How To Write A Query

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

For those out on their hunt for their Ancestors, the following are some suggestions on putting together a query to help you get clues that may lead you to answers.

WHO: State the names of people as completely as possible
WHAT: What are you looking for. Try to limit what you are looking for to one or two specific events or pieces of information
WHEN: When did what you are looking for happen. If you don't know the exact date, put in a time period.
Looking for the marriage of John and Mary Jones. is not going to get many responses
Looking for the marriage of John and Mary Jones around 1850 may get a few clues.
WHERE: Where did the event you are looking for take place?
If you're looking for a needle in a haystack, at least tell me the approximate location of the haystack.

An Example:

FROM: bkellybly @ att.net
SUBJECT: HENDERSON, TILLOTSON, 1850s Morris Co., Sussex Co., NJ

MESSAGE: William HENDERSON married Rachel TILLOTSON around 1851 in possibly Snufftown, Sussex Co., NJ or Jefferson Twp., Morris Co. Looking for the exact marriage date and location.