Terry's TMG Tips

Will Source Using the Split CD

This page udated 28 Jan 2006

Version Note: Applies to Versions 6 & 7

Here is a custom source template I have developed for a will, bond, or other similar recorded document when that record is found in a will book, bond book, etc. It requires only one source be defined for the entire book, and uses the split CD method to produce footnotes that are similar to the Mills examples:

Terry's Source Template for Will Books:

Style notes:

I have included the Comments element, where I record details like the fact that I saw the book on microfilm rather than in person at the courthouse.

Technical notes for those who would like to copy or adapt this model:

• For help with the procedure of creating a custom Source Type see my article on Creating a Custom Source Type.

• Note that I omitted the type of document (will, bond, etc.) from the template itself so that this source type can serve for different types of records.

• If you ever use the Ibid feature, be sure to select the "On-Requires Same Source and [CD]" option on the Output Form tab for this source. If you fail to do that, and create a report which cites to more than one will in the same book, the notes may not indicate clearly which cites apply to which will.

• The "Unique Endnote" feature does not recognize split CDs. If use of that style of endnotes is important to you, you should not use this method.

• The detail information, such as name on the stone, cannot appear in the Bibliography entry because it is placed in the CD. The Mills examples for Deeds, for example, do not include the record detail in the Bibiliography, but those for Wills do. But if you prefer to include that detail in the Bibliography you cannot use this method.

How this template works:

You create one source in the Master Source List for each will book. When you create the Citation Details for each citation to that source, you enter the name of the testator, date of the will, and any reference details like page numbers as part of the CD, along with any notes specific to that particular citation. These items are separated by pairs of "pipes" (found on most keyboards above the "\" on the key at the far upper right). When you have no entry for a particular item, simply include the pipes, but leaving only a single space the missing item.

Use of the template:

Attach a Repository to the Source Definition, entering:

When the source is cited, enter the household details, as well as any notes, in the Citation Detail. Each part is separated by a pair of vertical lines, or "pipes." The order of the elements in the CD is:

• Name of person who made the will, bond, etc., and type of document
• Date of document
• File reference details
• General comments

The CD might be as follows:

Caleb C. Cobb will||3 Jul 1864||pg 435||shows married

The resulting full footnote would be:

Caleb C. Cobb will (3 Jul 1864), Will book B: pg 435, Probate Court, 146 Main St., Eddyville, Lyon Co., Kentucky, seen on FHL film no. 558426, shows married.

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