FamilySearch ~ Family Tree ~ New Feature ~ Attach Historical Records to Multiple Records

FamilySearch released a new tool for their Family Tree Program on 16 April 2014 that lets users attach a source their records collections to multiple people at the same time.

Users use the normal method of finding sources for a record in Family Tree using the typical right click on "Search Records" on the right side of the screen.

 

 

In the new tab, you search through the sources that pertain to the record in Family Tree that you have open.   Right click on the name of the person in one of the sources to open it in a new tab for review.  If the record pertains to your person, click on the "Attach to Family Tree" link on the right side of the screen.

The "Attach Historical Records to Family Tree" tool pops up if there source may apply to multiple people in a family.  Click to open it and then compare the record to family members.

The new source attachment screen shows the individual in the record and their spouse in the example below.  I attached the 1910 census record to the record.   (click o enlarge images)

 

 

Then tool then gave me the option to Detach it or to add it to another person in the source which is thinks is member of the family.   In this case, it was Lulu Matilda Trane Robinson, the wife of Heber Edward Robinson.

 

 

All I had to do to attach the source to her record was click on the “Add” link.

 

 

And then the “Attach” link to attach it to her record.

 

 

The source now shows that it is attached to both records.

 

 

If the source applied to other members of the family, the info tabs change to show the number of probable matches in each category’ children, siblings, other, and of course, parents.

I have a couple of wishes that should be part of the tool.

1. In the new tool, let me see what sources have already been attached to the record.  I don’t want to add the 1930 census to all of the family again if it already exists on their respective records.

2. Add a ‘Close’ button so I don’t have to close the tab.   It’s not a big deal, but having to click on the close tab “X” breaks the flow of the screen.  The close box button should be at the bottom of the tool.

Over all, I really like the new tool and will use it constantly.   Visit FamilySearch Family Tree and give it a tool.   I think you’ll like it too.

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Genealogy History In Ancestors Handwritten Notes

Reading the old genealogy booklet that belonged to my 2nd great grandmother revealed some of her personality.  Many of the entries were made at the same time.  The writing style and intensity is identical for those entries.  The remainder of the entries were obviously made at or near the time of the event they recorded.

Her handwriting witnessed that some of the entries were made quickly when she had time and the fact crossed her mind.  Some entries were in pencil, others in ink.  My favorites are those that were written when she had time.  The shape of her letters is full and polished.  If she was really happy about a name or event, she left an emphatic period at the end of the entry.  If she wasn't as pleased, her writing tilted back a little more than normal entries.

I can use the entries she made about her own children, parents and siblings as primary sources because they were made on the day or within a day of the event happening.  The remaining entries only rate secondary value because I don't know when they were recorded in relation to the event or even if her spelling  matched the spelling given by the parents of the child.

All of the entries are very valuable to me as a genealogist.  In several cases, her entry is the only written record I've found for several events in the lives of her family.
As important as the entries are, they aren't as precious to me as the booklet itself.  It was hers.  She touched it.  She wrote it.  She emoted in it at times usually with symbol ticks but once or twice with the wrinkle circle of a tear splash.

I have an old photo of her that tells part of her story, but that representation of her life isn't as rich as her handwriting.   I'm delighted to have both'  I cherish the booklet a little more than her photo.

Are we leaving parts of ourselves like handwritten letters, booklets and stories for our descendants?   Will the digital images and facts that they find about us tell as much of our story as they'd find in several lengthy letters or meaningful documents?

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Ancestor Plants 4000 Year Old Corn

My ancestor, David Drew, of Plymouth, Massachusetts apparently secured some ancient corn kernels that were taken from an Egyptian mummy that was buried over 4000 years ago.  The corn grew to over 6 1/2 feet tall although it was noted that it was “far inferior an widely different from Indian corn”.

I haven’t found where he obtained the corn but he was well known in Plymouth as a sail maker for much of the fleet based in Plymouth.

 

 

He probably planted the corn next to his home at 51 Pleasant Street in Plymouth.

 

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