RELEASE DATE: JULY 5, 2015
KINSEARCHING
by
Marleta Childs
P. O. Box 6825
LUBBOCK, TX 79493-6825
[email protected]
Descendants of Andrew STRAIN (born about 1750 and died in 1826 in Haywood County, North Carolina) and his wife, Mary REED, will celebrate eighty-two years of continuous family reunions on 19 July 2015 at the Sugar Valley Baptist Church in Sugar Valley, Georgia. Since church services will be in session until a little after noon, the reunion covered-dish lunch will begin soon afterward. At some point during the feast, a business meeting will take place, during which the oldest and youngest participants and those who traveled the farthest to attend will be recognized. In addition, family historian, Jim Parker, will present his report on the latest genealogical findings. For more details about the 2015 gathering, write to the Strain Family Reunion, 2152 Heritage Heights, Decatur, Georgia 30033 or e-mail Chad M. Bryant at [email protected]. For pictures of previous reunions and the tombstones of Andrew and Mary Strain, go to the website at www.strain-family.org.
During the past several years, preeminent genealogist Elizabeth Shown Mills has compiled several helpful reference aids in her QuickSheet series, designed to give an overview of basic elements on selected topics. Her latest addition is Citing Genetic Sources for History Research Evidence! Style.
DNA analyses are the new frontier in genealogical research and, like other sources, need proper, accurate citation. Breaking down documentation into its barest essentials through simple charts, Mills provides a guide for online and offline data.
Mills begins by explaining the four basic types of genetic tests: Y-DNA, MT-DNA, AT-DNA, and X-line DNA. She also furnishes a list of fundamental terms genealogists should know, such as alleles, chromosome, haplogroup, marker, and segment.
She then briefly discusses the fact that DNA test conclusions do not replace reliable documentary research, but should be used in conjunction with it. Core standards for citation, evidence analysis, and proof of genetic results are the same as those for credible genealogical and historical research.
Using two basic templates on one page, Mills supplies examples for an online database and for an offline report. On the next two pages, Mills provides models for a source list entry, a full reference note, and a short reference note for common types of resources. Among the resources are an autosomal database, ethnicity prediction, Gedmatch tool, instructional material, and letter report.
Since the information is on a two-sided laminated sheet, the publication can be stood up or lain down for immediate reference. Although sturdy, the handy aid is flexible, will not easily tear, and will remain readable after the constant use it will surely receive. Indispensable as a compact and convenient tool, QuickSheet: Citing Genetic Sources for History Research Evidence! Style will take up very little space by a computer or on the book shelf and can be easily transported to any research site. All genealogists will want a copy.
To the guide's price of $9.95, buyers should add the cost for postage and handling charges. For U. S. postal mail, the cost is $4.50 for one item and $2.50 for each additional copy; for FedEx ground service, the cost is $6.00 for one copy and $2.50 for each additional item. The guide (item order 3877) may be purchased by check, money order, MasterCard, or Visa from Genealogical Publishing Company, 3600 Clipper Mill Rd., Suite 260, Baltimore, MD 21211-1953. For phone orders, call toll free 1-800-296-6687; fax 1-410-752-8492; website www.genealogical.com.