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To break through a "brick wall". In genealogy, a brick wall is a question for which a genealogist has not been able to formulate a satisfactory answer based on the evidence thus far collected. Using cluster genealogy, additional evidence is sought in data gathered from the records left by persons in
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The basic method of research is to gather data from records left by the target ancestor and his or her immediate family. There are several situations, however, where a genealogist wants or needs to use alternate research methods. One such method is cluster genealogy, in which the records left by
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To develop context for an ancestor's life. The facts of an ancestor's life are often meaningful only in the context of his cluster. For example, the fact that an ancestor was a
Catholic is interesting; the fact that the ancestor and his family were the only Catholics in their
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To build a genealogical proof. When constructing a genealogical proof, it is not sufficient to simply accumulate an assortment of evidence that supports a conclusion. To meet the
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the ancestor's cluster. For example, if the question is one of place of birth, researching the origins of the ancestor’s neighbors can be helpful. Unrelated family groups often
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blog (November 2016). A study of the relationship between 'cluster genealogy', the 'FAN Club' (Friends, Associates, and
Neighbours), and general 'cluster analysis'.
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research begins with a question of identity, relationship, event, or situation. To answer the question, a genealogist gathers and analyzes data from
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229:, 82, no. 1 (March 1994): 17–31. A case study illustrating the use of the cluster genealogy technique.
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members of the ancestor's cluster are examined for evidence with which to resolve the question at hand.
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This standard is set by the U.S. Board for
Certification of Genealogists. See also: Rose, Christine.
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will often include a search of records created by persons in the target ancestor's cluster.
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pertinent to the identity, relationship, event, or situation in question." (
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together or followed earlier migrations of neighbors or family members.
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Cluster genealogy is most often used for the following reasons.
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and formulates an answer to the question based on the resulting
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223:"Proving a Maternal Line: The Case of Frances B. Whitney"
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Genealogical Proof
Standard: Building a Solid Case.
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49:by examining records left by the ancestor's
116:research involving all information that is
227:National Genealogical Society Quarterly
200:San Jose, Cal.: CR Publications, 2005.
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169:. Cincinnati: Betterway Books, 2000.
53:. A person's cluster consists of the
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167:The Sleuth Book for Genealogists
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187:Genealogical Proof Standard
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234:"FAN Principles Unfolded"
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19:Not to be confused with
45:to learn more about an
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92:Purpose
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