www.Leazott.com

The Half Truth About Family History's                  Published Monthly
Lesson 053...                                                                                                            2020 05 01

Defining The Problem...
Official and un-official documents aren't always as accurate as we would like them to be.
Yet researchers are forced to record their data as though any original record is beyond reproach.

Among the issues surrounding documentation is the topic of a "non-biological relationship".
These include children from prior marriages, second marriages and adopted children.

Children listed within families from prior parental relationships are not always recorded as such.
It happens far more often than most people think, and its been going on for century's!

By "assuming" that the document being used is accurate, we risk a wrongful record of genealogy.
Worse yet, several documents may actually concur with each other, and still be wrong.
These can lead many historians to record a genealogy that doesn't exist.

Because this issue has been on-going throughout history, it may occur several times in a family line.
Without safeguards, any ancestry line can be wildly disfigured to a point far from truth.
The projects size and available manhours decide if it will be corrected.


How Did That Happen?...
There is no one-size-fits-all reason for how all of the incorrect data came about.
Various methods happen frequently, and over time can even become "routine" or "rules".
Regardless of the avenue, the answerer simply did not understand the significance of the record.

One mis-conception is that because a handful of records are recorded properly, all others are too.
This follows along the same lines as habitual liars adding some truth to be believable.
We become lax or trusting because we've seen other ones corrected.

Marriage and death records having early divorced or deceased parents can show a wrong parent.
Intentionally or not, a secondary parent is sometimes listed due to loyalty or obligation.
It may be forced, inferred or possibly unknown and thought to be genuine.

Many people seem to be less strict than others and tend to generalize when speaking or answering.
At marriage licensing, census time, and death reporting this can have longrange effects.
Some may record what they feel is deserved as credit for taking on a task.


What Can We Do To Fix This?...
Always try searching for a birth record with both parents described outright.
Virtually nothing can top this, except possibly a deposition by both parents recinding it.

In the few instances that a birth record cannot be obtained, use multiple concurring records.
Early childhood records carry heavy significance regarding parental placement.
Later adult records may agree or possibly expose a difference.

An easy start--Check childrens ages against marriage dates and prior censuses.
Though not record, it's an indicator that can show priors in just a few seconds without cost.
If the math (Or location) doesnt work, that's all the more reason to keep on looking for more records.

Record the data you have, regardless if a birth record is found.
The data that you've found is always considered as the best that you have.
To find better, allot time in your "to-do-list" for all subjects to do birth record searching.

You can't change the records of the past, but you can do your part to record the future properly!
Marriage licenses, censuses, obituaries, registration forms and more all require personal data input.
There are many reasons to record step or half on documents, including DNA history and medical uses.


Where Can We Find The Correct Data?...
The single most reliable documentation you can strive for is a birth record.
Realistically, due to missing data these will still not cover 100% of an ancestral line.
All records found after birth will be influenced to some degree by someones emotion or habit.

Check each parents marriage records to find out if it's both their first marriages.
While not absolute, two first marriages can lend credibility to those without a birth record.
Adoption may still have been a factor, but ruling out any prior marriages is a good starting point.

Although helpful in many instances, be aware of the pitfalls in obituaries.
Be thorough and check each siblings description of the family.
Obituaries are usually written during high emotions.

As for precise locations, they come in two very distinct variations - For Free and For Fee.
Free - Online family trees and research posts, or obituarys for the mid 1800's on.
Fee - Monthly memberships and CD information offer various pros/cons.


What Did We Learn From This?...
Bad data can ruin an otherwise properly recorded genealogy.
There are many reasons beyond curiosity for knowing ones bloodline.

For absolute verification, a birth record naming both parents cannot be beat.
Births within the US should be accurately traceable with relative ease at least to 1850.
Prior to 1850 becomes a bit more involved, but most researchers will adapt themselves quickly.

While obituaries are a valuable asset, they cannot be fully trusted.
A high state of emotions within the author may create an unrealistic family view.
Review all sibling obituaries for mentions of foster, step, half, etc. (Many avoid it entirely).

Kindness has a different meaning than "softer" or "gentler" and isn't always the same thing.
It isn't very kind to separate a child and their decendants from their true heritage.
Regardless of the intent, it is ultimately what happens to their family line.

Somehow, the act of severing a child from their lineage has become an overlooked part of adoption.
In doing so, the message that being "adopted" is somehow bad can also be sent or presumed.
Sometimes adult children choose to show appreciation in their adoptive parents obituarys.


The Basic Rules...
First...
Use the info you have first.
Search for all subjects birth records as a task at one time.

Second...
Review obituaries from all siblings for unity.
Not all "siblings feel the same way. Some bonds may have been infringed.

Third...
Urge adoptives to speak up when registering themselves.
By recording accurately now, their decendants can find their true heredity easily in the future.



As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

www.Leazott.com
Family Tree And Website