Primary Source Documents

A primary source is a document or artifact, that chronicles the past from the point of view of the participants. While many researchers prefer primary sources over secondary interpretations, each document must be evaluated carefully. Keep in mind who wrote it, when, why, and for whom.

Lists, Rosters, Official Documents

A wide range of official records exists: census lists, land grants, court documents, wills and probate, military service and pension records, birth, marriage and death records. The information is largely in the public domain, obtained through the correct national or state agency for a nominal fee. Public domain materials can be used by anyone for any purpose. In some cases, the documents have been indexed or transcribed by private individuals. While the information is public domain, the improvements are proprietary and covered by copyright.

Diaries and Journals

These are highly personal documents, usually written at the time of events or shortly thereafter, and without consideration of a future audience. They are unpolished, often cryptic, and sometimes just plain wrong on the facts.

Letters

These are still highly personal and cryptic, but there is an intended audience -- the recipient of the letter. In times past there were formal styles to letters which, not only dictated what could be said, but how to say it. A further difficulty is not having the complete correspondence from both parties. Questions are asked, but never answered, and conversely an answer is given, but its meaning is lost along with the letter which contained the question.

Memoirs

Although detailed and polished, and usually meant for publication, memoirs are the least reliable of personal primary sources. With the passage of years, often decades, the writers tend to forget or combine details, aggrandize their own actions while diminishing their shortcomings. Faults in parents and childhood may be exaggerated or forgotten entirely.