From The Top And By The Numbers

Sun., Jan. 12, 1997

Donna Potter Phillips Staff writer

Solving your genealogy research problems might be as easy as 1-2-3-4.

George Polya, former mathematics professor, developed a process to solve math problems - but his process could certainly be applied to genealogical research.

The steps are:

1. Understand the problem.

2. Devise a plan.

3. Carry out the plan.

4. Look back.

To understand the problem, genealogy-wise, is to determine what you want to find. Are you looking for parents? Death place? Maiden name?

First, define your problem.

Another part of this step is to list what you already know about the ancestor and where you have already looked for information.

Step 1 should be completed before any library visit.

Next, devise a research plan. Start with simple goals (looking for the name in a census index) and progress through more complicated steps (co-ordinating all collateral research).

Again, this step should be taken at home, before any library visits.

Step 3 is to carry out the research.

This can be quite easy or very difficult, depending on accessible records. This step involves writing letters, using the resources of genealogical libraries and ordering materials on interlibrary loan.

Keeping a good research log of your efforts is an important part of this problem-solving process.

The final step is to look back, analyze your results and determine if you have solved the problem to your satisfaction.

You may find that you need to begin the cycle again, and continue to work on the problem.

You would not travel to Pittsburgh without a map, bake a cake without a recipe or build a house without a blueprint. To effectively work on your genealogical problems, you need a good plan. Devising this plan makes good use of our snowbound evenings!

This information was inspired by an article by Michael John Neills, “Polyas Four-Step Process,” in the November-December 1995 issue of Ancestry magazine.

I recommend Ancestry, a bimonthly publication, to all genealogists. Call (800) 531-1790 to subscribe for $18 annually, or $33 for two years.

It’s time for sharing tips and offerings from readers.

G.A. Schoolcraft of Sandpoint, wrote: “Mama threw me a royal curve when she told me that my greatgranddaddy came from Decatur, Ill. I literally took apart Illinois for days only to discover that is was Decatur, Mich.!” His message? Do not assume anything.

Jeanne Coe has an old Bible detailing the 1890 marriage of Charles McCoy and Mary L. Cole of Palmyra, Ill., and Wilbur, Wash. The Bible also lists the 1891 birth of Lila McCoy and 1895 birth of Mamie McCoy. Coe will give this Bible to a descendant. Call her at 328-0786.

Bob Watt of Hayden Lake, Idaho, wants to give away his collection of the Genealogical Helper from 1986 to 1995.Call him at (208) 762-9153.

, DataTimes MEMO: Donna Potter Phillips welcomes letters from readers. Write to her at The Spokesman-Review, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. For a response, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Donna Potter Phillips welcomes letters from readers. Write to her at The Spokesman-Review, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. For a response, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

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