Citations – More Than a Treasure Map
“This is mythology, not genealogy” – Arthur L. Keith in his review of The Abridged Compendium of American Genealogy: First Families of America. A Genealogical Encyclopedia of the United States. Keith was referencing the lack of documentation for assertions made throughout the genealogies in the published work. Without documentation, how does a researcher know that assertions made within genealogies, reports, etc., are based on sound evidence? Without an easy-to-follow path leading to sources used to form a conclusion, how do readers or future researchers evaluate a researcher’s findings?
I have encountered multiple undocumented statements of relationships made within genealogies. Too many to count. When all is said and done, there has to be a way for a reader and future researchers to verify assertions made within a genealogical work. Otherwise, anyone could claim they are a descendant of George Washington.
The second element of the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) reads, “Complete, accurate citations to the source or sources of each information item contributing – directly, indirectly, or negatively – to answers about identity, relationship, event, or situation.” - Board For Certification of Genealogists, Genealogy Standards, Second Edition (Nashville, Tennessee: Ancestry, 2019), 2.
Sources are treasures, as each provides invaluable information for genealogical research. As a beginning genealogist, I strictly thought of a citation as a treasure map leading to a source, providing a roadmap for readers and future researchers. Citations are much more than this.
A citation illustrates the quality of a source used in reaching a genealogical conclusion. As genealogists, we seek original sources providing primary information regarding a relationship, event, or identity. Or, if the original is not obtainable, as close to the original as we can get. Quality sources must be relied on in making a sound genealogical conclusion, nothing less.
In reference to the first element of the GPS, “reasonably exhaustive research,” citations illustrate the breadth of research. Below is a page from a recent proof argument, Amelia Jane (Sellers) Chancellor or Pike County, Alabama: Daughter of Joseph Sellers, Samuel Sellers, or Mathew Sellers” It is not uncommon in genealogical writing to sometimes have half dedicated to citations alone.
Below are a few brief (emphasis on brief) evaluations of the sources used for information found on page 1of the argument.
Amelia’s birth information is based on what she provided to the government under oath. Amelia would not have remembered her birth but her parents would have told her when and where she was born. Amelia’s affidavit is an original source that provides quality information.
Information for William J. Chancellor and Amelia Sellers’ marriage is provided in an entry in the county’s marriage register. It is unknown how long after the marriage took place the clerk entered the information into the register. Although derivative, this information agrees with evidence gleaned from other sources.
Information for Amelia’s death is provided in her original death certificate, a quality source.
While most of the censuses we use for research are derivative and may provide skewed information, censuses often provide reliable information.
Sources build on one another to substantiate statements of fact and to reach solid genealogical conclusions.
Citations are at the core of genealogical research and writing. While some unsourced genealogies may provide reliable information, it is up to us as researchers to thoroughly document our research. Not only to meet today’s standards, but to illustrate that our research is built on a solid foundation. Otherwise, conclusions we reach may one day be considered mythology.