Coat of Arms (a.)

There is much discussion and much confusion surrounding a family "coat of arms".  Many countries of the world have their own history and traditions about the coat of arms.   This theme is the "coat of arms" (a.) for the surname JONES.  It will be coded (a.), and will refer to any discussion that has to do with this topic.

For my own family tree climbing, a certain coat of arms was used by many generations.  This symbol became a helpful way to trace back my own ancestors.   My own research into the coat of arms used by various folks who carried the surname JONES became a fascinating trip through history, and a method to get around a number of brick walls.  Anyone who has an interest in this topic is invited to join the discussion, and to become part of the network for Jones Genealogy.

Key Variables (k.)

Family tree climbing will often present with a variety of factors that change the course of the family tree.  These factors are usually beyond the control of the individuals involved, but may be the reasons for the actions or reactions of the ancestors.  Recognizing or understanding these forces can make a difference in getting around many brick walls.   For example, the English Civil War played a major role in separating family groups into two main camps.  My JONES ancestors were clearly on one side, which helped me separate many of the family groups which presented themselves to my own tree climbing experience.  This I called a "key variable" in my JONES family, since it made my family searches a little easier.

This theme is titled "Key Variable(s) (k.)".  It may represent any factor/force that influence the family tree.  It is coded (k.).  There may be researchers that have a particular interest in one of these factors (variables) and is willing to share their knowledge.  Come, let us research together.

Chronology (ch.)

One's family history is full of events.  Birth begins, and death ends these earthly events.  The genealogist seeks to organize and record these events for their own family.  It is a family chronology.   This theme deals with the measuring of time by regular divisions and that assigns these events to their proper dates.  A careful chronology is especially helpful in separating certain family groups when they cluster together along the tree branches.   Regular divisions by month, year, or even century [if you get back that far] is part of organizing the family story as it progressed through the pages of history.

The word chronology is coded (ch.).  Family time lines and events can be place in records that give a "big picture" of the family tree.  This theme will contain subjects like dates, events, documents and their organization into helpful forms that will aid the research into difficult surnames like JONES.  Anyone who has experience in forming a family chronology can place their own ideas in the comment section at the end of the posts coded (ch.).