Mastering Filters and Custom Reports in Family Tree Maker

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Estate Files in Genealogical Research
3. Accessing Estate Files on FamilySearch
4. Using Family Tree Maker for Efficient Research
5. Generating Custom Reports in Family Tree Maker
6. Filtering Data by Date and Location
7. Exporting Data to CSV Format
8. Refining Data in Excel
9. Focusing on Eastern Cape Estate Files
10. Customizing Reports for Different Purposes
11. Limitations of Estate Files and Possible Scenarios
12. Conclusion

The Importance of Estate Files in Genealogical Research

Genealogical research is a fascinating journey into our family history, tracing our ancestors, and understanding our roots. One valuable resource for genealogists is estate files, especially those in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. These files provide a wealth of information about our ancestors, including vital facts such as birth, marriage, and death dates and places. In this article, we will explore how to access and utilize estate files on FamilySearch, as well as how to streamline our research using Family Tree Maker. By following these steps, we can simplify the process and discover new layers of information for our genealogical research.

Accessing Estate Files on FamilySearch

FamilySearch, a popular genealogy website, periodically adds new catalogs to their database. One such catalog that stands out is the collection of Eastern Cape Estate files. If you have ancestors from this region, these files become a valuable resource. Although they may not contain all the vital facts we seek, they provide crucial clues for tracing our family history. It is exciting to know that new data is continuously being uploaded, offering us a chance to delve deeper into our ancestry. In this article, we will learn how to make the most of these estate files and make our research more efficient.

Using Family Tree Maker for Efficient Research

Family Tree Maker is a preferred family tree building software for many genealogists. However, it is important to note that the functionalities of various family tree building programs, such as RootsMagic, may overlap. Therefore, it is worth exploring different options to find the software that suits your needs best. In this tutorial, we will focus on Family Tree Maker to demonstrate the step-by-step process of generating custom reports for our genealogical research. By following these instructions, we can save time and effort in our pursuit of uncovering our family history.

Generating Custom Reports in Family Tree Maker

To begin generating custom reports in Family Tree Maker, we need to access the "Publish" area of the software. From there, we can navigate to the "Person Reports" section and select "Custom Report." By doing so, we have the opportunity to generate reports based on individuals within our family tree.

Filtering Data by Date and Location

To narrow down the scope of our report, we can make use of the filtering feature in Family Tree Maker. Specifically, if we are interested in individuals who died between certain years, such as 1962 and 1987 in the case of the Eastern Cape estate files, we can filter the data accordingly. By selecting the "Death" category and specifying the desired range of years, we can ensure that our report focuses on the relevant individuals within our family tree.

Exporting Data to CSV Format

Once we have filtered the data to include the desired years, we can proceed to export the report in a suitable format. CSV, which stands for comma-separated values, is compatible with Excel and other software programs like Numbers for Mac users. By exporting the data as a CSV file, we can easily manipulate and analyze the information for our genealogical research.

Refining Data in Excel

After exporting the report to a CSV file, we can open it in Microsoft Excel to refine the data further. By removing unnecessary information, such as superfluous details and individuals who are not relevant to our research, we can focus solely on the data we require. Additionally, we can format the information in a more organized and readable manner to facilitate our analysis.

Focusing on Eastern Cape Estate Files

As genealogists with a specific interest in the Eastern Cape region, it is essential to filter our data even further. By specifying the location as "Eastern Cape," we can isolate those individuals who died in this province. This step ensures that our research aligns with the focus of the Eastern Cape estate files.

Customizing Reports for Different Purposes

While this tutorial primarily focuses on generating reports for Eastern Cape estate files, it is worth mentioning that custom reports can be tailored to various research purposes. Each report can serve a different function, depending on the specific information we seek. Exploring the customizable options in Family Tree Maker allows us to adapt our research approach to meet our individual needs.

Limitations of Estate Files and Possible Scenarios

When conducting research using estate files, it is important to bear in mind their limitations. Not all relatives may have left an estate file. Some family members, especially those who were indigent or did not possess significant assets, may not have had their estates registered. It is also possible to encounter individuals who died in different provinces or countries but had their estates registered in the Eastern Cape. Similar scenarios may arise in other provinces of South Africa as well. Keeping these factors in mind will help manage expectations and guide us in further research.

Conclusion

In conclusion, estate files are a valuable resource for genealogical research, offering a wealth of information about our ancestors. By accessing these files on FamilySearch, utilizing software like Family Tree Maker, and following the steps outlined in this article, we can simplify our research process and uncover new insights into our family history. While estate files may have their limitations, they continue to be an important tool for South African genealogists. So take a moment to explore the Eastern Cape estate files and add a layer of simplicity to your own genealogical journey.

Highlights:

• Estate files provide vital genealogical information.
• Family Tree Maker streamlines research and report generation.
• Customization options in Family Tree Maker cater to different research purposes.
• Eastern Cape estate files are a valuable resource.
• Limitations exist, such as missing estate files or registrations in different provinces.

FAQ:

Q: Are estate files available for all individuals in the Eastern Cape region? A: No, not all individuals will have estate files, especially if they were indigent or did not leave substantial assets requiring distribution. It is important to manage expectations and explore alternative sources of information for those individuals.

Q: Can estate files be found for individuals who died outside of the Eastern Cape? A: Yes, it is possible to encounter individuals who passed away in different provinces or countries but had their estates registered in the Eastern Cape. Genealogists should consider the broader context when locating estate files.

Q: Can Family Tree Maker generate reports for other regions in South Africa? A: Yes, Family Tree Maker allows for customization and can generate reports for different regions in South Africa. Users can tailor their reports to suit their specific research needs.

Q: Are there other resources besides estate files for genealogical research in the Eastern Cape? A: Yes, besides estate files, genealogists can explore various other sources such as church records, civil registration documents, and local archives. These resources can provide additional insights into family history.

Q: Is it possible to export data from Family Tree Maker to other software programs? A: Yes, Family Tree Maker allows for exporting data in various formats, including CSV, which can be easily imported into software programs like Excel or Numbers.

Q: Can genealogists access estate files on platforms other than FamilySearch? A: Estate files on FamilySearch are a valuable resource, but it is worth exploring other genealogy websites and local archives to expand research options. Other platforms may provide access to additional estate files or related records.