How to add sources and citations from records not available on FamilySearch

MazzolariEva1

Hello,

I have a question about a specific kind of source. I received a copy of the family tree of a great-aunt who gave it to my father many years ago. Unfortunately, I learned about the existence of this family tree after my father and great-aunt's passing, so I am not able to ask them specific questions about the author of this work. My great-aunt didn't have children.

 This family tree was written on the typewriter in 1986, it is provided with sources from a parish register of a small town in the north-east of Italy, not available on FamilySearch. This work has the name of the author.

Knowing the importance of citations, how can I give credit to the author and properly cite these sources, even though they are not available on books or websites?

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Thank you kindly,

Eva

Gordon Collett

I don't know if this is a subscription site or a free service, but this website: https://www.evidenceexplained.com/ based on the work of Elizabeth Mills and her reference book Evidence Explained probably can tell you exactly the professional way to cite your document.

However, the most important part of a citation is to make it clear where the information came from and how others can find it. Starting with the basic FamilySearch source form:

I would create in the source box the following source and then attach it to every associated profile. You don't mention if this is a single sheet or a multi-page work but I going to assume that the same source will work for everyone. I'll make up information you didn't mention:

Event Date

1986

Source Title

Family Tree For Helen Jones and Her Ancestors

Source Type

(Leave blank unless you are planning to scan the entire thing and upload it as a memory)

Citation

Author Unknown. "Family Tree For Helen Jones and Her Ancestors." Unpublished typewritten manuscript, 1986. Includes sources.

Notes

This typewritten document was given to Mary Smith (Family Tree ID AAAA-BBB). it is now in the possession of her grandniece. Sources documented in the work are:

Author. Parish register for Parish Name. 1821 to 1880. Small Town, Italy.

Author. Parish register for Parish Name. 1881 to 1910. Small Town, Italy.

(etc.)

I would not necessarily put your name in the source since your user name will appear as the creator of the source and if a relative really wants to get a copy or some images from the family tree they can start by messaging you using that user name.

If this is a thick volume and you feel you need to include page numbers you could create a source for each individual page and add the page number to the citation.

Julia Szent-Györgyi

There's an example of a similar type of source for some of my spouse's ancestors: https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/sources/LTNK-YJN

Unlike you, I only had the photograph of the page, not anything on paper, so I just used that photograph.

I'm sure Evidence Explained has examples of how to do it better, but this works for me.

MazzolariEva1

Mr. Gordon Collett,

thank you for your precious help. I truly appreciate it. The work I mentioned is a multi-page work (10 pages). Your explanation was very clear. I will follow your counsel!

With gratitude,

Eva Galliano

MazzolariEva1

Julia Szent-Gyorgyi,

it was so kind from you to show me your source from on your Family tree! I am moved and grateful for that.

It was very helpful. Thank you kindly!

Eva Galliano