The four-generation study involves four families, related in lineal or collateral descent who lived in the geographical testing area. Some people find it difficult to locate direct ancestors who qualify.
The study is not limited to your direct ancestors. You may choose any family you want, whether or not they are related to you. Here are some suggestions for finding a family:
- Your ancestors may have lived in your chosen geographical area for a few generations, but not for four. When they moved, did they leave some family members behind? Your ancestor may have left the area, but his brother’s descendants remained for several generations. Any of the descendants of the initial couple can be used for the study.
- You may want to research a family related to you by marriage who stayed in the area, rather than your family who left the area. Once again, it can be any four-generations who remained in the geographical area.
- Although many researchers prefer to use their families, it is advantageous to do the research on a none-related family for several reasons: a) the opportunity to experience helping others to understand the records, b) the genealogical research experience being undertaken, and c) the opportunity to increase research hours in the selected regional area upon completion of a four-generation project. A researcher may use any family he chooses, whether or not they are related to him.
- If you already have completed some research for other people, you may find a family that would qualify. If you submit work you have done for a client, be sure you have your client’s permission to do so. You may assure the client the information will not be shared with the general public, and it will only be used by the testing committee.
