I am continually surprised that family historians are satisfied to simply look at an online index and assume it relates to their family. Whilst I realize it can be expensive purchasing civil records, without the certificates, we can set ourselves on the wrong path. Recently, an entire project had to be reconfigured because the presumed death record in online indexes did not in fact refer to correct ancestor.  All assumptions based on that proved to be erroneous. Once the certificate was obtained and viewed, it was clear this event, selected from online indexes, was not relevant to the particular family history. Potential civil records should always be pursued to ensure we are building our research on correct assumptions.

By Eneclann research expert,

Carmel Gilbride