Diaries and journals are among the best sources of genealogical information. Prior to the 20th century, the ability to read and write wasn’t viewed as a necessity by our ancestors. Paper was a very scarce and expensive commodity. If you are fortunate enough to uncover a surviving journal or diary, this could greatly enhance your prospects for research success.
Journals, diaries, and old letters can serve many purposes for the genealogist. They may shed light on a number of genealogical research issues including:
1. Family relationships
2. Former places of residence
3. Places of visitation
4. Major events in the life of an ancestor or family
5. Reasons for migration from one area to another
6. Religious affiliation
7. Educational and economic status of the writer
8. Offer the writer’s personal observations which may be useful in helping the researcher understand the time period
Journals, diaries, and old letters may be the closest option available if older family members are deceased. Writers may have jotted down facts and personal feelings that would have never been made public to the family or anyone else.
When examining these types of materials it is wise to have a genealogical dictionary handy. The terminology used in wording will reflect the meanings relevant to that time period. Some professionals have also suggested having a handwriting style book handy as well. Reading penmanship from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries can be a challenge.
When the text refers to an individual or members of a family, it is also wise to determine what the relationship was between the writer and those named in the source. This may help you determine the relevance and accuracy of the information.
By the 19th century, many people kept a daily record of all that happened. These diaries often contain much material that is insignificant and/or repetitious. For instance, daily weather reports, the condition of crops, and endless visitations back and forth among relatives and neighbors. With perseverance you may also find some real genealogical gems; the visit of a brother long lost indicating the whereabouts of that branch of the family; the birth and death of a child whose grave is no longer marked and who, as a result, had disappeared from the family history. You may also find clues as to where Uncle John was buried that may lead you to several family gravesites.
Old family letters are another source of genealogical information. Note the date of the letter and the postmark. A letter written by a relative or neighbor back East may identify the locality from which your ancestor migrated westward and may also give clues to the reason for that migration.
Never throw away an old letter. Comments about people, places, and events that are meaningless to you today may take on great significance after you have learned more about your family history.
Today, many people’s ‟diaries” are on their computers, tablets, and/or phones. Not just for genealogical purposes, but if you need to access any information due to future health issues, you will need your family member’s logins, passwords, and a list of accounts they have. This also includes Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, blogs, and other accounts that they have. Any of this data can be just as revealing, if not more so, than a diary.
For more information on this topic, please visit the following links.
Carmack, Sharon DeBartolo. Family Tree Magazine – Dear Diary.