Creating a Useful Research Query: One of the biggest problems I encounter with potential clients is the way they word their requests. Some people are too vague with their query and expect the professional to tell them right away if they can help. Others seem to not know where to start with a query and in haste regurgitate all that they know in an unorganized fashion. If the client takes the time to write out a well thought out query in an organized manner a response from a professional will be more readily forthcoming; grammar and spelling included. The following is a useful to the point query: “Seeking the birth record of Mark JONES. His parents were Thomas JONES & Mary SMITH. Thomas & Mary JONES’ family found on the 1901 census in Kitley Township, Leeds County, Ontario. From this census, the family religion was Church of England, son Mark JONES was 25 years old, his birth date apparently being 4 January 1876. This family could not be located on the 1881 or 1891 census for Kitley Township, Leeds County, Ontario. However, one Thomas & Mary JONES family was found on the 1881 census for Harwich Township, Kent County Ontario, but there was no Mark JONES. Also, a tombstone found in the Kitley cemetery stated that Mark JONES, son of Thomas JONES and Mary SMITH, was born 1875 and died 16 December 1907. An Ontario Vital Birth Records Search, 1869-1881 for Mark JONES revealed nothing.” Note the spacing for ease of reading, as well as the capitalization of surnames, bolding and underlining of key points. List what you want, list what you know, list where you have searched, the results of that search and include names, dates and places. These are the main tips to help prepare a useful and effective query. Copyright 2016 Tammy Tipler-Priolo BASc, PLCGS The Ancestor Investigator info@ancestorinvestigator.com 1-905-235-2575 Permission to reuse must be obtain from Tammy Tipler-Priolo