RLP 301: Genealogy and DNA Research in Phases

In this episode, we discuss breaking up complex research projects into phases. This is a great way to make progress on a research question that might otherwise seem daunting. We'll talk about how to identify the mother of Elsie, a woman born in 1820, as an example of how to set up phases for research. We'll also discuss how to determine which phases are necessary and how to write research objectives. We wrap it up with a discussion of Diana's Clemsy Cline project phases.

The Clemsy Cline project sought to identify the father of Mary "Clemsey" Cline. Clemsy was born about 1817 in Alabama and died after 1880 in Wise County, Texas. She married William Henderson Weatherford in about 1839 in Arkansas.

Phase 1 of the project focused on finding a candidate for Clemsy's father. Diana analyzed census records from 1850, 1860, and 1880 and concluded that she was most likely born between 1817 and 1820 in Alabama. Her father would have been born before 1800 in Virginia. The researchers also found that Clemsy was associated with a number of people in Arkansas, including Jacob Cline, Mahala Cline, and John Cline. These individuals were all living in the same area at the time that Clemsy was born, and they may have been able to provide some clues about her father's identity.

Phase 2 of the project focused on exploring the land patents of Clemsy Cline's FANs. Diana identified three Cline individuals who patented land in Izard County, Arkansas, between 1838 and 1850: John C. Cline, Mahala Cline, and John Cline. Diana believes that these land patents may provide some clues about the father of Clemsy Cline.

Phase 3 of the Clemsy Cline project is currently ongoing andseeks to test the hypothesis that John C. Cline was the biological father of Clemsy Cline. Using DNA evidence and documentary research, Diana has found a cluster of Clines in a network graph. This cluster includes descendants of Mahala Cline Shockley and descendants of John C. Cline through his 1850 census family with probable second wife, Milky Cline.

Links

Genealogy and DNA Research in Phases - https://familylocket.com/genealogy-and-dna-research-in-phases/

RLP 273: Brick Wall Ancestor: Clemsy (Cline) Weatherford - https://familylocket.com/rlp-273-brick-wall-ancestor-clemsy-cline-weatherford/

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Research Like a Pro Resources

Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer

Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product/airtable-research-logs-for-genealogy-quick-reference/

Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d

14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/

Research Like a Pro Webinar Series 2024 - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-webinar-series-2024/

Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/

RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/

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