Question:
Briefly explain the reasons why the Poor Examples listed in our lesson are less than adequate, giving examples of what information might be included to turn poor example into a good query:
Answer: In the following example, the subject is much too broad. A lot of people were mentioned in this query. In a query, you need to narrow down your search focus and use abbreviations when possible. If possible, be specific as to what you are looking for! What information do you want to get? Say that! When listing other names in a separate line, make sure they relate to the group or persons you are searching for. Don't name everyone your looking for. Try also to narrow your search down to a specific location. Most important, make sure all surnames only are all capital letters!Poor Example:
I'm looking for the birth information on Hartley Boynton BENNER. Hartley was born around 1860 in Old Town Maine, but I can't find any birth records for him at either the state or city level. His parents Hiram Benner and Jennie Boynton moved from Abington, MA to Dennysville, ME and settled in the nearby area. Hartley's gr-grandfather, Christopher Benner was a Revoloutionary War Veteran. Hiram and Jennie Benner lived in Wisconsin for a while according to the 1870 census. Hartley married Mary PATWELL, daughter of Peter PATWELL and Angeline HUARD from Canada. Peter was born in NY but lived in Canada as well. Any information on these people would be appreciated.
Better written query:
Searching for birth information on Hartley Boynton BENNER, b.c.1860, Old Town ME; m.Mary PATWELL; Hartley, son of Hiram BENNER and Jennie BOYNTON, Abington, MA> WI>Dennysville, ME.
Also searching: PATWELL, HUARD, BOYNTON
Section Two
MY POORLY WRITTEN QUERY:
Searching information on son of Ignacy & Zofia DZWIERZYNSKI, Joseph (or John) DZWIERZYNSKI, b unkown, , m. Amelia (aka Nellie) MOZDZIEN, b. Drahobiech, POL; 1 child, Veronica DZWIERZYNSKI, b. 1904 near Rzeszow, POL. Joseph and Amelia DZWIERZYNSKI left POL leaving Veronica with grandparents in POL until 1921 when she came to USA and m. Frank MROZ, b.1890 in POL; Veronica and Frank MROZ, m. 1921 in USA. Joseph DZWIERZYNSKI killed in coal mine in USA, place unknown. Amelia married Michael (Joseph) REMPALA. Name changed later to REMPALSKI. Need any information on the above people.
QUERY IMPROVED!:
Searching information on Joseph (or John) DZWIERZYNSKI, b.c. 1885; POL>USA around 1906; m. (1903) Amelia (aka, Nellie) MOZDZIEN, b.1888, POL>USA. One daughter, Veronica Angela, Rzeszow, POL>USA (1921). Specifically looking for information on Joseph (or John) and Amelia (Nellie) and their parentage.
Related surnames: REMPALA, REMPALSKI, MROZ
Section Three
Extra Credit! These are actual queries I found while searching on the internet. Please note that all names and places in the following examples have been changed and any similarity is totally coincidental!
Looking for the Richard's who are buried in Catholic cemtary in Grand Rapids, MI .
Better written:
Searching for any Richard's buried in any Catholic cemetery in Grand Rapids, MI for period 1800-now.
hi - am seeking information on two brothers who married two sisters in grand county michigan in the 1850s but according to census and interment records all hailed from houston, texas. the two brothers were Justin b. grober and Daniel b. grober and they married respectively cynthia drase and saline or celina drase. any info greatly appreciated and will share.
(REWRITTEN:)
Seeking information for Justin B. GROBER, b.unknown, m. Cynthia DRASE; Daniel B. GROBER, b.unknown, m. Saline (or Celina) DRASE; both m. 1850 (about) in Grand County, MI, d. Houston, TX.
Am willing to share any information on above persons.My great great grandfather George Whenning was born in Ireland (don't have date or place) and he shows up first in Syracuse in the 1861 City Directory, married to Bernice Kiafe and a waiterat the Globe Hotel. He lived on Madison street. He and his wife had nine children, including my great grandfather Charles Anthony Whenning. A George Whenning ran a tobacconist-news shop "Lewis and Whenning" and Charles, George, and David also were "into" cigars: they founded the United Cigar Company which became very successful and move to NYC and New Jersey. Charles' sons founded the Whenning Drug chain--one being my grand father, Peter Whenning. There is a chance that George joined the 1st NY Cavalry in 1867 for a year (if so, he is from Tipperary) and was discharged a year later which would support finding him in Syracuse in 1863. Best regards, Annie Also..... Phoebe and Samuel (Jr.)(b. 1764). were both children of Samuel Sr.(b. 1732). There were other children too but I am mostly interested in Samuel Jr. There is an indication that he moved to Jackson Co., Indiana, about 1815. te or place) and he shows up first in Syracuse in the 1861 City Directory, married to Bernice Kiafe and a waiter at the Globe Hotel. He lived on Madison street. He and his wife had nine children, including my great grandfather Charles
Better written:
(REWRITTEN:)
Looking for any information on George WHENNING, b.unknown IRL>Syracuse, NY; m. Bernice KIAFE; George was son of Charles Anthony WHENNING; Charles (son Phoebe and Samuel (Jr) WHENNING, (b.1764), NY) had 9 siblings; Charles, and brothers George, and David founded Dominate Flag Company; Peter (grfather)and other brothers founded WHENNING Drug store chain.
Gloria Szymanski
gszyman@triton.net
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