Much of what follows has general application for family research in several states.  These resources have been used for Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey, Kentucky and Illinois.
  Organization is the basic essential.  Create a pedigree chart and at least one family group sheet for the families being researched.   Place the pedigree chart in a view binder.  Then to the binder, add a state outline map showing the initial distribution of lands.  Add a county township map for each location in which the family lived.  Then add a map which displays the counties of residence of your family as well as the immediately surrounding counties.
  Add to this collection a research log.  It is essential that the researcher enter a full description of each source consulted.  Include the results or a reference to the results  if they are filed elsewhere.  Write down the location where the record was found, the film number or call number of the item.  If nothing was found, note that as well.
   Through the use of the research process, determine what record you will need to satisfy the information you want, then obtain and search the record.  Identifying the record that will answer a need becomes the question.
   Census records date from 1790. In some cases, the earlier censuses have been lost.   Tax lists may help to locate an ancestor before censuses were available.  If you are not familiar with census research, search on the WEB for a site that will explain what each decennial census contains.
  Marriage records generally date from the formation of a county.  Many people expect marriage records to be uniform.  They are not.  Each county could mandate the information they felt was essential.  Some have parents' names; most do not.  Some have age and residence of the parties.  Some do not.  Even if you find the marriage on a database, it is wise to search the original record for additional information.  Always photocopy your findings.
  Probate records, particularly when a will exists, are very valuable.  A probate with a will is testate; a probate without a will is intestate.  Wills, guardianship, bills of sale and administrations are generally separate records which may add bits and pieces to the knowledge of a family's makeup.
  Land records can be very valuable or only of marginal value.  If a wife's name is being sought, the dower interview should provide her given name. This only exists when the land is sold.  Therefore, the Grantor Index is used to locate land sales.  The Grantee Index is the buyer's index.  The Grantee Index is valuable in determining a possible date of entry into an area.  The initial land deed of a purchaser may state the county from which he came.  The last land deed of sale may state the location to which the ancestor went.  Be sure to note all witnesses to land deeds, probate and other records.  Frequently these are relatives.  When land is disbursed after the death of a father,  if the children are adults, sometimes female married named may be found on the final sale documents The name of the spouse may also be given.
  In early times, on tax lists, when a man dies, the wife will frequently appear on the tax list where her husband's name appeared before.  This will generally only be for a year or two after the death of the spouse.  The correct identity can be established by looking at the waterway, land description and/or number of acres on the tax list.
  Church records are valuable.  Unfortunately for many Protestant denominations, the most valuable church records for the family researcher were retained by the pastor as his personal property.  Marriage and baptisms were frequently kept as the pastor moved from one location to another.  However, Quaker and German Reformed are excellent exceptions.  Consult the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF QUAKER GENEALOGY  by Henshaw for Quaker records.  However, the researcher will likely find in the original records that do not appear in Henshaw's.  Again, this requires a complete reading of the record.  Consulting an index, when it exists, is not adequate. 
  Cemetery Records have been compiled by many historical societies.  Locate these.  Many are available on microfilm through Family History Centers.  Hopefully they will not be in alphabetical order, but in burial order.  Note near burials particularly if the surname sounds familiar.
  Pension records resulting from military service are a tremendous resource for family and personal information.  Consult the abstracts for these records in the books of Virgil D. White.  He has compiled excellent indices to the pension files in each of the American wars.  These are available at the Genealogical Society of Utah.  It may be necessary to know a specific name and use a photoduplication order to access the information if you cannot go to the Genealogical Society.  Most likely, White's books are available at major public libraries. 
  Remember keep accurate and complete records of all sources used.