By Larry Van Horn
Columnist
familyhistorian@frontier.com
If you are having trouble solving brick wall genealogy problems, you might be able to use a relatives associates to aid in your research. Often, they are relatives themselves. Other times, they may just be clues to where the family came from.
In a society, people interact with others. They take them to court — or make depositions in court cases, they witness deeds, they probate estates, they sponsor children’s baptisms and are listed nearby in tax and census lists. On a 1850-1870 census, a 65-year-old woman with a different surname in the household of a 40-year-old couple with children might just be a maid, cook or servant. She could also well be the wife’s mother.
Genealogical research begins with a question of identity, relationship, event, or situation. To answer the question, a genealogist gathers and analyzes data from source documents and formulates an answer to the question based on the resulting evidence.
The basic method of research is to gather data from records left by the target ancestor and his or her immediate family. There are several situations, however, where a genealogist wants or needs to use alternate research methods. One such method is “cluster genealogy,” in which the records left by members of the ancestor’s cluster are examined for evidence with which to resolve the question at hand.
What exactly constitutes a person’s cluster? A person’s cluster consists of the extended family, friends, neighbors and other associates such as business partners. Researching the lives of an ancestor’s cluster leads to a more complete and more accurate picture of the ancestor’s life.
For example, if the question is one of place of birth, researching the origins of the ancestor’s neighbors can be helpful. Unrelated family groups often migrated together or followed earlier migrations of neighbors or family members.
When constructing a genealogical proof, it is not sufficient to simply accumulate an assortment of evidence that supports a conclusion. A genealogist must conduct a reasonably exhaustive search for all information that is or may be pertinent to the identity, relationship, event or situation in question.
It follows that a reasonably exhaustive search will often include a search of records created by persons in the target ancestor’s cluster. The facts of an ancestor’s life are often meaningful only in the context of his cluster. For example, the fact that an ancestor was a Catholic is interesting; the fact that the ancestor and his family were the only Catholics in their community is intriguing.
As you search more and different records, be sure to note the persons associated with the relatives you are seeking. A good rule of thumb to follow, if their names are listed on any records associated with your ancestor, record them in your genealogy project for future research opportunities.
Larry Van Horn is a family historian and genealogy instructor/lecturer. Send comments to him by e-mail: familyhistorian@frontier.com or mail to: P.O. Box 297 Brasstown, NC 28902.