The next Best of Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL series webinar is on Friday (a members-only event). Learn more here.

The next Best of Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL series webinar is on Friday (a members-only event). Learn more here.

By
By
Webinar Library
Best of ESM Methodology and Skills

Smiths & Joneses: Success with Families of Common Name

Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
Feb 24, 2023
3.1K views
Advanced
CC
Want to watch the full webinar?
Join now to access all 2,323 webinars and unlock all features.
Join now
Syllabus
Join now

Content

Play. Playing.
Welcome
2m 48s
Play. Playing.
Speaker's Introduction
1m 24s
Play. Playing.
Setting the Stage
2m 11s
Play. Playing.
Introduction
1m 28s
Play. Playing.
The Models
8m 38s
Play. Playing.
Case Study: Mary Smith
15m 39s
Play. Playing.
Case Study: Joshua Jones
25m 12s
Play. Playing.
Conclusion
7m 44s
Play. Playing.
Announcements / prizes
4m 04s
Play. Playing.
Questions / answers
10m 45s

About this webinar

“Identity theft” happens easily with common-name families. This session uses two case studies from two different societies—a Jones family from the Northern U.S. and a Smith family from the South—to demonstrate how to work safely with common-name families. The first ten minutes ground the audience in four problem-solving models. On that foundation, Mills then walks her class through sources and strategies that are often overlooked amid today’s reliance upon database searches, provider hints, and crowd-sourcing.

*** This class requires an active webinar membership to attend. ***

About the speaker

About the speaker

Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
Across a long career, Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS, has been an innovator of research methods and strategies. Published widely by academic and popular presses, she edited a national-level scholarly journal for 16 years, taught
Learn more...

Comments (202)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

1000 characters remaining
Cancel Submit

Sort by Newest
Sort by Close.
  • Newest
  • Oldest
  • Likes
  1. DS
    Diana Slater
    2 years ago

    Excellent presentation. This is my second time listening and I’m sure it’s not my last. Great Job. Thank you!

    Reply
  2. BB
    Bernice Bennett
    2 years ago

    Excellent presentation!

    Reply
  3. DJ
    Diane Jeffer
    2 years ago

    Great presentation. My grandmother was born in Lukin Township. After the webinar I dug around in the Land Patents and I believe some of my ancestors were neighbors of your Jones and Witter families.

    Reply
  4. ED
    Elaine Drury
    2 years ago

    Thank you so much for another amazing webinar

    Reply
  5. GM
    GEOFFREY MULHOLLAND
    2 years ago

    Excellent presentation and syllabus, thank you Elizabeth and Legacy Family Tree Webinars. I’ll certainly be watching the webinar again.

    Reply
  6. MM
    Maggy Miller
    2 years ago

    Very interesting

    Reply
  7. MK
    Muriel King
    2 years ago

    Very knowledgeable speaker

    Reply
  8. JT
    Joseph Triplett
    2 years ago

    Geoff, thank you for creating a venue that ESM is comfortable with, to extend the privilege of the sharing of her expertise. There is only one GOAT in genealogydom and her name is Elizabeth.

