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Compiled Genealogies:
How to Avoid Re-inventing the Wheel in Genealogy
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Original (Primary) Sources vs. Compiled (Secondary)
Original or primary sources are things like birth or census records. They are things that were recorded near the time they happened in a person’s life. Secondary or compiled sources are people’s interpretations of original records. They have interpreted several original records to compile a genealogy. Compiled sources need to be verified with original sources.
Compiled Sources on the internet
• FamilySearch, found at www.familysearch.org. This is the church’s database of compiled genealogies.
• Ancestral File. Genealogies submitted by LDS church members and then merged together. Names of submitters given, but no original sources are listed.
• Pedigree Resource File. A newer version of the Ancestral File, but each submitted genealogy is separate. It includes the name of the submitter and their contact information. Also includes sources and notes about each family.
• International Genealogical Index. Information about ancestors that was included when temple work was done. If the temple work was done before 1991 you can look up the temple submission and find out who submitted it and maybe find the original sources they got the information from.
Other compiled sources:
Ancestry.com, found at www.ancestry.com. This program includes OneWorldTree, which is like the Ancestral File but has information submitted by non-LDS persons as well as LDS persons. You have to buy a subscription, but you can access it for free at the Family History Center or Family History Library.
Google, www.google.com. This site is extremely useful for finding compiled genealogies that people have put on the internet. Put your ancestor’s name in quotes, like “John Doe” and if the name is common include his year or place of birth. Try several different combinations of words.
What to do if you get too many results: put in more information, like a year or place of birth.
What to do if you get too few results: put in less information, like just the person’s name. Or, maybe your chosen person lived too recently to be in many compiled genealogies.
Compiled sources at the Family History Library
Use the Family History Library Catalog which is found at www.familysearch.org.
• Surname search. Books of compiled family histories on the first floor.
• Place search. After bringing up information for the city or county in which your ancestor lived, click on “Biography” or “Genealogy.” These are usually on the third floor.
After finding compiled genealogies, you must begin the process of verifying what you found with primary sources!
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Click here to learn about professional research through Legacy Tree Genealogy. For additional genealogy tips, click here.
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