Donald Lines Jacobus

Donald Lines Jacobus, FASG (1887-1970) of New Haven, Connecticut, is widely regarded among genealogists as the dean of American genealogy.

In his publications and teachings, Jacobus emphasized the importance of a scientific method of using primary sources in genealogical research. This replaced the idea of oral traditions and acceptance of time-honored pedigrees as facts due to their age. He provided the first basics of proper documentation and citation for all genealogists. While he endorsed the concept of eugenics he felt it was seriously lacking in the ability to properly trace bloodlines nor were those proponents of the field experienced enough in genealogical research or ability.

He established the ''New Haven Genealogical Magazine'' in 1922, which became ''The American Genealogist'' (TAG) ten years later. He served as the periodical's editor and publisher for 43 years until 1966. Provided by Wikipedia