manhour.
The rules and their hierarchy are up to you. Here's a few examples.

The important thing to remember when building a widespread style family tree, is to keep it moving.
Don't let yourself get bogged down at any one point spending too much time on singular data.
Others "out there" are also doing what you're doing. The data will eventually emerge.


What Should We Do With Unexpected Newfound Data?...
We finally come to an "ultimate choice" when a new/unknown person is found.
They may be the key to a larger group we've known about, or simply end at the info found.
Learning "which battles to fight" is a huge part of a success toward mastering any new "oddball info".

If you've decided to follow a new person, follow his/her paternal line toward connecting to your tree.
If that should reach an end anywhere before connecting, try following their maternal line.
Finally, trace their spouses lines. Usually something will connect somewhere.

We can also knowingly create "disconnects" and "island families".
Ordinarily this is not advised, but it's suitable for persons or info unlikely to be found again.
Directly connecting people makes family tree building much easier. Here's how rare islands really are.

Discovering a family member not previously recorded in other family trees is a rare opportunity!
For the most part, these are limited to infant mortalities and possibly a random spinster.
Both carry important info that helps verify family whereabouts and timeframes.


What Did We Learn From This?...
Unexpected finds by their very nature will usually come at an inopportune time.
It doesn't mean they're of any less value to the family tree or that the data is unwelcome.

We simply need to hone our prioritizing skills in order to meet the challenge when it arises.
This means understanding the section currently being working on, and where you're at within it.
Knowing that information, we can be prepared to leave it for a time if necessary, and come back later.

We must also be able to discern between info requiring immediate attention and that which can wait.
Finding persons not attachable to your tree in the begining is a common rule of numbers.
But if a larger tree still has no point of connection, timing may be important!

Sometimes an unintentional finding provides a necessary break from the current "longterm" portion.
Regardless of how easy or difficult it is to find the connection, sometimes a break is needed.
This "change of scenery" can often turn out to be a very productive "getaway".

Completely disconnected families and individuals are a rarity.
There is a high probability that the newfound names will connect to the family tree.
Follow theirs and spousal lineages until the ends are found, save the data and continue elsewhere.


The Basic Rules...
First...
Keep it moving...
Record the ones you can do easily first.

Second...
Learn where your time is best spent...
Names/areas not previously known may lead to large groups.

Third...
Create "Island Families" or "Disconnected Individuals"...
Continue working toward connecting them until all avenues have been exhausted.



As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

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