Ancestry "Tree Compare" in Beta

Here's a new Ancestry feature I'm exploring: Tree Compare, now in beta. I discovered it while looking at some ancestor-in-laws such as Alice Hopperton, who was the second wife of my husband's grandfather.

Of course I don't rely on any online tree as a quote fact unquote. But trees often have great clues such as family photos and record sources that I can examine and evaluate to determine relevancy and then follow up if I wish.

As shown, Alice is "found in 10+ Ancestry trees" and with one click, I was able to begin comparing Alice on those trees with Alice on my tree.

Using Tree Compare, my tree is on the right and another tree for comparison is on the left. (I obscured info for privacy.) When info is similar or identical on the other tree, Ancestry adds a "similar" label, as you can see on the tree at left. The comparison also shows the name and the owner of the other tree. That's helpful because I've already seen many of these trees and sometimes I recognize the tree name or the owner's name. I can also "pick a different tree" at the top right of the comparison screen.

When I clicked to pick a different tree, a longer list of trees (all with Alice) showed up. I could look at the overviews (including name of tree, number of records, number of people, and owner) and select another to compare.

This is a convenient way to look at trees "at a glance" and pick one (or more) to closely compare with my tree and that ancestor. Remember, clues only!

CAUTION: If a different tree has someone labeled as "new," then this beta Ancestry feature will suggest where to place the person in your tree. Beware.

Direct above, I was using Tree Compare to see James E. Wood on other people's trees. Ancestry's comparison examined related people. The suggested placement for Edith E. Baker (from someone else's tree, on left) is entirely wrong. Edith clearly does not belong to the parents where Ancestry wants to put her. I already have her on my tree as a daughter of, yes, James Sills Baker and Adelaide M Slatter. 

I discovered similar mistakes in Tree Compare's suggestions of other ancestors on same tree and in another tree. Tree Compare can't take the place of doing research to understand potential tree connections. Confirm before you click! 

Family History: Don't Keep It to Yourself!

Don't wait to share what you know about your family's history. 

Maybe you're just beginning your research or, like me, you've invested years in your ancestor search. Either way, share now to get the info to relatives and (if you choose) make it available to other researchers.

Some clues are better than NO clues

Consider this list of Steiner siblings, jotted on the back of a 1930s business card by my hubby's grandfather, Brice Larimer McClure (1878-1970). The list included his wife, Floyda Mabel Steiner McClure (1878-1948), and her eight older siblings, with birth years as remembered. 

How lucky that Brice wrote down this information--not wanting it to be lost--and my sister-in-law shared it with me, clues to be followed up. Not every detail in Brice's handwritten notes was correct, but the clues were much better than beginning with nothing. I'm so grateful he didn't keep it to himself.

Thanks to this listing, I had a head start in locating vital records, burial places, and other facts to flesh out and verify the family tree. Brice left other handwritten clues, too, steering me in the right direction to identify members of older generations. In turn, I've shared this list and similar genealogical clues about deceased people on my public family trees, to allow other researchers to make use of them. 

Share works in progress?

Even if your family tree information is incomplete or hasn't yet been verified, I encourage you to discuss with your relatives with the warning that your research is a "work in progress." 

Hearing what you've learned may help your relatives recall something from the past. I still have relatives casually mention key details previously unknown to me--leading to interesting breakthroughs! When something I write on a pedigree chart or family tree chart has not been confirmed, I include a question mark or "circa" or "about" or some other indicator that this is a "work in progress."

In addition to public family trees on multiple genealogy sites, I have a couple of private family trees on Ancestry. I use these for experimentation and I fully recognize they're not ready for prime time. Still, private trees can be helpful to other researchers. 

Recently, someone asked to see a private tree, listing his ancestors with that surname. Unfortunately, there was no connection. My ancestor had changed to that surname as an adult, and no one else on the tree carried that surname. Although disappointed, the other researcher was able to move on, investigating different possibilities in trying to locate more of his ancestors. 

To be continued . . . with a post about LOCKSS (Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe).

For more ideas about keeping family history safe for future generations and researchers, please check out my newly-revised book, Planning a Future for Your Family's Past, 2d edition.

What Future Genealogists Will Learn from the 2020 US Census

Page 1 of the 2020 Census questionnaire

Attending a presentation by local representatives of the 2020 US Census, I learned that in the year 2092, when the records are publicly released, future genealogists will be able to see some very valuable pieces of information. (You can browse the entire 2020 questionnaire here.)

Page 2 of 2020 Census

One key piece of info is the month, day, and year of birth for each person in the household, to be entered on page 2 of the Census questionnaire.

Future genealogists will be able to look for a birth cert, compare with age shown on other documents, match someone to a marriage license or other vital record, and so on--with more confidence because they will have the complete birth date, not just "age" or birth month and year.

I was surprised but interested to learn that another question (on page 1) is about whether a person in the household (1) owns the residence clear and free of a mortgage, (2) has a mortgage, or (3) is not paying rent. Clues to seeking deeds, taxes, and other records!

2020 Census questions about usual residence
and relationship to head of household

Happily for future genealogists, the 2020 Census asks specific questions about whether each person usually lives in this residence AND about exactly how each person in the household is related to the head of household (Person 1).

Look at the many answer alternatives shown in the excerpt above! 

These two questions will elicit incredibly valuable information for future genealogists. Question #2 will point toward where the person's usual residence is (such as with another relative or in the military). Question #3 will tell, with great precision, how each person is related to the head of the household--clues to filling in gaps in the family tree!

Future genealogists, there may not be many questions on the 2020 Census form, but there will be several top-quality clues to be followed up. Yes, I'm going to answer the Census as fully and completely as possible. You'll be able to find me and my family in 72 years, I promise.