The Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast

Diana and Nicole examine how ancestral naming patterns serve as crucial supporting evidence in genealogical research. Focusing on the Royston line, they analyze two 1850 households in Alabama and Georgia—headed by Thomas B. Royston and Sarah B. Royston Irwin—where both families independently gave their children matching first and middle names, including Robert Cisnie and Cessne, Thomas Beverly, and Mary Elizabeth. They explain how uncommon middle names derived from the Cessna surname carry significant evidentiary weight by revealing family connections and sentiment, whereas common first names provide little proof on their own.

Listeners learn five practical tips for applying naming patterns to their own research: building a solid documentary case first, weighting surname middle names heavily while discounting common first names, chasing initials across alternative records, recording exact spelling variants, and accounting for names that do not fit the pattern. Through this case study, Diana and Nicole demonstrate how naming evidence helps confirm kinship when combined with thorough record correlation.

This summary was generated by Google Gemini.

Links

Three Names, Two Households: What Naming Patterns Can and Cannot Prove - https://familylocket.com/three-names-two-households-what-naming-patterns-can-and-cannot-prove/

Sponsor – Newspapers.com

For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.

Research Like a Pro Resources

Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer

Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/

Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d

Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/

14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/

Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/

Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/

RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/

Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/

Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources

Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx

Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/

RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/

Thank you

Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following:

Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you!

Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below.

Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/

Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/

Diana Elder and Nicole Dyer discuss how to prove an ancestral marriage when no direct marriage record exists, using Diana's research on John Dawson and Elizabeth "Betsy" Cessna. They break down the steps of the proof argument, including bracketing the marriage window between 1811 and 1816, conducting negative searches in regional county records, and uncovering extensive financial and legal associations between Dawson and the Cessna family over twenty years.

They also examine a key 1830 marriage settlement naming Betsy Ann Dawson alongside her brother Robert Cessna and John Dawson, as well as census data and migration patterns that confirm the relationship. Listeners learn how to build a solid proof argument using indirect evidence, association networks, and thorough research logs when direct vital records are missing.

This summary was generated by Google Gemini.

Links

No Marriage Record, No Problem: Proving the Marriage of John Dawson and Elizabeth "Betsy" Cessna - https://familylocket.com/no-marriage-record-no-problem-proving-the-marriage-of-john-dawson-and-elizabeth-betsy-cessna/

Sponsor – Newspapers.com

For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.

Research Like a Pro Resources

Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer

Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/

Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d

Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/

14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/

Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/

Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/

RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/

Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/

Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources

Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx

Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/

RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/

Thank you

Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following:

Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you!

Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below.

Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/

Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/

Diana and Nicole open the episode by discussing Nicole's recent genealogical work at the Dallas Public Library and a Dyer family Bible. They then explore the benefits of adding research to the collaborative FamilySearch Family Tree, highlighting its free access, vast record collections, and permanent archiving. Diana shares a detailed case study illustrating how to merge separate identities on FamilySearch using the example of Angeline Weatherford and Susan Louisa Algeline Weatherford.

Listeners learn how to independently construct research, correlate census and DNA evidence, and navigate the FamilySearch merge tool when algorithms flag a potential mismatch. Diana explains how she connected an 8-year-old girl in an 1860 census with a later adult record through geographic, naming, and genetic connections. Finally, they discuss the necessary clean-up steps after a merge, including removing incorrect sources, adding detailed reasoning statements, and setting alert notes for other researchers.

This summary was generated by Google Gemini.

Links

Dallas County Public Library - https://www.dallaslibrary.org/research/genealogy

Tips for Merging Identities on FamilySearch: Angeline or Algeline? - https://familylocket.com/tips-for-merging-identities-on-familysearch-angeline-or-algeline/

View Algeline's FS profile and sources here: Susan Louisa Algeline Weatherford (FamilySearch ID K2N9-T68)

Merging and Separating Institute Course - https://familylocket.com/product/merging-and-separating-identities/

Sponsor – Newspapers.com

For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.

