Saturday, September 26, 2015

Documentation

Records and careful documentation becomes the foundation of genealogical research.  Any historical document written during the life time of the person under research is called a "Primary Document".  Deeds, wills, court orders and records, birth certificates, death certificates, census data, military records, and many other items woven into a coherent thread produces a record of the family tree.  For me, my favorite primary docuement is shown:


It is a Revolutionary War Pension application from my sixth generation grandfather Nicholas Jones.  It contains his actual signiture [shown] and additional family information.  What a deal for me!  A grandfather giving his hand over generations, reaching me thorough the ages.  A family treasure it is. 

What is your own favorite primary document?