The latest assignment in my Research Like a Pro study Group was to follow my Research Plan and keep track of my research using a research log. This is the first time I have used a formal research log, and I discovered that it takes discipline!
When I began researching at the beginning of the week, I was really careful to make entries and citations as I went, but when I started looking at military records in the Pennsylvania Archives, I kept having to tell myself to slow down and make sure to record every piece of evidence I found, because it was easy to scroll through pages of information and make only an incomplete note about something, then move on to the next item. I am sure taking the time to use the log correctly will help me when I begin writing my Research Report.
I loved using Google Sheets for my Research log. I am able to sort the information entered by date searched, date of the event, or record type. It’s been really helpful to view the information in these ways to analyze whether I have the evidence I need for my project.
As I was preparing my Research Plan, I remember thinking, “What if I don’t find anything?” I have researched Jacob Fisher off an on for several years to try to extend his family line with no results. I am happy to report that I found a LOT of things! My objective is to determine which of two Jacob Fishers on enumerated on the 1790 census in Northampton County is my ancestor, Jacob Fisher Sr. of Westmoreland County. As part of my Research Plan, I began by listing all of the Heads of Household enumerated in both Whitehall and Upper Milford Townships (the locations of two Jacob Fishers in Northampton County). My research of census, military, and church records helped me to understand and recognize the members of these communites. It was so interesting to see their names on many different records.
As I researched, I was able to find enough evidence to determine that the Jacob Fisher of Whitehall Township is the ancestral Jacob Fisher Sr. of Westmoreland County. In addition, I found clues that opened up new avenues for future research, including:
- Two possible maiden names for Jacob Fisher’s wife Elizabeth (it’s even possible he had two different wives named Elizabeth!)
- Clues about where Jacob may have lived prior to his residence in Northampton County
- Possible brothers George and Leonard Fisher
- Possible sisters Magdalena and Susannah Fisher
- A possible additional child, Magdalene, who may have lived only three years
I’m so glad I decided to join the Research Like a Pro Study Group! I have learned so much about how to discover available records and become a more focused and deliberate researcher. The next lesson is all about Writing a Research Report. I’m excited to share my writing experience with you!
