Many genealogists use the phrase “brick walls.” I’ve used it myself. But sometimes I really wonder just how accurate that phrase is.
More importantly, I wonder if it is possible to surmount every “brick wall.” Sometimes when I mention brick walls that “can’t be beaten,” the response is:
- one must work harder
- there’s something out there–keep looking
- one must always keep trying–never give up
I understand that. Some problems can be solved by persistence, learning about all extant records, and growing your research methodology toolbox. But…
Some problems are about as likely to be solved as it is to count quarters and come up with an amount of change ending in a “7.” It simply is not going to happen. It does not mean we are bad researchers. It does not mean we are quitters. It means we are realistic.
There comes a time in most research when researchers get to that point in time where there simply are no early records. In many European countries that point is when the church records begin. Most of the time (unless the family was of the minor nobility, extremely wealthy, etc.) research in the time period before church and vital records were kept is difficult.
Albert Alberts died in Wiesens, Ostfriesland, Germany, in 1647. He is my umpteenth great-grandfather. There are no earlier records on him. Period. This is most not likely a research problem that can be solved by getting clever, attending a bazillion genealogy classes, or reading every how-to book there is. I’ve probably gone back as far as I can. I’ve very likely reached the furthest point back to which I can trace this family. Albert is one a large number of ancestors whom I can trace to about the same time in the same location.
None of them were wealthy. None of them were of the nobility. And nothing is wrong with reaching that point where one has gotten to the end of the line.
Jo says:
Thank you for this post, Michael. I’ve about reached this point with my great grandfather. Oral family history states he had a reputation for leaving home and returning on a fairly regular basis, at least long enough to father another child. He left for the last time when my grandfather was about 4, roughly 1900, and appears to have vanished. All of that household wrote him off and would not speak of him. I’ve followed what I think is every lead and tidbit I’ve come across, created an analysis, AND kept a record. It is nice to know the end of the line is an ok place to be – until the next lead… ;0}
mjnrootdig says:
You are welcome. Keeping track of what you’ve done is always good as sometimes new sources or ideas come about, but sometimes one does reach something of an impasse. My children’s great-great-grandfather goes poof about 1918. Sometimes I think he enlisted in the Army under an assumed name!
Jo says:
I’ve also wondered if possibly my ggrandfather ended up in a pauper’s grave via some home made brew. Or maybe it is a puzzle for the next generation. Thanks for the reply.