Content Knowledge Flashcards

Which U.S. federal census was the first to list every member of a household by name?

Answer: 1850

The 1850 census was the first to list every free household member by name, age, sex, and birthplace, rather than only the head of household.

A genealogist finds two conflicting birth years for an ancestor in different records. According to the Genealogical Proof Standard, the next step is to:

Answer: Perform a reasonably exhaustive search and then analyze and correlate all evidence

The GPS requires a reasonably exhaustive search followed by thorough analysis and correlation of all evidence before resolving conflicts.

What is the primary purpose of an Ahnentafel numbering system?

Answer: To assign a unique number to every direct ancestor of one individual

The Ahnentafel (German for 'ancestor table') assigns systematic numbers to direct-line ancestors: 1 = subject, father doubles the number, mother is father's number plus one.

Which Irish record set, largely destroyed in the 1922 Four Courts fire, documented land valuations and became a partial substitute for lost census records?

Answer: The Tithe Applotment Books and Griffith's Valuation

The Tithe Applotment Books (1823–1837) and Griffith's Primary Valuation (1847–1864) survived the fire and are widely used to locate Irish ancestors and establish residence.

When researching African American genealogy in the post-Civil War South, which record series created by the federal government documents freedpeople's labor contracts, marriages, and family separations?

Answer: Freedmen's Bureau records

The Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands (Freedmen's Bureau) created extensive records from 1865–1872 documenting freedpeople's daily lives, labor, and family reunifications.

In DNA genealogy, what does the term 'endogamy' mean and why does it complicate match analysis?

Answer: Marriage within a closed community, causing relatives to share more DNA than expected for their relationship

Endogamy (marriage within a community) causes individuals to share inflated amounts of DNA with many matches, making it difficult to determine the actual genealogical relationship.

Which repository holds the original Freedman's Bank records, which can help trace African American families in the post-Civil War era?

Answer: National Archives and Records Administration

The National Archives holds the Freedman's Savings and Trust Company records (1865–1874), which are indexed on FamilySearch and often contain detailed personal and family information.