RELEASE DATE: DECEMBER 6, 2009
KINSEARCHING
by
Marleta Childs
P. O. Box 6825
LUBBOCK, TX 79493-6825
[email protected]
Are you looking for the "perfect" gift for the serious family genealogist or historian this Christmas? You will find it in the new second edition of EVIDENCE EXPLAINED: CITING HISTORY SOURCES FROM ARTIFACTS TO CYBERSPACE by Elizabeth Shown Mills. This indispensable manual deftly leads researchers through the labyrinth of all kinds of original source citations not found in traditional guides.
As Mills explains in her foreword, researchers need to take time to document their work because sources vary in their accuracy. She points out that some resources may be erroneous or may exaggerate the facts. Researchers must know from where any information comes so they can judge its reliability. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of various sources, researchers will be able to make plausible conclusions.
To help individuals learn how to reach logical decisions, her first two chapters deal with the fundamentals of analysis and citation. Remaining chapters encompass topics such as archives and artifacts, business and institutional records, censuses, cemetery and church records, various local and state documents, and national government publications (from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia) in various forms which include printed works, microfilm, microfiche, CDs, videos, maps, radio and television broadcasts, websites, digital books, e-zines, and podcasts. Throughout the wide range of sources discussed, Mills presents samples of citations accessed through different media styles. In addition, she furnishes information about the location of sources, which may give researchers ideas for new paths of investigation.
Throughout her book Mills provides examples of more than 1,000 citation forms. In this manner, she renders a worthy service for millions of people. Considered the authoritative guide on documentation, EVIDENCE EXPLAINED: CITING HISTORY SOURCES FROM ARTIFACTS TO CYBERSPACE is an invaluable reference work for all serious genealogical and historical researchers and libraries.
The 885-page hardback has two appendixes (a glossary and a bibliography) and two indexes (a standard topical and one for QuickCheck online citations). To the book's price of $59.95, buyers should add the cost for postage and handling charges. For U. S. postal mail, the cost is $5.50 for one book and $2.50 for each additional copy; for FedEx ground service, the cost is $7.50 for one copy and $2.50 for each additional book. The volume (item order 3843) may be purchased by check, money order, MasterCard, or Visa from Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 3600 Clipper Mill Rd., Suite 260, Baltimore, Maryland 21211 (For phone orders, call toll free 1-800-296-6687; fax 1-410-752-8492; website www.genealogical.com).
A "calling" card for Mrs. Robert Patrick HAMILTON was found in a book in Lubbock, TX. Printed on the card is the address "312 West Ninety-ninth Street." However, no location is stated. From its appearance, the card may be rather old. Does anyone know who this lady is? Any descendant may have the card if he or she will send me a self-addressed envelope.
Charles N. Ferguson, 811 South Market, Shawnee, OK 74801 is seeking information about the family of Joseph FERGUSON, b. in 1789 in KY or TN and died in 1839 in Harrison Co., TX, and Jane GREGG, b. in 1798. His children were
Joseph FERGUSON, b. in 1810 in MO;
John FERGUSON, b. in 1815 in MO;
David FERGUSON, b. in 1817 in MO;
Alston J. FERGUSON, b. in 1823 in MO and d. in 1867 in Erath Co., TX;
Isaac M. FERGUSON, b. in 1823? in Cole Co., MO, and died in 1862 in KY;
Jonathan P. FERGUSON, b. in 1825 in IL;
Mary Ann FERGUSON, b. in 1827 in MO;
and William Marion FERGUSON, b. about 1825-1827 in Cole Co., MO, or TN.