Many researchers use online trees for clues when they discover a new relative to discover what others have learned about that person–particularly when they are stuck That’s not a bad idea, but there are some things to keep in mind.
There’s nothing guaranteeing that the other compilers have not made mistakes. If you find an online tree entry for “your” Joseph Bibberton, look at each document attached to him. Look at each fact or statement made about him. Look at who it says his spouse and children are.
Are all the statements and records relatively consistent with each other? Ages a few years off are one thing–decades off are another. Places of birth should be reasonably close. You shouldn’t have to perform jumps of logic or common sense to make things fit.
Do all the records and statements appear to reflect the same person?
Does the suggested time line and chronology make sense?
Does the geography involved make sense?
Is the person performing events at reasonable ages–such as marrying, buying property, having children, etc.?
Don’t take the compilations of others as guaranteed fact.
One response
Well said!