    Reply
Show all comments

Related Webinars

1:21:39
Best of ESMMethodology and Skills
Information Overload? Effective Project Planning, Research, Data Management & Analysis
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
1.9K views
CC
Information Overload? Effective Project Planning, Research, Data Management & Analysis
Data management is not just an organizing system. Data management is a critical analytical tool. Research standards tell us that conclusions must be supported by “proof.” Standards insist that “proof” is more than “a document”—rather, it’s a conclusion based on a body of evidence created by reasonably exhaustive research. Meeting this standard creates a paradox: The more data we gather, the more confused we get!—unless we maintain that body of evidence in a way that enables us to digest it, analyze it, and correlate it with everything else we’ve found. This session presents a framework for projects of all types and sizes, building on sound research practices that carry us smoothly from problem analysis to problem resolution.
Best of ESMMethodology and Skills
Information Overload? Effective Project Planning, Research, Data Management & Analysis
CC
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
1.9K views
Data management is not just an organizing system. Data management is a critical analytical tool. Research standards tell us that conclusions must be supported by “proof.” Standards insist that “proof” is more than “a document”—rather, it’s a conclusion based on a body of evidence created by reasonably exhaustive research. Meeting this standard creates a paradox: The more data we gather, the more confused we get!—unless we maintain that body of evidence in a way that enables us to digest it, analyze it, and correlate it with everything else we’ve found. This session presents a framework for projects of all types and sizes, building on sound research practices that carry us smoothly from problem analysis to problem resolution.
Fri, November 22 2024: 19:00 UTC
Login to register (for webinar members)
Login to register (for webinar members)
1:20:53
Best of ESMMethodology and Skills
In a Rut? 7 Ways to Jumpstart Your Research
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
1.7K views
CC
In a Rut? 7 Ways to Jumpstart Your Research
Stuck? It happens to everybody. So, how do successful genealogists “prime their pumps” when their research wells seem to go dry? This session offers a slew of sources, methods, fresh ideas, and case studies to recharge your innovation when you think both you and your opportunities are totally exhausted.
Best of ESMMethodology and Skills
In a Rut? 7 Ways to Jumpstart Your Research
CC
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
1.7K views
Stuck? It happens to everybody. So, how do successful genealogists “prime their pumps” when their research wells seem to go dry? This session offers a slew of sources, methods, fresh ideas, and case studies to recharge your innovation when you think both you and your opportunities are totally exhausted.
Fri, October 25 2024: 18:00 UTC
Login to register (for webinar members)
Login to register (for webinar members)
1:14:55
Best of ESMMethodology and SkillsWebtember
Finding Origins & Birth Families: Methods That Work
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
2.6K views
CC
Finding Origins & Birth Families: Methods That Work
The most important path an ancestor blazed along the way from his place of birth to where we first find him is usually not a trail that cartographers have conveniently charted for us. Successful researchers learn to recognize and analyze the elements of an ancestor’s life and times, as well as people, that serve as pointers to his path. This session examines the nature and causes of stalemates in our research; ten common traps and ways to avoid them; and innovative methodologies for working smarter, not harder!
Best of ESMMethodology and SkillsWebtember
Finding Origins & Birth Families: Methods That Work
CC
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
2.6K views
The most important path an ancestor blazed along the way from his place of birth to where we first find him is usually not a trail that cartographers have conveniently charted for us. Successful researchers learn to recognize and analyze the elements of an ancestor’s life and times, as well as people, that serve as pointers to his path. This session examines the nature and causes of stalemates in our research; ten common traps and ways to avoid them; and innovative methodologies for working smarter, not harder!
Fri, September 27 2024: 19:30 UTC
Register for free
1:17:38
Best of ESMHistorical Records
Analyzing Deeds & Wills: I See What It Says—but What Does It Mean?!
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
2.0K views
CC
Analyzing Deeds & Wills: I See What It Says—but What Does It Mean?!
Legalese. Boilerplate. Obsolete laws. Ancestral idiosyncrasies. The documents our ancestors created are full of such traps. This session uses two typical documents from different regions to illustrate, line by line, how to sort chaff from wheat, interpret deceptive language, and develop clues.
Best of ESMHistorical Records
Analyzing Deeds & Wills: I See What It Says—but What Does It Mean?!
CC
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
2.0K views
Legalese. Boilerplate. Obsolete laws. Ancestral idiosyncrasies. The documents our ancestors created are full of such traps. This session uses two typical documents from different regions to illustrate, line by line, how to sort chaff from wheat, interpret deceptive language, and develop clues.
Fri, August 23 2024: 18:00 UTC
Login to register (for webinar members)
Login to register (for webinar members)
1:26:42
Best of ESMWriting and Publishing
Genealogical Research & Writing: Are You a Saint, Sinner, or Bumfuzzled Soul?
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
1.5K views
CC
Genealogical Research & Writing: Are You a Saint, Sinner, or Bumfuzzled Soul?
As researchers, family historians, compilers, bloggers, or writers of other ilk, genealogists face legal and ethical perils they often do not anticipate. This crash course offers practical guidance to enhance your skills and keep you safe as you explore history, reconstruct lives, and “write up” your findings. While the issues are serious—from the legal issue of copyright to the ethical issue of plagiarism—the lessons are taught with a light heart and humor.
Best of ESMWriting and Publishing
Genealogical Research & Writing: Are You a Saint, Sinner, or Bumfuzzled Soul?
CC
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
1.5K views
As researchers, family historians, compilers, bloggers, or writers of other ilk, genealogists face legal and ethical perils they often do not anticipate. This crash course offers practical guidance to enhance your skills and keep you safe as you explore history, reconstruct lives, and “write up” your findings. While the issues are serious—from the legal issue of copyright to the ethical issue of plagiarism—the lessons are taught with a light heart and humor.
