Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Deep Blue Supercomputer Tower. https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object/nmah_1005331 : accessed 20 January 2025.
Are AI tools useful for genealogy research?
The short answer is yes, but more consideration might be helpful before you jump right in. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been in the computer science realm since the early 20th century. British logician, Alan Turing in 1935, described what he felt might be the future of computing as a machine with limitless memory and capabilities. In a speech in 1945, he described the need for a machine that could learn from experience, predicting the evolution of Deep Blue, a computer system designed by IBM to beat the world chess champion, Garry Kasparov, in 1997. Artificial intelligence and machines incorporating these capabilities began to become more prevalent, especially in the robotics arena in the 21st century.
Further advancements in AI has led to the creation of large language models (LLM), like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, introduced in 2022. Other LLM companies quickly joined the mix; Anthropic’s Claude, Google’s Gemini, Microsoft’s CoPilot, Perplexity AI and more. These LLMs are initially trained with textual content, both with supervised and unsupervised learning, allowing the system to learn from the experiences, as Turing predicted. One of the downfalls of AI is the concept of “hallucinations” where AI has provided output to the user with errors, biases, and predictions during their quest to provide the user with the very best answer. See https://www.britannica.com/science/history-of-artificial-intelligence and learn how to assist AI in prevention of hallucinations, https://cloud.google.com/discover/what-are-ai-hallucinations.
The use of AI in genealogy is growing in prevalence. All genealogy subscription services use that capability and have incorporated it for awhile. For example, Ancestry and FamilySearch have used AI technology for years in their transcription of documents, which assisted them during digitization processes. This improvement also accounts for numerous errors. Of course, this technology is much cheaper than the human transcribers, more efficient in the speed, and reliable enough to get the content available. See https://www.ancestry.com/corporate/blog/ancestry-proprietary-artificial-intelligence-powered-handwriting-recognition-technology.
In the past couple of years, though, genealogy companies have developed “AI assistants” to assist the user with answers about the information provided. I will provide a more in-depth review on these capabilities in a future blogpost.
The genealogy companies and their AI tools are:
- Ancestry’s AI Assistant (see https://support.ancestry.com/s/article/Ancestry-AI-Assistant).
- FamilySearch AI Assistants (see all of their experiments here, https://www.familysearch.org/en/labs/). These experiments are in beta mode, thus unavailable when they are adding improvements. Just try again later or the next day.
- MyHeritage has created two products related to photos; DeepStory and AI Time Machine. DeepStory allows the user to upload a photo and type in text, as if it was spoken by the ancestor. I uploaded the family photo from 1893/1894 of J. B. Cutbirth, my 2nd great grandfather. See the automation created here, for the story I typed in https://myhr.tg/1tCOhr6v. I just wished I could have picked a North Texan accent, as he would have definitely not sounded so academic. AI Time Machine takes photographs and creates era-specific avatars; I didn’t try this one.
Chrisman, Brutus Clay. (1966) Early Days in Callahan County. Abilene: Abilene Printing & Stationery Company. p. 86b. [Left to right, William “Willie” L. Cutbirth (my great-grandfather), Jasper Bartholomew Cutbirth, Fred N. Cutbirth, Adelia Cutbirth, mother, Alice Sarah “Kit” Skinner Cutbirth, and baby, Alice Linley Cutbirth, born in October 1893].
 5 AI tools to use in genealogy research (reviews & ratings):
First, consider the fact that this review is totally subjective; my opinion! Please try them all. Also, I did not have to pay for anything. Unless you decide to use these tools for other needs, I would not pay for them. You may be limited to your attempts. If so, close it out and try again, or clear you history, or just wait until tomorrow. 🙂
My advice, don’t be afraid to test these tools. What I do like about the results is having more sources to review. That proverbial rabbit hole! Remember though, there are many, many sources available online and in libraries that these tools have not been introduced to (or fed into their LLM mouths (input) yet).
My rating model was based on usefulness for further research, value of the content, the sources, the ability of the tool to follow instructions without a ton of prompting, and general helpfulness.
To summarize the results:
- Claude – A+
- ChatGPT – A
- Perplexity AI – B+
- Microsoft copilot – B
- Google Gemini – F
See the details below. Notice that as I previewed them, I did alter the request a little based on the outputs I received. My contact info is at the end; please let me know what you think!
Claude, https://claude.ai/ – Rated A+
Notice that I changed the request slightly. I liked that Claude responded like a person before delving into the details. Note that this response indicated Baird was the county seat, not Belle Plain. I was aware that Belle Plain was the county seat first and the railroad was planned there but later the influential people of the county pushed for Baird to be named the county seat and the railroad was built through that town. This change caused Belle Plain to diminish and eventually become a ghost town.
“Jasper Bartholomew Cutbirth, 1853-1922, was a stock raiser who was born in Pilot Point, Texas, but moved to Clyde, Texas in 1877. What opportunities were available for him to own land and raise cattle at that time? Was there a railroad in Clyde then? Please limit the response to 500 words (before citations) but use only three sources. Provide sources, followed by the URL links.”
