Write down what you already know about a particular brick wall, reading over your information and notes. Also, enlist a friend to take a look at your information. A new pair of eyes may help.
Do a source check by identifying sources in which your brick wall ancestor would appear and create a to-do list of records you haven't consulted. (vital records, probate, land records, military records, county histories, etc.)
Create a time line of your brick wall ancestor's life. Include every life event you know of, as well as major historical events that may shed light on your ancestor's situation. (Is he the right age to have served in the Civil War?) This will help you see gaps in your research.
Study people associated with your ancestor, including siblings, cousins, neighbors, in-laws, coworkers, fellow migrants and immigrants, and witnesses on documents. This may help to locate a previous residence or the original birthplace.
Consider alternative scenarios. Toss our your assumptions—perhaps what you think you know isn't accurate. Formulate "what if?" questions to form new research theories you can investigate. And remember, spelling doesn't count!
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