.png)
When you're crafting your family history, it’s easy to get caught up in documenting direct ancestors—their births, marriages, and deaths. But what about the people who surrounded them? Associates, neighbors, or colleagues can add rich context to your ancestor’s story, but should you include them? Let’s explore when it’s worth the extra effort.
The Value of Associates When Writing Family History
Including associates in your family history can offer insights into your ancestor’s social circle. These individuals might provide clues about your ancestor’s work, social standing, or even how they navigated life’s challenges. However, you must strike a balance between diving into these relationships and keeping your research focused.
For instance, I discovered a man who served as a witness for my German immigrant ancestor during his naturalization process. He was a grocer and an influential figure in the community, which was common knowledge at the time. But beyond that, his connection to my ancestor was minimal. He didn’t appear in any other records related to my family. In cases like this, you can briefly mention the associate but avoid getting sidetracked with unnecessary details.
Keeping It Narrow
The key to writing about associates is keeping your research focused. Unless solid documentation shows a deeper relationship, it’s usually best to limit your mention of associates. You don’t need to investigate every person who crossed paths with your ancestor. Instead, consider the depth of their connection.
If the associate was involved in an important life event—such as serving as a godparent or providing crucial biographical information—it might be worth including more detail. Take, for example, my ancestor George Gesizler. He worked closely with Joseph Barton, who became George’s son’s godfather. They lived near each other, and when Joseph tragically passed away, George’s family provided critical information for the death certificate. This level of involvement is enough to warrant a deeper mention in my family history.
↪️ Do you want to write a family history book?
Grab your copy of this FREE Writing Guide:
When to Go Deeper
When you uncover a connection that had a meaningful impact on your ancestor’s life, it’s worth expanding on the associate’s role. Think about it in terms of the story you’re telling. If the associate played a major part in your ancestor’s life or if their relationship provides unique context, then it adds value to the narrative.
In the case of Joseph Barton, I found photographs, personal connections, and a family Bible entry all linking him to my family. These clues helped me paint a fuller picture of George’s life. So, while I didn’t go into great detail about the naturalization witness, I devoted more space to Joseph, whose relationship with George was significant.
Should You Include Associates When You Write a Family History?
The short answer is—it depends. If an associate had a direct influence on your ancestor’s life or you have documentation of a meaningful relationship, it’s worth exploring. But be mindful of your focus. The goal is to enhance the story, not to create distractions with unrelated tangents.
Join the Discussion!
Have you included associates in your family history writing? How do you decide when to expand on these relationships? Let’s talk in the comments below!
If you’d like to watch this video and catch more tips like these, head over to my YouTube channel, Write Your Family History. The videos are brief but packed with information that’ll help you grow your family history research without feeling overwhelmed.