Research Like a Pro Resources

Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer

Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/

Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d

Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/

14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/

Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/

Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/

RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/

Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/

Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources

Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx

Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/

RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/

Thank you

Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following:

Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you!

Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below.

Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/

Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/

In this episode of Research Like a Pro, Diana Elder and Nicole Dyer explore the process of finding naturalization records in territorial Utah through a real-life case study. Nicole shares the story of her immigrant ancestor, William Henry Kelsey, who arrived in Utah from England in 1861 and became a citizen in 1877. She details finding his naturalization entry in a Utah County district court minute book presided over by Judge Philip H. Emerson. Diana and Nicole explain how naturalization procedures changed over time, specifically detailing how the Poland Act of 1874 shifted naturalization jurisdiction from local probate courts to federal district courts. They also examine how political rivalries and polygamy laws affected LDS immigrants seeking citizenship during the territorial period.

The hosts discuss strategies for locating surviving records and address common research hurdles. Nicole highlights a situation where full-text search indexed her ancestor's declaration of intention, but a digitization error skipped the actual page on FamilySearch, demonstrating why researchers must verify page numbers and consider visiting county repositories directly. Listeners will learn how to navigate gaps in digitized collections, check general court minute books for hidden naturalization entries, locate both declarations of intention and final admission orders, and search territorial court records effectively.

This summary was generated by Google Gemini.

Links

Finding William Henry Kelsey's Naturalization in a Utah County Minute Book - https://familylocket.com/finding-william-henry-kelseys-naturalization-in-a-utah-county-minute-book/

Utah Naturalization and Citizenship - https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Utah_Naturalization_and_Citizenship

Sponsor – Newspapers.com

For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.

Research Like a Pro Resources

Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer

Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/

Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d

Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/

14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/

Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/

Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/

RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/

Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/

Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources

Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx

Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/

RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/

Thank you

Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following:

Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you!

Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below.

Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/

Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/

In this episode of the Research Like a Pro Genealogy podcast, host Nicole Dyer and co-host Diana Elder discuss how to write and publish a genealogical case study. Nicole defines a case study as a methodology-driven piece built around a specific research question, distinguishing it from research reports, proof arguments, genealogies, and ancestor profiles. She highlights major national and regional publications where researchers can find exemplary case studies, including the National Genealogical Society Quarterly (NGSQ), The American Genealogist, and state society journals. Diana explains how studying published case studies helps genealogists break through brick walls, discover new repositories, and master complex research strategies. Listeners learn the essential components of sound genealogical writing, including rigorous source citations and evidence correlation.

Diana shares her personal journey of researching, writing, and publishing her article on Thomas Beverly Royston in the NGSQ. She outlines her step-by-step process, from reviewing submission guidelines and updating source citations to collaborating with a peer-review partner. Nicole and Diana describe the complete submission lifecycle, including peer-review critiques, conducting additional record searches, proofreading, and preparing cover photos for publication. Listeners learn practical strategies for publishing their own work, such as selecting the right journal, aligning research with the Genealogical Proof Standard, seeking peer feedback, and exercising patience through the revision process.

This summary was generated by Google Gemini.

Links

Writing a Case Study for Publication: 7 Tips for Success - https://familylocket.com/writing-a-case-study-for-publication-7-tips-for-success/

Sponsor – Newspapers.com

For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.

Research Like a Pro Resources

Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer

Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/

Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d

Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/

14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/

Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/

Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/

RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/

Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/

Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources

Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx

Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/

RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/

Thank you

Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following:

Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you!

Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below.

Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/

Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/

In this episode, Nicole and Diana discuss Phase 5, Part 5 of Diana's ongoing research project to identify the biological father of Cynthia (Dillard) Royston. Diana evaluates three specific candidates who drew land in Cass County, Georgia, during the 1832 Gold Lottery: James Dillard of Pulaski County, Joseph B. Dillard of Oglethorpe County, and Tolliver Dillard of Burke County. Nicole outlines the project scope and historical context, highlighting significant record destruction caused by courthouse fires in Cass and Burke counties. Diana explains how she organizes her research report using her Airtable log entries. She eliminates James Dillard because 1830 census records show he was single at the time, and she rules out Joseph B. Dillard because he was only thirteen years old when Cynthia was born. Tolliver Dillard becomes the primary candidate based on census placeholder analysis, tax digests, headright grants, and land lottery draws that align with Cynthia's timeline.

The hosts also examine genetic evidence to support the documentary findings. Diana re-annotates an autosomal DNA network graph, demonstrating that matches across multiple branches of Cynthia's descendants share DNA with descendants of Elijah Dillard, pointing to a sibling relationship. She also explains her Y-DNA testing initiative, which recruits male Dillard descendants to trace Elijah's patriline and compare results against the Dillard Surname Project. Listeners learn how to correlate indirect evidence in burned counties, structure a comprehensive research report, use AI tools to assist in drafting report summaries, and integrate autosomal and Y-DNA evidence to solve complex genealogical brick walls.

This summary was generated by Google Gemini.

Links

Finding a Father for Cynthia: Phase 5 – Part 5: Report Writing – Analysis & Correlation - https://familylocket.com/finding-a-father-for-cynthia-phase-5-part-5-report-writing-analysis-correlation/

Report: Cynthia Dillard Father Candidate Phase 5 August 2026 - https://familylocket.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Cynthia-Dillard-Father-Candidate-Phase-5-Report-August-2026.pdf

Sponsor – Newspapers.com

For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.

Research Like a Pro Resources

Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer

Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/

Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d

Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/

14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/

Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/

Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/

RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/

Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/

Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources

Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx

Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/

RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/

Thank you

Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following:

Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you!

Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below.

Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/

Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/

In this episode, Diana and Nicole discuss a challenging search for an Oklahoma death certificate. Nicole shares her experience trying to find the 1928 death record for Margaret Cinderella (Harris) Bone to complete her Kinship Determination Project. Despite knowing Margaret's birth date, death date, and county, Nicole's initial searches on the OK2Explore database fail. She explains how she eventually finds the record by removing the name entirely and searching only by gender, county, and the month and year of death. The index lists the name as "Margotte C. Bane" due to an indexing error. Diana and Nicole analyze the physical certificate to show how cramped forms and overlapping cursive handwriting lead to these indexing mistakes.

Listeners learn valuable strategies for overcoming difficult database searches. Nicole and Diana outline several practical lessons, such as reading database search tips and using wildcards like asterisks. They explain why researchers should not assume that databases use phonetic matching. Listeners also learn how to use name-free searches with basic demographic details to bypass transcription errors. Finally, they explain how to analyze date discrepancies between headstones, family Bibles, and official records.

This summary was generated by Google Gemini.

Links

Unearthing an Oklahoma Death Certificate Buried Under Tricky Handwriting - https://familylocket.com/unearthing-an-oklahoma-death-certificate-buried-under-tricky-handwriting/

Other Harris episode: RLP 346: The Mystery of Claude "Dock" Harris' Nickname - https://familylocket.com/rlp-346-the-mystery-of-claude-dock-harris-nickname/

Sponsor – Newspapers.com

For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.

Research Like a Pro Resources

Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer

Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/

Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d

Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/

14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/

Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/

Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/

RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/

Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/

Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources

Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx

Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/

RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/

Thank you

Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following:

Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you!

Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below.

Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/

Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/

In this episode, Nicole and Diana discuss part 4 of Diana's 5th project to search for the father of Cynthia (Dillard) Royston, focusing on research logging and source citations. Diana explains how she uses the Airtable template, "RLP with DNA 4.2 (2026)," to organize her project and enter data for key DNA matches. Nicole details the real-time logging process, noting how they enter data in either row or form views. To organize her research on three candidates—James, Joseph, and Tolliver Dillard—Diana groups her log entries by person and sorts them chronologically to create distinct timelines.

