Homework Chapter 1 Master Genealogical Proof

Sources: 

Jones, Dr. Thomas W.  Mastering Genealogical Proof.  Arlington: National Genealogy Society, 2013.

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary: 2014.

Chapter 1 Questions

1.  Merriam-Webster defines genealogy as such:

Full Definition of GENEALOGY

1:  an account of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or from older forms

2:  regular descent of a person, family, or group of organisms from a progenitor or older form :  pedigree

3:  the study of family pedigrees

4:  an account of the origin and historical development of something

— ge·ne·a·log·i·cal  adjective

— ge·ne·a·log·i·cal·ly  adverb¹

Merriam-Webster then quotes the Concise Encyclopedia in the same entry:

genealogy

 noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Study of family origins and history. It is found in most parts of the world and is international in scope. Originally concerned with tracing royal, aristocratic, or clerical lines, genealogy has broadened its scope over the centuries, and many ordinary people now pursue it as a hobby. In preliterate cultures genealogical information was transmitted orally, usually as a list of names; later generations recorded this information. Divine origins were often ascribed to kings and heroes. Modern genealogists use artifacts, including ancient records, coins, deeds, tapestries, paintings, and monuments, to help them in their work.²

Dr. Jones describes genealogy as “the accurately reconstructing [of] forgotten or unknown identities and relationships.”³   He goes on to say that “living people”⁴ are also part of genealogy and that it “emphasizes biological and marital kinships, but it also addresses adoptive, extramarital …within and across generations.”⁵

I agree with the above definitions, but I also identify genealogy as the study of and reconstruction of families and their stories, of how they relate to and interact with themselves and with others throughout history. 

2.

1.     Thorough, reasonably exhaustive research

2.     Informative citations

3.     Analysis and correlation

4.     Resolution of conflicts

5.     Written Conclusion

3. Without Proof Statements, Arguments or Summaries, our work cannot be proven accurate or trustworthy, nor will it be useful for the coming generations.

4. All the parts are interdependent of one another

5. Question – Without questions, our research can become scattered and unfocused.  We can miss the very information we wanted to find.

¹Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, http://www.merriam-webster.com: accessed 1 March 2014), “genealogy.”

²Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (2014), “genealogy.”

³Dr. Thomas W. Jones, Mastering Genealogical Proof (Arlington: National Genealogy Society, 2013), 1.

⁴Jones, Mastering Genealogical Proof, 1.

⁵Jones, Mastering Genealogical Proof, 1.