Understanding That Document

We all want to gain as much information as possible from each document we find, but sometimes we are tempted to skim through the document and leave it at that. We think we understand what the document contains, but it may not be true. There is a process that just might help.

Don't just skim the document; read it word for word. Transcribe the document - every word.  Now it is time to take some notes. Can you answer the following questions?

1.   Who are the parties mentioned in the document?

2.   What is this document about?

3.   When did the events in the document occur?

4.   Where did you find the document?

Now it is time for the final step.  Using your own words, condense the document without losing the meaning.  

If you follow the above steps, you should be able to thoroughly understand the document.

Published 2 Jan 2020, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/