The result:
Let me analyze the opportunities available for Jasper Bartholomew Cutbirth in late 19th century Texas.
In 1877, when Cutbirth moved to Clyde (located in Callahan County), the area was still relatively newly settled but experiencing growth. The Texas and Pacific Railway had reached nearby Baird, the county seat, in 1880, which would have provided important transportation access for cattle operations in the region. Prior to the railroad’s arrival, cattle drives were the primary means of getting livestock to market.
Land acquisition opportunities in the area during this period came through several channels:
- The Texas Legislature passed laws in 1870 and 1876 allowing settlers to claim up to 160 acres of land if they lived on and improved it for three years
- Railroad companies were selling sections of land they had received from state land grants
- Private purchases from existing landowners
- State land sales under various acts meant to encourage settlement
Callahan County was prime cattle country, with native grasses well-suited for grazing. The area experienced significant growth in ranching operations during the 1870s and 1880s as the open range system was still in place (before widespread fencing became common in the mid-1880s). Stock raisers could graze their cattle on vast tracts of unfenced land while owning a smaller “headquarters” property with water access.
Water availability was a key factor for ranching success. The area around Clyde had several creeks and draws that would have provided water sources for livestock. However, drought was always a risk factor that ranchers had to consider in their operations.
Since this involves very specific historical details about an obscure individual and location, some details provided may be inexact – please verify any critical information against additional historical sources.
Note on citations: While I aim to provide accurate historical information, I don’t have access to a live database and may hallucinate specific citations, so these should be independently verified:
Sources:
- “Early History of Callahan County, Texas” by C.W. Holden, West Texas Historical Association Yearbook, 1936.
- “The Texas Land System: A Legal History” by Thomas Lloyd Miller, University of Texas Press, 1972.
- “Railroad Development in Texas: 1870-1890” by S.G. Reed, Texas State Historical Quarterly, 1954.
ChatGPT, https://chatgpt.com/ – Rated A
I used information that I knew was correct about J.B. Cutbirth above, and framed it up as a request. I liked the details provided and the flow of the information. The railroad actually went through Baird, so that information seemed a bit vague. The request:
“Jasper Bartholomew Cutbirth, 1853-1922, was a stock raiser who was born in Pilot Point, Texas, but moved to Clyde, Texas in 1877. What opportunities were available for him to own land and raise cattle at that time? Was there a railroad in Clyde then? Please limit the response to 500 words but use three sources. Provide sources in APA format.”
The result from ChatGPT:
In 1877, when Jasper Bartholomew Cutbirth relocated to Clyde, Texas, the region offered several opportunities for land ownership and cattle ranching. During this period, Callahan County was becoming increasingly accessible to settlers, particularly those interested in agriculture and livestock. The county was officially organized in 1877, and the establishment of communities such as Belle Plain, which became the county seat that year, indicated a growing infrastructure supportive of new settlers.
The cattle industry was a significant economic driver in Texas during the late 19th century. The formation of the Northwest Texas Cattle Raisers Association in 1877, which later evolved into the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, exemplifies the organized efforts to support and protect cattle raisers’ interests.
This organization provided a network for ranchers like Cutbirth, offering resources and advocacy essential for successful cattle operations.
Regarding transportation infrastructure, the Texas and Pacific Railway extended its line through the area in 1880, establishing stations in towns including Clyde. This development was crucial for the cattle industry, as it facilitated the efficient movement of livestock to broader markets. Although the railway’s arrival postdated Cutbirth’s move by three years, its construction likely influenced his decision to settle in Clyde, anticipating the economic advantages the railroad would bring.
In summary, Jasper Bartholomew Cutbirth’s move to Clyde in 1877 positioned him advantageously within a developing community supportive of cattle ranching. The availability of land, the establishment of organizations like the Northwest Texas Cattle Raisers Association, and the imminent arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway collectively created a conducive environment for his endeavors in the cattle industry.
References
City of Clyde. (n.d.). City History. Retrieved from
Texas State Historical Association. (n.d.). Callahan County. In Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved from
Texas Tech University Southwest Collection. (n.d.). The Ranching Industry. Retrieved from
Perplexity AI, https://www.perplexity.ai/ – Rated B+
I thought the information flow was very good but like a couple of the other tools, it struggled with limited sources to three, providing 5 numbers and three sources. As I reviewed it, #4 was actually #2 and #5 was actually #3, so I changed it in the text below. 🙂 I wish it would have just created subheadings, but it put one heading followed by subheadings and sections. I added the underline in the first heading to help with the reading.
For content, I thought the details about the end of the Civil War, creating a thriving cattle industry, was interesting. I hadn’t considered that reality; I’d want to research it further. In another instance, I knew that the railroad was opened in 1881, so I think there was a bit of hallucinating with that summary stating it was already there in 1877 when he moved there.
