Registration is now open for our 2025 series. Click here to register.

Registration is now open for our 2025 series. Click here to register.

By
By
Webinar Library
Best of ESM Methodology and Skills

What’s the Evidence? How to Probe Documents Beyond the Obvious

Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
Jun 23, 2023
2.5K views
Advanced
CC
Want to watch the full webinar?
Join now to access all 2,325 webinars and unlock all features.
Join now
Syllabus
Chat Log
Join now

Content

Play. Playing.
Welcome
2m 00s
Play. Playing.
Class Overview
1m 27s
Play. Playing.
Introduction
9m 14s
Play. Playing.
John Watts
15m 37s
Play. Playing.
Captain Walton
4m 58s
Play. Playing.
Back to John
1m 58s
Play. Playing.
Strategies
14m 36s
Play. Playing.
What's the Evidence?
13m 45s
Play. Playing.
Announcements / prizes
2m 33s
Play. Playing.
Questions / answers
11m 44s

About this webinar

Whatever our research dilemma, a correct solution depends upon a reliable evaluation of the evidence we are using. Evidence is not concrete. It is not definitive. It is not a source. It is not a fact. It is not “proof.” It is, instead, our interpretation of what a piece of information means. Evidence is both singular and collective. We analyze it piece by piece. We correlate each piece with everything else discoverable, and then we analyze the whole to reach conclusions that are reliable. This session walks us through the three levels at which each piece of information should be evaluated, in order to draw a reliable conclusion from it. The principles are then illustrated with a common but thorny problem: a Revolutionary War–era case study that might be called: How to Identify Someone Who’s Been Mangled by ‘Facts.’

*** 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 (112)

Your email address will not be published.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. TT
    tina tuttle
    5 days ago

    Fantastic step by step breakdown of the thinking and analysis by a pro.
    I would love to know: How many hours went into this for each step (or just the total). I’m doing a similar project for a 94 year old, gratis, and am at 25+ hours, far beyond what I had estimated. This reasonably exhaustive investigation is much aided by new AI tools at Familysearch etc, but its still terriby time consuming and depends on the quality, sharpness and willingness of the researcher to persevere.

    Reply
  2. HH
    Harold Harrison
    1 year ago

    Thank You. Now I realize just how much I don’t know.

    Reply
  3. ED
    Elaine Drury
    2 years ago

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge, it was great

    Reply
  4. WV
    Webinar Viewer
    2 years ago

    Wonderful presentation as usual.

    Reply
  5. BM
    Barbara McGeachy
    2 years ago

    What an amazing researcher! She is the highest level of thoroughness and accuracy. Inspiriational!

    Reply
  6. MB
    Margaret Balcom
    2 years ago

    Any Elizabeth Shown Mills webinar is 5 star!! Thank you for sharing your wisdom!!

    Reply
  7. DZ
    Della Zane
    2 years ago

    I love what I’m learning through the ESM webinars. She amazes me every time. Mind blown!

    Reply
  8. TD
    Teresa Dunlap
    2 years ago

    Demonstrated the ease of getting same name people confused.

    Reply
Show all comments

Related Webinars

1:29:55
Best of ESMDNA Testing
DNA: Proof, Citation & Privacy
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
1.7K views
DNA: Proof, Citation & Privacy
Genetic testing has taken the genealogical world by storm—but many good genealogists feel lost in that storm; and more than a few family trees have suffered damage. How do we harness the power of genetic genealogy without being swept away in the surge? This session guides genealogists through four areas: (1) converting DNA data into evidence; (2) turning that evidence into proof; (3) crafting citations that include all genetic details needed for proof; and (4) protecting privacy throughout the research and presentation of our conclusions. The session offers simple but solid ground rules—no geek speak!—illustrated by a variety of case studies.
Best of ESMDNA Testing
DNA: Proof, Citation & Privacy
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
1.7K views
Genetic testing has taken the genealogical world by storm—but many good genealogists feel lost in that storm; and more than a few family trees have suffered damage. How do we harness the power of genetic genealogy without being swept away in the surge? This session guides genealogists through four areas: (1) converting DNA data into evidence; (2) turning that evidence into proof; (3) crafting citations that include all genetic details needed for proof; and (4) protecting privacy throughout the research and presentation of our conclusions. The session offers simple but solid ground rules—no geek speak!—illustrated by a variety of case studies.
Fri, December 27 2024: 19:00 UTC
Login to register (for webinar members)
Login to register (for webinar members)
1:21:39
Best of ESMMethodology and Skills
Information Overload? Effective Project Planning, Research, Data Management & Analysis
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL
2.0K 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
2.0K 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
2.1K 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
2.1K 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)