{"id":65,"date":"2026-10-08T22:58:36","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T22:58:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tim-roling.com\/?page_id=65"},"modified":"2026-10-08T22:58:36","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T22:58:36","slug":"sources-and-how-to-read-them","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tim-roling.com\/?page_id=65","title":{"rendered":"Sources and how to read them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Family albums<\/a> \u00b7 Francine\u2019s family overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This family history brings together records, photographs, family papers and remembered stories. Each account keeps its sources and open questions close to the people they concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Records, copies and memories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An original record shows what someone wrote down or told the person making the record. It may support a date, relationship or place while leaving other questions unanswered. Different records can disagree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indexes and transcriptions make records easier to find and read. They remain identified as indexes or transcriptions, with the original record checked when available. Published histories and family compilations are also attributed to their authors or sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One example from the Samuel research is a birth-index entry for Frank Sanul dated December 30, 1916. It matches the birth date reported for a son Frank in the elder Frank\u2019s naturalization petition, but the index names no parents or specific town. This may be the right Frank, but we still need to check the full birth certificate. Sources: New Jersey Geographic Birth Index, Middlesex County, 1915\u20131919, reel 53, printed page 303, volume 45, page 393 entry<\/a>; Samuel record analysis and naturalization-packet citation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family recollections preserve remembered experiences. They are labeled as recollections so readers can distinguish them from events independently supported by records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What the evidence labels mean<\/h2>\n\n\n\n