Attach correct sources to correct subject

Chareine Barker

How do I determine if a source is regarding the person that I'm researching? Usually there isn't any collaborating data that will verify this is the same person. Often there will be the same research name but then different parents sourced to the same name. How do I determine which source belongs to my relative?

genthusiast

@Chareine Barker

Great question! You are correct - sometimes it can be very difficult. The basic manner to match a source to a person in the Tree is to work from what you know to the unknown and from the nearest date record to the furthest date. This means to try verifying a death before a marriage (birth of children to that marriage) and then birth of the person. This is not always the research pattern but a good rule of thumb to follow if you get stuck in research.

You need to know some information to start with and then verify, location, relationships and dates for each possible matching record. I am sure there are some other possible tips and tricks but these are the basics I believe.

I hope this helps!

bathompson

Hello @Chareine Barker,

You are checking to see how you can be sure a source really goes with your ancestor, correct? You will need to find some corroborating information if you are unsure. Here are some ideas for you to use in your quest:

• The Search tab on FamilySearch allows you to search records, genealogies, books, and more.
• The FamilySearch Research Wiki is a great place to learn research techniques and discover new resources.
• Family History Library Online Consultations are free, 20-minute consultations with a specialist from the Family History Library.
• If you want online tutorials and videos, visit the FamilySearch Help Center for the country, language, or topic. You can find lessons for everyone from beginner to advanced researcher.
• FamilySearch community groups give you access to research experts who are willing and ready to offer free assistance and share resources. You can find these groups on Facebook and in the FamilySearch Community.
• We often publish articles about research and many other family history topics on our blog.
• You can find local, in-person help at a family history center. They are located worldwide, and you may find one near you.
• If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visit the FamilySearch Help Center to see who your local temple and family history consultants are.

Many other organizations also offer help. Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness (RAOGK), for example, is a global volunteer organization where you can make requests for help with research tasks.

https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/where-can-i-get-help-with-my-genealogy

Hope this is helpful to you.

Best Wishes!

dontiknowyou

Multiple sets of parents have several common causes:

• Conflation, meaning the child profile is actually the profiles of two unrelated children mashed together
• Adoption, including a child raised by grandparents, aunt or uncle, etc.
• Blended family: step-parentage, etc.

If you like, you can share the person ID (PID) of the child and other contributors here may take a look and suggest next steps.