More Thoughts on the "Reasonably Exhaustive Search" Process

Over the past two weeks, I have been conducting an evaluation of my research on my second great grandfather, Oscar F. Brown, to determine:

1. Had a reasonably exhaustive search been conducted? 
2. What other resources need to be examined? 
3. Who is the most likely candidate to be Oscar's father?  

One of my primary reasons for wanting to do this series was to better understand the process of the "reasonably exhaustive search" and how it fits into my research process. For me, there is no better way to really understand a concept than to put it in action; to feel it in my hands, turn it around, peer over and under, get to all those dusty, hidden corners. Most of this came about because I took the time to watch a webinar presented by Michael Hait, CG, on this very topic. 

During his presentation, he used the following graphic to explain the methodology behind the Genealogical Proof Standard.  This was a guide for me throughout these last posts on Oscar and his father, and I have gained his permission to share it with you now. 

Used with permission.
Copyright Michael Hait, 2012.

I would invite all of you to study and utilize this graphic, I have found it be incredibly helpful in simplifying the process of the Genealogical Proof Standard. This is one that's going on my wall, right above my monitor... 

From his blog, Planting the Seeds; Genealogy As A Profession: 

Michael Hait, CG(sm), is a full-time professional genealogist, with over fifteen years of research experience across the United States. His speacilities include Maryland research, African American genealogy, and records of the Civil War and Reconstruction era. Michael is a frequent contributor to genealogy magazines and journals, and a popular lecturer in the Mid-Atlantic area. For more informaion on Michael's available services, visit, visithttp://www.haitfamilyresearch.com.

Brickwall: The Case of Oscar F. Brown

Capt. Oscar F. Brown, date unknown.
Personal archives of author.

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you are probably already familiar with Oscar Fitzallen Brown, my 2nd great grandfather. He is, and has been, my biggest brick wall in my direct line of ancestors. It's not that I cannot locate any information on him, it's that the information I have can not be collaborated; and it's all indirect.

I recently viewed a webinar presented by Michael Hait, CG, on the topic of a "What is a Reasonably Exhaustive Search?," and what that really means. [You can preview or order the webinar from the Legacy Family Tree website.] It was well done, and challenged me to go back to Oscar to see what else I might be able to come up with. I have decided to present this in a multi-part series, presenting each argument on his behalf to see which comes up as the most reasonable, which has the most holes.

You see, the real problem with determining Oscar's lineage is his father: right now, there are at least three, perhaps up to five, candidates. William, Tolman, Abraham, Isaac and a possible unknown, have been distressing me for at least a couple of years each. It's time to end this madness! I am truly hoping to be able to present a reasonable conclusion by the time I am done, or at least a "to-do" list of further research necessary.

Opinions are welcome! Please contribute if you know of another source, another place to look. 

In the meantime, we're waiting for our DNA test to come back to see what it will tell us. Keep your finger's crossed.

(If this is sounding familiar, you are right. I've blogged about Oscar's Pa before, but not in as much detail as I'm going to present now. You can read through that summary here.)

Keep reading to learn more. Up first will be Abraham Brown, listed as Oscar's father in his obituary.