This book's size is even comforting... not too heavy, nor is the reading. Bill's naturally outgoing and informative style comes shining through as he deftly explains the basics of:
-- Sample forms
-- Types of genealogical projects
-- Collecting references
-- Retrieving notes and compiling family sheets
-- Ahnentafel numbering
-- Descendancy numbering
-- Using a computer
-- Presentation techniques
-- Research journals & logs
To get you started, Bill provides a set of master forms, which I like to use when ferreting out family relationships at a library or archive in the heat of research (aka miles from my home!)
Perhaps ten years ago, I attended an all-day seminar given by Bill at our local Manasota Genealogical Society. He did a masterful job of explaining the different numbering systems which otherwise confuse people using Section 5 of an earlier edition of this book. Even though our genealogy programs will typically follow the numbering system we specify when printing out book versions of our data, Bill's explanation of them makes our editorial decisions easier.
Register System - This descendancy numbering system was first used in the New England historic Genealogical Society's periodical, The New England Historical and Genealogical Register.
1. Father - full details
2.a. first child - birth/death
3.b. second child - birth/death
2. Second child - full details
a. child (dies with no issue)
4.b. child - birth/death
5.c. child - birth/death
Modified Register System - Variation of the register system was adapted by the New York Genealogical & Biographical Record and later by the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. See page 35 for details.
The Henry Numbering System -- In this system, the number identifies the blood-line descendant, as well as the lineage back to number 1. Each number is a discrete identification number, an indication of birth order and the number of generations removed from the person who starts the descendancy. p36-38.
Yes, I *know* that quote sounds confusing, but you'll easily decipher its meaning by reading Managing a Genealogy Project.
Myrt :)
DearMYRTLE,
Daily Genealogy Columnist
