Just because you see a “fact” written in 1,000 places does not mean that it is true. Genealogical analysis can’t be covered in a short tip and we’re not going to try, but remember:

  • Different records that say the same thing may have had the same original “source” if Grandma Barbara was the one who always gave the information. Just because she repeated it over and over does not make it true.
  • 1,000 online trees that agree does not mean they are correct. It just means that they probably have the same original “source,” right or wrong.

Whether a written reference to a “fact” is “wrong or right,” depends upon our perceived reliability of the record and the informant.

Check out my 1950 census preparation webinar-1 April is coming up!

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