CGL Content Knowledge 4

Question 1

A researcher finds a will that names a man's 'son-in-law, John Smith.' In 19th-century U.S. usage, this term most likely means:

Accepted Answer

Either a son-in-law or a stepson, since the term was used for both

Answer

In 19th-century America, 'son-in-law' was commonly used for both a daughter's husband AND a stepson, so researchers must look for corroborating records to determine the actual relationship.

Question 2

Which element is required in a Proof Summary but NOT required in a Proof Argument?

Accepted Answer

A title and identification of the research question

Answer

A Proof Summary is a standalone, titled document that identifies the research question and presents the conclusion, while a Proof Argument may be embedded in a narrative without a formal title block.

Question 3

Land records in which U.S. state were recorded in the Spanish vara land measurement system, reflecting its colonial history?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

Texas, Louisiana, and Florida all used the vara (a Spanish linear unit) in colonial-era and early statehood land surveys, reflecting their Spanish colonial heritage.

Question 4

What is a 'compiled genealogy' and what caution should researchers apply when using one?

Accepted Answer

A secondary source assembling information from multiple records, which may contain errors introduced during compilation

Answer

Compiled genealogies are secondary (or derivative) sources that synthesize data from various records, and errors in transcription, interpretation, or citation can be propagated, so all claims should be verified against original records.

Question 5

Which ship manifest column, added after 1906, is most helpful for locating the U.S. hometown of an immigrant's contact person?

Accepted Answer

Name and address of nearest relative or contact in the U.S.

Answer

Post-1906 manifests required the name and full U.S. address of the immigrant's contact, usually a relative, directly linking the newcomer to an established family member's location.

(CGL) Certified Genealogical Lecturer Practice Test

(CGL) Certified Genealogical Lecturer Practice Test

CGL Content Knowledge 4