Genealogy for Beginners -- Queries

Hello again from Florida, USA!
In my book, Genealogy Online 8th Edition, I have a long section on the best way to write a query. Today I’m going to give you the quick version:

A query is a short entry in a publication, online bulletin board or letter that asks for specific information on an ancestor. It is sort of a “wanted” classified ad for genealogists.

The basics of the query are:

1. You must have a date, or range of dates
2. You must have a place, at least a region
3. You must have at least one name, best if it’s a surname.

The format of a query:

Looking for First Name LAST NAME OF ANCESTOR IN CAPS, <<specific data needed.>> Know this information: <<names and vital dates>>. Contact: Your email, snailmail, or other contact info.

So a good query will look something like this:

Query: CRIPPEN, 1794, CT>MA>VT>Canada

I need proof of the parents of Diadama CRIPPEN born 11 Sept 1794 in (?), NY. I believe her father was Darius CRIPPEN, son

of Samuel CRIPPEN, and her mother was Abigail STEVENS CRIPPEN, daughter of Roger STEVENS, both from CT. They lived in

Egremont, Berkshire County, MA and Pittsfield, Rutland County, VT before moving to Bastard Township, Ontario, Canada. I will

exchange information and copying costs. [Here you would put your regular mail address, e-mail address, or other contact

information.]

As you can see, just reading queries can often give you valuable information!

Note: Do not ever send a letter or query that says, “Send me everything you have on the Jones family” or words to that effect. This is not a game of Go Fish. It is rude and unfair to ask for someone to just hand over years of research. When you ask for information, have some data to exchange and a specific genealogy goal to fill. Also, always offer to pay copying and/or postage costs.

For a more detailed explanation, see Genealogy Online 8th Edition, pp 22 - 26. Oh, and my book is available on Kindle, too!

Happy Hunting!

Posted by elizabeth in Genealogy, General, How to | Trackback |