Family genealogy – an inexact, exact science

Published 10:07 pm Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Some of us, who have a calling to research many areas of history, can sometimes cringe when confronted by an ultra-dedicated, family genealogist.

The cringe can increase in intensity when two or more genealogists are members of the same family. Rarely do family genealogists agree on a large number of names, dates or facts within a given family. This is due, most likely, because each genealogist approaches fact gathering from a different standpoint.

While one relies heavily on Census reports, others prefer beginning with family Bibles, oral histories handed down for generations or tombstones. All of these contain inaccuracies, but most genealogists will insist their source is the more legitimate.

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