At Ancestry Day last month, a thought occurred to me that has really stuck. While learning about various ways to search Ancestry.com and how their databases are constantly being updated, I realized that searching again for information (i.e. re-searching) is critical. I can’t assume that since I didn’t find information when searching Ancestry (or any other database) for an ancestor I never will.
I guess this really points to the necessity and usefulness of a research log. I have to admit that since blogging about creating a research log, my use has been sporadic. I guess I should redouble my efforts.
So you might want to take a look at your brick walls and try searching again the databases that came up short before. At the rate new information is being indexed and posted, you might be in for a pleasant surprise!
Janine
Thought I would add some re-searching back-up. For anyone with relatives in Arlington national Cemetery they have made it very easy to locate a grave and they have also posted professional quality photographs of the tombstones – Max H Brown and Edith are buried there for example.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/GravesiteLocator/GravesiteLocator.aspx
Also http://www.findagrave.com/ is a useful place to find and/or put in relatives including bios or obits – the gravesites of AJ and Rhoda Brown in Milo are there including bios/obits thanks to some help of the grave owner who verified the source of the obits. The graves and the obits will be of great use to future generations.
Thank you, Jerry! I love Find a Grave and am thrilled that A.J. and Rhoda Brown are there. You’re right–it’s one of those websites that is constantly updated. I hadn’t been aware of the gravesite locator at Arlington Cemetery. I really appreciate your adding this info!