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Color Coding Names In Obituary Notice Files      Published Monthly
Lesson 059...                                                                                                            2020 09 30

Defining The Problem...
Obituary notices can be fairly simple and straightforward, or they can be jumbled and chaotic.
Helping or hindering is each researchers own level of expierience or ability.

For the most part, obituary notices are written by persons during an emotional time in their lives.
As a result, the finished version may be poorly written or overwritten with extended family.

The "factual" data in some cases may even be wrong due to hearsay, emotion or legitimate typo.
There may likely be some amount of opinion in some with regards to how the deceased "felt".

Another issue is that eventually, our files will be handled by someone else (Hopefully a descendant).
Learning each family took extensive time. So will their "re-learning" of them for expansions.
Without a standard "system" that person may need to re-do all of your work.

Whether now or later, understanding what the author is trying to tell us is crucial for accuracy.
We must also be able to relate it very quickly to other documents found previously or in the future.
Communicating this information to others is an integral part of data collection for family tree research.


How Did That Happen?...
Usually a close relatives death is not something we can emotionally prepare for.
Sudden unexpected deaths are an especially traumatic time and is generally ruled by emotion.
Additionally, the writing of an obituary is not normally something many people are very well versed at.

In the days of old, a small notice might appear in a local newspaper, and sometimes "back home".
They were relatively short and simple unless well known or from a large or wealthy family.
In modern times and the days of internet, time and cost became less relevent.

So now we find ourselves in a time where obituary publications can sometimes become quite lengthy.
While listing of names and references can be more numerous, emotional upheaval is still difficult.
The amount of jumbled information in some cases may be even worse now than before!

This is not to say that all or even most of the obituaries written are found to be this way.
In fact most obituaries are fairly well written in varying levels of fullness and interest.
This tool may help sort inaccuracies regardless of how they became printed.


What Can We Do To Fix This?...
Create a system to instantly show relationships to minimize the necessary reference or learning time.
The sooner we develop and adopt a code system to our research, the higher totals we'll achieve.

A proper system can quickly show specific types of relatives without re-reading the obituary entirely.
This is especially useful to organize names from obituaries into family cells and distant relatives.
While it made perfect sense to the family member writing it, recording it is another matter.

We begin by deciphering the obituary as it is written.
Most are readily understandable and unfold in a somewhat normal fashion.
But for the ones that are more lengthy or written in extremely poor form, we may need more help.

The color coding like anything else, starts with the known names.
By the process of elimination we see other family placements more readily.
While color coding does not "invent" the process, it does allow a visual image that makes sense.

The expierience we've gained can be used more effectively when the words are turned into images.
Obituaries tell a story, but some info may not be needed for many family tree builders.
For those interested strictly in data, this is a way to enhance that.


How Do We Create A System To Organise The Data?...
Sorting the information into an organized method is easily done by color coding.
Visual information requires less processing time than any other method humans adapt to.
The first objective is to match the method style to the need in order to maximize the tools ability.

Styles used depend on whether the files are shared publicly or kept as supporting data for private use.
Background/highlighting is visually rapid, but lacks asthetics and so is better suited for private use.
Font colors appear neater when viewed publicly, but take longer to see if using smaller fonts.

Choose a progressive assortment of colors using a natural order for the type of relative or data.
Group types should have varying shades diminishing as the relationships gain distance.
Category types should have corresponding colors affiliated with their kind.

Start by highlighting the entire obituary, or only segments of interest to you with undesignated color.
Then use the appropriate colors at each name or category for the data given.
Leave a space between names for a visual break.


What Can We Learn From This?...
Color coding is done to maximize both speed and accuracy to save time during family tree expansions.
It's a simple and useful tool that can be used either consistantly or as needed for sorting.

Its most immediate gain is that we can now add the subjects in a known accurate and logical order.
After adding persons to a family cell, we can copy/paste and color code info for the next subject.
If you're interupted before finishing all of the obituary names, restarting later is made simple!

The next in line to benefit from this are the future file handlers of your records when you pass on.
If you haven't realized it by now, you know much bout the thousands of families in your tree.
Whoever continues your work doesn't know that and will view your records as "clues".

Another use that some may find helpful is for "onlookers".
If color coding is done to the published version, it may also help casual researchers.
Depending on the format style of the publication, color coding may be either useful or unnecessary.

While there may be other very specific uses, the ones listed above can help most family researchers.
This is a free and useful tool in software that helps both now and when your info is passed.
It's flexible enough for constant or selective use and presents relationships instantly.


The Basic Rules...
First...
Use a natural flow of color types for groups and categories.
Select colors associated with category topics, and use diminishing shades as relationships distance.

Second...
Be consistant with the colors to create a logical system.
Remember that you are providing information to someone unfamiliar with these families.

Third...
Remember the color scheme changes for each one.
When you copy/past to siblings (spouses/parents/etc) the relationships change.



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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