Most brick walls are process problems, not missing miracles. Use a simple weekly rhythm:

1. Monday — Question: write person + event + year + place as written in a source.
2. Tuesday — Jurisdiction: open the county hub and formation guide.
3. Wednesday — Census: rebuild every decade; note neighbors.
4. Thursday — Land or probate: abstract in the correct courthouse years.
5. Friday — Place: church, cemetery, or newspaper for that community.
6. Weekend — Log: cite what you viewed and write the next action.

Tools: starter checklist · master guide.