If you’ve done genealogy for long enough, you’ve probably heard mention of the “Genealogical Proof Standard” and the idea of “reasonably exhaustive research.” That standard is designed to help genealogists ensure that their conclusions are well reasoned and based on an accurate reading of the evidence. Reasonably exhaustive research means that you’ve checked all of the sources reasonably likely to answer a question.
What does that actually mean when you’re researching an ancestor from colonial Connecticut? There are some common sources you should consider when you’re trying to answer a research question.
Date and place of birth:
Reasonably Exhaustive:
- Town vital records. This is one of the few sources likely to list a full date of birth.
- Church baptismal records. Anglican records may list a full birth date; Congregational records are likely just to indicate if the person was still a child.
- Gravestone: The age at death can often be used to calculate a birth.
Worth Checking:
- Freeman’s Oath: Only “of age” white males were eligible, so it provides a good starting point.
- Guardianship: If the parent died when the child was a minor, they could choose their own guardian at 14.
Marriage Record:
Reasonably exhaustive:
- Town marriage records
- Church marriage records
- Parental probate
- Interfamily land transfer
Death:
Reasonably Exhaustive:
- Town death records
- Gravestone
- Church burial records
- Probate files
Worth checking: Land sales
Military Service:
Reasonably exhaustive:
- Public Records of the Colony and Public Records of the State: These transcriptions of the records of the state’s government will note military appointments.
- Connecticut Archives: These records include militia appointments.
- Connecticut Men in the Revolution: A list of state level military service
Connecticut Roots by Charter Oak Genealogy 