The hosts also explain how to quickly write citations using a layered model that divides a citation into digital and physical components. Using a FamilySearch image of a Cherokee County, Georgia deed as an example, they demonstrate how to construct the digital layer with the database name, URL, Image Group Number, and image number. They then build the physical layer by adding the original record creator, book and page numbers, and specific deed details. Listeners learn how to apply this systematic citation formula to deeds, probate, court, and tax records, making their genealogy research highly organized and easy to replicate.

This summary was generated by Google Gemini.

Links

Finding a Father for Cynthia: Phase 5 – Part 4: Research Log and Source Citations - https://familylocket.com/finding-a-father-for-cynthia-phase-5-part-4-research-log-and-source-citations/

Sponsor – Newspapers.com

For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.

Research Like a Pro Resources

Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer

Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/

Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d

Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/

14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/

Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/

Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/

RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/

Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/

Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources

Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx

Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/

RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/

Thank you

Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following:

Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you!

Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below.

Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/

Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/

In this episode, Diana and Nicole discuss Phase 5, Part 3 of the search for Cynthia (Dillard) Royston's biological father. They review the known facts about Cynthia's life using census, tax, and estate records, as well as death certificates of her children. Diana presents her hypothesis focusing on three Dillard men who drew lots in the 1832 Gold Lottery in Cass County, Georgia: James Dillard, Joseph B. Dillard, and Roliver Dillard. She explains how they previously eliminated thirteen other Dillard candidates. They also explain how DNA evidence identifies Elijah Dillard as Cynthia's probable biological brother, which helps narrow down their shared father's location in Georgia by 1814.

The hosts outline their prioritized research strategy, dividing it into documentary research and DNA analysis. For documentary evidence, they plan to survey online trees, analyze censuses, search probate records, and look through Georgia newspapers. For DNA, they focus on using Ancestry Pro Tools, analyzing network graphs, and finding the most recent common ancestor through custom clustering. Listeners will learn how to build a methodical research plan that keeps research focused. They will also learn how to write a hypothesis, prioritize a wide range of source records, and combine traditional paper trails with DNA tools to overcome tough genealogical brick walls.

This summary was generated by Google Gemini.

Links

Finding a Father for Cynthia: Phase 5 – Part 3: Research Planning - https://familylocket.com/finding-a-father-for-cynthia-phase-5-part-3-research-planning/

Sponsor – Newspapers.com

For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.

Research Like a Pro Resources

Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer

Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/

Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d

Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/

14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/

Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/

Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/

RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/

Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/

Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources

Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx

Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/

RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/

Thank you

Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following:

Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you!

Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below.

Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/

Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/

Diana and Nicole interview Sam Morrison, a dedicated family historian who has researched his family lines for over two decades. Sam shares his motivation for creating TreeAlive, a free digital tool designed to transform static genealogical data into animated films that visualize family migration and historical context across maps. His extensive experience researching his roots in Ohio, Virginia, and abroad drives his interest in helping others see their ancestors' journeys rather than just reading lists of dates.

Sam explains how TreeAlive integrates genealogical data from sources like FamilySearch and various software programs to map family movements through time. Listeners learn how to use the Time Machine feature to overlay historical maps on family locations and utilize the Historic Crossings feature to identify documented overlaps between ancestors and historical figures. Sam also discusses recent updates, including the ability to visualize descendant paths, connect directly via WikiTree, and identify nearby historical markers. This episode provides practical strategies for identifying research gaps and visualizing historical events, transforming standard record research into a vivid understanding of family history.

This summary was generated by Google Gemini.

Links

Your Family Tree Has Been Holding Still: Here Is How to Watch It Move - https://familylocket.com/your-family-tree-has-been-holding-still-here-is-how-to-watch-it-move/

Sponsor – Newspapers.com

For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.

Research Like a Pro Resources

Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer

Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/

Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d

Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/

14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/

Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/

Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/

RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/

Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/

Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources

Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx

Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/

RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/

Thank you

Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following:

Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you!

Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below.

Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/

Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/