The Family Tree Problem Solver: Proven Methods for Scaling the Inevitable Brick Wall (Paperback)

by Marsha Hoffman Rising (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Rising immediately warns that this genealogical troubleshooting guide is not for the novice family historian. However, those already involved and well versed in genealogical research will benefit greatly from these handy problem-solving techniques, tools, and methods. After hitting an "inevitable brick wall," even knowledgeable researchers are apt to give up too quickly. To avoid this frustrating scenario, the author provides tips for locating missing documents; overcoming census omissions; recognizing and availing oneself of "collateral kin" and neighbors; interpreting court, probate, and property records; distinguishing among individuals of the same name; and finding elusive ancestors who lived before 1850. Although beginners will need to consult more basic handbooks, advanced genealogical investigators will welcome this valuable resource. Margaret Flanagan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Description
Complications arising from incomplete or missing records, census irregularities and individuals of the same name occur more often than non-genealogists might think. The author, a respected genealogist, helps intermediate to advanced researchers break through these "brick walls" by breaking down each researcher's common problem into a chapter with straightforward solutions. Readers will: Go straight to the answers they need without wading through theory or irrelevant records overviews; Find explanations and case studies easily understood and useful for intermediate or advanced genealogists; Learn what NOT to do in research to avoid hitting brick walls in the future. The result is the best and most accessible book on the market about overcoming obstacles, from Family Tree Magazine and Family Tree Books, the sources of genealogy's most popular publications.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Family Tree Books (January 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558706852
• ISBN-13: 978-1558706859
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #85,222 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A first-rate textbook . . ., March 27, 2005

By	Michael K. Smith (Gonzales, Louisiana) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

We all have "brick walls" -- those situations in which the courthouse records have disappeared, or no census record can be found, or there are four people with the same common name in the same neighborhood at the same time, not to mention people whom we come to suspect must have landed by flying saucer. After failing to find an obvious solution, the inclination often is to throw up one's hands and shift attention to an easier branch of the family. Marsha Rising, however, a well-respected author and long-time speaker in the field of genealogical methodology and case-making, wants us to embrace the brick wall as a challenge to our skills in research and evidence analysis. Her sessions at national conferences are always very popular, and with good reason, so you might think there's good reason to pay attention to anything she thinks is worth saying on the subject -- and you would be right.

She presents here a research model that will focus your work, from reminding us of the distinction between "search" and "research," and identifying the problem blocking the way (which actually may not be what you assume it is), to reevaluating the data you already have (you may simply not have recognized the answer), to identifying the specific evidence you need to solve your problem. And she illustrates each step with cogent case studies. Then she delves into the most common types of brick wall and the best ways to deal with them: The lack of vital records in the period before mandatory civil registration, the best use of the census (especially before 1850), the need to analyze collateral family members and community networks (what's called "cluster genealogy"), finding a replacement for the infamous "burned courthouse," and separating individuals of the same name. She wraps up with a discussion of ten mistakes to avoid and a restatement of the components of careful analysis of the evidence. Rising's style throughout is professional yet accessible (though, personally, I could do without this publisher's cutesy marginal icons . . .), and I would not hesitate to recommend this excellent book as a classroom text in the advanced course at Samford.

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable strategies for novice and experienced researchers alike, March 18, 2006

By	E. Folta "eafinct" (Connecticut, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I disagree with both the author's and the other reviewer's comments that this book is only for the more advanced genealogical researcher. The valuable strategies here should be reviewed by every beginner genealogist, to prevent us from wasting time barking up the wrong trees, and proceeding to previous generations before we've fully exhausted the resources of documents regarding later ones. An invaluable book by an experienced researcher.

39 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspired me to keep trying, March 16, 2005

By	Carlisle (Northern California) - See all my reviews

A friend ordered this from Amazon and was so impressed that she gave her copy to me and ordered another one. I haven't even finished reading it, but it inspired me to broaden my search for the origins of my g-g-grandfather who has been a mystery to me for decades. The author gives pertinent examples of work she has done on origins which at first seemed impenetrable. I am making good progress now, although the direction I'm heading in has become a bit disturbing and I may just have to join the Black Sheep Genealogical Society...