Fri, July 26 2024: 18:00 UTC
Login to register (for webinar members)
Login to register (for webinar members)
1:14:47
Best of ESMMethodology and Skills
How to Find the Truth about a Family Story
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
1.8K views
CC
How to Find the Truth about a Family Story
Oral history provides the foundation for all family research. Documentary evidence builds structure on that foundation. But documents often conflict with family traditions. How do we determine the core truths that are essential to understanding our own past? This class examines the causes of those conflicts and demonstrates how to peel away generations of confusion to find the real story that underpins family lore. Case studies include both Native American and African American traditions.
Best of ESMMethodology and Skills
How to Find the Truth about a Family Story
CC
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
1.8K views
Oral history provides the foundation for all family research. Documentary evidence builds structure on that foundation. But documents often conflict with family traditions. How do we determine the core truths that are essential to understanding our own past? This class examines the causes of those conflicts and demonstrates how to peel away generations of confusion to find the real story that underpins family lore. Case studies include both Native American and African American traditions.
Fri, June 28 2024: 18:00 UTC
Login to register (for webinar members)
Login to register (for webinar members)
1:15:49
Best of ESMMethodology and Skills
Identity Crises: Right Name, Wrong Man? Wrong Name, Right Man?
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
2.2K views
CC
Identity Crises: Right Name, Wrong Man? Wrong Name, Right Man?
What do we do with ancestors whose names don’t “match” from one record to the next? Or those who pose the opposite problem: too many men or women of the same name? This session examines a litany of social customs and naming patterns that cause ancestors to be known by different names—then offers techniques and strategies by which we can establish that any two records do or do not apply to the same person. A variety of case studies demonstrate the problems and the methods we can use to overcome them.
Best of ESMMethodology and Skills
Identity Crises: Right Name, Wrong Man? Wrong Name, Right Man?
CC
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
2.2K views
What do we do with ancestors whose names don’t “match” from one record to the next? Or those who pose the opposite problem: too many men or women of the same name? This session examines a litany of social customs and naming patterns that cause ancestors to be known by different names—then offers techniques and strategies by which we can establish that any two records do or do not apply to the same person. A variety of case studies demonstrate the problems and the methods we can use to overcome them.
Fri, May 24 2024: 18:00 UTC
Login to register (for webinar members)
Login to register (for webinar members)
1:17:51
Best of ESMHistorical Records
Tax Rolls: Getting Our Money’s Worth from the Taxes Our Ancestors Paid
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
1.9K views
CC
Tax Rolls: Getting Our Money’s Worth from the Taxes Our Ancestors Paid
Tax rolls have traditionally been used as a “census substitute”—a list of names to show that someone of a certain name was in a certain jurisdiction, in this year or that. But tax rolls can be developed into so much more. This session demonstrates how to use tax rolls to separate same-name people, determine ages of men and date their marriages, establish times of death, identify parents and the maiden identity of wives, track migration, document inheritances when probate records are destroyed, and so much more!
Best of ESMHistorical Records
Tax Rolls: Getting Our Money’s Worth from the Taxes Our Ancestors Paid
CC
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
1.9K views
Tax rolls have traditionally been used as a “census substitute”—a list of names to show that someone of a certain name was in a certain jurisdiction, in this year or that. But tax rolls can be developed into so much more. This session demonstrates how to use tax rolls to separate same-name people, determine ages of men and date their marriages, establish times of death, identify parents and the maiden identity of wives, track migration, document inheritances when probate records are destroyed, and so much more!
Fri, April 26 2024: 18:00 UTC
Login to register (for webinar members)
Login to register (for webinar members)
1:18:59
Best of ESMHistorical Records
Census Clues: Sweet Potato Simon, White Potato Willie, & Cows that Grow Wool
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
2.0K views
CC
Census Clues: Sweet Potato Simon, White Potato Willie, & Cows that Grow Wool
Census records are the most used—and yet the most underused—of all genealogical resources. Every major provider offers them, along with an index so we can easily find our people. Aside from a year here or there, when a pesky ancestor seems to have eluded the census taker, the use of censuses seems fairly straightforward: We use a search engine to find our person and we copy down the data. There, done! No. Not at all! Censuses provide “facts,” but in between those “facts” there are a wealth of clues we can mine to solve our worst problems with identity, origin, and parentage. This session is for advanced researchers who think they “already know all about census records” and for newer researchers who want to avoid the mistakes most researchers make. ** This is a members-only webinar **
Best of ESMHistorical Records
Census Clues: Sweet Potato Simon, White Potato Willie, & Cows that Grow Wool
CC
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
2.0K views
Census records are the most used—and yet the most underused—of all genealogical resources. Every major provider offers them, along with an index so we can easily find our people. Aside from a year here or there, when a pesky ancestor seems to have eluded the census taker, the use of censuses seems fairly straightforward: We use a search engine to find our person and we copy down the data. There, done! No. Not at all! Censuses provide “facts,” but in between those “facts” there are a wealth of clues we can mine to solve our worst problems with identity, origin, and parentage. This session is for advanced researchers who think they “already know all about census records” and for newer researchers who want to avoid the mistakes most researchers make. ** This is a members-only webinar **
Fri, March 22 2024: 18:00 UTC
Login to register (for webinar members)
Login to register (for webinar members)