Proof Summary Template

I came back from FGS inspired to work on my DAR application.  It’s been languishing for quite some time, as I wasn’t sure I wanted to proceed.  My purpose in applying was always completion of the rigorous application process; I see it as a validation of my genealogy research skills.  There are a couple of other pioneer societies that I’ve learned about recently that I want to join for the same reason, but I want to finish the DAR app first; I don’t like the unfinished project hanging over my head.

While more than the DAR requires (in general), I’m going to write  a Proof Summary or Proof Argument for each generation.  This will help me stay organized (and is also a good practice).  So, with that in mind, I’ve created another template.  This one is for a basic proof summary (when there are no conflicts to resolve).

As with my “Personal Research Report” template, square brackets indicate fields to fill in and curly brackets are explanatory notes to remind of what I intend to do.

Proof Summary Template

Memo to: [Project name] files

By: Tonia Kendrick
Date: [ ]

[Name #]

{central person of summary – record # from RootsMagic (or lineage application, if applicable)}

b. [birth date] d. [death date]

Proof of Relationship to Father

[Name #2] {Father’s name – record # from RM (or lineage app) }

1.  [Source citation]

Summary of important points:

[bullet points]

Comments

[analytical comments in italics]

2.  [Source citation]

Summary of important points:

[bullet points]

Comments

[analytical comments in italics]

repeat as necessary

Proof of Relationship to Mother

[Name #] {Mother’s Name & record ID from RM}

1.  [Source citation]

Summary of important points:

[bullet points]

Comments

[analytical comments in italics]

2.  [Source citation]

Summary of important points:

[bullet points]

Comments

[analytical comments in italics]

repeat as necessary

Proof of Birth

born on [date] at [place]

1. [Source citation]

Summary of important points:

[bullet points]

Comments

[analytical comments in italics]

2.  [Source citation]

Summary of important points:

[bullet points]

Comments

[analytical comments in italics]

repeat as necessary

Proof of Marriage

married on [Marriage date] at [marriage place]

to [spouse name #] {spouse name & record ID from RootsMagic}

1.  [Source citation]

Summary of important points:

[bullet points]

Comments

[analytical comments in italics]

2.  [Source citation]

Summary of important points:

[bullet points]

Comments

[analytical comments in italics]

repeat as necessary

Proof of Death

died on [death date] at [death place]

1.  [Source citation]

Summary of important points:

[bullet points]

Comments

[analytical comments in italics]

2. [ Source citation]

Summary of important points:

[bullet points]

Comments

[analytical comments in italics]

repeat as necessary

This template is based, in part, on an example from the BCG Standards Manual , p. 53-54 and chapter 5 of Genealogical Proof Standard: Building a Solid Case by Christine Rose (affiliate links).

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