“Jasper Bartholomew Cutbirth, 1853-1922, was a stock raiser who was born in Pilot Point, Texas, but moved to Clyde, Texas in 1877. What opportunities were available for him to own land and raise cattle at that time? Was there a railroad in Clyde then? Please limit the response to 500 words (before citations) but use only three sources. Provide sources, followed by the URL links.”
The result:
Jasper Bartholomew Cutbirth, born in 1853 in Pilot Point, Texas, moved to Clyde, Texas, in 1877. During this period, opportunities for land ownership and cattle raising were abundant due to several socio-economic factors.
Opportunities for Land Ownership and Cattle Raising
Land Availability
After Texas became a state in 1845, the government began distributing public lands for settlement and railroads. This initiative made land more accessible for individuals like Cutbirth, who sought to establish themselves as ranchers. By the late 19th century, vast open ranges were available for grazing, which was crucial for cattle ranching. 2Â The introduction of barbed wire in the 1870s further revolutionized ranching by allowing ranchers to fence their properties effectively, enhancing herd management and property delineation. 3
Economic Demand
The demand for beef surged after the Civil War, leading to a thriving cattle economy. By the 1870s, Texas ranchers were able to drive cattle along established trails such as the Chisholm Trail to markets in the North and East. 2 This economic backdrop provided a lucrative environment for ranchers like Cutbirth, who could capitalize on both local markets and distant urban centers.
Cattle Drives and Markets
Cattle drives were essential for transporting herds to market. The development of railroads facilitated quicker transportation of cattle to urban markets, which was vital for maximizing profits. Ranchers would drive their cattle along these trails to railheads where they could be shipped to larger cities. 2, 3.
Railroads in Clyde
Clyde was significantly influenced by the arrival of the railroad. The first settlers began arriving around 1876, shortly before Cutbirth’s move. The establishment of a supply tent by Robert Clyde marked the beginning of a community that would grow alongside the railroad’s development. By the time Cutbirth settled there in 1877, the railroad was already prominent in Clyde, contributing to its growth by attracting more settlers and facilitating trade. 2 The presence of railroads not only provided a means for transporting cattle but also stimulated local commerce and agriculture. In summary, Jasper Bartholomew Cutbirth had numerous opportunities for land ownership and cattle raising upon his arrival in Clyde due to the availability of land from government policies, rising economic demand for beef, and the critical infrastructure provided by railroads. These factors combined created a fertile environment for aspiring ranchers during that era.
- Texas State History Museum: The Cattle Ranchers Story –Â https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/discover/campfire-stories/cattle-ranchers.
- Clyde Economic Development Corporation: History –Â https://www.clyde-tx.gov/clyde-edc.
- Simply Texan: Texas Cowboy Legacy –Â https://www.simplytexan.com/spurs-and-spirits/the-legacy-of-texas-cattle-drives/.
Microsoft Copilot, opened typing “copilot” in the Windows Start area. Rated B
This tool provided a concise response, but was confused with the citations numbering format. 🙂 I have to admit, I get confused sometimes, too. I did like that it provided a good flow with the information. I was not impressed with the amount of content. It was too light in that regard. This was the revised request and reply:
“Jasper Bartholomew Cutbirth, 1853-1922, was a stock raiser who was born in Pilot Point, Texas, but moved to Clyde, Texas in 1877. What opportunities were available for him to own land and raise cattle at that time? Was there a railroad in Clyde then? Please limit the response to 500 words (before citations) but use only three sources. Provide sources, followed by the URL links.”
The result:
In 1877, Jasper Bartholomew Cutbirth had several opportunities to own land and raise cattle in Clyde, Texas. The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed settlers to claim up to 160 acres of public land after living on and improving it for five years. Additionally, Texas had its own land grant programs, including headright grants and bounty land warrants for veterans, which provided opportunities for land ownership.
Clyde, Texas, was not yet connected by a railroad in 1877. The Texas & Pacific Railway reached Clyde in 1880, which significantly boosted the local economy by facilitating the transport of cattle and other goods.
Sources:
- History.com: Homestead Act of 1862- https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/homestead-act.
- Wikipedia: Homestead Acts- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homestead_Acts.
- City of Clyde, Texas: City History – https://www.clyde-tx.gov/about-us/page/city-history.
Google Gemini, https://gemini.google.com/ – rated F
I tried this tool and received information but was not happy with the fact that it inserted two links embedded within the content. I also had trouble copying the response into anything (Word, this blog, etc.). I asked it again and received this response:
“I do not have enough information about that person to help with your request. I am a large language model, and I am able to communicate and generate human-like test in response to a wide range of prompts and questions, by my knowledge about this person is limited. Is there anything else I can do to help you with this request?
I tried a few more times, but kept getting this response. I could have cleared my history and/or cache, but I didn’t want to work that hard at it!
Contact Me!
If you have any questions regarding the information in this blog, please reach out to me. You can also follow SYFT on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, or LinkedIn, fill out the Contact SYFT form, or email us directly at shapingyourfamilytree@gmail.com. Sign up for my newsletter to see deals on genealogy services and to stay current on genealogy events, news, and tips and techniques. Let’s share our experiences!