Historically, the family Bible was an important source for vital record information.** Before nationwide vital record registration, the family Bible was
where families could document these events. As the 20th century progressed, it became less important as a genealogical record because of
greater vital record registration compliance.
I know you probably don't have your ancestral family Bible. Most researchers don't. That's not to say it may not exist in an archive
or collection like those housed at the New England Historic GenealogicalSociety or Daughters of the American Revolution Library.
Maybe it's time to expand our ideas about using Bibles in genealogy. Even if a Bible doesn't document a family lineage, it
can give clues about her life. For example:
- The version hints at church membership or beliefs (KJV vs. NRSV, for example)
- Scripture marking or annotations might hint at what was important to her
- Items left in the Bible, such as papers, documents, and images, might provide hints
- Writings that may include her name, address, or other family names
Inheriting a family Bible could help with clues to her
life. At the very least, it might provide a sample of her handwriting and a
clue to her beliefs.
Resources
Cyndi's List - Family Bibles
https://www.cyndislist.com/bibles/
** I recognize that the use of the family Bible as a genealogical source is limited. It's mostly white Protestants who used it to document their families.
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